What can I do with a 600 FICO score?

Asked by: Reyna Stiedemann MD  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 5/5 (59 votes)

Since 600 is considered to be a fair credit score, borrowers with this score generally won't qualify for credit cards with large welcome bonuses, generous rewards and perks or low APRs. However, there are still some options available — using a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's card.

What will a 600 credit score get you?

With a 600 credit score, you might be able to get a traditional credit card. While most credit card issuers don't publish minimum credit scoring standards, some will approve applicants in the fair credit range.

How long does it take to go from 600 to 700 credit score?

While following these guidelines is crucial, it's important to remember that the length of time it takes to reach a 700 credit score varies from person to person. Some individuals may see significant improvements within a few months, while others may take a year or more to achieve their desired score.

Can I buy a house with a FICO score of 600?

Yes, you can! While a lower score may limit your options, it doesn't mean homeownership is off the table. Lenders may offer loans for a 600 credit score, such as FHA, VA, or USDA loans that cater specifically to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.

How much can I borrow with a 600 credit score?

With FICO, fair or good credit scores fall within the ranges of 580 to 739, and with VantageScore, fair or good ranges between 601 to 780. Many personal loan lenders offer amounts starting around $3,000 to $5,000, but with Upgrade, you can apply for as little as $1,000 (and as much as $50,000).

How to RAISE Your Credit Score Quickly (Guaranteed!)

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What credit score do I need for a $50,000 loan?

In general, to qualify for a $50,000 personal loan you will need to show you have sufficient income to make the monthly payments and have a credit score of 580 or higher. You also must be 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or visa holder.

What credit score is needed to buy a $300k house?

You can buy a $300,000 house with only $9,000 down when using a conventional mortgage, which is the lowest down payment permitted, unless you qualify for a zero-down-payment VA or USDA loan. Different lenders have different rules, but typically they require a 620 credit score for conventional loan approval.

Will landlords accept 600 credit score?

According to FICO, 600 is considered a fair credit score. The company says a score above 670 is better. While 600 may not be as desirable to landlords, it still may be possible. That's because acceptable credit scores can vary by region and a landlord's discretion.

Is a 900 credit score possible?

What is the highest credit score possible? To start off: No, it's not possible to have a 900 credit score in the United States. In some countries that use other models, like Canada, people could have a score of 900. The current scoring models in the U.S. have a maximum of 850.

How to ask for late payment forgiveness?

If you missed a payment because of extenuating circumstances and you've brought account current, you could try to contact the creditor or send a goodwill letter and ask them to remove the late payment.

How to increase credit score by 100 points in 30 days?

For most people, increasing a credit score by 100 points in a month isn't going to happen. But if you pay your bills on time, eliminate your consumer debt, don't run large balances on your cards and maintain a mix of both consumer and secured borrowing, an increase in your credit could happen within months.

Can I get a car with a 600 credit score?

Key takeaways. There is no minimum credit score required to buy a car, but most lenders have minimum requirements for financing. Most borrowers need a FICO score of at least 600 to get a competitive rate on an auto loan.

What is the easiest credit card to get instant approval?

Best Instant Approval Credit Cards:
  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for welcome offer with no annual fee.
  • OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No credit check needed.
  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit with no annual fee.

How to go from 600 to 700 credit score fast?

But generally speaking, here are some of the best ways to take your credit score into 700 territory.
  1. Pay on Time, Every Time. ...
  2. Pay Down Credit Card Balances. ...
  3. Avoid Unnecessary Debt. ...
  4. Dispute Inaccurate Credit Report Information. ...
  5. Avoid Closing Old Credit Cards.

What's the lowest credit score a landlord will accept?

A: A credit score of 650 is on the threshold of what many landlords consider acceptable. While it may not guarantee approval, it's generally considered a fair score for renting apartments.

How do I fix my credit score fast?

In this article:
  1. 1. Make On-Time Payments.
  2. Pay Down Revolving Account Balances.
  3. Don't Close Your Oldest Account.
  4. Diversify the Types of Credit You Have.
  5. Limit New Credit Applications.
  6. Dispute Inaccurate Information on Your Credit Report.
  7. Become an Authorized User.

What credit score for Apple Card?

Apple Card uses FICO Score 9. FICO Score 9 ranges from 300 to 850, with scores above 660 considered favorable for credit approval.

Can I afford a 300k house on a 70k salary?

If you make $70k a year, you can afford to spend about $1,633 on a monthly mortgage payment — as long as you have less than $500 in other monthly debt payments. You may be able to afford a $302,000 home in a low cost of living area. You may be able to afford a $247,000 home in a high cost of living area.

What credit score do I need to buy a $250000 house?

You'll typically need a credit score of 620 to finance a home purchase. However, some lenders may offer mortgage loans to borrowers with a score as low as 500.

What is the minimum credit score for a FHA loan?

The Takeaway. If you're looking to buy a home, FHA loans with low down payments may be an attractive option to consider. To qualify for an FHA-insured loan, you need a minimum credit score of 580 for a loan with a 3.5% down payment, and a minimum score of 500 with 10% down.

What is the average American credit score?

The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024.

What US city has the worst credit rating?

South Burlington, Vt., is the city with the highest credit score, while Detroit is the city with the lowest, according to personal finance site WalletHub.

What credit card is best for a 600 credit score?

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best secured cards that offers rewards, and it's available to people with limited or no credit. You'll have to put down a security deposit, but then you may be able to upgrade to the Discover it® Cash Back and get your deposit back once your credit improves.