669 credit score: A guide to credit scores

Quick insights

• A 669 VantageScore^® is labeled as “good” while a 669 FICO^® score is labeled as “fair” as of 2024.
• A good or fair credit score could limit you from accessing certain financial opportunities and more favorable rates.
• Whether your score is fair or good, there is room to improve your score so that you can increase your chances for approvals and more favorable rates.

Behind each person's credit score is a unique consumer path that that tells a story of financial behavior. When it comes to a 669 credit score, you are at a fine line between what is considered to be a fair credit score and a “good“ credit score by many score models.

Understanding a 669 credit score

To help you show how the nuance of this particular credit score, we’ll break down the different credit score ranges below.

As of May 2024, VantageScore^® 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 May 2024, FICO^® score ranges are:

• Exceptional: 800+
• Very Good: 740 to 799
• Good: 670 to 739
• Fair: 580 to 669
• Poor: 579 and below

Several factors can contribute to a credit score of 669. These may include late payments, high credit utilization, short credit history or a history of delinquencies.

With a credit score of 669, individuals may still qualify for loans and credit cards, but they may also face higher interest rates and more limited options. Let's explore some of these loan options below as well as a few best practices to help you maintain or even improve a 669 credit score.

Loans available to individuals with a 669 credit score

With a credit score of 669, you may get approved for different types of credit, including student loans, auto loans or personal loans (note that Chase does not offer personal loans). However, because your score positions you right at the edge between good and fair, you're considered to potentially be at a higher risk for default than candidates in higher credit score ranges. This could translate into higher interest rates when you take out a loan.

The exact interest rates and terms can vary depending on the lender and other factors outside of your credit score, such as your debt-to-income ratio and employment history.

This goes for credit cards as well. You may be approved for a variety of cards with a 669 credit score, but those cards could come with varying terms depending on your situation. Keep in mind, however, that you may be limited to a smaller selection of credit cards. Higher credit scores are needed to access premium credit cards that come with specific rewards and perks. Again, there are other factors that come into play when getting approved for a card.

Regardless of your score, it’s helpful to weigh all your options and compare offers across several lenders before applying. If your credit needs are not time sensitive, you may want to invest in improving your credit score before applying to get access to more favorable terms and rates.

Purchasing a home with a 669 credit score

Buying a home with a 669 credit score may be possible, but it may be more challenging than if you had an excellent credit score. Some lenders may require a larger down payment, charge higher interest rates or have stricter loan terms. 

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.

Buying a car with a 669 credit score

Buying a car may be possible with a 669 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 is usually 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.

Improving a 669 credit score

As you can see, a 669 credit score may get your foot in the door in terms of approvals for loans and other lines of credit, but having a higher credit score may give you more options and better terms. Some tips for helping to improve a 669 credit score include, but not limited to the following:

• Make your payments on time. This goes for credit card balances, monthly loan installments, etc. You should show a consistent history of making payments on time to help improve your credit score, as payment history makes up a large portion of it.
• Lower your credit utilization ratio. The more you use of your total available credit, the higher this ratio is. Lowering this ratio to about 30% (and less) can help improve your credit score.
• Create and stick to a budget. Creating a realistic monthly budget not only provides you with an opportunity to gain insight into your spending habits, but it can also help your ability to manage your money and credit in a responsible manner.
• Monitor your credit report. To help you better understand your credit behavior and overall standing, it’s helpful to review your credit reports. These can be accessed for free each year.
• Consider enrolling in Chase Credit Journey^® This free online tool is available to everyone, including non-Chase cardmembers. You can check your credit score without impacting it and create a score goal using the credit score improvement feature powered by Experian™.

In summary

Unlike other scores that fall strictly into one category regardless of the scoring model, a 669 credit score can put you in two places at once. Whether your lender considers your score to be fair or good, there is still room for improvement. Taking small but empowering steps toward improving your creditworthiness can lead to more favorable financial options and help enhance your overall financial wellness.