Who Has a 687 Credit Score?

According to 2023 data from Experian, average credit scores tend to increase with age. Here is a generational breakdown:

• 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 687 Credit Score

A credit score of 687 places you firmly in the "good" category, opening up a respectable range of credit card options. While you'll likely be approved for many cards, you may not qualify for the most elite products reserved for those with excellent credit, which often come with the best perks and lowest interest rates. Lenders will generally view your score as a sign of responsible credit management, but they might offer you a more modest credit limit or a slightly higher APR until you've established a longer track record of positive payment history.

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Kudos offers AI-powered tools like the Explore Tool and Dream Wallet to provide personalized credit card recommendations based on your unique needs. By analyzing your spending habits or having you answer a few questions, Kudos matches you with cards that fit your financial situation and helps you understand how each option could impact your credit score.

Auto Loans and a 687 Credit Score

With a 687 credit score, you fall squarely into the prime borrower category, making you a strong candidate for an auto loan. According to recent auto loan data, lenders generally view this score favorably, meaning you can expect approval with competitive interest rates for both new and used cars.

• 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 687 Credit Score

With a 687 credit score, you're in a good position to qualify for several types of home loans. This score is comfortably above the typical minimum requirements for conventional (620+), FHA (580+), VA (620+), and USDA (640+) mortgages. You have access to a broad range of options beyond just government-backed programs, giving you flexibility in your home search.

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However, your 687 score will directly impact your loan terms. While you'll likely be approved, you won't secure the best interest rates reserved for borrowers with scores in the 700s. Lenders view this score as moderate-risk, meaning you can expect slightly higher interest rates and potentially more expensive private mortgage insurance (PMI) than someone with excellent 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 generally boils down to a handful of key elements. The most common factors include:

• Your history of making payments on time is the most significant factor.
• How much of your available credit you're currently using, known as your credit utilization ratio, plays a major role.
• The age of your credit accounts, including the average age and the age of your oldest account, is also considered.
• Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage different types of credit, such as credit cards and loans.
• Opening several new credit accounts in a short period can be seen as a risk and may temporarily lower your score.

How to Improve Your 687 Credit Score

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, and the good news is that it's always possible to improve it. While a 687 FICO® score is considered good, implementing a few proven methods can help push it into the very good or excellent range.

• Monitor your credit reports regularly. This allows you to check for and dispute any inaccuracies that could be unfairly holding your score back from reaching the next tier.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Keeping your credit card balances well below the recommended 30% of your limit is a powerful way to boost a good score even higher.
• Diversify your credit mix. Showing lenders you can responsibly handle different types of credit, such as installment loans and credit cards, can strengthen your profile.
• Limit hard inquiries. Being selective with new credit applications protects your good score from small, temporary dips and helps it grow steadily over time.

Using a tool like Kudos can help you manage your credit cards more effectively on your journey to a higher score.