What Is a FICO Auto Score? | MoneyLion (2024)

FAQs

What Is a FICO Auto Score? | MoneyLion? ›

It's an algorithm-based model that uses data from your credit report to predict how likely it is you will repay any future auto loans on time.

FICO score 8 and 9 are commonly used for student loans, personal loans, medical loans, credit card lines and auto loans. However, there are industry-specific FICO versions for certain types of debt as well, including auto loans, credit cards and mortgage lending.

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.

A FICO^® Score of 625 places you within a population of consumers whose credit may be seen as Fair. Your 625 FICO^® Score is lower than the average U.S. credit score. Statistically speaking, 28% of consumers with credit scores in the Fair range are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

The base FICO score is also called FICO Score 8 or 9. It's not designed specifically for auto loans, but many lenders use it. It's a number between 300 and 850, and a higher score means that a person is more likely to make loan payments on time.

While there is no set credit score to get an auto loan, a majority of approved borrowers have scores above 660. Having a low credit score won't necessarily keep you from getting an auto loan, but you will likely pay a higher interest rate.

Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.

For other types of credit, such as personal loans, student loans and retail credit, you'll likely want to know your FICO^® Score 8, which is the score most widely used by lenders.

For instance, mortgage lenders tend to use different scoring models than those used for general lending decisions, such as credit cards. While most lenders use the FICO Score 8, mortgage lenders use the following scores: Experian: FICO Score 2, or Fair Isaac Risk Model v2. Equifax: FICO Score 5, or Equifax Beacon 5.

What is the average credit score? The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024. Credit scores, which are like a grade for your borrowing history, fall in the range of 300 to 850.

What is considered a bad FICO score? ›

What Is a Bad Credit Score? On the FICO^® Score^☉ 8 scale of 300 to 850, one of the credit scores lenders most frequently use, a bad credit score is one below 670. More specifically, a score between 580 and 669 is considered fair, and one between 300 and 579 is poor.

A basic FICO score measures how reliable you are at paying back debts. An auto loan FICO score specifically measures your ability to pay back auto loans. The basic FICO and auto loan FICO scores use different credit scoring models. The base FICO score ranges from 300 to 850, but FICO auto scores range from 250 to 900.

Key Takeaways. FICO Score 8 is a credit-scoring model developed by Fair, Isaac. It is the model most widely used by lenders to help determine how creditworthy potential borrowers are and what interest rate they should be charged.

The two big credit scoring models used by auto lenders are FICO® Auto Score and Vantage. We're going to take at look at FICO® since it has long been the auto industry standard. What is a FICO credit score? FICO is an acronym that stands for: Fair Isaac Corporation, the company that developed the FICO® credit scoring.

Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.

In general, you'll need a FICO credit score of at least 600 to qualify for a traditional auto loan, but the minimum credit score required with vary from lender to lender. As interest rates increase due to inflation, securing a subprime auto loan may be more difficult — but not impossible.

No single number defines a bad credit score for a car loan. In general though, if your credit score is below the mid-600s, you can expect higher interest rates and more difficulty getting a loan. Because lenders consider many factors when approving loans, people with bad credit scores do get auto loans every day.

As you can see, a 700 credit score puts you in the “good” or “prime” category for financing, making 700 a good credit score to buy a car. While it's always a good idea to get your credit score in its best possible shape before buying a car, if you're already around the 700 range you will be good to go.