600 Credit Score: Is It Good or Bad? How to Improve

A credit score of 600 sits below average. You may struggle to get affordable loans with this score. Most lenders will offer high-interest loans with strict terms. Missing payments can send your account to collections.

The good news? You can improve your credit score with the right strategies.

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Is 600 a Good or Bad Credit Score?

A 600 credit score is below average. The average American credit score hovers around 741.

FICO labels 600 as fair. VantageScore calls it very poor.

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Lenders use your credit report to calculate your score. Payment history, debt-to-credit ratio, and borrowing behavior all matter.

With a 600 score, you face higher interest rates and fewer options.

Why Your Credit Score Is 600

Several factors can drag your score down to 600. Understanding them helps you fix the problem.

Common Causes of a 600 Score

Late or missed payments: One payment 30 days late can drop your score significantly. Payment history makes up 35% of your score.
High credit utilization: Maxing out your cards signals risk. Keep balances below 30% of your credit limit.
Short credit history: Lenders prefer long track records. Closing old accounts hurts your average age of credit.
Too many hard inquiries: Every credit application triggers a hard inquiry. Multiple applications in a short time hurt your score.
Delinquent accounts: Accounts 60-90 days late or in collections drag your score down. Settling these accounts can help.

Understanding Credit Scoring

Your credit score grades how well you manage debt. Scores range from 300 to 850.

Good scores typically hit 680 or higher. Poor scores fall at 620 or lower.

The Credit Score Formula

Five key factors determine your score:

Payment history: 35%
Total debt owed: 30%
Credit history length: 15%
New credit: 10%
Credit mix: 10%

Payment history carries the most weight. Pay on time, every time.

Three major credit bureaus compile your information: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Most use the FICO Score, though some use VantageScore.

You can get a free credit report annually. Many banks also offer free credit score tracking. If you need help building credit, our partner Kikoff offers tools designed for credit improvement.

Getting a Credit Card With a 600 Score

Many banks will still approve you with a 600 score. Expect a lower credit limit and higher interest rate.

Some credit cards target fair credit scores specifically. Get prequalified to avoid hard inquiries.

Credit unions and online lenders often offer better terms. They focus on helping members rebuild credit.

Keep your balance below 30% of your limit. Pay the full amount each month.

Six months of on-time payments can boost your score significantly.

Can’t qualify for an unsecured card? Try a secured card. You provide a cash deposit and make on-time payments. Once your score improves, you can switch to an unsecured account.

Getting a Car Loan With a 600 Score

You can get a car loan with a 600 score. Auto lenders view you as higher risk, though.

Expect interest rates several points above prime rates. Your loan will cost more over time.

Make a larger down payment to offset the risk. Choose a less expensive vehicle. Compare offers before visiting dealerships.

Credit unions often beat dealer financing for scores between 580 and 640. Applications are quick and simple.

Watch out for dealership “special financing” programs. Check for hidden fees and extended loan terms.

Pay every bill on time once you get the loan. Set up automatic payments. After 6-12 months of perfect payments, refinance at a lower rate.

Getting Housing With a 600 Score

Landlords and mortgage lenders see 600 as a warning sign. It’s not always a dealbreaker.

Renting With a 600 Score

Many landlords run soft credit checks. With a 600 score, expect requests for larger security deposits or co-signers.

Show proof of steady income. Provide strong rental references. Both can tip the balance in your favor.

Buying a Home With a 600 Score

Conventional home loans typically require at least 620. A 600 score pushes you toward government-backed options.

FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Individual lenders may set higher minimums.

Expect higher interest rates and mortgage insurance premiums. Some buyers work with credit counselors to push their score above 620 first.

Paying down credit card balances helps. Wait a few months, then reapply with a higher score.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Improving your credit takes work, but you can do it. Many people see progress within months.

Patience and consistency are key. Make all payments on time. Stop applying for new credit. Check your credit report regularly. Keep old accounts open.

Free credit counseling can provide extra support. Counselors help you budget and tackle debt. Our partner Cambridge Credit Counseling offers personalized debt management plans.

Make Every Payment on Time

Late payments destroy your credit score. They make qualifying for credit harder and more expensive.

Set up automatic payments. Mark due dates on your calendar. Pay on time every month.

Pay more than the minimum whenever possible.

Stop Applying for New Credit

Every new credit card means another monthly payment. Each application triggers a hard inquiry that lowers your score.

Give your cards a break. Focus on managing what you already have.

Review Your Credit Report

Pull a free credit report from all three bureaus several times per year. Check for errors immediately.

Dispute mistakes as soon as you spot them. Errors can set back your progress.

You deserve an accurate credit report.

Keep Old Accounts Open

Don’t close unused credit cards, especially ones with long payment histories. Account age matters for your score.

Older accounts boost your credit history length.

Lower Your Credit Card Balances

Use only 30-35% of your credit limit. Spending 30% each month and paying in full is ideal.

High credit utilization hurts your score. Keep balances low to show lenders you manage credit responsibly.

Track Your Progress

Use free credit monitoring services. Apps like Credit Karma, Experian, and NerdWallet work well.

Check if your bank offers free credit score tracking. Many do.

Monitor your progress, but don’t obsess. Building credit takes time. Stay consistent and watch your score climb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 600 credit score mean?

A 600 credit score is below average and considered fair by FICO or very poor by VantageScore. You'll face higher interest rates, lower credit limits, and stricter loan terms. The average American credit score is around 741.

Can I get approved for a credit card with a 600 credit score?

Yes, many banks will approve you with a 600 score. Expect higher interest rates, lower credit limits, and possible annual fees. Consider secured credit cards or credit union options that focus on helping members rebuild credit.

How long does it take to improve a 600 credit score?

Many people see improvement within 6-12 months of consistent effort. Making on-time payments, keeping credit utilization below 30%, and avoiding new credit applications are the fastest ways to boost your score.

Can I buy a house with a 600 credit score?

Conventional mortgages typically require 620 or higher. With a 600 score, you may qualify for FHA loans that accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, though you'll pay higher interest rates and mortgage insurance.

What causes a credit score to drop to 600?

Late or missed payments, high credit card balances, short credit history, too many hard inquiries, and delinquent accounts are the main causes. Payment history accounts for 35% of your score, making it the most important factor.

Is 600 a Good Credit Score? What You Need to Know