Is 595 a Good Credit Score?

By Marcy Lovitch

A 595 credit score falls within the “fair” credit category. And with it, you may qualify for some loans, mortgages, and credit cards, but you likely won’t receive the kinds of terms and interest rates offered to someone with a higher credit score. The good news is, credit scores aren’t set in stone. By responsibly managing your debt, you can help build your credit over time and position yourself for better financing options down the line.

Learn about a 595 credit score, how it could impact your borrowing options, and the steps you can take to improve your creditworthiness.

What Does a 595 Credit Score Mean?

Before we dive into what that means, it helps to first understand what a credit score is. Credit scores are three-digit numbers lenders use to help them assess the risk associated with extending you a loan or credit. The higher your score, the less of a risk you pose — and the more likely a lender is to take you on as a borrower.

Two common scores lenders consider are from FICO® and VantageScore®. FICO Scores are used in the majority of lending decisions and generally range from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better the score.

Here’s a breakdown of how FICO Scores are broken down:

•   Poor: 300–579

•   Fair: 580–669

•   Good: 670–739

•   Very good: 740–799

•   Excellent: 800–850

Is a 595 credit score good or bad? It’s considered fair, though it’s well below the average American’s credit score of 715.

Someone with a fair credit score is viewed by lenders as a “subprime” borrower, which could indicate a history of missing payments, delinquent accounts, higher balances, or a limited credit history. As a result, these borrowers may have a more difficult time getting approved for auto or personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

How to Build Your Credit Score

There are several ways you can work toward strengthening your credit. Here’s some strategies that can help get you there:

•  Pay your bills on time, all the time.

•  Aim to keep your credit utilization, or the amount of credit you’re using compared to what’s available to you, no higher than 30%.

•  Consider keeping open older accounts that are in good standing.

•  Aim to have a diverse mix of credit, such as credit cards and installment loans.

•  Avoid applying for lots of new credit in a short amount of time, as this can signal to lenders that you may be financially stretched.

Bear in mind it could take some time to see an uptick in your credit score. If you’re looking to apply for a loan or credit card in the near future, it’s a great idea to start implementing the tips above as soon as possible.

What Can You Get With a 595 Credit Score?

Though it will be more of a challenge to get approved for certain types of loans and credit cards if your credit score is 595, you still have options. Let’s take a closer look at the types of financial products you may be able to access with a credit score of 595 and what you can expect when applying.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 595 Credit Score?

While there’s no minimum credit score required for a credit card, borrowers who have a higher credit score tend to have an easier time getting approved — and a wider variety of options. With a 595 credit score, you can still get a credit card, but you’ll most likely be saddled with a higher annual percentage rate (APR), a lower credit limit, fees and fewer perks like cash-back rewards. However, it’s worth noting that if you pay off your card in full every month, you can avoid interest altogether.

One type of card to consider with a 595 credit score is a secured credit card. This kind of card requires you to put down a refundable deposit, usually a few hundred dollars, which serves as collateral in case you default on making payments. The deposit is typically equal to your credit limit. This means if you put down a $300 deposit, for instance, you can’t spend more than $300 with the card.

A secured credit card can be a good way to demonstrate to lenders that you can use a credit card responsibly. What’s more, by making on-time payments and keeping balances low, you may soon be able to qualify for an unsecured credit card.

Another option to consider with a 595 credit score is a store credit card, which is issued by a specific retailer to be used at their particular store, chain, or gas station. It may be easier to get approved for one of these cards with a fair credit score, as requirements are often more flexible. One downside, however, are the high APRs, which, if you carry a balance, can make purchases much more expensive in the long run.

Recommended: Understanding Purchase Interest Charges on Credit Cards

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 595 Credit Score?

The good news is that yes, you most likely can get a car loan with a credit score of 595. The not-so-good news is that you may not land the lowest interest rates or designated monthly payments.

Whether you take a loan out on a new or used vehicle also impacts borrowing costs. According to an Experian first-quarter 2025 report, the average interest rate for a customer with a credit score of 781 or higher was 5.18% for a new car loan and 6.82% for a used car loan. By comparison, a customer with a credit score between 501 and 600 pays an average interest rate of 13.22% for a new car loan and 18.99% for a used car loan.

In addition to building your credit score, there are some other ways you can try to get a lower interest rate. One strategy is to hold off applying for a car loan, and instead save up so you can put down a larger down payment or pay cash outright for the car.

It’s also a good idea to shop around and compare offers from other lenders, such as credit unions, online auto lenders, banks, and car dealerships that work with those with fair credit scores. The extra legwork can help you narrow down the best deal.

You may also want to ask a trusted loved one with a strong credit history to be a cosigner on a loan. Though you’ll both apply for the loan and be responsible for paying back the money you borrow, the cosigner doesn’t share ownership of the car.

Recommended: Smarter Ways to Get a Car Loan

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 595 Credit Score?

Most conventional mortgage loans require a score of 620 or higher, but there are some mortgages you can obtain with a 595 credit score. Here are a few to consider:

•  FHA loans. Offered to first-time home buyers, these loans require a minimum credit score of 580 with a down payment of 3.5%. Buyers with scores as low as 500 might be eligible if they’re able to put down a 10% down payment.

•  USDA loans. These loans are backed by the Department of Agriculture and offered to low- to moderate-income households that are buying homes in qualified rural communities. There’s no minimum credit score required, but lenders may set their own minimums.

•  VA loans. Qualifying veterans and their spouses are eligible for these loans. There’s no minimum credit score requirement, but some lenders may set their own — and it may be higher than 595.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 595 Credit Score?

Many personal loans are unsecured, meaning they don’t require you to put down an asset as collateral. Instead, lenders base their decision on your creditworthiness and your ability to repay the money on the agreed-upon terms.

The funds from personal loans can be used for virtually any reason, including paying for a wedding, home renovations, medical bills, or even consolidating credit card debt. Most lenders will grant a personal loan to someone with a 595 credit score, though requirements vary by lender. As with other types of loans, the higher your score, the better your chances of landing favorable rates and terms.

While you’re weighing your loan options, you may want to crunch the numbers by using a personal loan calculator so you can determine how much you’ll pay over the lifespan of the loan.

The Takeaway

A credit score of 595 is considered a fair credit score. While you can still qualify for some loans and credit cards, you likely won’t receive the most flexible terms or lowest interest rates as someone who has good, very good, or exceptional credit.

If you’re not in a hurry to take out a loan or apply for new credit, it might be a good idea to put your energy into building your credit score first. Taking steps like making on-time payments, keeping your debt-to-income ratio in check, and paying down existing debt can all help to improve your credit profile.

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 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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