Is 400 a Good Credit Score?

By Dan Miller

A 400 FICO® credit score is considered “poor,” meaning you may find it difficult to be approved for most credit and lending products. When you are approved for a loan or credit card, you’ll likely be charged a higher interest rate than someone with a better credit score.

Take a closer look at what a 400 credit score means and what kinds of credit cards and loans you may be able to get.

What Does a 400 Credit Score Mean?

A credit score is a three-digit number that lenders use to determine how much risk you pose as a borrower. It’s calculated using information found in your credit reports, including your history of on-time payments, how much available credit you’re using, and the length of your credit history. When you apply for personal loans or any other types of credit, the prospective lender will likely use your credit score as one factor in deciding whether to approve your application.

FICO’s scoring model, which is used in the vast majority of lending decisions, categorizes its scores as follows:

•   Poor: 300-579

•   Fair: 580-669

•   Good: 670-739

•   Very Good: 740-799

•   Exceptional: 800-850

As you can see, a 400 credit score falls at the low end of the FICO® credit score range and is considered “poor.” A borrower with this score may have had issues paying back their debt or lack a credit history. According to Experian, 14.7% of U.S. consumers have credit scores in the poor range.

SoFi Coach℠ Chat is a tool designed to help you view and analyze your financial data, get personalized insights, learn about SoFi products, troubleshoot issues, and take certain actions in chat. Coach responses are information for you to consider and not financial advice. Coach responses are based on limited information from your connected accounts and may have inaccuracies. The insights are meant to help you think about your finances and options —they are not advice or recommendations, and they do not guarantee results. Coach may offer you options to explore SoFi products on which SoFi would earn revenue. You are solely responsible for any financial decisions you make. Coach is offered by Social Finance, LLC.

What Else Can You Get With a 400 Credit Score?

A 400 credit score is likely to negatively impact your ability to get just about any type of credit. Because it’s on the low end of possible credit scores, lenders may see you as a risky borrower.

Here’s how a 400 FICO Score can affect your chances of getting different types of credit:

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 400 Credit Score?

With a 400 credit score, you’re unlikely to be approved for many types of credit cards. Credit cards are typically unsecured forms of debt, meaning they’re not backed by a deposit or asset. Because of this, banks generally prefer cardholders with a higher credit score, as it suggests responsible credit usage.

But all is not lost. If you have a 400 credit score, you can apply for a secured credit card. It’s similar to an unsecured card except that you may be required to make a deposit equal to your credit limit. Another option is to be added as an authorized user on someone else’s credit card.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 400 Credit Score?

Though difficult, you might be able to qualify for an auto loan with a lower credit score, though you’ll likely pay substantially higher interest compared to the average borrower. As of March 2026, the average borrower with a 661-780 credit score paid an annual percentage rate (APR) of 6.23% for a new car and 8.77% for a used car. An average borrower with a credit score between 300 and 500 paid an APR of 16.01% for a new car and 21.77% for a used car.

If you are unable to come up with the full amount of the car’s price, you may choose to look into buying your car from a private party or from a “buy here, pay here” dealer with in-house auto financing. These types of auto dealers often issue loans to people with poor credit scores as long as they have sufficient income and down payment. However, these loans usually come with some drawbacks, including significantly higher interest rates and fees.

Recommended: Smarter Ways to Get a Car Loan

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 400 Credit Score?

It will almost certainly be impossible to be approved for a conventional mortgage with a credit score of 400. Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have recently eliminated their minimum credit score requirement of 620 for a fixed-rate mortgage, a credit score of 620 remains a common threshold for conventional mortgages.

If you’re able to build your credit score and strengthen your finances, an FHA loan may be more within reach. It has a minimum credit score of 500 with a 10% down payment.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 400 Credit Score?

You may be able to get a personal loan or credit card consolidation loan with a 400 credit score, but as with other types of loan products, your options will likely be limited. Many lenders have a minimum credit score that is above 400, so you may have a smaller choice of available lenders and programs. Additionally, you may be charged a higher interest rate than those with better credit scores. Check out this personal loan calculator to see what options might make sense for your specific situation.

Recommended: Everything You Need to Know About No Credit Check Loans

The Takeaway

FICO credit scores are one of the most popular types of credit scores currently used, ranging from 300 to 850. A 400 credit score is at the low end of the “poor” range and may make it difficult for you to get approved for any lending products, including credit cards, mortgages, and other types of loans. Even if you are approved, you will almost certainly be charged a higher interest rate than borrowers with better credit scores. That could make the cost of borrowing higher than is financially feasible, and it may make better sense to work on building your credit score first.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

SoFi's Personal Loan was named NerdWallet's 2026 Best Personal Loan for Excellent Credit.

View your rate

FAQ

What is considered a good credit score?

Most credit scores range from 300-850. Using the FICO® scoring model, a good score is considered to be in the 670-739 range.

Why is it important to have a good credit score?

Lenders use credit scores to help them determine what interest rates to offer, how much credit to extend, and whether to approve mortgage applications, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards. Having a good credit score can make it more likely that you’re approved for a mortgage, loans, or credit cards and can help you qualify for lower interest rates and higher credit limits.

What can I get with a 400 credit score?

A credit score of 400 falls within the poor range, making it difficult to qualify for loans, credit cards, or a mortgage. You may be able to get a secured credit card. Some personal loans and auto loans are also an option, but they’re likely to have a higher interest rate compared to the average borrower.