Poor Credit
A FICO score of 300–579. Most mainstream credit products are unavailable or very expensive in this range. Secured credit cards and credit-builder loans are common starting points for rebuilding. About 16% of US consumers have a score in this range (Experian, 2024).
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- FICO Score
A three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850 that represents your creditworthiness, calculated by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) using data from your credit report. Used by 90% of top US lenders to evaluate loan and credit card applications.
- Credit Score Range
The classification system that groups FICO scores into categories. Poor: 300–579. Fair: 580–669. Good: 670–739. Very Good: 740–799. Exceptional: 800–850. These ranges are used by lenders to set interest rates and determine eligibility for credit products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poor Credit
What does Poor Credit mean?
A FICO score of 300–579. Most mainstream credit products are unavailable or very expensive in this range. Secured credit cards and credit-builder loans are common starting points for rebuilding. About 16% of US consumers have a score in this range (Experian, 2024).
Is Poor Credit important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Poor Credit helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.