Is a Credit Score of 680 Good?
Gain clarity on what a 680 credit score signifies for your creditworthiness and how it influences your financial options.
A credit score serves as a numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness. Its primary purpose is to help lenders assess the risk associated with extending credit. While various scoring models exist, such as FICO and VantageScore, they operate on similar principles to evaluate a borrower’s likelihood of repaying debt. These scores consolidate information from credit reports into a single, easy-to-understand number.
Understanding a 680 Credit Score
A 680 credit score falls into the “Good” category. The FICO scoring model defines “Good” as scores between 670 and 739. VantageScore 3.0 also considers a 680 score within its “Good” range of 670 to 749. A score in this range indicates to lenders that the borrower is reliable in managing financial obligations.
Most U.S. lenders consider consumers with scores in the “Good” range acceptable borrowers. This means they are often eligible for a broad variety of credit products. While a 680 score demonstrates responsible financial behavior, it is positioned at the lower end of the “Good” range for FICO scores.
This classification suggests that while credit approval is likely, borrowers might not receive the most favorable interest rates or terms available to those with higher scores. A 680 score indicates a relatively low risk of default compared to lower scores. However, it does not represent the lowest risk profile for lenders.
Implications for Financial Products
A 680 credit score opens doors to a range of financial products, though specific terms can vary. For credit cards, individuals with a 680 score likely qualify for a broad selection of mainstream cards. While premium rewards cards might be reserved for those with higher scores, typical fees and benefits are accessible.
For auto loans, a 680 credit score places a borrower in the “prime” category, making approval probable. Interest rates might be slightly higher than those offered to borrowers with top-tier credit. For instance, in Q2 2025, prime borrowers (661-780) saw average new car loan rates around 6.87%, compared to 5.25% for super-prime borrowers (781-850).
For mortgages, a 680 FICO score is considered “good” and can provide access to many conventional loan options, which require a minimum score of 620. While approval is feasible, the best interest rates are reserved for those with scores above 720 or 740. A 680 score can lead to slightly higher monthly payments over the loan’s term due to higher interest rates or mortgage insurance costs.
Personal loans are also accessible with a 680 credit score. Most lenders consider applications from individuals in this score range. Some lenders may prefer scores well into the 700s, and those with higher scores may receive more competitive interest rates. The average personal loan interest rate with a 680 score can be around 12%, which is often lower than credit card rates.
Factors that Influence Your Credit Score
Several components influence a credit score, reflecting a borrower’s financial behavior. Payment history is the most substantial factor, accounting for about 35% of a FICO score. Consistent, on-time payments positively impact the score, while missed or late payments can reduce it.
The amount owed, also known as credit utilization, is another factor, making up about 30% of the score. This refers to the ratio of credit used compared to total available credit. Maintaining low balances relative to credit limits is beneficial for a credit score.
The length of credit history influences about 15% of the score. This factor considers how long credit accounts have been open and the average age of all accounts. A longer history of responsible credit use is viewed favorably.
Credit mix, representing the variety of credit types, accounts for around 10% of the score. This includes a blend of revolving credit, like credit cards, and installment loans, such as auto or mortgage loans. Demonstrating the ability to manage different types of credit can positively affect a score. New credit, which considers recent credit applications and newly opened accounts, makes up the remaining 10%. Multiple credit inquiries in a short period can temporarily lower a score, as they may indicate a higher risk.