Who Has a 679 Credit Score?

• Generation Z (ages 18-26): 680
• Millennials (ages 27-42): 690
• Generation X (ages 43-58): 709
• Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): 745
• Silent Generation (ages 78+): 760

Data from Experian shows a clear trend: average credit scores consistently increase with age. This is largely because older consumers have had more time to establish a positive payment record and build a longer credit history—two major factors in credit score calculations.

Credit Cards With a 679 Credit Score

With a credit score of 679, you're sitting squarely in the "fair" credit category, which is a decent position to be in when applying for a new card. This means you'll likely find yourself approved for a good selection of credit cards, though the most exclusive, top-tier cards might remain just out of reach for now. You may also face higher interest rates or be granted a lower credit limit than applicants with higher scores, as lenders view this range as having slightly more risk.

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Kudos can help you cut through the noise with its AI-powered tools that match your unique financial situation and spending habits to the best options from a database of nearly 3,000 cards. This personalized approach ensures you find a card that not only maximizes your rewards but also aligns with your current credit standing.

Auto Loans and a 679 Credit Score

A 679 credit score places you in the "prime" borrower category, which generally means you have a good chance of being approved for an auto loan. While you will likely qualify, you won't receive the lowest interest rates, which are typically reserved for borrowers with top-tier credit scores.

• Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars and 7.13% for used cars.
• Prime (661-780): 6.87% for new cars and 9.36% for used cars.
• Non-prime (601-660): 9.83% for new cars and 13.92% for used cars.
• Subprime (501-600): 13.18% for new cars and 18.86% for used cars.
• Deep subprime (300-500): 15.77% for new cars and 21.55% for used cars.

Mortgages at a 679 Credit Score

A 679 credit score is a solid starting point for homeownership, qualifying you for several mainstream mortgage products. This score meets the typical minimums for conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans. While you have multiple paths available, a 679 score is generally just shy of the threshold for most jumbo loans, which are for amounts above conforming limits and often require a score of 700 or higher.

While your score gets your foot in the door, it will directly influence your loan terms. Lenders reserve the best interest rates for borrowers with excellent credit, typically 740 and above. According to a mortgage guide, a 679 score will likely result in a higher interest rate and potentially higher private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums compared to applicants with top-tier credit.

What's in a Credit Score?

Figuring out what goes into your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, but it's primarily based on a handful of key financial habits. The most common factors include:

• Your payment history tracks whether you have paid past credit accounts on time.
• Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you are currently using.
• The length of your credit history considers the age of your oldest account and the average age of all your accounts.
• Having a healthy mix of credit types, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your score.
• Recent credit inquiries and newly opened accounts can temporarily lower your score.

How to Improve Your 679 Credit Score

No matter your current number, improving your credit score is always possible. With a 679 score, you're already in the 'good' range, and a few strategic moves can help you climb even higher using proven methods.

• Set up automatic bill payments. Your payment history is the most significant factor in your score, so ensuring every bill is paid on time is critical for improvement. Automating payments prevents accidental late marks that could easily drop your 679 score.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit, as this is the second-largest component of your score. For a 679 score, paying down balances to reduce your utilization is one of the fastest ways to see a positive change.
• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports allows you to spot and dispute any inaccuracies that could be unfairly dragging down your score. Correcting even a small error can provide a significant boost, pushing you further into the 'good' credit tier.
• Become an authorized user. If you have a trusted family member with excellent credit, being added to their account can add their positive payment history and low utilization to your file. This can give your 679 score a helpful lift by strengthening your credit profile.

To help maximize rewards while you build your credit, consider using the free AI-powered browser extension from Kudos.