A 670 credit score is considered fair, not good

A 670 credit score falls into the fair range for most scoring models. It sits above the poor range (typically 300–669) but below the good range (typically 670–739, depending on the model). The exact meaning depends on which scoring model a lender uses — FICO Score, VantageScore, or a specialty score — but across all major models, 670 puts you in a middle position where some lenders will work with you and others will decline.

The practical effect is this: you will not be turned away from all credit products, but you will pay higher interest rates than someone with a score above 700, and some lenders will require a larger down payment or co-signer. Landlords and employers may also view 670 differently depending on their thresholds — some accept anything above 650, others require 700 or higher.

Key Takeaways

  • A 670 score is fair, not good — it sits at the bottom of the "good" range on some models and the top of the "fair" range on others, so the label depends on which scoring system a lender uses.
  • You can still borrow money at 670, but interest rates will be higher than for borrowers with scores above 700, and some lenders will decline you entirely.
  • Mortgage lenders typically want 620 or higher to approve a loan, but rates improve noticeably once you reach 700; at 670 you will pay a measurable premium.
  • Landlords have no legal requirement to check credit scores, so rental approval depends on their own policy — some ignore scores below 650, others use 700 as a cutoff, and many do not check at all.
  • Small improvements to your score (even 30 points) can lower your borrowing costs significantly, because interest rate brackets often shift at round numbers like 680, 700, and 720.

How 670 affects mortgage and auto loan rates

Mortgage lenders will usually consider a 670 score, but the interest rate you receive will be higher than for borrowers above 700. The difference is substantial: a 0.5 to 1 percentage point increase in rate is common at 670 compared to 740. Over a 30-year mortgage, that adds tens of thousands of dollars to the total cost.

Auto lenders are more flexible — many will lend to borrowers at 670 or even lower — but again, the rate will reflect the risk. Subprime auto loans (those for borrowers below 620) carry rates that can exceed 10 percent; at 670 you will typically see rates between 6 and 9 percent depending on the lender and the loan term.

The reason scores matter this much is that lenders use them to predict default risk. A 670 score suggests you have missed payments, carried high balances, or had other problems in the past two to seven years. Lenders price that risk into the rate they offer you.

What landlords and employers see when they check your score

Landlords are not required to check credit scores at all, and many do not. Those who do often set their own thresholds — there is no legal standard. Some landlords will rent to anyone with a score above 600; others will not consider anyone below 700. A 670 score may pass one landlord's check and fail another's, depending entirely on their policy.

When a landlord does check, they are usually looking for a pattern of unpaid bills or collections, not just the number itself. A 670 score with no evictions or collections on your record may be viewed more favorably than a 680 score with a recent judgment. The score is one data point among several.

Employers who run credit checks (which is less common than landlord checks and restricted in some states) typically use a different threshold. Most employers who check credit do so only for positions involving financial responsibility or access to cash. A 670 score is unlikely to disqualify you from most jobs, but again, the employer's own policy determines the outcome.

Credit card approval at 670

Credit card issuers divide applicants into tiers based on credit score. At 670, you will likely be approved for cards marketed to people with fair credit, not prime credit. These cards typically carry higher interest rates (often 18–24 percent APR) and lower credit limits than cards for borrowers with scores above 700.

Some issuers offer cards specifically for people rebuilding credit, which may come with a security deposit or annual fee. These are not predatory products — they serve a real purpose — but they are more expensive than cards available to borrowers with higher scores. If you use a card responsibly at 670, your score will improve over time, and you can move to better card offers.

How quickly you can improve from 670

A 670 score is not permanent. The factors that affect your score are payment history (35 percent of the score), amounts owed (30 percent), length of credit history (15 percent), credit mix (10 percent), and new credit inquiries (10 percent). You can move the needle by paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and avoiding new hard inquiries.

Most people see a 10 to 20 point improvement within three months of paying down credit card balances. Moving from 670 to 700 typically takes six months to a year of consistent on-time payments and lower balances. The improvement is not linear — some score changes happen quickly, others plateau for months — but the direction is within your control.

Late payments, collections, and judgments stay on your credit report for seven years, but their impact fades over time. A late payment from five years ago hurts less than one from six months ago. This means your score will improve even if you do nothing, simply because older negative items age out of the calculation.

When 670 is enough and when it is not

A 670 score is usually enough to borrow money, rent an apartment, or get a job — but you will pay more or face more restrictions than someone with a higher score. It is enough to move forward with your life, but not enough to get the best terms available.

If you are shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, getting your score to 700 before you apply will save you money. If you are renting, a 670 score may or may not matter depending on the landlord; having other strengths (stable income, references, no evictions) can offset a fair score. If you are applying for a credit card, expect to start with a card for fair credit and graduate to better offers as your score rises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be denied a mortgage with a 670 score?

No. Most mortgage lenders will approve a loan at 670, though some require 680 or higher. The issue is not approval but rate — you will pay more interest than someone with a 700 score. If you can wait six months to improve your score, the savings may be worth it.

Can I rent an apartment with a 670 credit score?

It depends on the landlord's policy. Many landlords do not check credit at all or use a 650 threshold, so 670 will pass. Others require 700 or higher. If a landlord declines you based on credit, ask whether you can offset it with a larger deposit, a co-signer, or proof of income.

How much higher will my interest rate be at 670 versus 700?

The difference varies by lender and loan type, but typically 0.5 to 1 percentage point higher for mortgages and auto loans. On a $300,000 mortgage, that difference costs roughly $100 to $200 per month. On a $25,000 auto loan, it adds $50 to $100 per month.

What is the fastest way to raise my score from 670?

Pay down credit card balances. This is the single fastest lever because it directly reduces your credit utilization ratio, which is 30 percent of your score. Paying off even one card to zero can move your score 10 to 20 points in one to two months.

Does a 670 score hurt my chances of getting hired?

Most employers do not check credit scores, and those who do typically only check for jobs involving financial access or responsibility. A 670 score is unlikely to disqualify you from most positions. Some states also restrict when employers can use credit checks.