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The Global Insight

What can a 500 credit score get you?

Author

John Hall

Updated on April 02, 2026

When your score is 500, you’ll have trouble qualifying for some financial products. You will have to pay the highest rates on loans and credit cards, and you may pay more for car insurance.

Is a credit rating of 500 bad?

Your score falls within the range of scores, from 300 to 579, considered Very Poor. A 500 FICO® Score is significantly below the average credit score.

Can you get approved with a 500 credit score?

Yes, you can get an unsecured credit card with a 500 credit score. So, if you are approved, you will likely end up with a card with high fees, high interest rates, and a low credit limit. The odds of getting approved for a decent unsecured credit card are higher with a credit score of at least 640.

What if your credit score is below 500?

A FICO score is the most commonly referenced credit model and ranges between a scale of 300 and 850 — 300 being the worst, 850 being the best. A credit score of 500 or below is troubled and may qualify for the worst of loans, if the credit holder isn’t declined outright. Credit inquiries can hurt your score, too.

How long does it take to rebuild credit from 500?

For instance, going from a poor credit score of around 500 to a fair credit score takes around 12 to 18 months of responsible credit use. Once you’ve made it to the “good” credit zone, don’t expect your credit to continue rising as steadily.

Is 400 a bad credit score?

Your score falls within the range of scores, from 300 to 579, considered Very Poor. A 400 FICO® Score is significantly below the average credit score.

Is it good or bad to have a credit score of 500?

Roughly 62% of consumers with credit scores under 579 are likely to become seriously delinquent (i.e., go more than 90 days past due on a debt payment) in the future. The bad news about your FICO ® Score of 500 is that it’s well below the average credit score of 704. The good news is that there’s plenty of opportunity to increase your score.

What does a FICO score of 500 mean?

FICO ® Scores in the Very Poor range often reflect a history of credit missteps or errors, such as multiple missed or late payments, defaulted or foreclosed loans, and even bankruptcy. Among consumers with FICO ® Scores of 500, 19% have credit histories that reflect having gone 30 or more days past due on a payment within the last 10 years.

How does your credit score affect your credit?

Banks, lenders and credit card issuers will also check your credit before approving (or denying) your application. If you’re approved, your loan or credit card’s interest rate is partially based on your credit score. The higher your score, the more likely you are to get approved and receive a low rate.

How does bad credit affect your everyday life?

Bad credit can affect your housing applications, insurance premiums and security deposits, adding roadblocks to many of life’s everyday necessities. Here’s a closer look at when and how credit scores are used: