Is 600 a Good Credit Score?

It’s no secret that having good credit pays off, especially when you apply for financing like a credit card or loan. Although you know that earning good credit matters, you may wonder where bad credit ends and where good credit begins.

This brings up quite possibly the most common question you may have with respect to credit scores, which is, “what is a good credit score?”

If your credit score, for example, currently sits around the 600-mark, the truth is you have some work to do. On a scale of 300–850, the universal score range used by both FICO and VantageScore, you’re about 106 points below the national average and generally considered to be subprime.

According to the latest report from FICO, the average FICO Score in the U.S. is 706. Although an average 706 credit score might not get you the very best terms and interest rates some lenders have to offer, it is generally considered a good credit score.

Keeping in mind that the lender makes the final determination as to what they believe to be a good score versus what’s not a good score, here’s a general look at how the different FICO Score ranges are graded:

• Very Poor: 300-579
• Fair: 580-669
• Good: 670-739
• Very Good: 740-799
• Exceptional: 800-850

VantageScore credit scores are the second-most commonly used score in the U.S. credit market. According to a recent study performed by Experian, the average VantageScore credit score is 682. A credit score of 600 falls well below average in both FICO and VantageScore scoring models.

Here’s a look at how the different VantageScore ranges are graded:

• Very Poor: 300-499
• Poor: 500-600
• Fair: 601-660
• Good: 661-780
• Excellent: 781-850

If you have a 600 credit score, it falls into either the “poor” or “fair” credit range, depending on which scoring model a lender uses to process your application. Either way, a 600 is likely going to lead to your application being denied or, at best, being approved with less attractive terms.

Credit scores are tools that help lenders predict risk. A software program containing a series of algorithms examines your credit report and determines the likelihood that you’ll pay credit obligations more than 90 days late within the next 24 months.

When the information on your credit report indicates that you’re more likely to pay late, your scores will be lower. Specifically, your scores may be negatively affected if your credit reports indicate any of the following:

• There’s negative information on your credit reports. Late payments, collection accounts, charge-offs, and other derogatory information can take a toll on your credit scores. This is especially true if the negative information is recent. Payment history is worth about one-third of your FICO and VantageScore credit scores. If you want to avoid credit score damage, on-time payments are essential.
• You have a high credit utilization rate on your credit cards. After your payment history, how much debt you owe influences your credit score the most. Your credit card balances and how they relate to your account limits (called your credit utilization ratio) are largely responsible for almost another third of your overall credit scores. When your credit utilization ratio climbs, your credit scores fall.
• Your credit reports contain errors or fraud. Credit reporting mistakes can happen. It’s up to you to review your credit reports frequently to make sure the information contained in them is accurate. If you discover errors or fraud on your credit report, you have the right to dispute these issues with the credit reporting agencies.

The specific reasons your credit scores aren’t higher can vary widely from consumer to consumer. If you want to better understand why your credit scores are at their current level, your best bet is to review your three credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.

You can claim free reports from all three of the credit bureaus once every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com. Without knowing what’s on your reports, it’s hard to game plan score improvement.

Earning a good credit score can benefit your life in many ways. Good credit can easily save you tens of thousands of dollars (sometimes more) throughout your life.

So, if you currently have a credit score around the 600 mark, it’s in your best interest to try to improve it. The following tips may help:

1. Consider Establishing Credit

Credit cards and other loans won’t erase negative history from your credit reports. But managing your existing accounts well does have the potential to help you build better credit for the future.

You may not qualify for a premium card just yet. However, numerous credit cards for consumers with 600 to 650 credit scores are available. And, a credit builder loan typically offers easier qualification standards as well and might be worth considering.

Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

APPLY HERE »

• No credit check to apply
• Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer from your Chime Checking account to the secured deposit account
• No interest* or annual fees
• Chime Checking Account and qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more required to apply. See official application, terms, and details link below.
• The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Card is issued by The Bankcorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
• *Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.

• See official application, terms, and details.

★★★★★

4.8

Overall Rating

Application Length	Interest Rate	Reports Monthly	Reputation Score
5 minutes	N/A	Yes	9.5

FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®

APPLY HERE »

• $400 credit limit doubles to $800! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
• All credit types welcome to apply
• Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
• Initial Credit Limit of $400.00 (Subject to available credit)
• Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
• Use your card at locations everywhere Mastercard® is accepted
• Access to your Vantage 3.0 score from Experian (When you sign up for e-statements)
• Checking Account Required

• See official application, terms, and details.

★★★★★

4.7

Overall Rating

Application Length	Interest Rate	Reports Monthly	Reputation Score
10 minutes	29.99%	Yes	7.5/10

Aspire® Cash Back Reward Card

APPLY HERE »

• Earn 3% Cash Back Rewards* on Gas, Groceries and Utility Bill Payments
• Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards* on all other eligible purchases
• Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
• Prequalify** without affecting your credit score
• No security deposit
• Free access to your VantageScore 4.0 score from TransUnion®†
  *See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
  ** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
  † Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.

• See official application, terms, and details.

★★★★★

4.7

Overall Rating

Application Length	Interest Rate	Reports Monthly	Reputation Score
7 minutes	29.99% or 36% Fixed	Yes	8.0/10

+ See More Cards for a 600 Credit Score

2. Pay Down Your Credit Card Balances

As mentioned, your credit utilization rate has a major influence over your credit scores. Paying down your credit card balances (thus lowering the credit utilization ratio on your report) is one of the most actionable ways to improve your score.

If you have the capacity to do so, you can see score improvement within a few weeks.

3. Find Other Ways to Lower Your Credit Utilization

It’s best to pay off your credit card balances every month. But, if you currently have a lot of credit card debt, it may take some time to dig your way out. In the meantime, you can attempt to lower your credit utilization rate in several ways.

Example of credit utilization across three separate accounts.

First, you can call your current credit card issuers to ask for credit limit increases, thus lowering your credit utilization ratio. If you’re approved, make sure not to increase the amount you spend on those accounts. Otherwise, this strategy could backfire — hurting your credit score again and costing you money.

You can also ask a loved one to add you to one of their credit cards as an authorized user. If an authorized user credit card with a low balance and high limit is added to your credit report, the new account may lower your overall credit utilization rate. Just be sure the account you’re being added to has no late payments and a low credit utilization ratio.

A 600 credit score can make your life harder than it needs to be. You’re unlikely to qualify for attractive rates and terms from card issuers or lenders with that score. In fact, you may not qualify for some types of financing at all.

However, a fair credit score isn’t a life sentence. Use the tips above, and it’s completely possible to start improving your credit (and hopefully your financing options) in the future.