Credit Score 708: Is It Good and What You Qualify For

A 708 credit score is generally considered good. See what you can qualify for now and the exact steps to lift your score into top-tier pricing fast.

Credit Score 708: Is It Good and What You Qualify For

A 708 credit score is generally considered good. With a 708, you’ll often qualify for many mainstream credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages with competitive (though not top-tier) rates. 

Push your score into the mid-740s and above for the best pricing. Keep reading for what a credit score of 708 means, what you’re likely to qualify for, and how to move from good to great, safely and fast.

What a 708 Really Means (Without the Jargon)

Most lenders rely on scoring models like FICO® and VantageScore®. While each model has versions, a few truths hold:

  • 708 is “Good.” It signals steady habits overall, even if a few items could be cleaner (utilization a bit high, thin history, or a couple of older late pays).
  • You’re not far from “Very Good.” Small changes, especially lowering revolving balances and extending on-time streaks, can push you to 730–760+.
  • Lenders look beyond the number. Income, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), down payment, recent inquiries, and the specific loan pricing model still matter.

In short: Is 708 a good credit score? Yes. Is it the best you can be? Not yet, and that’s a good thing, because closing the gap is 100% doable.

What You Can Qualify For With a 708

Every lender has its own rules, but here’s the typical landscape for a credit score of 708:

Credit Cards

  • Rewards cards: Many mid-tier travel and cash-back cards are in play.
  • Starter premium options: Some “good-to-excellent” cards may approve you, often with a conservative starting limit.
  • What to watch: If your credit utilization is high (balances close to limits), your limit offer may be smaller. Pay balances down before applying.

Auto Loans

  • Competitive approvals are common with 708, especially with proof of steady income and a manageable DTI.
  • Down payment helps. Bringing 10–20% lowers the risk for the lender and can improve your offer.
  • Shop smart. Apply within a short window to rate-shop efficiently and compare multiple lenders or credit unions.

Mortgages

  • Conventional approvals are possible with decent DTI and savings.
  • Best-tier pricing usually shows up at higher scores (often mid-740s+).
  • What you control now: Lower your revolving balances and avoid new hard pulls right before a mortgage app.

Bottom line: With a credit score of 708, you’re not locked out; you’re within striking distance of strong approvals. To reduce costs further, focus on utilization, payment history, and limiting new credit until the deal is done.

Why You’re at 708 (and Not 750+ Yet)

Scores move for five core reasons. If you nudge each in the right direction, 708 → 740+ is realistic:

  1. Payment history (biggest factor)Any late payments in the last 24 months? Even one 30-day late can slow you down. If everything’s current, protect that streak.
  2. Credit utilization (balances vs. limits)Revolving balances above ~30% of your limits weigh on your score. Under ~10% is where the largest scoring gains tend to live.
  3. Length of historyA young file or newly opened accounts can cap your score. Time cures this; don’t close your oldest card.
  4. New credit & inquiriesSeveral recent hard pulls or new accounts can trim points temporarily. Apply only when it matters.
  5. Mix of creditA blend of revolving (cards) and instalment (auto, student, mortgage) can help, but never open loans just for a mix.

Your 30–60–90 Day Game Plan (From 708 to 740+)

Follow this game plan for an increase in your credit score from 708.

Days 1–30: Quick wins

  • Knock down utilization. Pay revolving balances before the statement date, not after. Even shifting a chunk to the mid-teens can move your score.
  • Set autopay for minimums and reminders for full payments, with zero late payments from today forward.
  • Scan for errors. Look for wrong balances, duplicate accounts, incorrect late-pay dates, or mixed-file items across Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Inaccuracies create unfair drag.

Days 31–60: Build momentum

  • Snowball your balances. Target the card with the highest utilization first; keep others low.
  • Pause new applications. Let your profile season; lenders like stability.
  • If you rent, consider a reputable rent-reporting service that adds verified on-time rent to your file (if your bureaus and lender accept it).

Days 61–90: Lock in “Very Good” habits

  • Keep balances under ~10% before each statement cut.
  • Ask for soft-pull limit increases on cards with perfect histories to reduce utilization without a new account.
  • Do a final audit for inaccuracies you missed at the start, and correct them through proper channels.

Pro Tip: If errors exist, fix them. If the data is accurate, disputing won’t remove it. That’s the clean, compliant way to the score you want.

What Can Hurt a 708 (and How to Avoid It)

  • Late payments: Even a single 30-day late payment can push a good score down fast. Keep autopay on.
  • Maxed-out cards: High utilization can cost dozens of points.
  • Opening several accounts at once: Good for short-term bonuses, bad for a mortgage you want next month.
  • Closing your oldest card: You may shorten the average age and raise utilization, a double hit.
  • Disputing accurate negatives: It won’t work and can waste time. Focus your energy on inaccuracies and behavior.

Is 708 a Good Credit Score for Common Goals?

Here are three common goals where a 708 credit score can be good enough.

For a Mortgage

Yes, often good enough for approval if your DTI, income stability, and savings align. For better pricing, keep balances low for 2–3 months before the application and avoid new hard pulls.

For an Auto Loan

Yes. With a sensible down payment and clean recent history, a credit score of 708 can receive competitive offers. Compare lenders, not just dealers.

For Credit Cards

Yes. Many rewards cards are within reach. You may also qualify for some higher-tier products with a smaller starting limit. Reduce utilization first to maximize approval odds and limits.

“I Have a 708 but Still Got a High APR—Why?”

Lenders price using their own loan pricing models, which account for:

  • Your score and the specific version used
  • DTI and verified income
  • Down payment (for loans)
  • Recent inquiries and new accounts
  • Internal policies and risk appetite

This is why two people with 708 can see different offers. Control what you can: balances, on-time history, and timing of applications.

The Clean Way to Improve a 708 (No Gimmicks)

  1. Fix only what’s wrong. If a late pay is misdated or an account is not yours, dispute it with documents.
  2. Stop the bleeding. Set up autopay and calendar reminders today.
  3. Balance choreography. Pay cards before statements, not just due dates, to lower reported balances.
  4. Let time help. Keep old accounts open and in good standing; avoid unnecessary new credit.
  5. Rinse and repeat. The system rewards consistency more than big swings.

A Simple Checklist You Can Use Today

  • Pull all three credit reports and note any inaccuracies
  • Turn on autopay for minimums; set reminders for full payments
  • Pay down balances before statement dates (target <10%)
  • Hold new applications while you’re positioning for a big purchase
  • Re-check after the next reporting cycle; repeat until you hit your target

Where Credit Veto Fits (So You Don’t Miss Anything)

If you want a score that works for you, not against you, get the process right:

  • Tri-bureau monitoring & instant alerts so a surprise inquiry never blindsides you.
  • Guided dispute workflows that help you challenge only inaccurate information; no risky tactics, no spammy letters.
  • Automation for letter drafting, optional e-notarization, certified mail, and timeline tracking, so you can prove what you sent and when.
  • Compliance-first stance: we never dispute accurate negatives. We help you correct errors and build healthy credit habits.

Next step:

Sign up with Credit Veto to set up alerts, clean up inaccuracies, and track your progress, all in one place. Prefer to talk it through? Book a quick call, and we’ll show you the exact setup to move your credit score 708 into the very good zone.

FAQs

Is 708 a good credit score overall?

Yes. It’s generally in the Good range. Most mainstream products are within reach, though the best pricing often unlocks above 740.

Is a credit score 708 good for a first home?

Often yes, if your DTI and savings make sense for the loan size. Lower your card balances and avoid new inquiries before applying.

Will paying off a card boost my 708 to 740+?

It can, especially if you reduce utilization below ~10%. Results vary by profile, but this is one of the most reliable levers.

Can I get a premium travel card with 708?

Sometimes. Reduce utilization first, then try pre-qualification to gauge odds without a hard pull.

How fast can I go from 708 to 750?

It depends on utilization and any recent negatives. Many people see upward movement within one to three reporting cycles after reducing balances and keeping a perfect payment streak.