796 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025

Who Has a 796 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, there is a clear trend of scores increasing over time. According to 2023 Experian data, the average FICO score varies significantly across different generations:

• 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 796 Credit Score

A 796 credit score is considered excellent, placing you in the top tier of applicants. This means you'll likely qualify for the most premium credit cards, which often come with the best rewards, lowest interest rates, and most attractive sign-up bonuses. Lenders view you as a highly reliable borrower, so you can expect a smooth application process and favorable terms on almost any card you choose.

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To find the ideal card for your excellent credit profile, a service like Kudos can streamline the process with its personalized recommendation tools. By analyzing your preferences and financial habits, Kudos matches you with the best options from its database of nearly 3,000 cards, providing insights into how each choice could impact your credit.

Auto Loans and a 796 Credit Score

A 796 credit score is considered excellent, placing you in the super-prime category of borrowers. This means you will likely qualify for the lowest interest rates and most favorable terms lenders have to offer on an auto loan.

• Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars and 7.13% for used cars, based on Experian data.
• 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 796 Credit Score

A 796 credit score is considered excellent and will qualify you for all major mortgage products. This includes conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, as your score is well above the minimum requirements for each. Lenders view applicants with scores in this range as very low-risk, which makes the approval process smoother and more certain.

Your high credit score has a significant positive impact on the loan terms you'll be offered. You can expect to receive the lowest available interest rates, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the loan's lifetime. Additionally, you may benefit from lower Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums and have more negotiating power for perks like closing cost credits.

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 796 Credit Score

No matter how high your credit score is, there's almost always room for improvement through consistent, positive financial habits. Even with an excellent 796 score, a few strategic moves can push you into the top tier of creditworthiness.

• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports helps you spot and dispute any inaccuracies that could be holding your score back. This also serves as an early warning system for identity theft, protecting the excellent score you've worked hard to achieve.
• Lower your credit utilization. While your utilization is likely already low, driving it even further below the recommended 30% can provide a significant boost. Lenders view ultra-low utilization as a sign of exceptional financial discipline, which can help you break into the 800+ score range.
• Diversify your credit mix. If your credit history is primarily built on revolving accounts like credit cards, adding an installment loan can help. This demonstrates to lenders that you can responsibly manage different types of debt, a factor that can further enhance your score.
• Limit new credit applications. Each hard inquiry can cause a small, temporary dip in your score, so it's wise to be selective when applying for new credit. Spacing out applications and using prequalification tools will help you maintain your high score while seeking new opportunities.

For help managing your cards and monitoring your score on your journey to 800+, the Kudos browser extension can be your ultimate financial companion.