A 600 credit score puts you in the "fair" credit range , not great, but definitely not the end of the world. If you're wondering what doors this score opens (and which ones it keeps shut), you're in the right place.
At ASAP Credit Repair, we work with people at every credit level, and here's the truth: a 600 credit score is like being stuck in the middle lane of traffic. You can get where you need to go, but it's going to take longer and cost more than you'd like.
Is 600 Credit score good or bad?
Not good, not bad. A 600 credit score is considered "fair" by most lenders.
According to Experian's 2024 State of Credit report, the average American credit score is 714, which means you're sitting about 114 points below average. That said, you're not in the "poor" category (below 580), so you still have access to credit , just not the best terms.
Think of it this way: lenders see you as someone who's had some bumps in the road but isn't completely unreliable.
Credit score ranges vary depending on the scoring model used. The two most common are FICO and VantageScore. Here’s how they break down:
With a 600 score, you’re right on the edge between “Poor” and “Fair” depending on the model. That means some lenders might still approve you, but you’ll likely face higher interest rates, stricter terms, or smaller credit limits until you improve your score.
What You Can Get With a 600 Credit Score
Credit Cards , Yes, But With Strings Attached
The good news? You can absolutely get approved for credit cards with a 600 score. The not-so-good news? Your options come with higher interest rates and fees.
Secured Credit Cards: These are your best bet. You put down a deposit (usually $200-$500), and that becomes your credit limit. Many secured cards graduate to unsecured after 6-12 months of on-time payments.
Subprime Credit Cards: You can qualify for unsecured cards designed for fair credit, but expect APRs between 20-29% and annual fees of $39-$99.
Store Credit Cards: Retail cards are easier to get approved for, though credit limits are typically low ($300-$1,000) and interest rates are high.
Auto Loans , More Forgiving Than You'd Think
Car dealers and lenders are surprisingly willing to work with 600 credit scores. Why? They can repossess the car if you don't pay. Here's what to expect:
- Interest rates: 8-12% for new cars, 10-15% for used cars
- Down payment requirements: 10-20% of the purchase price
- Loan terms that might be shorter than you'd prefer
Real Example: Sarah came to us with a 598 credit score after a rough divorce. She needed reliable transportation for her new job and got approved for a used car loan at 12.9% APR. She had to put $2,000 down on a $15,000 Honda Civic, but she got the car and started rebuilding her credit with consistent payments.
Personal Loans , Possible, But Expensive
Personal loans with a 600 credit score are doable, but you'll pay for the privilege:
- Online lenders: 18-35% APR (ouch!)
- Credit unions: Often better rates if you're a member
- Loan amounts: Usually capped at $2,000-$10,000
The key is shopping around. Some lenders specialize in fair credit borrowers and offer more reasonable terms.
Mortgages , Here's Where It Gets Tricky
A 600 credit score makes homebuying challenging but not impossible:
FHA Loans: The Federal Housing Administration allows scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment, though many lenders prefer 620 or higher.
VA Loans: If you're a veteran, VA loans don't have a strict minimum score requirement, but most lenders still want to see at least 620.
Conventional Loans: Most require a minimum 620 credit score, so you're likely shut out here.
Real Example: Mike, a client with a 605 credit score, qualified for an FHA loan to buy his first home. His interest rate was 4.2% , not terrible, but not great either. He had to put down 10% instead of the minimum 3.5% because of his credit profile, but he got his house and avoided throwing money away on rent.
What You Probably Can't Get
Let's be realistic about what's off the table with a 600 credit score:
- Premium rewards credit cards (those require 700+ scores)
- The best mortgage rates (reserved for 740+ scores)
- Competitive personal loan rates
- Business credit cards with favorable terms
- Some apartment rentals (many landlords require 650+ scores)
- Certain utility services without deposits
How to Improve Your 600 Credit Score , The ASAP Method
Here's the thing about a 600 credit score: it's not permanent. According to FICO data, consumers with fair credit can see improvements of 20-50 points within three to six months by focusing on key areas.
Step 1: Pay Everything On Time, Every Time
Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. This is non-negotiable. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amounts on all your accounts. Even utility bills and phone bills matter now that many companies report to credit bureaus.
Step 2: Attack Your Credit Card Balances
Credit utilization accounts for 30% of your score. Keep balances below 30% of your credit limits, but aim for 10% or less. If you have a $1,000 credit limit, keep your balance under $100.
Pro tip: Pay down balances before your statement closes, not just before the due date. This way, lower balances get reported to credit bureaus.
Step 3: Don't Close Old Accounts
Length of credit history is 15% of your score. Keep old accounts open, even if you don't use them. That 5-year-old credit card with no annual fee? Keep it.
Step 4: Mix It Up (Carefully)
Credit mix accounts for 10% of your score. Having different types of credit , a credit card, auto loan, and maybe a small personal loan , shows lenders you can manage various types of debt. But don't go crazy opening new accounts.
Step 5: Check Your Credit Reports for Errors
About 20% of credit reports contain errors that can hurt your score. Get free copies from all three bureaus and dispute anything that's wrong. This is where working with a professional credit repair company like ASAP Credit Repair can save you time and hassle.
Timeline: How Fast Can You Improve?
Most of our clients with 600 credit scores see meaningful improvements within 3-6 months if they're consistent with these strategies:
- Month 1-2: Pay down credit card balances and ensure all payments are on time
- Month 3-4: Dispute any errors on your credit reports
- Month 5-6: See score improvements of 20-50 points on average
Remember, every situation is different. Some clients see faster improvements, others take a bit longer. The key is consistency and patience.
600 Credit Score The Bottom Line
A 600 credit score isn't the end of the world, but it's definitely not where you want to stay. You have access to credit, but you're paying more for it than necessary. Think of this score as your starting point, not your destination.
The good news? Moving from 600 to 650 or even 700 is absolutely doable with the right strategy and consistent effort. Even small improvements make a big difference , moving from 600 to 650 can save you thousands of dollars in interest over time.
At ASAP Credit Repair, we've helped thousands of clients move from fair credit to good credit and beyond. We know the system inside and out, and we're here to help you navigate the process without the headaches and guesswork.
Your 600 credit score today doesn't define your financial future. With the right plan and consistent action, you can build the credit profile you need to achieve your goals. The journey starts with a single step, and that step is recognizing that your score can and will improve.