644 Credit Score: What it Means and How to Improve

A 644 credit score can grant you access to credit products, but often with higher interest rates and limitations. This score is considered “fair,” which means there’s room for improvement. In this guide, we’ll explain what a 644 credit score means, the factors that impact it, and actionable steps to raise your score. From managing payment history to reducing credit utilization, discover the strategies that can help you unlock better financial opportunities.

A 644 score will get you in the door but comes with added costs and limitations. You may qualify for credit cards, and an auto or personal loan but a score in this range means higher rates and limited access to credit products.

Luckily by understanding what affects your score and focusing on targeted improvements you can upgrade your financial profile. This article will break down what a 644 score means, the factors that impact it and practical steps to raise it.

644 credit score.

644 Credit Score: What it means for you

At 644 your credit score will limit your access to good terms like lower interest rates or premium credit cards. It’s not bad but a fair score means there’s room for improvement on your credit reports.

Borrowing Options

With a 644 credit score you have borrowing options but they will come with higher interest rates and fewer choices. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Personal Loan: You can get a personal loan but likely with higher interest rates. Some banks and credit unions may offer fair-credit personal loans but shop around to compare terms and rates.
  • Auto Loan: Many dealerships and banks will lend to borrowers with a 644 credit score but your rate will be higher. A larger down payment can help with terms and lower monthly payments.
  • Credit Card: You can get credit cards for fair credit. They may have lower credit limits and higher APRs but can help you build credit if managed well.

Your Score

Your score affects more than loans; it affects insurance rates, rental applications and even job prospects. By understanding your score you’ll get insight into areas where improvements can save you money and open up better financial opportunities.

Credit Score Ranges

Here are the ranges according to FICO:

Poor (300-579): Scores in this range means you have major credit issues like missed payments or high debt.

Fair (580-669): A 636 score falls in the fair range and is an average credit score. It means you had some past credit issues and room for improvement.

Good (670-739): Scores in this range are good, you’re managing credit well.

Very Good (740-799): This range means you have a solid credit history with few negative marks.

Excellent (800-850): Scores in this range means you’re credit and financially perfect.

What affects your score?

Credit details listed on your credit reports are what makes up your score. Key factors that impact your score are:

  1. Payment History: Late or missed payments have a big negative impact, so making on-time payments is key.
  2. Credit Utilization: High balances compared to your credit limits will lower your score. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit.
  3. Credit Age and Mix: Longer histories and more account types—like credit cards and loans—can help your score. The average age of your credit accounts also plays a big role, a lower average age can negatively impact your credit score.
  4. New Credit Inquiries: Applying for new credit too often can temporarily lower your score.

How long does it take to improve a 644 credit score?

Improving a 644 credit score takes time and effort.

Here’s a rough guide:

  • 3-6 Months: You’ll start to see improvements by paying all your bills on time, reducing your credit card balances to lower your credit utilization rate and disputing any errors on your credit report.
  • 6-12 Months: Continued on-time payments, more debt reduction and building a positive payment history will lead to bigger improvements in your score.
  • 1-2 Years: Good credit habits like keeping your credit utilization rate low, building a longer credit history and reducing overall debt will result in bigger improvements in your score.

How to improve a 644 credit score

Automate Payments: Make sure all payments are on time by setting up automatic payments for recurring bills.

Reduce Balances: Lowering your credit utilization rate will give you a quick score boost.

Don’t Apply for New Credit: Holding off on new credit will prevent score dips.

Dispute Errors: Check your Experian, Equifax and TransUnion reports regularly. If you find any errors, disputing them will help.

Use Dovly AI: Dovly AI will identify errors or outdated items that might be affecting your score and guide you through the corrections.

Remember improving your credit score is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort and a long term commitment to good credit habits. By staying disciplined and focused you can build a stronger profile and higher scores and open up better financial opportunities.

A man making his credit card payment using his phone and laptop.

Credit Repair vs Credit Building: A Balanced Approach to Positive Payment History

Credit repair is fixing issues like removing errors from your report where credit building is healthy financial habits like paying on time and using credit responsibly. Both are necessary for long term improvement.

Dovly AI supports both strategies, helps you repair negative marks and build positive credit behaviors over time. A balanced approach will also make you more eligible for personal loans with better terms.

Conclusion

Improving a 644 credit score is possible with the right strategies and consistent effort. By knowing the factors that affect your score like payment history, credit utilization and credit mix you can make informed decisions that will positively impact your financial profile.

Monitoring your progress and correcting as you go is key to a stronger credit score. With Dovly AI you can streamline the credit repair and building process and get a score that opens up better opportunities. Enroll with Dovly AI today and take control of your financial life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 644 a good credit score?

Yes, 644 is considered “fair”. Not bad, but there’s room for improvement in order to get better financial options.

Can I buy a house with a 644 credit score?

Yes, you can buy a house with a 644 credit score but you may get higher interest rates. FHA loans and some conventional loans may be available but improving your score will get you better terms.

How do I get my credit score from 644 to 700?

To get from your credit score from 644 to 700 you should focus on making on-time payments, reduce your credit card balances below 30% utilization, don’t apply for new credit, and check for errors on your credit report.

Can I get a car with a 644 credit score?

Yes, you can finance a car with a 644 credit score, but your interest rate will be higher. A bigger down payment will help you get a better loan.
Tedis Baboumian
Tedis Baboumian is Dovly’s Co-Founder and Chief Credit Officer. With over 20 years of experience in the consumer credit industry, Tedis is an authority on the credit industry and has cultivated dee… Read More