665 credit score: A guide to credit scores
Quick insights
- Depending on the scoring model used, a 665 credit score is considered to be in either the ”good” or “fair” credit score range.
- While you have some borrowing opportunities with a 665 credit score, your options may be more limited or you may face less favorable terms and interest rates.
- Credit scores can be improved over time with consistent healthy habits, such as by lowering your credit utilization ratio.
Understanding a 665 credit score
To help you understand the meaning of a 665 credit score, let’s break down the ways the two main scoring models classify credit score ranges.
As of 2024, the VantageScore® credit score ranges are:
- Excellent: 781 to 850
- Good: 661 to 780
- Fair: 601 to 660
- Poor: 500 to 600
- Very Poor: 300 to 499
As of 2024, the FICO® credit score ranges are:
- Exceptional: 800+
- Very Good: 740 to 799
- Good: 670 to 739
- Fair: 580 to 669
- Poor: 579 and below
As you can see above, a credit score of 665 is considered to be in the good credit score range for VantageScore but in the fair credit score range for FICO score. While a good or fair credit score may not qualify for the most favorable interest rates and terms, it is still possible to access credit and financial opportunities with this score. Remember, lenders consider additional factors such as income and debt-to-income ratio when evaluating creditworthiness.
Buying a house with a 665 credit score
Buying a home with a 665 credit score may be possible, but it may be more challenging than if you had a score with what is considered excellent by both scoring models.
Whatever you decide, carefully review and compare different lenders and loan options to find your best fit for your specific circumstances. While important, credit scores are just one of several factors lenders use when approving home loans. In general, some lenders may require a larger down payment, charge higher interest rates or have stricter loan terms for mortgage applicants they may consider in the good range.
Improving credit score, reducing debt, saving for a larger down payment or adding a co-signer may all help increase the chances of mortgage approval.
Buying a car with a 665 credit score
Buying a car may be possible with a 665 credit score, but different dealerships and lenders may use different credit scoring models and different scales to make their own loan decisions, which could impact your loan terms and approval odds. Even with a “good” credit score, you may be declined, subject to higher interest rates or need to provide a larger down payment than if you had a higher credit score. To help improve your chances for approval, it may be beneficial to add a co-signer to the loan—if the lender allows—to share financial responsibility. All applicants should take note that while important, your credit score is just one of several factors lenders take into account when approving a loan.
Steps to help improve a 665 credit score
Whether you’re looking to apply for a mortgage, buy a car or pursue other financial opportunities, you may be realizing that you have more options when you have a higher credit score. To help improve a 665 credit score, consider taking the following steps:
- Pay bills on time: Consistently making payments by their due dates can have a positive impact on credit scores.
- Reduce credit card balances: Keeping credit card balances low in relation to credit limits can help improve credit utilization and boost scores.
- Manage debt responsibly: Avoiding excessive debt and making regular payments toward existing debts can demonstrate responsible financial behavior.
- Check credit reports for errors: Reviewing credit reports regularly and disputing any inaccuracies can help improve credit scores.
- Diversify your credit: Having a 665 credit score could mean you lack credit history and need to have a more diverse credit mix. When making your next financial decision, consider applying for something you don’t already have (for example, a personal loan rather than another credit card; note that Chase does not offer this service). This will result in a hard credit check, which can temporarily hurt your score.
Additional tips for managing your credit wisely
As you continue to work on improving your credit score, you may want to solidify some healthy credit habits. These tips can help you continue to manage and protect your credit:
- Avoid closing old credit card accounts when feasible. Doing this may negatively affect your credit mix and credit history, which are important factors that make up your credit score. Consider using these cards sparingly to keep the account active.
- Protect your information. You can help do this by shredding documents that contain sensitive information such as your Social Security number (SSN) before throwing them away. You may also want to use a secure Wi-Fi connection when browsing the web and make sure the websites you are visiting are safe (such as those containing https://) when making online purchases.
- Considering enrolling in Chase Credit Journey®. This is a free online tool anyone, including non-Chase cardmembers, can use. It provides insights into credit scores, helping individuals stay on top of their credit. You may also choose to use the credit score improvement feature, where you receive a personalized action plan provided by Experian™. This plan is based on your current credit report and helps you take steps to improve your credit score over time based on your goals.
In summary
With a 665 credit score, you are hovering between what is considered fair or good by many credit scoring models. While this may feel limiting at first, you can take steps to help scale your score into higher tiers. Using the tools at your disposal, you can take action to help improve your credit score and gain access to additional financial opportunities. This can help build up your financial wellness.
