Is a 738 Credit Score Good or Bad? What You Can Get in 2026

How is Your Credit Score of 738 Determined?

• Payment history. The most significant factor affecting your credit score is your payment history, which is simply a record of your bill and credit payments. This history tracks your on-time and late payments, whether they are loan repayments, credit card payments, utility bills, or other services.
• Amounts owed. This reflects your available credit compared to the amount of credit you owe. This is also known as your credit utilization ratio, which ideally should be kept below 30%. High credit utilization, such as maxing out your credit cards, can negatively impact your score.
• Length of credit history. The duration you've maintained a credit account is also important, even if you're not actively using that line of credit. This factor takes into account the age of your oldest and newest credit accounts and the average age of all your accounts.
• Credit mix. Contrary to what you might think, having a variety of credit accounts can be beneficial. A mix of credit cards, an auto loan, and a mortgage shows lenders your capability to manage different types of credit responsibly.
• New credit. The term "new" credit refers to the number of credit accounts you've recently opened and the number of inquiries made into your account. Each time you apply for a new loan or credit line, the lender makes an inquiry into your credit history to review your score and payment history.

What Does Your Credit Score of 738 Imply?

A credit score of 738 is about average. While only a modest fraction of Americans (about a third) have scores below 669, Experian found that borrowers in this range were much more likely to become "seriously delinquent," or more than 90 days late on a payment. This tendency explains why lenders may be cautious when dealing with an applicant boasting a 738 credit score. How you landed at a 738 credit score can vary. Overall, you are likely to make payments on time, but perhaps you've made a couple of late payments or maxed out a credit line recently. Each of these can significantly ding an otherwise good credit history.

How Does Your 738 Credit Score Stack Up?

Sadly, a 738 credit score is not considered impressive. You may struggle to get low interest rates on an auto loan or to obtain a high credit limit. As the data below indicates, the average credit score is continually rising.

What Can You Get with a 738 Credit Score?

A 738 credit score falls into the "Good" category, which means you have plenty of options: While a good score such as 738 provides you with a range of financing options, it doesn't always guarantee you'll receive the best terms. For instance, you might qualify to apply for a mortgage or car loan, but an individual lender might still reject your application based on other considerations.

Common credit cards for a 738 credit score

There are numerous credit cards that you could apply for with a 738. Nonetheless, the best card for you hinges on your expenditure habits and financial objectives. With the comparison tool provided below, you can explore various credit cards designed for those with a 738. Alongside reviewing the APRs you're eligible for, ensure to familiarize yourself with the fees you may need to pay, including annual fees.

Frequently chosen personal loans for a 738 credit score

Similar to credit cards, a 738 permits you to apply for a range of personal loans, including both secured and unsecured loans. However, to pinpoint the best personal loan for you, it's necessary to evaluate all your options.

Auto loans with a 738 credit score

Fortunately, over half of all approved auto loans are made to applicants with FICO scores above 661, as per Experian. Although a score of 738 doesn't guarantee you an auto loan, you stand a good chance of being approved. Nevertheless, to ensure you secure the most favorable loan conditions, you may want to accumulate funds for a larger down payment or work on improving your credit score prior to applying for auto loans. As shown in the table below, a higher credit score can save you hundreds of dollars over the duration of the loan. Having said that, numerous auto loan lenders have previously approved applicants with a 738.

Mortgages and home loans with a 738 credit score

Those with credit scores above 620 typically comprise a large percentage of successful mortgage applicants. Similarly to auto loans, enhancing your score can save you substantial amounts of money on a mortgage. That said, your credit score isn't the only criterion mortgage lenders examine in your application. Alongside your credit, lenders will also evaluate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which illustrates what portion of your income is committed to repaying debts. Ideally, this ratio should be as low as possible. Most mortgage lenders prefer a DTI below 43%. If your DTI is under this threshold, you can begin comparing mortgages for a 738, such as those shown below.

Student loans with a 738 credit score

Fortunately, student loans are some of the most straightforward to obtain with a credit score of 738. As most students are still in the process of building credit, it's reasonable for student loans to have less rigorous credit prerequisites. Indeed, federal student loans typically don't require a minimum credit score. While private student loan lenders generally impose stricter requirements, a score of 738 should still allow you to secure the financing you need.

Strategies to improve a 738 Credit Score

Even if your current score falls within the "Good" credit range, there's always room for improvement. Boosting your credit score can unlock better financial opportunities and offer you more favorable loan terms.

Maintain Timely Debt Payments

Manage Your Credit Utilization

Regularly Review Your Credit Report

Nearby credit scores

FAQs

Can I get approved for credit with a 738 credit score?

Yes, a 738 credit score can help you get approved for various types of credit, such as credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, and even some home loans. However, the specific terms and interest rates you're offered will depend on the lender and other factors like your income and current debt levels.

Is a 738 a good credit score for buying a house?

A 738 is generally considered a good credit score and may help you qualify for a home loan. However, factors like your debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and down payment size can also influence your ability to get approved for a mortgage.

How much can I borrow with a 738 credit score?

The amount you can borrow doesn't solely depend on your credit score but also on your income, the type of loan, and the lender's policies. With a 738, you may qualify for larger loan amounts, but remember to borrow responsibly and only what you can afford to repay.

What benefits does a 738 credit score offer?

A 738 credit score generally offers several benefits, such as potentially qualifying for lower interest rates on loans, easier approval for rentals, better car insurance rates, and access to better credit cards with more rewards.

Is a 738 credit score rare?

Credit scores can range from 300 to 850. While a 738 is considered good, it's not necessarily rare. Many people have credit scores in this range.

Why is it challenging to get a 738 credit score?

Achieving a 738 can be challenging because it requires consistently responsible credit behavior over a long period. This includes making all your payments on time, keeping your credit utilization low, and maintaining a healthy mix of credit accounts.

How accurate are credit monitoring services like Credit Karma?

Credit monitoring services like Credit Karma provide a close approximation of your credit score and are useful for tracking changes and trends. However, lenders may use slightly different models or versions of credit scores when reviewing your creditworthiness.

What is the highest credit score in America?

The highest possible credit score according to the FICO and VantageScore models is 850. However, achieving this score is rare, as it requires an exceptional level of credit management over a long period.