A 600 credit score is below average and will limit your borrowing options
A 600 credit score falls into the "fair" or "poor" range depending on which scoring model is used. Most lenders consider scores below 620 risky, which means you will face higher interest rates, larger down payments, or outright rejection when you apply for mortgages, car loans, credit cards, or rental housing. A 600 score is not a permanent barrier — it reflects your recent payment history and debt levels — but it does narrow what you can access right now.
The exact impact depends on what you are trying to borrow for. A mortgage lender and a credit card issuer use different thresholds. A landlord screening your application uses yet another standard. Understanding where 600 sits in each context helps you know which doors are actually closed and which ones just cost more.
Key Takeaways
- A 600 credit score is below the threshold most mortgage lenders use to approve loans, though some government-backed programs accept scores in this range with larger down payments.
- Credit card issuers and auto lenders typically reject applications at 600 or offer only high-interest cards and subprime auto loans.
- Landlords often use 620 as a cutoff for rental approval, so a 600 score may disqualify you or require a co-signer or larger security deposit.
- Your score reflects the last two to three years of payment history and current debt levels, so improving it takes time but is possible through consistent on-time payments.
- Different lenders use different scoring models, so a 600 on one bureau's report may not be your score everywhere.
How 600 compares to lender thresholds
Credit scores range from 300 to 850. A 600 sits roughly in the bottom third. Most mainstream lenders — banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies — set their minimum approval threshold between 620 and 640. That means a 600 score puts you below the line for standard products.
The gap between 600 and 620 is small in points but large in access. A 20-point difference can move you from automatic rejection to conditional approval. This is why some people focus on raising their score to 620 first, rather than trying to borrow at 600.
Mortgage lending at a 600 score
Most conventional mortgage lenders require a minimum score of 620. At 600, you will not may have access to for a conventional loan through a bank or mortgage broker. However, some options remain. FHA loans (backed by the Federal Housing Administration) sometimes accept scores as low as 580, though 600 is more common for approval. VA loans (for military members and veterans) and USDA loans (for rural properties) have different scoring rules and may work at 600 depending on the lender.
If you do find a lender willing to work with a 600 score, expect a larger down payment — often 10 to 15 percent instead of the 3 to 5 percent conventional loans allow — and a higher interest rate. You will also pay mortgage insurance, which adds to your monthly cost. The total cost of borrowing at 600 versus 640 can be tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Credit cards and auto loans at 600
Credit card issuers rarely approve applications at 600 for standard cards. You may find offers for secured credit cards (which require a cash deposit) or subprime cards with annual fees and high interest rates. Secured cards are sometimes a better choice because they report to all three credit bureaus and help you build history, whereas subprime cards often do not.
Auto lenders are more willing to work with 600 scores, but again at a cost. Subprime auto loans — loans for borrowers with lower scores — carry interest rates of 15 to 29 percent or higher, depending on the lender and your down payment. A $20,000 car financed at 20 percent over five years costs roughly $9,000 more in interest than the same car at 6 percent. Some credit unions offer better rates to members with lower scores, so checking there before accepting a subprime offer is worth the time.
Rental housing and a 600 score
Landlords use credit reports to assess risk, and many set a minimum score of 620 or higher. At 600, you may face rejection outright, or the landlord may ask for a co-signer (someone who guarantees the rent if you do not pay) or a larger security deposit — sometimes double or triple the standard amount.
Not all landlords pull credit scores; some rely only on income verification or rental history. Smaller landlords and private owners are more likely to skip credit checks than large property management companies. If you are rejected because of your score, ask the landlord what would change their decision — a co-signer, a larger deposit, or proof of income — and decide whether you can meet those terms.
Why your score is 600 and what to do about it
A 600 score usually reflects one or more of these: late or missed payments in the last two years, high credit card balances relative to your limits, a recent collection account or charge-off, or a short credit history. The most recent information matters most, so a missed payment from six months ago hurts more than one from two years ago.
Improving your score takes time but does not require a special service or product. Pay all bills on time, every time — this is the single largest factor in your score. Reduce credit card balances below 30 percent of your limits. Do not close old accounts, because length of history matters. Do not apply for multiple new credit cards or loans in a short period, because each application creates a small temporary dip. These steps take months to show results, but they work.
Checking your score and understanding the numbers
You have three credit scores — one from Equifax, one from Experian, and one from TransUnion. A 600 on one bureau does not mean 600 on all three; they often differ by 20 to 50 points. When a lender pulls your score, they may use one bureau or all three, and they may use a general score or an industry-specific one (like a mortgage score or auto score). Industry-specific scores can be 50 points higher or lower than your general score.
You can view your credit report for free once per year from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com. The report shows what accounts are listed, what balances are reported, and what negative marks (late payments, collections) appear. Errors are common — a late payment that was actually on time, an account that is not yours, a balance reported incorrectly. Disputing errors can raise your score if the bureau removes them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage with a 600 credit score?
Most conventional lenders will not approve a mortgage at 600. FHA loans sometimes accept 580 to 600 with a larger down payment and mortgage insurance. VA and USDA loans have different rules. Contact lenders directly to learn what they will consider, because thresholds vary.
Will my score improve if I pay off all my credit cards?
Paying off balances will improve your score, but closing the accounts afterward will hurt it. Keep the accounts open even after you pay them off. Your score reflects both your payment history and the total credit available to you, so closing accounts reduces that available credit and can lower your score temporarily.
How long does it take to raise a 600 score to 700?
It depends on why your score is 600. If it is from recent late payments, expect six to twelve months of on-time payments before you see significant movement. If it is from high balances, paying them down can help within two to three months. Older negative marks (collections, charge-offs) take longer to fade.
Should I use a credit repair service to raise my score?
No. Credit repair services charge fees to dispute items on your report, but you can dispute them yourself for free. They cannot remove accurate negative information, only inaccurate information — and you can do that without paying. Save your money and focus on the actions that actually raise scores: paying on time and reducing balances.
Does a 600 score affect anything besides borrowing?
Credit scores affect borrowing, rental housing, and sometimes insurance rates. Some employers check credit reports (though not scores) during hiring. Utility companies may require a deposit based on credit history. Cell phone providers sometimes do the same. The score itself is mainly a borrowing tool, but the underlying report affects more.