By Austin Kilham

A credit score of 608 is on the lower end of the “fair” range, according to FICO®, the most widely used credit scoring company. You may still qualify for some credit cards and loans with that score, but you might not be offered the best terms and rates.

Here’s a closer look at what a credit score of 608 might mean for you and how you can build your credit score.

What Does a 608 Credit Score Mean?

As mentioned, a FICO Score of 608 is considered fair. It’s also well below the average score for U.S. consumers, which is 715. Lenders may approve you for a loan with a 608 credit score. However, it may be more difficult — and more expensive — to secure the loan, and you may be offered less-favorable terms. Let’s explore why this may be the case.

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, and it ranges from 580 to 850. FICO gathers credit information from the three major credit reporting bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. It uses this information and a proprietary credit score model to determine your score. Lenders then look at this score to help them figure out how likely you are to repay a loan.

Here’s a look at how FICO Scores are categorized:

•   Poor: 300–579

•   Fair: 580–669

•   Good: 670–739

•   Very Good: 740–799

•   Excellent: 800–850

Borrowers with higher scores have typically demonstrated that they are more responsible with credit. They likely have a long credit history and a track record of paying their bills on time across multiple types of loans and credit. Lenders are more likely to extend credit to these borrowers.

On the other hand, lenders see borrowers with lower scores as at greater risk of missing payments or defaulting on a loan. As a result, lenders may be less likely to extend credit to borrowers with lower scores. And if they do, they may offer less-favorable terms or higher interest rates to help offset the risk. Higher interest rates generally mean the cost of borrowing is greater over time.

How to Build Your Credit Score

If you’re having trouble securing a loan or are interested in lowering the cost of borrowing, consider taking steps to build your credit score.

Your credit score is calculated using many pieces of data, which are placed into five categories: payment history, amount owed, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit. Your payment history is the most important of these categories, making up 35% of your score. As a result, one effective way to increase your score is to always pay debts on time.

The amount you owe makes up 30% of your score. So, another good way to potentially improve your score is to pay off existing debts. When lenders see you have a bit more financial breathing room, they may be more willing to offer good loan options.

You may want to avoid closing old credit accounts that you don’t use anymore, as having a longer credit history can help build your score. A mix of different kinds of credit can also be seen as positive. And you might want to avoid seeking a lot of new credit in a short period of time. It could be a red flag to lenders that you may be having cash flow problems.

What Else Can You Get With a 608 Credit Score?

You’re still likely to be able to secure various types of loans with a credit score of 608. Here’s a look at what you might expect.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 608 Credit Score?

It’s possible that you will be able to get a credit card with a credit score of 608. However, it will likely be a challenge to qualify for the best offers, and lenders will likely offer you higher interest rates. This is something worth considering carefully, especially when it comes to credit cards, which typically carry very high interest rates already.

Credit cards are a type of revolving credit. They allow you to borrow up to a certain limit, pay back what you owe, and then borrow again. Pay off your bill every month, and you won’t owe interest. Carry a balance, however, and you can quickly rack up more debt due to interest charges. Higher interest rates can pull you deeper into debt faster.

If you’re unsure of your ability to pay off your card on time, you may reconsider getting a credit card, or wait to get one until after you’ve improved your score.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 608 Credit Score?

There’s no universal credit score required to get a car loan — it varies from lender to lender. That said, as with most types of borrowing, the higher your credit score, the better your chances of qualifying for financing and better terms.

With a credit score of 608, you’ll likely receive an average APR (annual percentage rate) that’s at least a few points higher than car buyers with higher scores. Putting down a higher down payment or adding a cosigner with a good credit score might help you secure a loan with a better APR.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 608 Credit Score?

For a conventional mortgage, which is a loan not guaranteed by the federal government, you’ll typically need a credit score of 620. These are a bit out of range if your credit score is 608. However, you are not without options.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are backed by the federal government and require a FICO Score of at least 580. These loans require you to make a down payment of at least 3.5%. And if your score falls below 580, you may still qualify for a loan as long as you make a down payment of at least 10%.

It’s worth noting that increasing your down payment on a mortgage can potentially help you qualify for a loan and reduce the amount of interest a lender will charge. Why is that? A larger down payment means your loans will be smaller, your lender shoulders less of the risk, and you have more skin in the game — meaning you’re more likely to pay off the loans.

Lenders generally like to see a minimum credit score of 620 for Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, which are designed for U.S. military veterans and their families. The same is usually true for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans, though credit score requirements for may vary by lender.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 608 Credit Score?

Personal loans can be used for many reasons, from funding home improvements to paying off bills. As with credit cards and mortgages, it’s still possible to get a personal loan with a credit score of 608, though you could find it more of a challenge. Lenders may offer higher interest rates, higher fees, and stricter requirements.

Still, you may find that personal loans offer lower interest rates than other types of credit, such as credit cards. A personal loan calculator can help you figure out how much you might save by paying off an existing loan or credit card with a personal loan.

You can also see if it makes sense to use a personal loan to pay off an existing loan or high-interest credit card balance. With a credit card consolidation loan, for instance, you may be able to simplify your finances and save money.

The Takeaway

Is 608 a bad credit score? Not necessarily — it’s considered fair. A credit score of 608 will limit the types of credit products that you’ll have access to, and in some circumstances may make borrowing more expensive.

If you have enough time before you need to take out a loan, consider doing what you can to build your credit score. Doing so can help you qualify for credit and loans that better suit your needs and potentially save you money over the long term.

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.

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.

By Jamie Cattanach

A credit score of 510 is considered poor and will likely impact your ability to access many types of loans and credit cards. But the good news is, with consistent effort, you can build your score over time. Let’s take a closer look at what a 510 credit score means and how to make it better.

What Does a 510 Credit Score Mean?

FICO Scores, which are used in the majority of lending decisions, typically range from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better the score. Here’s how FICO Scores are classified:

•   Poor: 300–579

•   Fair: 580–669

•   Good: 670–739

•   Very good: 740–799

•   Excellent: 800–850

As you can see, a credit score of 510 falls squarely in the “poor” category. Lenders may see that score and consider you to be more of a risk than a borrower with a higher score. As such, you may have a tougher time qualifying for loans and credit cards. And when you are approved, you’ll likely receive higher interest rates and less-favorable terms.

How to Build Your Credit Score

Five main components make up your FICO Score, and each one carries a different weight. They include:

•   Payment history (35%)

•   Amounts owed (30%)

•   Length of credit history (15%)

•   Credit mix (10%)

•   New credit (10%)

One of the most powerful things you can do to help your credit score is to make payments on each of your existing accounts on time, each and every month. It’s also a good idea to work on lowering any existing debt, such as existing loans or credit cards that carry a revolving balance. The length of your credit history is another important factor in your FICO Score, so think twice before closing out a well-established account.

What Else Can You Get with a 510 Credit Score?

While a 510 credit score may make it difficult to qualify for certain types of credit, it is still possible to get some types of debt with this score. But watch out for high interest rates, which can make it more difficult to get out of debt. Let’s take a closer look at different scenarios.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 510 Credit Score?

Many credit card issuers offer products specifically geared toward borrowers with poor credit, particularly secured credit cards. As the name suggests, these types of cards are secured by a cash down payment that serves as your credit limit. In many cases, the issuer doesn’t even require a credit check. That can make a secured credit card a solid way to build credit over time, as long as you manage it responsibly.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 510 Credit Score?

There’s no specific minimum credit score needed to apply for an auto loan, but some lenders may be hesitant to offer loans to those with FICO Scores less than 670. If you do qualify for an auto loan with a credit score of 510, your borrowing costs may be significantly higher than those with higher credit scores.

Consider this: Each quarter, Experian tracks the average APR for new and used car loans. In the fourth quarter of 2024, buyers with subprime credit scores (501-600) were offered average rates of 13.08% on new car loans and 19.38% on used car loans. By comparison, buyers with super prime credit scores (781-850) were offered much lower rates of 4.77% on new car loans and 7.67% on used car loans.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 510 Credit Score?

Buying a home can be one of the most powerful ways to build wealth over time. It is possible to get a mortgage with a credit score of 510, though it will likely be more challenging than it would be if your score were higher.

While conventional loans usually have a credit score minimum of 620 (along with other eligibility requirements), there are other types of mortgage loans you can consider.

•   FHA loans, which are offered to first-time home buyers and designed to make the barrier to entry lower for such shoppers, require a minimum credit score of 580 if you want to put down 3.5%. However, shoppers with scores as low as 500 might successfully apply if they can come up with a 10% down payment.

•   VA loans, which are offered to qualifying veterans and their spouses, do not carry a minimum credit score requirement. However, some lenders carry their own minimums, which may be closer to 620.

•   USDA loans are offered to low- to moderate-income households purchasing homes in qualified rural communities. Again, there’s no specified minimum credit score. However, individual lenders that participate in the program may set their own minimums, and it may be higher than 510.

Qualifying for a home loan with a 510 credit score is a challenge. If time allows, you may want to work on building your score before applying in order to help secure the best interest rates and terms available.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 510 Credit Score?

Unsecured personal loans often have strict eligibility requirements. After all, there’s no collateral for the loan other than your signature. While there are lenders out there who will offer personal loans to borrowers with credit scores as low as 510, chances are high that your interest rates will be significant. And this can make it harder to get out of a debt spiral.

A personal loan calculator can help you understand how much you stand to pay for a personal loan over time, considering the entire amortization of the loan.

You can also see if it makes sense to use a personal loan to pay off a high-interest credit card balance. With a credit card consolidation loan, for example, you may be able to streamline your finances and perhaps even save money.

The Takeaway

Is a 510 credit score good or bad? Short answer, it’s considered poor and could make borrowing more of a challenge. But the good news is, your credit score isn’t set in stone, and you can take steps to build it up over time, such as paying bills on time, lowering existing balances, and keeping older accounts open.

But keep in mind that you can make moves to improve your credit profile. Paying bills on time, keeping balances low, and keeping older accounts open can all help you increase your score — and put you in a better position to get approved for a credit card or loan.

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.