Who Has a 774 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, there is a clear trend of scores improving over time. Here’s how average FICO scores break down by generation, based on 2023 data from Experian:

• 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 774 Credit Score

A credit score of 774 places you firmly in the "very good" credit range, opening up a world of premium credit card options. Lenders view this score as a sign of a reliable borrower, which means you'll likely have high approval odds for some of the best cards on the market. This allows you to be selective and choose cards that offer lucrative rewards, low-interest financing, and valuable sign-up bonuses.

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Kudos’ Explore Tool provides personalized recommendations by matching your financial preferences against a database of nearly 3,000 cards. This allows you to compare your top options side-by-side, helping you make an informed decision without feeling pressured to apply.

Auto Loans and a 774 Credit Score

A 774 credit score places you in the prime borrower category, making you a very attractive candidate for an auto loan. Consequently, you can expect to qualify for competitive interest rates that are significantly lower than the average auto loan rates.

• 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 774 Credit Score

With a 774 credit score, you are in an excellent position to secure a home loan. This score is well above the minimum requirements for all major mortgage types, including conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Lenders view borrowers with scores in this range as very low-risk, which means you are almost certain to be approved, assuming you meet other financial criteria like income and debt-to-income ratio.

Beyond easy qualification, a 774 score unlocks the best possible loan terms. You will have access to the lowest interest rates available, which can save you a significant amount of money over the life of the loan. For example, borrowers with scores over 760 have recently seen more favorable rates. You may also benefit from lower Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums and have more negotiating power with lenders.

What's in a Credit Score?

Figuring out what goes into your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, but the number is generally derived from a few key factors in your financial history.

• Your payment history is the most significant factor, reflecting whether you pay your bills on time.
• Credit utilization measures how much of your available credit you are currently using.
• The length of your credit history considers the age of your oldest and newest accounts, as well as the average age of all your accounts.
• Your credit mix looks at the different types of credit you have, such as credit cards, mortgages, and installment loans.
• New credit inquiries and recently opened accounts can also temporarily impact your score.

How to Improve Your 774 Credit Score

Improving your credit score is always achievable through consistent, positive financial behavior, even when you already have a great score. A few strategic moves can help you maintain your excellent standing and potentially push your score even higher.

• Reduce your credit utilization. Even with a high score, keeping your balances well below the 30% threshold can provide an extra boost. Paying your balance down before the statement closing date ensures a lower utilization is reported to the credit bureaus.
• Diversify your credit mix. Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage different types of credit, such as revolving credit and installment loans. Adding a different type of account can demonstrate your creditworthiness and positively impact your score.
• Limit hard inquiries. While your 774 score can absorb a few inquiries, applying for too much new credit at once can cause a temporary dip. Only apply for credit when necessary and use prequalification tools to avoid needless dings to your score.
• Monitor your credit reports. Protecting your excellent score is crucial, and regular monitoring helps you catch any inaccuracies or signs of fraud early. Disputing errors promptly can prevent them from dragging your score down.

Using a tool like Kudos can help you manage your cards and monitor your score to maintain your excellent credit.