Qualifying
Is 680 a good credit score?
Yes — a 680 credit score is in FICO's 'Good' range (670–739) and is generally considered solid. You're in prime territory: you'll qualify for most credit products at competitive rates, though the very best pricing usually starts around 740.
The full picture
Where 680 falls on the FICO scale
On the 300–850 FICO scale, 680 is in the 'Good' band (670–739). Crossing 670 moves you from 'Fair' to 'Good' — from subprime into prime — which is a meaningful threshold for both approval odds and pricing.
What a 680 score qualifies for
- Most mortgages at competitive rates — comfortably above conventional and FHA minimums.
- Auto and personal loans at prime (not subprime) pricing.
- Mainstream and many rewards credit cards — broad access.
- Better terms than a 'Fair' score, though not the lender's absolute best tier yet.
How to reach 'Very Good' (740+)
You're about 60 points from the 740 threshold where the best rates typically begin. Keep utilization in the single digits, maintain a flawless payment record, and let your average account age grow. Each step toward 740 can lower the rates you're offered.
The numbers
- 670–739 is FICO's 'Good' range; 680 sits comfortably within it. — myFICO
- Borrowers with higher scores typically qualify for lower rates and more loan options. — CFPB
- The average U.S. FICO Score is in the mid-710s, so 680 is near average. — Experian
- HUD's FHA program requires a minimum FICO of 580 for 3.5% down payment loans — a 680 score is 100 points above that floor, opening access to conventional loans and better pricing tiers not available to near-minimum borrowers. — HUD — FHA Credit Requirements
Key takeaways
- 680 is 'Good' and solidly prime — most products at competitive rates.
- Crossing 670 moved you from subprime ('Fair') into prime.
- Best rates usually begin around 740 — about 60 points away.
- Single-digit utilization + perfect payments push you toward 'Very Good.'
Frequently asked questions
Is 680 considered a prime or subprime credit score?
Prime — 680 falls in FICO's 'Good' range (670–739), and crossing the 670 threshold moves a borrower from subprime ('Fair') into prime territory for both approval odds and pricing. Source: myFICO — Credit Score Ranges.
How far is a 680 score from the best mortgage rates?
About 60 points. The best-priced tier for most lenders typically begins around 740 ('Very Good'); single-digit utilization, a flawless payment record, and aging accounts are what close that gap.
Can I qualify for an FHA loan with a 680 credit score?
Yes — HUD's FHA program sets a minimum FICO of 580 for a 3.5% down payment loan, and 680 is 100 points above that floor, which also opens access to conventional loans and better pricing tiers not available near the minimum. Source: HUD — FHA Credit Requirements.
Is 680 above or below the average U.S. credit score?
Slightly below — the average U.S. FICO Score is in the mid-710s, so a 680 score sits just under the national average while still qualifying as 'Good.' Source: Experian.
Will a 680 credit score get me a good auto loan rate?
Yes — 680 qualifies for prime (not subprime) auto and personal loan pricing, though borrowers who push into the 740+ 'Very Good' range typically see further rate improvement. Source: CFPB.
Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-08-02 · https://clearvaluelending.com/answers/is-680-a-good-credit-score