A bad credit score can make it harder to qualify for loans, credit cards, and even rental applications — but the good news is that it’s fixable with the right strategy.

Want a better credit score? Learn proven methods to fix negative marks, master credit utilization, and leverage authorized ...

What's a bad credit score — and how can it hurt your financial future? Updated Thu, Mar 13 2025. Alexandria White Money Reporter, Credit Cards.

A bad credit score is usually below 630. Factors like missed payments can lead to low scores. Try simple strategies to build credit and get better financial deals.

A bad credit score generally falls below 600 on a scale of 300-850, depending on the credit scoring model. Bad credit is often used interchangeably with a “poor” credit score.

Whatever the case, you’re now facing the challenge of fixing a “bad” credit score. If your credit score is lower than you’d like, it's possible to rebuild your credit and improve your score.

Key Takeaways. A FICO score below 580 or a VantageScore of less than 601 is considered a bad credit score. If your score falls in the bad credit range, you will face less favorable outcomes with ...

Under FICO, any credit score below 670 is considered a bad credit score or a sub-prime credit score. A bad VantageScore credit score is under 661, slightly more generous than FICO.

A bad score can cost you that much. Your credit score largely determines how much interest you pay on a car loan. And interest rates are trending high. The average new car loan was $40,366 in 2023.

Credit Score Range. What It Means. What You Get. 300-579. Bad Credit. Hard to get approved, very high interest rates. 580-669. Fair Credit. Some approvals, still higher rates ...

According to FICO® Score, 15.5% of the population has a credit score below 600, while the average credit score sits at 716. Having a 600 credit score places you below the national average and ...

Credit can be confusing. Figuring out what is a bad credit score and, even more important, how to fix it might be the key to your financial future.