680 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025

Who Has a 680 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in calculating your credit score, there is a clear trend of scores increasing over time. Here’s a look at the average FICO scores by generation for 2023:

• 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

Credit Cards With a 680 Credit Score

A credit score of 680 places you squarely in the "good" credit category, opening the door to a wide array of credit card options from various issuers. While you'll likely be approved for many cards, you may not yet have access to the most exclusive premium cards that offer top-tier rewards and the lowest interest rates. Lenders generally view a 680 score as a sign of a reliable borrower, though they might initially extend a more conservative credit limit as you continue to demonstrate financial responsibility.

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Kudos offers an AI-powered Explore Tool that provides personalized credit card recommendations based on your unique financial preferences and goals. This tool helps you compare options from a database of nearly 3,000 cards, offering insights into how different cards might impact your credit and whether annual fees are justified for your situation.

Auto Loans and a 680 Credit Score

A 680 credit score places you in the "prime" borrower category, making you a strong candidate for an auto loan. While you can generally expect approval, your interest rates will be slightly higher than those offered to borrowers with top-tier credit.

According to data on average car loan interest rates, here is how rates break down by credit score bracket for Q2 2025:

• 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 680 Credit Score

A 680 credit score puts you in a strong position to buy a home. You'll likely qualify for several mainstream mortgage products, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. According to credit score requirements, your score is well above the minimum for these options, though you may not qualify for a jumbo loan, which often requires a score of 700 or more.

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However, your score will impact your loan terms. You won't secure the lowest interest rates, which are reserved for applicants with scores of 740 or higher. This means a higher monthly payment and more interest paid over the life of the loan. You may also face higher private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums on conventional loans if your down payment is less than 20%.

What's in a Credit Score?

While the exact formulas used by credit bureaus are proprietary, your score is generally determined by a handful of common factors.

• Your payment history tracks whether you've 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, newest account, and the average age of all your accounts.
• Credit mix refers to the variety of credit products you have, such as credit cards, retail accounts, and loans.
• New credit inquiries note how often you apply for and open new accounts.

How to Improve Your 680 Credit Score

A 680 credit score is a solid starting point, and it's entirely possible to improve it with a few strategic moves. With consistent, positive financial behaviors, you can boost your creditworthiness and achieve a healthier financial profile.

• Establish automatic bill payments. This ensures you never miss a due date, which is critical since payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Aim to keep your total balance below 30% of your credit limit, as this shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly without relying on it too heavily.
• Become an authorized user. By being added to an account with a long history of on-time payments, you can benefit from their positive record and potentially increase your score.
• Monitor your credit reports regularly. Checking for and disputing inaccuracies on your report can remove negative marks that may be unfairly lowering your 680 score.

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