Approval
What Credit Score Do You Need to Get Approved for a Loan?
A breakdown of credit score tiers, what each range qualifies for, and the rates you can realistically expect.
There is no single magic number, but lenders cluster borrowers into bands. Knowing where you sit tells you which lenders to approach and what rate to expect.
The standard tiers
Excellent (740+) unlocks the lowest advertised rates. Good (670–739) qualifies you with most mainstream lenders at competitive rates. Fair (580–669) narrows your options and pushes APRs higher. Poor (below 580) generally requires a co-signer, collateral, or specialized bad-credit lenders.
Beyond the score
Lenders also weigh income, employment stability, debt-to-income ratio, and existing relationships. A 690 score with steady W-2 income often beats a 720 score with thin or volatile earnings.
Pre-qualification
Most reputable lenders let you check your rate with a soft credit pull that does not affect your score. Use this to compare three or four offers before formally applying.
