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Your credit score helps lenders understand the risk they’ll take by lending you money.
Credit scores can fall anywhere from 350 to 850. If you have a 740 credit score, you may be wondering if this is good or bad.
Within this article, we will look deeper into a 740 credit score and talk about some of the different products you’ll be able to receive, some that you might not be approved for, and what you can do to improve your credit score.
What does having a 740 credit score mean?
Credit scores that fall between 740 and 799 are considered very good. Roughly 25% of all Americans fall into this credit group.
A credit score of 740 is going to open the door to more products than if you had a 650 credit score. But it still won’t provide you with the best rates on everything. Most experts will tell you that anything above a 720 score will get you the best rate for an auto loan, but you’ll likely need at least 760 for the best rates on a mortgage.
The good news is that with a 740 credit score, most lenders see you as a low-risk borrower. Only 1% of individuals with a very good credit score become seriously delinquent on their payments in the future.
Which types of credit cards can you get with a 740 credit score?
If you have a credit score of 740, credit card issuers consider you to have good-to-excellent credit. This will give you the lowest interest rates and the most attractive card features. Here are a few of the best credit cards available for anyone with a credit score of 740.
card_name
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express
card_name is one of the premier travel credit cards available. When you sign up, you can bonus_miles_full. Plus, you’ll receive 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline and 5x points on airfare and hotels booked through American Express Travel.
While this luxury card does come with a steep annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees), you’ll receive more than $1,500 in value, including a $200 hotel credit, $240 entertainment credit (Disney+, Hulu, The New York Times and more), $200 in Uber Cash, $155 Walmart+ credit, and more.
card_name
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
If you’re looking for a cash back card, it will be tough to beat the card_name. You’ll bonus_miles_full. Where this card stands out is its ability to earn cash back.
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 spent each year (1% cash back after that)
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Terms Apply.
You’ll receive an introductory annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).
card_name
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Why we like it:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a solid flat-rate earnings card with annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee. Although the 1.5% cash back doesn’t seem impressive at first glance, it becomes more valuable when combined with other rewards cards from Chase that can be redeemed for a far greater value.
This card is recommended for everyday use, whether for doctor copays or big box store purchases. It can be a large earner for cardmembers who want to get the most out of their everyday spending.
Product details:
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Not interested in paying an annual fee on your credit card? That’s no problem with the card_name. In addition to having annual_fees annual fee, and new cardholders can now benefit from a limited bonus_miles_full Plus, you’ll earn a generous amount of cash back:
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- 3% cash back on dining at restaurants.
- 3% cash back at drugstores.
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Terms Apply.
With this card, you’ll also receive a generous introductory intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration APR for 15 months on purchases and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration on balance transfers.
What will you get approved for with a 740 score?
Beyond some of the best credit cards available, a 740 credit score will also give you access to several other products, including auto loans, mortgages, personal loans, and more.
Auto loans
Auto loans are available to most people regardless of their credit score. However, your score will directly affect the interest rate you receive. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate. Most lenders will offer the best rates to anyone with a credit score of 720 or higher.
Mortgage loans
Mortgage loans aren’t quite as easy to get as auto loans, but you’ll be sitting in good shape with a credit score of 740. Conventional loans are available to anyone with a credit score of at least 620.
Like most loan products, the better your credit score, the lower your interest rate. For example, as of August 14, 2023, the average APR on a 30-year mortgage for someone with a 740 credit score would be 7.038%. However, if you only had a credit score of 650, your APR would be 7.859%. For a $300,000 mortgage, that would be a difference of $60,000 in total interest paid over the life of the loan.
RELATED: Best Online Mortgage Lenders
Land loan
Want to build your next home? You might consider a land loan if you found the land but are not quite ready to build. These loans will allow you to acquire the land for future builds. With a land loan, you’ll need a credit score in the high 600s to low 700s. You’ll also need a down payment of at least 50% and a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less.
Rentals
Every landlord has their own guidelines regarding the minimum credit score needed. However, having a 740 credit score makes it unlikely that any landlord would decline your application.
Personal loans
All personal loan lenders like Lending Point, Upgrade, and Discover® Bank have credit score requirements, but none will decline someone with a 740 credit score. Plus, you’re also likely to receive the best rates they offer.
RELATED: Compare the Best Personal Loan Rates
What will a 740 score impact?
As your credit score increases, it will affect certain aspects of the loans you apply for. Here are a few impacts you may experience.
Interest rates
With a 740 credit score, you will receive some of the highest rates available for auto and personal loans. However, the best rates on mortgage loans are typically reserved for anyone with a score of 760 or higher.
RELATED: Historical Mortgage Rates
Jobs
Most employers will do a pull on your credit report during the application process. To many, your credit score is a good indicator of the type of employee you’ll be. With a credit score of 740, you’re proving to a potential employer that you responsibly pay your bills on time and only spend what you can afford. This is a good sign that they’ll be hiring a good employee.
How to improve your 740 Credit Score
If you want to improve your credit score a little further to receive the best possible rates on a mortgage, make sure you follow these tips.
Credit monitoring
One of the best ways to improve your credit score is to sign up for credit monitoring. Companies like Experian will provide access to your monthly credit report so that you know what’s affecting your score.
Experian CreditWorks℠
Experian CreditWorks℠
Why Experian
Budgeting apps
One of the most significant factors in your credit score is your credit utilization, or the amount of available credit you use. One of the best ways to ensure you’re not spending more than you should on your credit cards each month is to start budgeting. Apps like Rocket Money allow you to stay on top of your spending and understand where your money is going.
Rocket Money
Rocket Money
RELATED: Mint Alternatives
Automatic payments
Missing a payment is one of the worst things you can do for your credit score. Missed payments will stay on your credit report for 7.5 years. By putting your payments on autopilot, you’ll make sure you never miss another payment. Credit card companies typically allow you to set up automatic payments where you can pay the minimum balance, statement balance, or entire balance. Cash App will also allow you to pay most of your other bills each month automatically.
Dispute credit report errors
Credit report errors happen. By monitoring your credit regularly, you can identify any errors and have them corrected. Depending on the error, it could significantly affect your credit score.
LEAR MORE: How to Dispute a Credit Report
Get credit for rent and utility payments
Did you know you could boost your credit score by paying your utility bills and rent on time? Experian Boost will reward you each month when you make one of these non-traditional payments on time.
Experian Boost
Experian Boost
TIME Stamp: A 740 credit score will open all kinds of doors for you—including almost all of the best interest rates.
Your credit score can significantly impact how much things will cost. However, with a 740 credit score, you’re going to have the luxury of some of the best rates available on things like auto loans, credit cards, and personal loans. By improving your credit score slightly, you’ll also be able to receive the best rates on your next mortgage.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What kind of loan can I get with a 740 credit score?
You’ll be able to receive any loan product with a 740 credit score. While you’ll also receive the best rates possible with most products, you’ll need to improve your credit score slightly to receive the best mortgage rates.
How long does it take to get a 740 credit score?
There is no exact timeframe needed to grow your credit score to 740. However, you should expect it to take at least six months if you’re starting below 650 or 700.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.