The short answer
There's no single cutoff, but strong credit around 720+ earns the best rates and lowest down payments. Buyers in the high-600s can typically still qualify with a higher rate or larger down payment; below the mid-600s, options narrow.
How Credit Tiers Affect Your Loan
Lenders price on tiers. Strong credit (roughly 720+) gets the best rates and lowest down payments; good credit (680–719) still qualifies, often at a slightly higher rate or more down; below the mid-600s, fewer lenders participate and terms tighten. The aircraft's age and your income and down payment also matter — a strong airplane and a large down payment can partly offset a weaker score. See our loan requirements guide.
Improving Your Score Before You Apply
- Pull your credit report and dispute errors early — corrections take time.
- Pay down high-balance revolving accounts to lower utilization.
- Avoid opening new credit in the months before applying.
- Cluster your rate shopping into a short window so inquiries count together.
Even a modest improvement can move you to a better tier and lower your rate.
Figures in this article are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval. Tax and legal information is general; consult a qualified professional.
Related Questions
Can I finance an airplane with bad credit?
It's harder and more expensive, but a large down payment, strong income, and a clean, desirable airplane can still make a deal work with the right lender.
Will shopping multiple lenders hurt my score?
Cluster your applications into a short window and the inquiries generally count as one for scoring, minimizing the impact.
Does the aircraft affect approval too?
Yes. Lenders underwrite you and the aircraft — a clean, well-documented airplane in your budget helps offset a marginal profile.
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