Women's earnings still have a way to go in catching up to men's, but when it comes to credit, the two groups now share the same average credit score.
According to credit bureau Experian's data from the first quarter of 2020, women and men now share an average FICO credit score of 705. This is a 1-point increase for women from the second quarter of 2019 and about a 10-point increase for both groups since the second quarter of 2015.
Since the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, the financial services industry has made strides in creating more equitable lending practices and giving women more access to the same financial privileges as men. And as Mastercard recognized when it announced its True Name™ card initiative in 2019 for consumers who are trans and/or nonbinary, such financial inclusion is equally beneficial for members of the LGBTQ+ community as well.
With the average American's FICO score at a record high, one thing is for certain: More people than ever can enjoy the advantages of a good credit score — as long as they maintain it.
Below, Select breaks down what a 705 FICO score means and how a good credit score can help you in your life.
What a 705 FICO score means
Using estimates from Experian, 705 is considered a good credit score on FICO's scoring model.
FICO Score Ranges
- Very poor: 300 to 579
- Fair: 580 to 669
- Good: 670 to 739
- Very good: 740 to 799
- Excellent: 800 to 850
With a 705 credit score, you will likely qualify for a variety of credit products and loans but at a higher interest rate than someone with a very good or excellent score. When reviewing the credit reports of those with a 705 FICO credit score, Experian found that a third of them had late payments (30 days past due), 42% had an auto loan and 29% had a mortgage. The average consumer with a good credit score had 4.7 credit card accounts.
How a good credit score can help you
Having a good credit score comes with big advantages, such as qualifying for a lease on a new apartment and saving money on your car or homeowners insurance.
When it comes to your personal spending habits, a good credit score can also help you get approved for a credit card that comes with some perks on your purchases. Select rounded up the best credit cards for good credit and the Citi Simplicity® Card made the ranking for its long 0% introductory APR period for the first 21 months from the date of first transfer on balance transfers (after, 19.24% - 29.99% variable APR; see rates and fees). Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
If you never carry a balance on your credit card, you won't need to worry about accruing interest. Still take note, however, that even with good credit you may have a higher interest rate compared to the lowest rates lenders have available.
Even as women have caught up to men's good credit, consumers of all genders can continue building up their scores. Once applicants reach the very good and excellent credit score range, lenders likely offer better borrowing terms, such as a lower interest rate on auto loans or mortgages.
And with a better credit score in these high ranges, there is a greater chance of qualifying for the best rewards credit cards, such as the Citi Double Cash® Card that offers no annual fee and 2% cash back: 1% on all your purchases and an additional 1% after you pay your credit card bill. (see rates and fees.)
Some of the best cards also give you the chance to earn generous sign-up bonuses, such as $150 cash back when you spend a low $500 within your first 90 days on the TD Cash Credit Card.
How to improve your credit score
If you feel far behind from a score of 705, you aren't alone. Experian's data shows that 40% of consumers have FICO scores that are lower than 705.
The best way to increase your credit score is to pay off lingering balances and focus on making all of your payments on time. Ideally, you want to make sure your total amount of debt is under 30% of your credit limit (this is known as your credit utilization ratio).
Signing up for a new credit card can actually improve your credit utilization ratio, since you'll have a higher total credit limit across your credit cards. However, having too many recent credit inquiries on your report can ding your score, so it's best to do a little research before you sign up for a credit card for average credit.
If you have fair or average credit, consider the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) for 1.5% cash back on all your purchases or the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card. The Petal 2 card offers no fees whatsoever*, 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, up to 1.5% after you make 12 on-time monthly payments and 2% to 10% cash back from select merchants.
As you make on-time payments in full on your new credit card, you should see your score go up. But if you're worried that getting a new card will put you into further debt, you can focus on other steps first, such as building an emergency nest egg and working to pay off your existing balances.
Information about the TD Cash Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Petal 2 Visa Credit Card issued by WebBank.
*The regular APR variable for the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card currently range from 18.24% - 32.24%
