Is 700 a good credit score?

Having a good credit score is essential for accessing a variety of financial benefits, such as better deals on credit cards, mortgages and other types of credit.

In general, a credit score of 700 is considered to be a good one, offering a range of potential benefits. Compared to the average consumer’s score, it’s either slightly above or below, depending on the model: The average FICO score reported in August 2022 was 716 and the average VantageScore 3.0 was 695 as of the second quarter of 2021.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of having a 700 credit score, including what credit cards you may qualify for. We will also discuss how to improve your score if you want to take it even higher.

What is considered a good credit score?

While FICO and VantageScore each have specific credit score ranges, a score in the high 600s or low 700s can be considered “good” by most standards.

FICO score range

• 800-850: Exceptional
• 740-799: Very good
• 670-739: Good
• 580-669: Fair
• 300-579: Poor

VantageScore range

• 781-850: Excellent
• 661-780: Good
• 601-660: Fair
• 500-600: Poor
• 300-499: Very poor

Benefits of a 700 credit score

With a 700 credit score, you can qualify for most credit cards, though some of the highest-end cards with the best rewards may be out of reach.

You should be able to find cards that offer welcome bonuses and decent points or cash-back rewards on your everyday purchases, as well as travel rewards and perks. Look for cards that fit your spending habits to maximize the potential value of these rewards.

You may also be able to qualify for a relatively low APR on a new credit card. However, you might have a better chance at getting a card’s minimum APR if your score is in the high 700s.

Credit cards for a 700 credit score

If your score is 700 or slightly above, you may have a good chance at qualifying for cards in various categories. However, keep in mind that your ability to get approved for any card depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income and number of recent credit card applications.

Cash back

• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: 1.5 percent cash back; no annual fee
• Citi® Double Cash Card: 1 percent cash back when you spend and 1 percent back when you pay for your purchases; no annual fee
• Chase Freedom Unlimited: 5 percent back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3 percent back on dining and drugstore purchases, 1.5 percent back on all other purchases; no annual fee

Rewards and travel

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 2 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases, 5X miles on Chase Ultimate Rewards travel (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 anniversary hotel credit), 3X miles at restaurants, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); $95 annual fee
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases, 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; no annual fee
• Discover it® Miles: 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases; no annual fee

Balance transfer

• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: 0 percent intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers made within the first 120 days (then 17.99 percent to 29.99 percent variable); balance transfer fee of 5%, minimum $5); no annual fee
• Citi Simplicity card: 0 percent intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers completed within the first four months (then 18.99 percent to 29.74 percent variable); no annual fee
• Discover it® Balance Transfer: 0 percent intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then 16.99 percent to 27.99 percent variable); no annual fee

Business

• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: 1.5 percent back on all purchases; no annual fee.
• Capital on Tap Business Credit Card: 1.5 percent unlimited cash back; no annual fee
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business: 2 miles per dollar on all purchases; $95 annual fee ($0 in first year)

How to improve a 700 credit score

Now that you know what a 700 credit score can get you, let’s look at ways you can improve your credit score if it’s currently below that.

Make timely payments

The easiest way to build or maintain a solid credit score is to pay your bills on time each and every month. Remember that a payment is considered late by credit bureaus if it isn’t received 30 days after the due date.

Keep credit card balances low

Another surefire way to maintain a good credit score is to keep all your credit card balances as low as possible relative to their credit limits. Your credit utilization ratio — the amount you owe on your cards compared to your overall credit limit — has a big impact on your credit score. A general rule of thumb is to keep your balances below 30 percent of your credit limit to maintain a high score.

Have a mix of different types of credit accounts

Having a mix of different types of credit accounts also improves your credit score. A good credit score is built over time, so it’s a good idea to have a mix of installment accounts like student and auto loans, as well as revolving accounts like credit cards.

Don’t close old credit cards

Closing old credit cards can negatively impact your credit score because it eliminates the associated credit limit and could lead to a higher credit utilization ratio.

Monitor credit regularly

Checking your credit regularly doesn’t impact your credit score, so it’s a good idea to review your credit reports regularly to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. You can do so for free every week through 2023 at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you find something amiss, dispute it immediately.

Avoid opening multiple accounts quickly

Opening several credit cards at once can negatively impact your score due to the effect of multiple hard inquiries, so be careful about applying for new cards too quickly in succession. Having a lot of brand-new accounts in your credit report can also lower your average age of accounts, which is part of the length of credit history scoring factor.

Bottom line

A credit score of 700 is considered good, and can qualify you for a variety of credit cards with great rewards and benefits, as well as a relatively low APR. Improving a credit score of 700 can be done with timely payments, low credit card balances, a mix of different types of credit accounts and applying for credit only when you need it.