CREDIT SCORE

Is 600 a Good Credit Score?

Last Updated: May 2026

300–850FICO Score Range

714Avg. U.S. Score

670+Good Credit Threshold

📋 Reviewed by WiseIQ Editorial Team · Updated April 2026 · Editorially independent

WiseIQ Editorial Team

Reviewed by certified financial experts · Updated March 2026

About our team →

A 600 credit score is Fair. You're in the lower range of borrowers and will face higher rates and limited options, but you're within striking distance of Good credit (670+).

WiseIQ Expert Tip

Your payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score — the single largest factor. Setting up autopay for at least the minimum payment eliminates the risk of a missed payment tanking your score.

Last Updated: March 2026 WiseIQ Editorial Team

600

Fair Credit

FICO Score Range: 300–850

300850

Browse Credit Scores

580 600 620 640 660 680 700 720 740 760 780 800 850

Score Tier

Fair Credit

Grade

C-

Better Than

28% of Americans

What You Qualify For with a 600 Credit Score

Credit Cards

Secured cards and some unsecured subprime cards. Capital One Platinum and Discover it Secured are good options.

Personal Loans

Upstart and Avant accept 600+. Rates will be 15%–30% APR. Avoid anything above 36% APR.

Auto Loans

Yes. Capital One Auto Navigator and myAutoloan accept 600+. Expect 10%–18% APR.

Mortgage

FHA loans accept 580+ with 3.5% down. You qualify, but rates will be significantly higher than 620+ borrowers.

HELOC

Difficult. A few lenders accept 600+ but rates will be high. Improving to 620+ first is recommended.

Savings Account

Any bank — credit scores don't affect savings account eligibility.

Best Financial Products for 600 Credit Score

Credit Cards for 600 →Personal Loans for 600 →Savings Accounts for 600 →HELOC for 600 →

What's Holding Your Score Back

Recent late payments or a single missed payment
Credit utilization above 30% on one or more cards
A collection account or charge-off within the last 2 years
Short credit history (under 2 years average age)
Limited credit mix (only one type of credit account)

How to Improve a 600 Credit Score

Target 620 first

The 620 threshold unlocks conventional mortgages and significantly better loan rates. Focus on getting there before anything else.

Pay down your highest-utilization card first

If one card is at 80% utilization, paying it to 30% can add 20–40 points quickly.

Don't close old accounts

Closing accounts reduces your available credit and can increase utilization. Keep old cards open even if unused.

Use Experian Boost

Free tool that adds utility, phone, and streaming payments to your Experian score. Can add 10–20 points instantly.

Wait for negative items to age

Late payments hurt less after 2 years and fall off entirely after 7 years. Time is on your side.

Timeline: Most people can reach 640–660 within 6–9 months from 600 with consistent on-time payments and utilization management.

💡 Expert Insight

Based on our analysis of thousands of consumer financial profiles, the most common mistake people make is focusing solely on the interest rate without considering total loan cost, fees, and repayment flexibility. Always compare the APR — not just the rate — and read the fine print on prepayment penalties before signing.

WiseIQ Editorial Team

Reviewed by Certified Financial Planners & Industry Experts

Our editorial team consists of financial writers, CFPs, and former banking professionals dedicated to providing accurate, unbiased financial guidance. All content is fact-checked and updated regularly. Learn about our editorial standards →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 600 a good credit score?

No, but it's improving. A 600 score is Fair and below the national average of 714. You'll qualify for some credit products but at higher rates. The good news: 600 is only 20 points from 620, which unlocks significantly better options including conventional mortgages.

What credit cards can I get with a 600 credit score?

With a 600 score, your best options are the Capital One Platinum Credit Card (no annual fee, accepts fair credit), Discover it Secured (builds credit with cash back rewards), and the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa. Avoid cards with high annual fees or monthly maintenance fees.

How fast can I raise my credit score from 600 to 700?

With aggressive action (paying down utilization, disputing errors, on-time payments), most people can reach 700 in 12–18 months from 600. The biggest single action is reducing credit card utilization below 10%.

← 580 Score 620 Score →

📚 Books to Help Improve Your Credit Score

Recommended books to go deeper on this topic

High Credit Score Secrets

by Various Authors

Over 50 proven methods to boost your credit rating — covers the exact algorithm all 3 bureaus use.

View on Amazon →

The Total Money Makeover

by Dave Ramsey

The definitive guide to eliminating debt and rebuilding your financial foundation step by step.

View on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, WiseIQ earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our editorial recommendations.

Sources & Methodology

WiseIQ's editorial team researches and fact-checks all content using primary sources. Our recommendations are based on independent analysis and are not influenced by advertiser relationships.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — regulatory data and consumer guidance
Federal Reserve — Consumer Credit Report (G.19) — interest rate benchmarks
AnnualCreditReport.com — official free credit report access
myFICO Credit Education — credit score methodology
Lender and issuer websites — rates, terms, and eligibility verified directly from source

Last reviewed: April 2026 | How we rank products

Is 600 a Good Credit Score?

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Tools

📚 Books to Help Improve Your Credit Score

High Credit Score Secrets

The Total Money Makeover

Sources & Methodology

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