A credit score in the 300 to 400 spectrum is widely considered to be poor (or even very poor). Unfortunately, poor credit scores can lead to financial pain. With poor scores, you'll likely have trouble getting approved for many credit cards.
There are 294 million “scoreable” consumers, and only 0.01% of them had a 300 credit score, according to data credit bureau TransUnion pulled for Credit.com in March 2017. (A scoreable consumer is someone with enough information in their credit files to generate a VantageScore 3.0.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 300 to 579, considered Very Poor. A 300 FICO® Score is significantly below the average credit score.
The average interest rate for a new car loan with a credit score of 300 to 500 is 14.59%. Most dealerships will advertise plenty of incentives for buying a new vehicle, such as cash rebates, low interest rates, or special lease offers.
“It's often possible to earn a higher credit score in 30 days or less,” says Grant, but don't expect your credit score to move from fair to excellent during that time. If you've had a major setback, it usually takes about one to two years to repair your credit, according to Weaver.
You'll find it very difficult to borrow with a 300 credit score, unless you're looking for a student loan. ... In particular, you're unlikely to qualify for a mortgage with a 300 credit score because FHA-backed home loans require a minimum score of 500. But your odds are a bit higher with other types of loans.
A 300 credit score can be a sign of past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history. Whether you're looking for a personal loan, a mortgage or a credit card, credit scores in this range can make it challenging to get approved for unsecured credit, which doesn't require collateral or a security deposit.
Credit scores start at 300; sometimes higher, depending on which scoring system is used. According to FICO, you must have at least one credit account that's been open for at least six months, and one credit account that's been reported to credit bureaus within the past six months to have a credit score.
In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate. If you have poorer credit, you can still get a loan, but you will probably have to pay more for it or else find a cosigner.
It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly payments.
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
The average consumer saw their FICO Score 8 increase by 12 points using Experian Boost, according to Experian.
If you want a score above 400, you're going to have to make sure you have as little negative accounts as possible (usually meaning 1 or less), a good credit mix, an aged revolving account (such as a 2+ year old credit card), and a low revolving balance (below 30% utilization).
Because of this financial reality, people with poor credit seeking ways to improve it may consider hiring a third-party credit repair company. While it may seem like a good idea to pay someone to fix your credit reports, there is nothing a credit repair company can do for you that you can't do yourself for free.
So, given the fact that the average credit score for people in their 20s is 630 and a “good” credit score is typically around 700, it's safe to say a good credit score in your 20s is in the high 600s or low 700s.