Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
660 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025
July 1, 2025
TL;DR
A 660 credit score is a solid starting point, placing you on the cusp of a good credit rating. Lenders generally classify this score within the "Fair" category, which is a crucial stepping stone toward accessing more favorable financial terms.
What Does a 660 Credit Score Mean?
A 660 credit score places you squarely in the "fair" credit range on the FICO scale, which runs from 300 to 850. While not considered a poor score, it sits just below the "good" credit tier that typically begins at 670. Think of it as a C+ grade—it shows you've managed credit in the past, but there's still room for improvement.
Financially, this score often acts as a gateway. You'll likely be approved for some loans and credit cards, but probably not with the most competitive interest rates or premium terms. Lenders may see you as a moderate risk, which can impact your borrowing power. However, a 660 score is a solid foundation, and you are well-positioned to build toward a stronger financial future and unlock more favorable opportunities.
Who Has a 660 Credit Score?
While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, there is a strong correlation between age and the average score. Older consumers have simply had more time to build a positive payment history and a longer credit history. According to 2023 Experian data, the average FICO score increases with each generation:
- Ages 18-26 (Gen Z): 680
- Ages 27-42 (Millennials): 690
- Ages 43-58 (Gen X): 709
- Ages 59-77 (Baby Boomers): 745
- Ages 78+ (Silent Generation): 760
Credit Cards With a 660 Credit Score
A credit score of 660 places you in the "fair" credit category, which is a common starting point for many people building or rebuilding their credit. While this score can open the door to several credit card options, you may find that premium travel rewards cards and those with the most attractive introductory offers remain just out of reach. Lenders might also approve you for a lower credit limit and a higher interest rate than applicants with good or excellent credit.
Kudos helps you find the right credit card with its AI-powered tools, which use either a detailed quiz or your actual spending data to provide personalized recommendations. These tools give you access to nearly 3,000 cards, allowing you to compare options and make an informed choice that aligns with your financial situation and goals.
Auto Loans and a 660 Credit Score
With a 660 credit score, you fall into the non-prime borrower category, which means you can likely get an auto loan but should expect a higher interest rate. Lenders generally see this score as a moderate risk, a factor that will influence your loan terms and the total cost of borrowing.
According to Experian's Q2 2025 data, average auto loan interest rates break down by credit score as follows:
- Super-prime (781-850): New Car: 5.25%, Used Car: 7.13%
- Prime (661-780): New Car: 6.87%, Used Car: 9.36%
- Non-prime (601-660): New Car: 9.83%, Used Car: 13.92%
- Subprime (501-600): New Car: 13.18%, Used Car: 18.86%
- Deep subprime (300-500): New Car: 15.77%, Used Car: 21.55%
Mortgages at a 660 Credit Score
With a 660 credit score, you're in a good position to qualify for several mainstream mortgage programs. This score meets the typical minimum credit requirements for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. While some lenders may have slightly higher thresholds, a 660 is generally considered sufficient to get your foot in the door for these popular financing options, though it likely won't be enough for a jumbo loan.
However, while you may qualify, your 660 score will impact your loan's terms. You can expect to face higher interest rates than borrowers with scores over 700. For conventional loans, this also means you'll likely pay more for private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is under 20%, leading to a higher overall monthly payment.
What's in a Credit Score?
Understanding your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, as it's a blend of several key financial habits. The most common factors that determine your score include:
- Your payment history tracks whether you have paid past credit accounts on time.
- Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you are currently using.
- The length of your credit history considers the age of your oldest account and the average age of all your accounts.
- Credit mix refers to the variety of credit products you have, such as credit cards, retail accounts, and loans.
- New credit inquiries and recently opened accounts can also temporarily impact your score.
How to Improve Your 660 Credit Score
No matter your current standing, it's always possible to improve your credit score with consistent, positive financial habits. A 660 score is a solid foundation to build upon, and taking the right steps can help you reach the 'good' credit range and unlock better financial opportunities.
- Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports from all three bureaus helps you spot and dispute inaccuracies that could be unfairly dragging down your 660 score. This also allows you to track your progress and stay motivated as you see your score climb.
- Set up automatic bill payments. Since payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score, automating payments ensures you never miss a due date. For a 660 score, establishing a flawless on-time payment record is a critical step toward building trust with lenders.
- Lower your credit utilization ratio. High credit card balances can significantly impact a 660 score, so aim to keep your utilization below 30% of your total available credit. Paying down balances shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly, which can lead to a quick and meaningful score increase.
- Become an authorized user. If you have a trusted friend or family member with excellent credit, being added to their account can help your 660 score. Their long history of on-time payments and low credit utilization will be reflected on your report, giving your credit profile a positive boost.
For help maximizing your rewards while you build better credit habits, check out the Kudos browser extension.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
