How I Turned My 679 Credit Score Into 800+ Fast! (Insider Tips)

Darren Stevenson
15 min readDec 4, 2023

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Ever found yourself wondering how to boost your 679 credit score to unlock better financial opportunities or what you can do with it right now? I’ve been there, and trust me, navigating the credit score landscape can be as tricky as it is crucial. But don’t worry, I’ve done the legwork and gathered some smart strategies that’ll help steer your score north.

In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of turning a good credit score into a great one. From maintaining a spotless bill payment history to smart credit use, I’ll share insights that can make a real difference. Stick with me, and let’s unlock the potential of your credit score together.

And by the way… a 679 credit score is actually pretty good to get up to $50,000 in less than 24hrs. So you if you have 679 and need some cash now, just click here to get an instant $50,000 loan!

Key Takeaways

FICO and VantageScore stand out as the dominant credit-scoring companies. They’ve made it widely known that credit scores typically span from 300 to 850. While these number ranges are common knowledge among credit users, pinpointing what constitutes a good credit score can be slightly more challenging. FICO classifies good scores as those between 670 and 739, and VantageScore echoes this sentiment, but with a slightly wider range of 661 to 780.

Several other factors marginally influence credit scores. These include the longevity of credit history, the variety of credit types managed, and the frequency and recency of credit applications. It’s no secret that consistency is key — I’ve seen time and again that adopting and sticking to good credit habits can lead to score improvements.

To enhance credit scores further, a solid credit mix is beneficial. Experts often advise against unnecessary debt — wise words I always reiterate. But I’ve noticed that sensible borrowing, including a combination of revolving credit and installment loans, can have a positive impact on credit scores. It’s a balancing act of smart financial decisions to build and maintain a robust credit profile.

Possessing good credit isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the opportunities and financial advantages it can unlock. For instance a 679 credit score can get you up to $50,000 in 24hrs… If you need that kind of cash and your credit score is around 679, just click here and go get that money now!

Introduction

A credit score of 670 sits on the brink; it’s a threshold between “good” credit standing and the land of the “fair” credit territory. In the eyes of lenders, I’m seen as an acceptable borrower, yet I know that reaching into the higher echelons of creditworthiness can unlock far more financial opportunities. With FICO scores being a critical measure of financial health for over 30 years, understanding and improving this number is a modern-day necessity for anyone with financial goals.

Let’s talk about what this means in practical terms. When I say “good” credit, I’m hinting at the range where the most favorable interest rates start to become accessible, and the approval odds for loans and credit cards get substantially better. A 679 credit score certainly doesn’t place me in the high-risk category, but it’s not quite in the sweet spot lenders love. Improving this score is not just about crossing a numerical threshold — it’s about maximizing financial wellbeing.

Identifying the right financial behaviors is key. It’s not just about paying bills on time — though that’s critical. It’s also about achieving the right mix of credit. This means managing both revolving credit, like credit cards, and installment loans, such as mortgages or car loans, smartly.

And I’ll let you in on an insider tip: not all credit scores you see online are FICO Scores. Considering that FICO is the go-to for many lenders, I make sure to draw a clear line between generic credit scores and what FICO specifically suggests about my financial reliability. Striving to boost my credit score higher demands that I stay informed about which scores matter most to lenders and how each action I take could swing that all-important FICO number.

Achieving a robust credit mix can seem daunting, but it’s a strategic move that ensures I don’t just slip through the cracks as a “good enough” borrower. I don’t advocate for taking on debt unnecessarily, but demonstrating the ability to handle different types of credit can significantly influence my score in the right direction.

What is a 679 Credit Score?

When we talk about a 679 credit score, we’re referring to a specific point on the credit score scale that credit bureaus use to determine one’s creditworthiness. A credit score of 679 falls into the fair range on FICO’s scale, which means it’s below the average credit score for consumers in the U.S.

In the eyes of lenders, I’ve learned that a score of 679 signals an adequate borrower who could be at a higher risk of default compared to those with scores in the good or excellent range. It’s a pivotal point that teeters on the edge of higher credit opportunity and potential setbacks.

For VantageScore, which is another popular scoring model, a 679 places you at the high end of the fair classification. It’s worth noting that while a 679 is not a premium score, it doesn’t lock me out of credit options entirely. However, securing loans or credit lines might come with less favorable terms compared to those with scores in the higher echelons.

Given its position just below the good credit category, I find that improvements on a 679 credit score can be strategic. It offers a unique opportunity to employ effective credit management techniques that can push the score into the good range, typically allowing for more favorable credit terms and interest rates.

Improving this score often involves a combination of actions such as maintaining a positive payment history and optimizing credit use. Efforts taken can result in not only improved credit eligibility but also more financial flexibility, with the potential of lower interest rates on borrowed funds.

It’s crucial to monitor and nurture my credit score regularly, understanding that each step taken towards improvement actively shapes my financial prospects and stability. Whether it’s through responsible credit card use or managing existing debts effectively, every decision made should align towards achieving a more advantageous credit position.

Why Is a 679 Credit Score Important?

Qualifying for Loans and Credit Cards

When I’m on the hunt for loans or credit cards, my 679 credit score becomes particularly important. Being in the “fair” credit category, it means that I Can Qualify for various forms of credit, though my options are slightly limited when compared to individuals with higher scores. It’s important for me to understand that while I can get approved for credit cards and possibly even a home or auto loan, the terms and types of credit I’m eligible for may not be as competitive.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of credit you can typically qualify for with a 679 score, I made a table for you to get the full idea:

However, I should be aware that “Yes” doesn’t always mean the best terms, and a “Maybe” indicates that while I could be approved, it could come with high interest or strict terms. Thus, actively working on improving my credit score is in my best interest, as it’ll expand my choices and enhance my financial flexibility.

Determining Interest Rates

My 679 credit score doesn’t just affect whether or not I’ll be approved for a loan or credit card, it also plays a crucial part in determining the interest rates I’ll be offered. Average FICO credit scores in the U.S. hover around 700; therefore, my score sits just below the national average. This usually translates to receiving somewhat higher interest rates than someone with a good or excellent credit standing.

Lenders use my credit score to assess my risk level. The Higher the Score, the lower the perceived risk, which usually results in more favorable interest rates. On the other hand, with a score of 679, lenders might consider me a moderate risk and as a result, offer rates that are not the lowest available. It’s a difference that can significantly affect the lifetime cost of a loan — hence why it’s beneficial for me to strive for a credit score that’s solidly in the “good” range or above.

With each lender having their own strategy and perceived level of acceptable risk, there’s no one-size-fits-all cutoff score. But generally, higher credit scores correlate with more attractive interest rates, making the effort I put into credit score improvement potentially rewarding, especially when considering long-term loans such as mortgages or auto loans where the interest can accumulate substantially over time.

How to Achieve and Maintain a 800+ Credit Score

Achieving and maintaining a credit score around the 800 mark means consistently practicing smart credit habits but I was able to get there from my initial 679 credit score relatively fast.

This goal might seem challenging, but with a few strategic actions, it’s well within reach. In this section, I’ll dive into the key strategies you should employ to elevate and sustain to a 800 score.

Pay Bills on Time

I can’t stress enough how vital paying bills on time is for your credit health. Remember, payment history is critical and can make or break your score. As it stands, 35% of your score calculation is tied to how punctually you pay your bills. A single late payment can cause a considerable dip, so it’s crucial to keep track of due dates.

Here are some simple yet effective ways to ensure all bills are paid on time:

  • Set up automatic payments for recurring bills
  • Use calendar reminders for due dates
  • Pay as soon as you receive your bill, if possible

Embracing these habits won’t just protect your credit score; it’ll also save you from late fees and added stress.

Reduce Credit Utilization

Next up is credit utilization, which accounts for 30% of your credit score. Experts generally recommend keeping your utilization below 30%, but aiming lower is even better for your score. In fact, individuals with the best credit scores tend to keep their utilization around 15%.

Reducing your credit utilization can sound daunting, but here are a few tactics to consider:

  • Pay down balances to decrease the percentage of credit used
  • Request a credit limit increase to improve your overall credit ratio, only if it won’t lead to higher spending
  • Make payments more than once a month to keep balances low

Each step taken to control your utilization rate reflects positively on your credit score over time.

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Monitor Credit Report

Monitoring your credit report regularly is like having a regular check-up on your financial health. You’ll want to ensure everything is accurate and no incorrect entries are pulling your score down. Dispute any inaccuracies you find, as erroneous information can negatively affect your score. Furthermore, keeping an eye on your credit report can alert you to potential identity theft early on.

Here’s what I recommend:

  • Use the free annual credit report services to check for errors
  • Watch out for accounts or activities you don’t recognize
  • Stay vigilant about any sudden changes in your score that you can’t account for

Regular reviews not only help in maintaining a good score but also gear you up to take immediate action should anything seem amiss.

Common Misconceptions About a 679 Credit Score

It’s Not a Perfect Score

When we talk about a perfect credit score, we’re referring to the elusive 850 mark that’s considered the pinnacle of creditworthiness. However, it’s essential to remember that a 679 credit score, while not perfect, isn’t a scarlet letter in the world of finance either.

The idea that you need to achieve a flawless credit score to receive favorable loan terms is simply not accurate. In fact, anything in the upper 700s is typically viewed as excellent and can secure you some of the best interest rates and loan conditions. The threshold for what’s considered advantageous often starts around the 760 mark, with the optimal target being slightly higher at 780 to ensure you’re the safest bet for lenders.

But why obsess over a perfect 850 when a score in the 800s is already dazzling to potential lenders? Having a credit score that’s even marginally below 850 doesn’t equate to missed opportunities. I’ve seen firsthand that reaching and maintaining a credit score in the 800s means you’re perceived as a top-tier borrower. This diminishes the significance of those few extra points that some might strive for in pursuit of perfection.

But… It’s Not the Lowest Score

Conversely, harboring the belief that a 679 credit score is among the lowest is another widespread misconception. It’s crucial to understand the credit score spectrum to diffuse this myth. FICO scores, for instance, range from 300 to 850. At 679, your credit score is categorized as “fair,” positioning you closer to the average American credit score than to the riskier end of the spectrum. In 2022, the average FICO score in the US was 714, which offers some perspective on where a 670 score actually lands.

A fair credit score like 679 symbolizes a decent credit history but also indicates room for improvement. It’s a middle-of-the-road score that suggests to lenders you’ve had some history with credit, whether it’s relatively short with good management or longer with a few blemishes. Understanding this helps to set realistic credit improvement goals and clarifies that a 679 score is not indicative of poor credit behavior but rather it’s a stepping stone towards better credit health.

The Impact of a 679 Credit Score on Different Aspects of Life

Managing finances is like navigating a labyrinth; your credit score often dictates the paths open to you and the ease with which you can travel them. A 679 credit score, sitting on the fence between “fair” and “good,” uniquely positions me in the credit landscape. It affects several aspects of life. Let’s drill down and see how this specific score influences vital financial decisions.

Borrowing $50,000

A 679 credit score is good enough to borrow a nice chunk of money when you know where to go. At that time I managed to get myself $50,000 from Slam Dunk Loans in less than 24hours.

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Buying a Home

When I’m in the market for a new home, my credit score is the financial fingerprint lenders use to judge my fiscal responsibility. With a 679 score, I’m often met with a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. Conventional loans typically require a score of at least 620, so I’m in the clear there, but when it comes to securing the most attractive loan terms, this score may not quite cut it.

Higher interest rates often accompany scores in the fair category, meaning over time, I’ll shell out more on my mortgage when compared to someone with a “good” or “excellent” score. While FHA mortgages are within reach, making solid plans for a bigger down payment and shopping around within a specific timeframe can help me streamline the process and optimize the loan terms I can receive.

Renting an Apartment

A good credit score can be as crucial as a solid reference when I’m apartment hunting. While it’s not the only factor, many landlords lean on credit scores to gauge potential tenants’ reliability.

A 679 credit score may raise concerns for some property owners. However, it’s not a deal-breaker. It just means that I may need to provide additional references or offer to pay a higher security deposit to assuage any hesitations landlords may have concerning my financial history.

Getting a Car Loan

Car finance companies don’t just look at credit scores in isolation. They consider comprehensive profiles, including employment history and income, before offering a loan. However, with a 679 credit score, I’m already aware that I might not snag the lowest interest rates. Auto loan providers may see my score and hedge their bets by proposing higher rates, effectively increasing the total cost of the vehicle over the loan’s lifespan.

If my goal is to get on the road without over-paving my financial future in debt, I might consider a more substantial down payment or finding a trustworthy co-signer. These strategies could unlock better terms, even though my score does not reflect the top-tier bracket. Peer-to-peer lending platforms are also an option, potentially offering more lenient approval processes, albeit at possibly higher interest rates than traditional loans.

In each of these scenarios, the intersection between a 679 credit score and the pursuit of life’s milestones underscores the importance of credit health. Maintaining punctual payments and managing credit utilization effectively are steps I can take to tip the scales in my favor time and time again.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1 Can I get a car loan with a 679 credit score?

Yes, you can get a car loan with a 679 credit score, though you may not qualify for the lowest interest rates. A score of 679 is considered “good” and may allow for a wider range of loan options than lower scores.

#2 Is renting an apartment with a 679 credit score possible?

Yes, renting an apartment with a 679 credit score is possible, as many landlords consider scores above 650 to be acceptable. However, some landlords may require a larger security deposit.

#3 What are the challenges of having a 679 credit score?

The challenges of having a 679 credit score include potential higher interest rates on loans and credit cards, and possibly not qualifying for the best mortgage rates or premium rewards credit cards.

#4 How can a larger down payment help with a 679 credit score?

A larger down payment can help counteract the effects of a 679 credit score by lowering the lender’s risk, potentially resulting in better loan terms, such as a lower interest rate.

#5 What strategies can improve credit terms with a 679 score?

Strategies to improve credit terms with a 679 score include obtaining a co-signer with a higher credit score, making a larger down payment, and shopping around to compare loan offers.

#6 Why is punctual payment important for credit health?

Punctual payment is crucial for credit health because payment history is a significant factor in credit scoring. Late payments can significantly lower your credit score.

#7 How does credit utilization affect a credit score of 679?

Credit utilization, the amount of credit you use relative to your credit limits, greatly impacts your credit score. Keeping utilization below 30% can help maintain or improve a 679 score.

#8 What immediate actions can improve a 679 credit score?

Immediate actions to improve a 679 credit score include paying down existing debt to lower credit utilization, disputing any inaccuracies on your credit report, and ensuring all future payments are made on time.

Conclusion and What to Do Next

Navigating the financial world with a 679 credit score certainly has its ups and downs. I’ve seen firsthand that while you might face some hurdles, they’re not insurmountable.

It’s all about playing your cards right, whether that’s by putting down a little extra cash upfront or teaming up with someone who’s got your back credit-wise. Remember, keeping your payments timely and your credit balances in check is key to boosting your score to 800+.

Stick with these habits and you’ll be on your way to more favorable loan terms and a healthier financial future. Stay positive and proactive — your credit score is just a starting point, not your destiny.

But as I previously mentioned, a 679 credit score is already good enough to get yourself a nice chunk of money. Go check out Slum Dunk Loans as they are one of the few legit companies working with a credit score like that to give loans of up to $50,000 within the next working day!

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Darren Stevenson

Love writing and helping people saving money in any way I can by sharing my own experiences.