Yes, it is possible to rent a house with a 590 credit score, but it may require extra effort, such as offering a higher security deposit, securing a co-signer, or providing proof of stable income and strong landlord references. While many landlords prefer scores above 620–650, a 590 (classed as "fair") is not an automatic rejection, particularly with private landlords.
Lenders often require a credit score of at least 620 and a minimum down payment of 5% to qualify for a Conventional loan, while an FHA loan may be available with a credit score as low as 580 and a minimum down payment of 3.5%.
It's possible to get a personal loan or credit card consolidation loan with a 590 credit score, but your choice of lenders will likely be limited, and you may have to settle for a loan with a high interest rate and other fees (such as an origination fee).
When renting a home, credit history plays a role, but the standards aren't normally as high as they are for buying a home. Landlords typically want a minimum score of 620, although the credit score isn't the only factor they consider.
How to Get a 700 Credit Score
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 580 to 669, considered Fair. A 590 FICO® ScoreΘ is below the average credit score. Some lenders see consumers with scores in the Fair range as having unfavorable credit, and may decline their credit applications.
Anything from 670 to 740 can qualify as a “good” score, and even scores as low as 580 can qualify as “fair”. Leasing is still possible with a fair credit score–although you should expect to pay a higher-than-average interest rate–but if it gets much lower, you're going to run into trouble.
Quick Answer. You can “fix” a bad credit score by paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low and adding positive payment history to your credit report with a secured credit card or credit-builder loan. Having a bad credit score can make it difficult to borrow money and cost you more in interest.
Most apartments use credit reports from one of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. The specific bureau can vary by landlord or property management company.
To figure out how much you need to earn to rent, use the 30% rule: your monthly rent should ideally not exceed 30% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income, meaning you need to earn about three times the monthly rent annually; for example, for $1,500/month rent, you need roughly $4,500/month or $54,000/year, though factors like high living costs, utilities, and other debts can change this.
Many landlords will work with you and consider your application if you can show proof of stable income and employment, provide excellent references, or put down a larger deposit. Some renters also utilize a rent reporting service, which can help improve their credit by making on-time rent payments.
If you have bad credit, certain personal loan lenders will still work with you, but they typically limit how much you can borrow. According to the Q1 2025 TransUnion Report, borrowers with FICO scores below 600 typically are approved for around $1,700, while those with scores between 601 and 660 average about $3,900.
The lowest credit score required to buy a house is often 500 with an FHA loan, which requires the borrower to make a 10% down payment. For credit scores of 580 or higher, a 3.5% down payment is sufficient. Conventional loans typically require a minimum credit score of around 620.
Unfortunately, a 575 credit score is considered a poor score. There may still be options for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans, though you may be stuck with higher interest rates or other costs. If you have the time, you may want to do what you can to increase your credit score before you borrow.
While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850.