The Canadian Government says that a credit score is a three-digit number that shows how likely it is that a credit bureau thinks you are to pay your bills on time. 1 It can be an important part of building your financial confidence and security. 1 For example, building a good credit score could help you get approved for loans and larger purchases, like a home. 1 You may also be able to access more competitive interest rates. 1.
There are two main credit bureaus in Canada: Equifax and TransUnion. 1 These are private companies that keep track of how you use your credit. 1. To find out your credit score, they look at public records and information from lenders like banks, collection agencies, and credit card companies. 1.
Hey there, folks! If you’re wondering, “Is 724 a good credit score?” then you’ve come to the right spot. I’m here to spill the beans on this exact number and what it means for your financial life. Straight up—yes, 724 is considered a good credit score by most lenders. It’s a solid spot to be in, showing you’re pretty reliable when it comes to handling debt. But there’s a whole lotta more to unpack here, so stick with me as we dive deep into what this score really means, how it stacks up, and what you can do to push it even higher.
At its core, a credit score is like a report card for your money. It lets lenders know how risky it is for them to lend you money. If the number is high, you’re more likely to pay back what you owe. Now that you have a 724, you look good. But let’s get into why that is and how you can use it to your advantage.
What Does a 724 Credit Score Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. A credit score of 724 falls into the “Good” category on most scoring models like FICO which is one of the big dogs in the credit world. Here’s how the ranges typically break down
Credit Score Range | Category | What It Means |
---|---|---|
800-850 | Exceptional | You’re basically financial royalty. Best rates, best terms. |
740-799 | Very Good | Still awesome, just a tiny step below the top. Great deals. |
670-739 | Good | This is where 724 sits. Solid, reliable, but room to grow. |
580-669 | Fair | A bit shaky. Lenders might hesitate or charge more. |
300-579 | Poor | Tough spot. Borrowing is hard and expensive. |
With a score of 724, you’re in the “Good” range, which means lenders think you’ll be a good borrower. You should be able to get a lot of things, like loans and credit cards, though you might not get the best interest rates or card perks just yet. Compared to the average U. S. With a credit score of about 714, you’re a little above the rest. Not too shabby, right?.
I remember when I first checked my score and saw a number in this range Felt like I’d done somethin’ right, but I also knew I wasn’t at the top of the game That’s the thing with 724—it’s a heckuva lot better than “Fair” or “Poor,” but there’s still some wiggle room to climb into “Very Good” or even “Exceptional.” And trust me, those higher tiers can save you thousands in interest over time.
Why Is 724 Considered Good?
Now, why do lenders think 724 is good? Well, it comes down to a few things they look at when calculatin’ your score. Here’s the breakdown of what shapes that number and why 724 signals you’re a decent bet:
- Payment History: This is the biggie, makin’ up a huge chunk of your score. If you’ve been payin’ your bills on time, that’s a gold star. A 724 score suggests you’ve mostly got this down, though maybe there’s been a late payment or two in the past.
- Credit Utilization: This is how much of your available credit you’re usin’. If you’ve got credit cards, keepin’ your balances low compared to your limits helps a ton. At 724, you’re probably not maxin’ out your cards, which is a win.
- Length of Credit History: The longer you’ve had credit, the better. A score like 724 might mean you’ve got a decent history, even if it ain’t super long yet.
- Credit Mix: Having different types of credit—like a credit card, a car loan, maybe a mortgage—shows you can juggle stuff. With 724, you likely have a bit of variety in your portfolio.
- Recent Credit Activity: Applyin’ for too much new credit at once can ding your score. At 724, you’ve probably been smart about not overdoin’ it with applications.
Lenders see a score of 724 as proof that you’re an honest person. You ain’t perfect, but you’re far from a risk. This range of people can get loans from most of them, but the best deals might be saved for people with higher scores.
What Can You Do with a 724 Credit Score?
Alright, let’s talk about what doors a 724 score opens for ya. Spoiler: it’s a lotta good stuff! Here’s what you can likely qualify for:
- Home Loans: You should be able to get a mortgage with this score. More than a bunch of first-time homebuyers have scores below 740, so you’re in a good spot to finance a house. Rates might not be the lowest, but they’re workable.
- Auto Loans: Need a new ride? No prob. A 724 score means you can get a decent car loan, and since a huge chunk of auto loans go to folks with scores under 740, you’re golden. Shop around for a good APR, though.
- Personal Loans: Whether it’s for a vacation, medical bills, or just consolidatin’ debt, personal loans are totally within reach. Terms should be pretty fair.
- Credit Cards: Here’s where it gets fun. With 724, you can qualify for cards with no annual fees, some sweet rewards like cash back or travel points, and maybe even ones with a 0% intro APR for a bit. The top-tier cards might be a stretch, but you’ve got options.
- Student Loans: If you’re lookin’ to fund education, this score makes it easy. Most student loans go to folks with scores below 740, so you’re set.
I’ve seen friends with scores around this number get great deals on cars and even houses. You can get a lot of things, but you need to compare offers. Shopping around can save you a lot of money. Don’t take the first loan or card that comes your way.
How Does 724 Compare to Others?
Just to give ya a sense of where you stand, let’s peek at how a 724 score stacks up against the crowd. About 21% of folks in the U.S. have scores in the “Good” range like yours. That means you’re ahead of a big chunk of people—around 45% have scores lower than 724. But, there’s also a fair number sittin’ in the “Very Good” or “Exceptional” tiers, makin’ up a sizable percentage of high achievers.
Income and age play a role too. People earnin’ over 50 grand a year often have higher scores, and older folks tend to have better numbers ‘cause they’ve had more time to build credit. But even if you’re young or not rollin’ in dough, a 724 is somethin’ to be proud of. It shows you’re managin’ your money with some serious smarts.
How to Improve Your 724 Credit Score
Now, while 724 is good, why not aim higher? Bumpin’ it up to the “Very Good” range (740-799) or even “Exceptional” (800-850) can get you better rates and save you a fortune over time. Here’s how to nudge that number up:
- Pay Bills on Time, Every Time: This can’t be stressed enough. Late payments can tank your score faster than you can say “oops.” Set up reminders or auto-payments if you gotta. Bein’ consistent here is key.
- Keep Credit Utilization Low: Try to use less than 30% of your available credit. So, if your card has a $10,000 limit, don’t owe more than $3,000. Pay down balances quick if you’re over that mark.
- Dispute Errors on Your Report: Sometimes, mistakes sneak into your credit report. If you spot somethin’ wrong—like a payment marked late when it wasn’t—dispute it. Gettin’ that fixed can boost your score.
- Mix Up Your Credit Types: If you only got credit cards, maybe consider a small loan or somethin’ to show you can handle different kinds of debt. Don’t go crazy, just be strategic.
- Avoid Too Many New Applications: Every time you apply for credit, it might dip your score a bit. Space out applications and only go for what you really need.
- Pay Off Any Collections: If you’ve got old debts in collections, clear ‘em out. Once they’re at zero, they stop hurtin’ your score as much.
I’ve been there, watchin’ my score creep up bit by bit after focusin’ on these steps. It ain’t overnight, but stick with it for a few months, and you’ll see progress. Check your score regular-like to keep tabs on how you’re doin’.
Why Bother Improving Your Score?
You might be thinkin’, “724 is good enough, why mess with it?” Fair point, but here’s why pushin’ higher matters. A better score gets you:
- Lower Interest Rates: Even a small jump to 740 can mean savin’ hundreds or thousands on a mortgage or car loan over time.
- Better Credit Card Perks: Higher scores unlock cards with bigger rewards, better cash back, or longer 0% intro periods.
- More Bargaining Power: Lenders and card companies wanna work with high scorers. You’ll have more options to negotiate terms.
- Peace of Mind: Knowin’ your score is top-notch feels darn good. It’s like havin’ a safety net for big life moves.
I’ve seen the difference firsthand. A pal of mine went from a score like yours to over 800, and the deals he got on a home loan were unreal. It’s worth the effort, no doubt.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid with a 724 Score
Even though you’re in a good spot, there’s stuff that can trip ya up and drag that score down. Watch out for these traps:
- Missing Payments: Even one late payment can hurt. Life gets busy, I get it, but set up alerts or auto-pay to stay on track.
- Maxing Out Cards: Runnin’ up high balances looks bad to lenders. Keep that usage low, even if it means skippin’ a big purchase for now.
- Applying for Too Much Credit: Every application can nick your score a little. Be picky about what you go for.
- Ignoring Your Credit Report: Errors happen. If you don’t check your report now and then, you might miss somethin’ fixable.
I’ve made the mistake of ignorin’ my report for too long once, only to find a dumb error that cost me points. Don’t be like past me—stay on top of it.
Real-Life Impact of a 724 Credit Score
Let’s get real for a sec. What does 724 mean for your day-to-day? If you’re lookin’ to buy a house, you’re in a solid position to get approved, though your interest rate might be a tad higher than someone with an 800. Plannin’ on a new car? You’ll get a loan, no sweat, but shop around for the best deal. Want a new credit card for travel rewards? You’ve got a shot at some nice ones, just not the super elite tier yet.
For most folks, a score like this means you’re doin’ alright. You ain’t gonna get turned down for much, and life’s financial doors are mostly open. But if you’ve got big dreams—like a dream home with a killer mortgage rate—pushin’ that score up a bit more will make things even sweeter.
Tools to Keep Track of Your Score
One last tip from yours truly: keep an eye on that score. There’s plenty of free ways to check it these days. Some banks and card companies show it right on your account dashboard. You can also sign up for services that monitor your credit and give you updates. Seein’ where you stand helps you know if your efforts are payin’ off or if somethin’s gone sideways.
I check mine every few months just to make sure I’m still on the right path. It’s like weighin’ yourself when you’re tryin’ to get fit—gotta know the numbers to stay motivated.
Wrappin’ It Up
So, is 724 a good credit score? Heck yeah, it is! It puts you in a strong spot with lenders, openin’ up access to loans, cards, and more. You’re above average, and that’s somethin’ to pat yourself on the back for. But there’s always room to climb, and gettin’ to that next level can save you big bucks and stress down the road.
We’ve covered what 724 means, what you can do with it, how to make it better, and why it matters. Now it’s on you to take the next steps. Whether it’s payin’ down a card, settin’ up bill reminders, or just checkin’ your report for goofs, every little bit helps. Keep at it, and you’ll be rockin’ an even higher score before you know it. Got questions or wanna share your own credit journey? Drop a comment—I’m all ears!
What’s a utilization ratio or debt-to-credit ratio?
According to Equifax, your debt-to-credit ratio, also known as your utilization ratio, is the amount of your debt compared to your credit limit.5 Your debt-to-credit ratio is important because if your ratio is high, it can indicate that you’re a higher-risk borrower.5 That’s because lenders see borrowers who use a lot of their available credit as a greater risk.5
Let’s say you have two credit cards, a line of credit, and a total of $14,000 in debt. The total amount you can borrow is $20,000. Your debt-to-credit ratio would be 70%.
According to the Government of Canada, a ratio of 35% or below on credit cards, loans and lines of credit is recommended.3
How to maintain your credit score
One way to maintain your credit score is to try to stay within the 35% ratio mentioned above. 3 Add up all your credit limits and multiply the total by 35%. That’s the amount you should ideally try to avoid exceeding when borrowing money or using credit. 3.
Avoid applying for too much credit
There are some downsides to having too many credits cards. You may be tempted to use them and spend more.
According to the federal government, you should also avoid applying for too many loans, having too many credit cards and requesting too many credit checks in a short timeframe.3 That’s because it could negatively impact your credit score too.3
Stay within your credit limit
Avoid going over your credit limit. If you go over your limit, it could lower your credit score.3
Overall, having a good credit score can help boost your financial confidence and security. So, congrats on taking the first step by learning how credit scores work and how you can improve yours!.
- Here’s a video that shows you how to make and stick to a budget. This is a key step toward financial confidence.
- How to cut back on spending: Read our tips on how to cut back on spending to save money, even when times are tough.
- Check your credit score: The TransUnion CreditView® Dashboard in the TD app lets you check your credit score. There is no way that checking in the TD app will hurt your credit score. Get a free check of your credit score. Learn more .
- With the TD Debt Consolidation Calculator, you can quickly find your debt-freedom date and see how soon you can be debt-free. TD Debt Consolidation Calculator Calculate .
- Need a credit card? Our Credit Card Selector Tool can help you pick the right one. Looking for a credit card? Explore your options .
Is 724 A Good Credit Score? – CreditGuide360.com
FAQ
Is a 724 FICO ® score good?
A 724 FICO ® Score is considered Good. Getting your score up to the Very Good range, on the other hand, might let you get better borrowing terms and lower interest rates. Get your free credit report from Experian to check your credit score and find out the specific factors that impact your score the most.
Is a 724 credit score a good credit score?
A 724 credit score is considered a good credit score by many lenders. “Good” score range identified based on 2023 Credit Karma data. Lenders use your credit score to figure out how risky it is for them to lend you money. Credit scores are based on credit reports, which contain information about your credit history.
Can you get a student loan with a 724 credit score?
Some of the easiest loans to get with a credit score below 724 are student loans, since more than 70% of them are given to applicants with scores below 724. A new degree may also make it easier to repay the loan if it leads to more income.
Can a 724 credit score qualify for an auto loan?
Your 724 credit score will qualify you for an auto loan, assuming your income justifies it. However, it’s important to realize that your credit score can make a big difference in the interest rate you get. And this is especially true in auto lending.
What can I do with a 724 credit score?
A FICO® Score of 724 provides access to a broad array of loans and credit card products, but increasing your score can increase your odds of approval for an even greater number, at more affordable lending terms.
How to increase credit score from 724 to 800?
- Keep track of your progress. …
- Always pay bills on time. …
- Keep credit balances low. …
- Pay your credit cards more than once a month. …
- Consider requesting an increase to your credit limit. …
- Keep unused accounts open. …
- Be careful about opening new accounts. …
- Diversify your debt.
What is a really good credit score?
For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent. For credit scores that range from 300 to 850, a credit score in the mid to high 600s or above is generally considered good.
Is 724 a good credit score to buy a house?
Conforming mortgages (conventional loans that meet the standards of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) require a score of 620, while FHA mortgages with low down …Dec 13, 2022