Thinking about financing a new laptop or desktop through Dell? Before you apply, it helps to know where your credit stands—and what Dell is looking for. Dell offers financing through its Dell Preferred Account, giving you flexible payment options and special promos. But getting approved isn’t just about your credit score.
Let’s break down the score you’ll likely need, the difference between Dell’s financing programs, and how to improve your odds of approval.
Minimum Credit Score for Dell Financing
You’ll typically need a credit score of 640 or higher to qualify for Dell financing. While some people get approved with scores in the low 600s, those with better credit usually land better terms and promotional offers.
Dell Financial Services doesn’t just look at your credit score. Other key factors include:
- Your income
- Employment status
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Credit utilization
- Payment history
The stronger your overall financial picture, the more likely you are to get approved.
Dell Preferred Account vs. Dell Business Credit
Dell offers two main types of financing: one for personal use and one for businesses. Here’s how they compare.
Dell Preferred Account (For Personal Use)
The Dell Preferred Account is for individual consumers buying tech for personal use. It works like a store credit card and offers financing options directly through Dell.
Key features:
- No annual fee
- Special financing on qualifying purchases
- Easy online account management
- Access to exclusive promotions and discounts
This option is ideal if you’re shopping for a personal laptop, gaming setup, or accessories and want to pay over time.
Dell Business Credit (For Businesses)
Dell Business Credit is geared toward small businesses and organizations that need ongoing access to tech and equipment.
Key features:
- Net 30 terms—pay in full within 30 days
- Higher purchasing limits
- Special promotions for business customers
- Add authorized users to streamline purchasing
- Access to Dell’s Business Rewards program
If you’re buying on behalf of a company or need regular tech upgrades, Dell Business Credit may be the better fit.
How to Boost Your Approval Odds
Want to give yourself the best chance at getting approved for a Dell Preferred Account? Here are some steps to take before applying.
- Check your credit reports: Review your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for errors. You can get a free credit report from each credit bureau once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Build a positive credit history: Make sure you’re paying your bills on time and keeping your accounts in good standing. Lenders want to see consistent, responsible use of credit.
- Keep credit utilization low: Try to use less than 30% of your available credit. High balances can make lenders nervous—even if you’re making payments on time.
- Show stable income: A steady income helps prove you can handle monthly payments. Make sure your employment info is current and accurate when you apply.
- Avoid too many credit applications: Multiple hard inquiries in a short window can hurt your score. Only apply for credit when it makes sense.
Need Help Improving Your Credit?
If your credit score isn’t quite high enough yet, it might be worth working on it before applying. Paying bills on time, lowering your balances, and avoiding new debt can all make a big impact.
Need extra help? Credit repair services like Credit Saint work with clients to dispute negative items like late payments, collections, and charge-offs. They offer a free consultation to see if they can help you clean up your credit before applying for financing.
