Who Has a 696 Credit Score?

Credit scores generally improve with age, as older consumers have had more time to build a positive financial history. According to 2023 data from Experian, the average FICO score for each generation is as follows:

• 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 696 Credit Score

A credit score of 696 places you in a favorable position when applying for a new credit card. While this "good" rating will likely get you approved for many cards, you may not have access to the most exclusive offers with premium perks and the lowest interest rates. Ultimately, you have a strong chance of approval for a variety of solid credit cards, but building your score further will open doors to even better financial products down the line.

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Kudos’ AI-powered tools analyze your unique financial habits and preferences to recommend the best options from a database of nearly 3,000 cards. The platform helps you understand how a new card might impact your credit and whether the perks justify the fees, ensuring you find a card that truly fits your situation.

Auto Loans and a 696 Credit Score

With a 696 credit score, you fall into the 'prime' borrower category, which generally means you'll have a good chance of being approved for an auto loan. While you can expect to receive competitive interest rates, they won't be the absolute lowest available, which are typically reserved for those with super-prime credit.

According to a 2025 analysis, here are the average auto loan interest rates by credit score:

• 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 696 Credit Score

With a 696 credit score, you are in a strong position to qualify for several types of home loans. This score generally meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. While you have broad eligibility for these standard mortgages, you may find it difficult to secure a jumbo loan, as most lenders require a score of at least 700 for financing that exceeds conforming loan limits.

Although you can qualify for a mortgage, a 696 score means you likely won't get the most favorable terms. Lenders reserve the best interest rates for borrowers with scores in the 700s. Your rate will be better than those offered to applicants with scores in the low 600s, but you can expect to pay slightly more in interest 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 payment history, which tracks whether you pay your bills on time, is the most significant factor.
• Credit utilization, or the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit, also plays a major role.
• The length of your credit history demonstrates your experience with managing credit over time.
• Having a healthy mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your score.
• Finally, recent credit inquiries, which occur when you apply for new credit, are also taken into account.

How to Improve Your 696 Credit Score

While a 696 credit score is considered good, there are always proven methods to improve your creditworthiness and unlock better financial opportunities. Improving your score takes consistent effort, but you can see meaningful changes with the right strategies.

• 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 FICO® score. Making consistent, on-time payments is the surest way to push your good score toward the very good or excellent range.
• Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio. Aim to keep your balances below 30% of your credit limits, as this is the second most important factor in your score. For a 696 score, lowering your utilization can provide a quick boost and show lenders you manage credit responsibly.
• Monitor Your Credit Reports. You can obtain free credit reports to check for inaccuracies or signs of identity theft that could be unfairly dragging your score down. Correcting errors is a straightforward way to ensure your score accurately reflects your credit habits.
• Limit Hard Inquiries. While you work on improving your 696 score, avoid applying for too much new credit in a short time, as each hard inquiry can cause a small, temporary dip. When you do need to apply, use prequalification tools to shop for rates without impacting your score.

To help you choose the right credit cards that maximize rewards while you build your credit, the Kudos browser extension can provide personalized recommendations.