Very Good Credit · Score 740–759
WiseIQ Editorial Team
Reviewed by certified financial experts · Updated March 2026
SC
WiseIQ Editorial Team
WiseIQ Research Team · WiseIQ Editorial
Updated March 2026
Quick Summary
740
Very Good Credit Range
Credit Cards Options at This Score
What to Expect
Very good credit puts you in the top tier of borrowers. You'll qualify for the best rates from nearly all lenders.
WiseIQ Expert Tip
Always pay your statement balance in full each month — not just the minimum. Carrying a balance costs the average American over $1,200 per year in interest charges.
Rate Impact
You're at or near prime rates.
💡 Top Tip for 740 Credit
At this level, the difference between 740 and 800 is minimal — focus on the best product terms, not just the rate.
Timeline: Maintain your habits. Small improvements here have diminishing returns.
A 740 credit score is very good. You qualify for virtually all credit cards and the best personal loan rates. Premium cards with high-value sign-up bonuses are well within reach.
Our top pick: Chase Sapphire Preferred® — Top pick for 740+ scores. 60,000 point bonus + 3x dining + 2x travel. Points worth 25% more through Chase Travel.
Expert Tip: At 740, you should be earning significant rewards on every dollar you spend. If you are not, you are leaving money on the table.
Not Financial Advice: The information on this page is for comparison and educational purposes only. WiseIQ is not a licensed financial advisor or credit counselor. Always review the full product terms and consult a financial professional before applying.
Best Credit Cards for 740 Credit Score
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Strong MatchChase
Sign-up Bonus
60,000 points after $4,000 spend
Regular APR
21.49%–28.49%
Annual Fee
$95
Why we recommend it: Top pick for 740+ scores. 60,000 point bonus + 3x dining + 2x travel. Points worth 25% more through Chase Travel.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Apply Now — Chase Sapphire Preferred® →
Affiliate disclosure: WiseIQ may earn a commission if you apply.
Citi Double Cash®
Strong MatchCiti
Sign-up Bonus
$200 after $1,500 spend
Regular APR
19.24%–29.24%
Annual Fee
$0
Why we recommend it: 2% on everything (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay) — best flat-rate cash back card available.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Apply Now — Citi Double Cash® →
Affiliate disclosure: WiseIQ may earn a commission if you apply.
Capital One Venture Rewards
Good MatchCapital One
Sign-up Bonus
75,000 miles after $4,000 spend
Regular APR
19.99%–29.99%
Annual Fee
$95
Why we recommend it: 2x miles on every purchase with flexible redemption options.
Last reviewed: April 2026
Apply Now — Capital One Venture Rewards →
Affiliate disclosure: WiseIQ may earn a commission if you apply.
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Best Personal Loans for 740 Credit Score
LightStream Personal Loan
Strong Match6.99%–18.49% APR · $5,000–$100,000
Lowest rates in the industry for 740+ scores. Same-day funding available.
Check Your Rate — No Credit Pull →SoFi Personal Loan
Strong Match8.99%–19.63% APR · $5,000–$100,000
No fees and competitive rates for very good credit.
Check Your Rate — No Credit Pull →How to Improve Your 740 Credit Score
1
Pay every bill on time
Payment history is 35% of your FICO score — the single biggest factor. Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment on every account.
2
Keep credit utilization below 30%
Credit utilization is 30% of your score. If your total credit limit is $5,000, keep your balance below $1,500. Below 10% is ideal.
3
Don't close old accounts
Length of credit history is 15% of your score. Keeping old accounts open (even if unused) helps your average account age.
4
Check your credit report for errors
1 in 5 Americans has an error on their credit report. Get your free report at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any inaccuracies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit cards can I get with a 740 credit score?
With a 740 credit score (Very Good Credit), you can qualify for Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Citi Double Cash®. These cards are designed for your credit range and offer competitive terms.
Is 740 a good credit score?
A 740 credit score is in the Very Good Credit range (740–759). This is a solid score that qualifies you for most major credit cards and competitive loan rates.
How can I improve my credit score from 740?
To improve from 740: pay all bills on time (35% of your score), keep credit utilization below 30% (30% of score), avoid opening multiple new accounts at once, and check your credit report for errors at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Will applying for a credit card hurt my credit score?
Applying for a credit card results in a hard inquiry, which typically reduces your score by 2–5 points temporarily. The impact fades within 12 months. If you are approved and use the card responsibly, the positive payment history will more than offset the initial dip.
How long does it take to improve a credit score?
Most people see meaningful improvement within 3–6 months of consistent on-time payments and reduced utilization. Moving up 50–100 points typically takes 6–12 months of responsible credit use.
Affiliate Disclosure: WiseIQ is an independent comparison site. We may earn a commission when you apply for financial products through our links. This does not affect our editorial independence or the order of products shown. Our recommendations are based on objective criteria including rates, fees, and approval likelihood for your credit profile.
Sources & Methodology
WiseIQ's editorial team researches and fact-checks all content using primary sources. Our recommendations are based on independent analysis and are not influenced by advertiser relationships.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — regulatory data and consumer guidance
- Federal Reserve — Consumer Credit Report (G.19) — interest rate benchmarks
- AnnualCreditReport.com — official free credit report access
- myFICO Credit Education — credit score methodology
- Lender and issuer websites — rates, terms, and eligibility verified directly from source
Last reviewed: April 2026 | How we rank products