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The Daily Insight Hub

Are interest rates based on credit score?

Author

Matthew Harrington

Updated on February 16, 2026

Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates you’ll qualify for.

What type of interest rate would you expect if you have a high credit score?

For example, if your credit score is in the 700-719 range, you’ll typically pay an additional fee of 0.5 percent of the loan amount, as compared to someone with a higher credit score, according to the LLPA. In the 680-699 range, you’ll pay from 0.5 percent from 1.5 percent more, depending on your loan-to-value ratio.

What interest rate can I get on a car loan with a 700 credit score?

People with good credit scores of 700–749 average an interest rate of 5.07% for a new car and 5.32% for a used car.

What is considered a good credit score for a mortgage?

While you don’t need a perfect 850 credit score to get the best mortgage rates, there are general credit score requirements you will need to meet in order to take out a mortgage. Prospective home buyers should aim to have credit scores of 760 or greater to qualify for the best interest rates on mortgages.

What credit score gives you the best interest rate?

740–850: Excellent credit – Borrowers get easy credit approvals and the best interest rates. 670–740: Good credit – Borrowers are typically approved and offered good interest rates. 620–670: Acceptable credit – Borrowers are typically approved at higher interest rates.

What credit score is needed for the best mortgage rate?

760 or greater
While you don’t need a perfect 850 credit score to get the best mortgage rates, there are general credit score requirements you will need to meet in order to take out a mortgage. Prospective home buyers should aim to have credit scores of 760 or greater to qualify for the best interest rates on mortgages.

What is excellent credit score?

Generally speaking, a credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850. Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.

How are interest rates set on credit cards?

Interest rates on credit cards and loans aren’t set arbitrarily. Banks use your credit score – the number that measures your credit-worthiness – as one of the primary deciding factors in setting your interest rate.

What kind of interest rates do you get with a good credit score?

In general, if you have a good credit score, you can expect to receive a lower APR. With a bad credit score, you’ll receive a higher APR. With loans, an average rate is often advertised instead of a range. If you have a good credit score, you may qualify for a rate that’s at or below average.

Where can I get a loan based on my credit score?

Bankrate.com allows you to search for loans in your area based on your credit score. That will give you a better idea of the interest rate you’d qualify for. MyFICO.com has a loan savings calculator that will show how much you can save on a loan based on your credit score.

How are interest rates written on a loan?

The formula for simple interest is A = P (1 + rt). A is how much you pay over the total life of the loan, including interest. P is the principal amount. This is how much you originally borrowed. r is the rate of interest per year. In this case, it would be written as 0.03. That’s how 3% is written as a decimal.