Is a Credit Score of 600 Good or Bad?

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Is a Credit Score in Plain Words?

A credit score is a three-digit number that shows how trustworthy you are with borrowing money and paying it back. It is based on information in your credit reports, which record your history of loans, credit cards, payments, and debts. Scores usually range from about 300 to 850, and higher numbers mean lenders see you as less risky.

Think of your credit score as a financial report card. If you pay your bills on time and keep your credit card balances low, your score tends to be higher. Missing payments or having a lot of debt can lower your score. Lenders, landlords, and some employers use this score to decide whether to lend you money, rent you an apartment, or hire you.

For example, if you have a credit card and regularly pay the full balance by the due date, your credit score benefits from this positive behavior.

How Does a Credit Score of 600 Work? A Clear Example

Imagine you want to borrow $15,000 to buy a used car. You apply for a loan, and the lender reviews your credit score. If your score is 600, the lender sees you as a higher risk compared to someone with a score of 700.

This higher risk might mean:

• You are offered a higher interest rate, such as 12% instead of 6%.
• The lender requires a larger down payment or shorter loan term.
• You may need a co-signer to qualify.

For example, with a 600 score, you might pay more each month and more over the life of the loan than someone with a higher score. This happens because lenders want to protect themselves from potential late payments or defaults.

So while a 600 score doesn’t prevent you from borrowing, it can make borrowing more expensive and less flexible.

Why Does a Credit Score of 600 Matter to You?

Your credit score influences many parts of your financial life:

• Loan approvals: Some lenders may decline applications or approve loans with higher interest rates.
• Credit card offers: You may qualify for fewer credit card options and those with higher fees or interest rates.
• Renting: Landlords often check credit scores. A 600 score might mean needing a larger security deposit or a co-signer.
• Insurance premiums: Some insurers use credit-based scores to determine rates.
• Employment: Certain employers look at credit reports for background checks, especially for jobs handling money.

For example, if you want to rent an apartment, a 600 credit score might cause the landlord to request a co-signer or a deposit equal to two months’ rent. Knowing how your score affects these areas helps you plan your finances better.

What Do Credit Scores of 650 and 680 Mean Compared to 600?

Scores near 600, such as 650 or 680, generally indicate improving credit health, which can open more financial doors. Here’s a simple comparison:

For instance, a 650 score might allow you to qualify for more credit card offers with lower interest rates than a 600 score. At 680, you may gain access to loans with more favorable terms.

If you have a 600 score, moving toward 680 can lower your monthly payments and total interest costs on loans, making borrowing more affordable.

What Credit Terms Are Often Confused with Your Credit Score?

Understanding your credit score also means knowing related terms:

• Credit Report: A detailed record of your credit accounts, payment history, and public records like bankruptcies. Your credit score is calculated from this report.
• Credit Utilization Ratio: The amount of credit you’re using compared to your available credit limits. For example, if you have a credit card with a $1,000 limit and you owe $500, your utilization is 50%. Lower utilization helps your score.
• FICO vs. VantageScore: Two main credit scoring models. Both range from 300 to 850 but calculate scores differently. Your 600 score may vary slightly between models.
• Hard vs. Soft Credit Inquiries: A hard inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit for lending decisions and may lower your score slightly. A soft inquiry, like checking your own score, does not affect your credit score.

For example, checking your own credit score each month is a soft inquiry and safe to do without worry.

How Can You Improve a Credit Score of 600? Practical Steps with Examples

Improving your credit score requires consistent actions. Here are effective steps you can take:

1. Get Your Free Credit Reports: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request your credit reports from the three major bureaus for free once per year. Review them carefully for errors such as accounts you didn’t open or incorrect late payments.
2. Dispute Any Errors: If you find mistakes, file disputes online with the credit bureaus. Correcting errors can raise your score.
3. Pay Bills on Time: Set calendar reminders or automatic payments to avoid missed or late payments. For instance, schedule payments a few days before the due date to prevent accidental late payments.
4. Reduce Credit Card Balances: Aim to keep your credit utilization under 30%. For example, if your credit limit is $1,000, try to keep your balance below $300. Paying down high balances will help your score.
5. Avoid Opening Many New Accounts Quickly: Each application can trigger a hard inquiry, temporarily lowering your score. Apply only when necessary.
6. Keep Older Accounts Open: Length of credit history matters. Don’t close old credit cards unless they have high fees. For example, keeping a card open from 5 years ago helps your credit age.
7. Use Secured Credit Cards or Credit-Builder Loans: If you have trouble qualifying for traditional credit, these tools help rebuild credit by requiring a deposit or small loan.
8. Limit New Debt: Avoid taking on new loans or credit cards until your score improves.

For instance, if you owe $700 on a credit card with a $1,000 limit (70% utilization), paying it down to $250 (25% utilization) can improve your score. Combine this with on-time payments, and you will likely see gradual score increases.

What Should You Do Next If Your Credit Score Is 600?

If your score is 600, start with these clear actions:

• Check your credit reports for errors: Use AnnualCreditReport.com and review your credit reports carefully.
• Create a realistic budget: Track income and expenses to free up money for paying down debts.
• Set reminders or automatic payments: Use your phone or bank alerts to avoid missing due dates.
• Talk to lenders: Ask about options for borrowers with your credit score and what you can do to improve.
• Avoid "quick fix" credit repair scams: Legitimate credit improvement takes time and effort.
• Monitor your credit regularly: Use free tools to watch your score and report changes.

If you plan to apply for a major loan soon, ask the lender about expected interest rates and consider options like a co-signer or secured credit card to help qualify.

Taking steady, informed steps can improve your credit score and expand your financial opportunities over time.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get approved for a mortgage with a 600 credit score?

It’s possible but more difficult. Some government-backed loans, such as FHA loans, accept scores around 600. You may face higher interest rates or mortgage insurance requirements. Comparing lenders and loan programs is key.

Will paying off collections improve my credit score immediately?

Paying off collections helps but may not raise your score right away. Some scoring models ignore paid collections, while others still factor them in. Check your credit reports after paying collections to see if your score changes.

How often should I check my credit score?

Checking your own credit score once a month or every few months is enough. It doesn’t lower your score and helps you spot errors or identity theft early.

Does closing old credit cards improve my credit score?

Usually not. Closing old accounts can shorten your credit history and increase your credit utilization ratio, which can lower your score. It’s often better to keep old accounts open if they don’t cost fees.

How does credit utilization affect a 600 credit score?

High credit utilization—using most of your available credit—can hurt your score. For example, using 80% of your credit limits often lowers scores compared to keeping utilization below 30%.