How long does it take to get a credit score from 500 to 700 (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to get a credit score from 500 to 700? ›

How Long Does It Take to Fix Credit? The good news is that when your score is low, each positive change you make is likely to have a significant impact. For instance, going from a poor credit score of around 500 to a fair credit score (in the 580-669 range) takes around 12 to 18 months of responsible credit use.

The bad news about your FICO^® Score of 500 is that it's well below the average credit score of 714. The good news is that there's plenty of opportunity to increase your score. 99% of consumers have FICO^® Scores higher than 500. A smart way to begin building up a credit score is to obtain your FICO^® Score.

To increase your credit score to 800, you'll need a nearly flawless payment history, a credit utilization rate well below 30%, a healthy mix of credit types, and an extensive credit history. The average American has a credit score of 716, well within the range of what is considered a good credit score.

You can borrow from $1,000 to $100,000 or more with a 700 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.

As someone with a 650 credit score, you are firmly in the “fair” territory of credit. You can usually qualify for financial products like a mortgage or car loan, but you will likely pay higher interest rates than someone with a better credit score. The "good" credit range starts at 690.

It depends on your starting point. Generally, significant improvement can happen within a few months with dedicated effort (like paying down debt). Reaching 700 itself might take longer (12-24 months), depending on your credit history. Consistency is key!

Credit score and mortgages

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

Credit scores can drop due to a variety of reasons, including late or missed payments, changes to your credit utilization rate, a change in your credit mix, closing older accounts (which may shorten your length of credit history overall), or applying for new credit accounts.

Is a 900 credit score possible? ›

Highlights: While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

Average Recovery Time

For instance, going from a poor credit score of around 500 to a fair credit score (in the 580-669 range) takes around 12 to 18 months of responsible credit use. Once you've made it to the good credit zone (670-739), don't expect your credit to continue rising as steadily.

A perfect credit score of 850 is hard to get, but an excellent credit score is more achievable. If you want to get the best credit cards, mortgages and competitive loan rates — which can save you money over time — excellent credit can help you qualify. “Excellent” is the highest tier of credit scores you can have.

A conventional mortgage is often best for those with a credit score of 700 or higher. (Generally, the credit score requirement is 620 and above.) Benefits of a conventional loan include: Buy a house with as little as a 3% down payment.

You will likely need a credit score of at least 580 for a $50,000 personal loan, along with enough income to afford the monthly payments. Other common loan requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a valid bank account, and being a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder.

Yes. Assuming the rest of your finances are solid, a credit score of 700 should qualify you for all major loan programs: conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans all have lower minimum requirements, and even jumbo loans require a 700 score at minimum.

You can borrow money with a 500 credit score, but don't expect great options. Bad credit personal loans will emphasize your income more than your credit score. Securing a loan with a 500 credit score may be challenging, but that doesn't mean every lending door is closed.