580 Credit Score: Good or Bad? - NerdWallet (2024)

A 580 credit score is considered bad credit. Your credit score determines whether you will qualify for credit cards and loans, and what interest rate you'll pay if you do qualify.

The share of Americans who had scores of 500 to 599 on the FICO 8, the credit score used in most credit decisions, was 12.5% as of April 2023, according to credit scoring company FICO.

Here’s how a score of 580 can affect your financial life.

You may have a hard time getting a loan or card

With a 580 score, you may have trouble qualifying for many financial products. Even if you are approved, you will have to pay the highest interest rates. You might also be charged more for car insurance, or be asked for deposits when opening utility accounts.

When your score is low, taking a little action goes a long way and you may be able to push into the fair credit score range.

There are some quick ways to improve your credit. And consistently using good credit habits over the long term will help you in building a good credit score.

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580 Credit Score: Good or Bad? - NerdWallet (1)

Ways to work on your 580 credit score

You can try a few ways to build your score:

  • Apply for a secured credit card. Unlike a regular credit card, this type of card is backed by a cash deposit.

  • Go to a credit union for a credit-builder loan or secured loan. A credit-builder loan allows you to build your score and save up for a goal at the same time.

  • If you know someone with a good credit score and long history, ask them to add you as an authorized user on their credit card.

  • Follow good credit habits: Pay your bills on time and use 30% or less of the credit limit on all your credit cards. Those are the two biggest factors that affect your credit score.

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580 Credit Score: Good or Bad? - NerdWallet (2)

580 Credit Score: Good or Bad? - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

580 Credit Score: Good or Bad? - NerdWallet? ›

FICO score ranges

Is a credit score of 580 good or bad? ›

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.

How long does it take to get from a 580 credit score to a 700? ›

The time it takes to raise your credit score from 500 to 700 can vary widely depending on your individual financial situation. On average, it may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months of responsible credit management, including timely payments and reducing debt, to see a significant improvement in your credit score.

What can I get approved for with a 580 credit score? ›

What Does a 580 Credit Score Get You?
Type of CreditDo You Qualify?
Unsecured Credit CardYES
Home LoanYES (FHA Loan)
Personal LoanMAYBE
Auto LoanMAYBE
1 more row

How to get credit score from 580 to 650? ›

6 easy tips to help raise your credit score
  1. Make your payments on time. ...
  2. Set up autopay or calendar reminders. ...
  3. Don't open too many accounts at once. ...
  4. Get credit for paying monthly utility and cell phone bills on time. ...
  5. Request a credit report and dispute any credit report errors. ...
  6. Pay attention to your credit utilization rate.

How can I raise my credit score 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 buy a house with 580 credit score? ›

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures FHA loans, which allows mortgage lenders to accept a credit score as low as 580 with a 3.5 percent down payment, or 500 with a 10 percent down payment.

What credit score do you need to get a $30,000 loan? ›

Requirements to receive a personal loan

This allows them to look at your history from the past seven years and see whether you've typically made payments on time. For a $30,000 loan, you'll typically need a credit score above 600 just to qualify or above 700 to get a competitive rate.

Should I rent to someone with a 580 credit score? ›

From 740 to 799 is considered very good, and from 580 to 669 is regarded as a fair score. The credit score required to get approval for a rental application varies depending on the landlord or property management company. However, most landlords want applicants with a score of around 625 or higher.

Is the nerdwallet app safe? ›

We use industry-standard security controls, such as cryptography, to protect your personally identifying information. And our partners TransUnion and Plaid do the same.

How do I raise my credit score 40 points fast? ›

Here are six ways to quickly raise your credit score by 40 points:
  1. Check for errors on your credit report. ...
  2. Remove a late payment. ...
  3. Reduce your credit card debt. ...
  4. Become an authorized user on someone else's account. ...
  5. Pay twice a month. ...
  6. Build credit with a credit card.
Feb 26, 2024

Can your credit score go up 50 points in a month? ›

There is no set maximum amount that your credit score can increase by in one month. It all depends on your unique situation and the specific actions you're taking to improve your credit. Realistically, you probably won't see your credit score increase by more than 10 points in a month.

Should I pay off my credit card in full or leave a small balance? ›

Bottom line. If you have a credit card balance, it's typically best to pay it off in full if you can. Carrying a balance can lead to expensive interest charges and growing debt.

Is 600 a good credit score? ›

According to a report from Experian®, the average FICO credit score in America was 714 in 2022. So 600 falls below that national average. On the VantageScore range, the company says 600 scores are considered poor.

How common is a 750 credit score? ›

A score of 750 puts you in a strong position. Roughly 48% of Americans had a score of 750 or above as of April 2023, according to credit scoring company FICO. FICO Blog.

How bad is a 630 credit score? ›

If you have an 630 credit score, you are generally considered a subprime consumer, but it won't necessarily prevent you from borrowing money. The average FICO credit score in the United States is 714 as of 2021, and scores within the 580-669 range are considered to be “fair” credit.

How to fix a 580 credit score? ›

How to Improve a Bad Credit Score
  1. Check Your Free Credit Score. First, check your credit score for free to view the factors that are most affecting it. ...
  2. Pay Your Bills on Time. ...
  3. Pay Down Debt. ...
  4. Avoid New Hard Inquiries. ...
  5. Boost Your Credit. ...
  6. Get Help Building Credit.
Aug 22, 2022

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