817 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025

Who Has a 817 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit scoring, there is a strong correlation between age and average credit scores. According to 2023 Experian data, scores generally increase with each generation:

• Generation Z (ages 18-26): 680
• Millennials (ages 27-42): 690
• Generation X (ages 43-58): 709
• Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): 745
• Silent Generation (ages 78+): 760

Credit Cards With a 817 Credit Score

With an 817 credit score, you are firmly in the "excellent" range, which positions you as a top-tier applicant in the eyes of credit card issuers. This high score signals to lenders that you are a very reliable and low-risk borrower, dramatically boosting your approval odds for nearly any card on the market. Consequently, you can expect to qualify for premium credit cards that offer the most lucrative rewards, lowest interest rates, and generous sign-up bonuses.

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Kudos offers personalized tools to help you find the ideal credit card for your excellent credit score and financial needs. Whether you take a quiz with the Explore Tool or connect your accounts for analysis with the AI-powered Dream Wallet, Kudos tailors its recommendations to your specific preferences and spending habits.

Auto Loans and a 817 Credit Score

An 817 credit score places you in the super-prime category, giving you access to the most competitive auto loan interest rates available. Lenders view you as a highly reliable borrower, which means you'll likely qualify for the best terms and lowest financing costs on both new and used vehicles.

• Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars and 7.13% for used cars, according to Experian's Q2 2025 report.
• Prime (661-780): 6.87% for new cars and 9.36% for used cars.
• Non-prime (601-660): 9.83% for new cars and 13.92% for used cars.
• Subprime (501-600): 13.18% for new cars and 18.86% for used cars.
• Deep subprime (300-500): 15.77% for new cars and 21.55% for used cars.

Mortgages at a 817 Credit Score

An 817 credit score is considered excellent and qualifies you for virtually any type of home loan. Lenders view this score very favorably, giving you access to conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. With such a strong credit profile, you are in a prime position to secure the most competitive mortgage products available on the market.

Your score also unlocks the best loan terms. You can expect the lowest interest rates, which could save you tens of thousands over the loan's life. According to one mortgage guide, top-tier borrowers recently saw rates around 6.2%, far below the 7.8% for lower-score applicants. You'll also likely face an easier approval process and lower private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums.

What's in a Credit Score?

Figuring out what goes into your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, but it generally boils down to a handful of key financial habits. Here are the most common factors that determine your score:

• Your history of making payments on time is the most significant factor.
• The amount of your available credit that you're currently using, known as your credit utilization ratio, plays a major role.
• How long you've had your credit accounts open contributes to the length of your credit history.
• Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage a variety of credit types, such as credit cards and loans.
• Opening several new credit accounts in a short period can be seen as a risk and may temporarily lower your score.

How to Improve Your 817 Credit Score

Even with a strong 817 credit score, it's always possible to improve your financial standing through consistent, positive behaviors. Taking your score from great to exceptional can unlock the best loan terms and premium rewards, and there are several proven methods to get you there.

• Regularly monitor your credit reports from all three major bureaus. This ensures that no errors or fraudulent activity can unexpectedly damage your excellent score.
• Keep your credit utilization ratio well below 30%. Maintaining low balances prevents score drops and signals to lenders that you manage credit responsibly, even with high limits.
• Diversify your credit mix by adding different types of credit, such as an installment loan if you only have credit cards. Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage various forms of debt, which can provide a small boost to an already high score.
• Limit your applications for new credit to avoid too many hard inquiries at once. This helps prevent the temporary score dips that can come with new applications, protecting the high score you've worked hard to build.

For personalized help managing your cards and maximizing rewards while you build your score, consider using Kudos.