Is 671 a Good Credit Score?

By Timothy Moore

(Last Updated – 02/2024)

Per the FICO® credit score ranges, a credit score of 671 qualifies at the low end of a good score, which is typically classified as between 670 and 739.

Having a strong credit score can be crucial to getting approved for the loans many people need throughout life. The higher your score, the more likely you are to get a mortgage, car loan, personal loan, or credit card — and at competitive interest rates.

With a 671, you likely won’t have trouble qualifying for any loans, though you should aim for a score from 740 to 850 (“very good” to “excellent”) to get the best rates and terms.

Below, you’ll learn what it means to have a credit score of 671, including what kinds of loans you’ll qualify for and what rates you can expect.

What Does a 671 Credit Score Mean?

Companies like FICO and VantageScore® use the data on your credit report (you have one with each of the three major credit bureaus) to assess how reliable you are as a borrower. Their analysis results in a credit score, which represents how responsibly you manage and repay your debts.

While there are multiple credit scoring models, the most popular one in the United States is FICO, where scores range from 300 to 850. So is a 671 credit score good on this model? Yes, but just barely. Here’s what FICO’s credit score ranges look like:

•   Exceptional: 800 to 850

•   Very Good: 740 to 799

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Poor: 300 to 579

As you can see, a 671 credit score is just above the bottom threshold of what FICO deems a “good” score. There’s good news if you have a 671 credit score: Though you may not get the best rates and lowest fees, you shouldn’t have trouble qualifying for credit.

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What Can You Get with a 671 Credit Score?

With a 671 credit score, you’ve officially landed in the “good” category on FICO’s scoring model. That means you should qualify for credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, and car loans.

That said, there’s still a lot of room for your score to grow. If you build your credit score over time, you may be able to qualify for loans with lower interest rates, more flexible terms, fewer and lower fees, and higher borrowing amounts.

Recommended: FICO Score vs. Credit Score

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 671 Credit Score?

There is no minimum credit score to get a credit card. Those with lower scores may find, though, that what they are offered is different than someone whose score is in the very good or excellent range.

Some credit card issuers offer secured credit cards to borrowers with poor credit. These can come with high interest rates and require some form of collateral (usually a cash security deposit). Since you need to have the cash upfront for the security deposit, it’s not really useful for borrowing money you don’t already have — but it can help you build your credit score to qualify for a better unsecured card.

But if you have a 671 FICO score, you are likely to have considerably more options. While many credit card issuers only offer rewards credit cards and travel credit cards to borrowers with very good or exceptional credit, borrowers with good credit can still usually still qualify for unsecured cards with decent rates and fees.

Ready to apply for a credit card? Compile a list of the best credit cards for good credit, see which ones you can prequalify for, and then apply for the offer that suits you best.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 671 Credit Score?

As with credit cards, there’s no single minimum credit score for personal loans. Each lender has its own requirements, and there are lenders out there who will offer secured personal loans (again, backed by collateral) to subprime borrowers — that is, those with credit scores at or near the low end of the spectrum.

Borrowers who don’t have great credit may also be able to get a true unsecured personal loan, but interest rates can go as high as 36%, which makes this an expensive borrowing option. Online lenders, which you can find through personal lending marketplaces, can be a good place to start.

With a 671 credit score, however, your options for personal loans really start to open up. Lenders may offer you a higher loan amount, more flexible repayment terms, lower or no origination fees, and lower interest rates. This can be helpful if you are looking for a credit card consolidation loan or, say, funds to pay off medical debt.

Just remember that credit scores are only one component of a personal loan lending decision. Lenders will also want to see that you have steady income to repay the loan and that you don’t already have too much debt in your name. When you research how to apply for a personal loan, you will see that your credit score, income, and outstanding debt are likely to be considered.

💡 Quick Tip: With average interest rates lower than credit cards, a personal loan for credit card debt can substantially decrease your monthly bills.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 671 Credit Score?

Personal loans and credit cards are one thing, but will lenders allow you to buy an entire house with a 671 FICO score? In many cases, yes. In fact, according to Experian, more than a quarter of Americans with a 671 FICO Score have a mortgage loan.

The minimum credit score to buy a house is usually 620 for conventional mortgages, but you can get approved for government-back loans (FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, for instance) with scores ranging from 580 to 620.

Conventional loans often require a sizable down payment, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough money to fund the purchase. The lowest amount you can typically put down is 3%, but lenders may require you to put down more, even with a 671 credit score.

As with personal loans, when you go through the steps of how to get a mortgage, there are an array of factors involved. The underwriting process for a mortgage loan is complex and will include income and employment verification, among other forms of input.

Can I Get An Auto Loan with a 671 Credit Score?

The principles of buying a new or used car are similar to the other loans discussed here: The better your credit score, the better your chances are of approval — and at a lower interest rate. However, auto lenders typically use a special FICO Score, called the FICO Auto Score (250 to 900). Others may use a VantageScore 3.0 or 4.0 scoring model.

Generally, a 671 FICO Score should translate to approval for a typical car loan. Experian reports that nearly half of Americans with a 671 credit score have an auto loan.

At a 671 credit score, you won’t qualify for the lowest rates and fees, but you should be able to get behind the wheel of your own car. In fact, there’s no real minimum credit score to buy a car. Even subprime borrowers can get approved, but interest rates can get notably high — and if they miss payments, the car, of course, serves as collateral.

You may still have trouble leasing a car with a 671 score, however. While there isn’t a set credit score needed to lease a car, borrowers with a 680 credit score or higher generally have more luck and get the best deals.

The Takeaway

Is a 671 credit score good? Yes, it is officially considered “good” on the FICO scale, though at the low end of the range. While you still won’t qualify for the lowest rates and fees and the best terms on mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and personal loans, you shouldn’t have trouble getting approved for these types of loans. Consider starting small, with a credit card or personal loan, and working to build your credit score before taking out a larger loan to buy a house or a car.

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FAQ

Can I buy a house with a 671 credit score?

Yes, you should be able to buy a house with a 671 credit score. The minimum threshold for a conventional mortgage is 620, so a 671 score puts you in good standing. You’ll also need steady employment and income and enough money for a down payment.

Can I buy a car with a 671 credit score?

Although auto lenders typically use the FICO Auto Score model, a 671 FICO Score typically means you can buy a car with an auto loan. If you can wait to build your score, however, you’ll likely qualify for a larger loan amount or better rate.