Is 600 a Good Credit Score?

Authorby Ben Sweiry · Modified on 20 October, 2023

A credit score of 600 falls within the fair to poor range, but it will still be possible to qualify for most financial products.

Key factors influencing a 600 credit score include payment history, credit utilization, derogatory marks, credit mix, and length of credit history.

Statistics reveal that a 600 credit score is below the national average, with a significant portion of the U.S. population having fair to poor credit scores.

Is 600 a Bad Credit Score?

A credit score of 600 falls within the fair to poor range. While it’s not considered excellent or even good, it’s not the worst either. Lenders may still extend credit to individuals with a 600 credit score, but it often comes with higher interest rates and less favorable terms.

Breaking down the typical credit score ranges and their associated meanings:

• Excellent: 800 – 850
• Very Good: 740 – 799
• Good: 670 – 739
• Fair: 580 – 669
• Poor: 300 – 579

Factors Influencing a 600 Credit Score

Several factors contribute to a credit score of 600, including:

1. Payment History: Late payments, defaults, or charge-offs can significantly impact your credit score. A history of missed payments can drag down your score.
2. Credit Utilization: High credit card balances relative to your credit limit can negatively affect your score. It’s advisable to keep your credit utilization below 30%.
3. Derogatory Marks: Items such as bankruptcies, foreclosures, and collections can severely damage your credit score and stay on your credit report for several years.
4. Credit Mix: A diverse mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages, can positively influence your score.
5. Length of Credit History: Longer credit histories are generally viewed more favorably. Opening and closing accounts frequently can impact your score.

How Important is my Credit Score?

A credit score of 600 has several implications:

1. Limited Credit Opportunities: While it’s not the lowest possible score, a 600 credit score limits your access to credit. You may still qualify for loans and credit cards, but they will likely come with higher interest rates and less favorable terms.
2. Higher Borrowing Costs: With a 600 credit score, you’ll likely face higher interest rates, which can significantly increase the overall cost of borrowing. It’s essential to compare offers and work on improving your credit to secure better terms.
3. Credit Improvement Is Possible: A 600 credit score is not a life sentence. With responsible financial habits, you can work towards improving your credit score over time.

600 Credit Score – the Facts and Figures

To provide a broader context, we will consider some relevant statistics and data figures on credit scores in the United States:

1. Average Credit ScoreAs of 2021, the average FICO credit score in the United States was 711, according to Experian. This suggests that a 600 credit score is below the national average.
2. Credit Score DistributionA breakdown of credit score distribution in the U.S. reveals that a substantial portion of the population has credit scores below 600. This emphasizes the prevalence of fair to poor credit scores.
   • 16% of Americans have a credit score below 579 (very poor).
   • 17% have scores between 580 and 669 (fair).
   • 21% fall in the range of 670 to 739 (good).
   • 23% have scores between 740 and 799 (very good).
   • 20% have excellent scores between 800 and 850.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

1. Pay Your Bills on Time: Consistently making on-time payments is one of the most critical factors in improving your credit score. Late payments can have a negative impact, so set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure punctuality.
2. Reduce Credit Card Balances: High credit card balances relative to your credit limit can harm your credit score. Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30% by paying down balances and avoiding maxing out your cards.
3. Check Your Credit Report: Regularly review your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look for errors or inaccuracies that may be dragging down your score and dispute them if necessary.
4. Diversify Your Credit Mix: Having a mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages, can positively impact your score. If you only have one type of credit account, consider adding another to diversify your credit portfolio.
5. Use Credit Responsibly: Be cautious about opening too many new credit accounts in a short period, as it can lower your average account age and appear as a risk to lenders. Only apply for credit when you genuinely need it.