What is the Lowest Possible Credit Score? | Chase (2024)

Let's be honest — not all of us have the best credit scores. That's okay! Your credit score is not a reflection of your value as a person, but rather a tool to help lenders measure your financial risk.

A poor credit score can impact your ability to make major financial decisions in your life. That's why understanding what it means can help you make proactive choices and think about ways you can improve it.

In this article, you will learn about:

  • The lowest credit score ranges for the two main scoring models
  • The disadvantages of having a poor credit score
  • The lowest credit score you can have to get a mortgage
  • The lowest credit score you can have to get a car
  • Improving your credit score with Chase Credit Journey®

Lowest credit score ranges

When it comes to credit score ranges, it's important to keep in mind there are many different scoring models, but the two most prevalent are VantageScore® and FICO® scores. Poor credit scores are further categorized into ranges below.

Poor VantageScore credit score ranges are:

  • Poor: 500 to 600
  • Very Poor: 300 to 499

Poor FICO credit score ranges are:

  • Fair: 580 to 669
  • Poor: 579 and below

The lowest score you can get with either model is 300, though past scoring models have gone lower (and aren't used so much today). According to FICO, an estimated 11.1% of Americans have a FICO score ranging between 300 and 549 as of 2019.

Disadvantages of having a poor credit score

Having a poor credit score can inhibit you from making major life choices or create more obstacles to getting what you want—whether that's a home, car, credit card or a major purchase. The following are a few disadvantages to having a poor credit score:

  • The inability to get a credit card, a line of credit, a personal loan, etc.
  • May affect your ability to rent an apartment
  • High APRs for loans you are eligible for
  • Hurt your chances of getting employed (if your potential employer runs a credit check)

Lowest credit score to get a mortgage

Having a poor credit score doesn't necessarily mean you can't take out a mortgage. However, it depends on the lender or financial situation. It's always important to check with your prospective lender, but generally, according to Experian™, most mortgages require about a 620 score. The lender may require a larger down payment to compensate for a low credit score.

According to Experian, other options for lower credit scores include the following loans:

  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan: a 500 credit score with 10% down payment or a 580 credit score with a 3.5% down payment
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) loan: a 620+ credit score
  • United States Department of Agriculture loan (USDA): a 580+ credit score

Lowest credit score to get a car

Similar to mortgages, your eligibility for a car loan and the rates you receive are heavily dependent on your lender and credit score. Some dealerships use a FICO auto score, which ranges between 250–900. Keep in mind this is different from other FICO scoring models, where the lowest score you can get is 300. Generally, the lower your credit score, the higher the annual percentage rate (APR).

To get a reasonable interest rate, you need around a credit score of 660 or higher. If you have a poor credit score (in the 300–500 range) you may be able to have a co-borrower help with getting you approved for a car loan. Having a co-borrower may show that there's an additional level of responsibility and usually reduces the risk for the lender.

Improve your credit score with Credit Journey®

As you can see, a low credit score has the ability to make it difficult for you when it comes to major life decisions. Whether you're taking out a mortgage, buying your first car or looking to take out a loan for a major purchase, a low credit score can hurt your chances of getting what you want.

That's why it's essential to be proactive about increasing your credit score with tools like Chase Credit Journey. This free online resource gives you the ability to regularly check your credit score (without hurting it) and personalized action plans provided by Experian™ to help improve your score.

What is the Lowest Possible Credit Score? | Chase (2024)

FAQs

What is the Lowest Possible Credit Score? | Chase? ›

What is the lowest credit score possible? Generally, credit scores range from 300 to 850, making 300 the lowest possible credit score. But it's important to note that you typically have more than one credit score. And they may differ depending on the credit-scoring company and when they were calculated.

What's the lowest credit score possible? ›

What is the lowest credit score possible? Generally, credit scores range from 300 to 850, making 300 the lowest possible credit score. But it's important to note that you typically have more than one credit score. And they may differ depending on the credit-scoring company and when they were calculated.

What is the credit rating lowest possible? ›

What is the highest credit score vs. a good or fair credit score? Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850. Within that range, scores can usually be placed into one of five categories: poor, fair, good, very good and excellent.

What is the lowest credit score limit? ›

Given by the Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited (CIBIL), this score ranges from 300 to 900, with 300 being the lowest and 900 being the highest. This score is based on our past credit history and repayment behaviour.

Is a 900 credit score possible? ›

Highlights: While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

Is it possible to have a 250 credit score? ›

FICO's industry-specific credit scores have a different range—250 to 900.

What is the lowest credit score to be accepted for a credit card? ›

There is no official “lowest score” that card issuers will accept because whether you get approved for a card depends on a variety of factors, not just your credit score.

What is the poorest credit score? ›

What is a bad FICO credit score?
  • Poor: 300-579.
  • Fair: 580-669.
  • Good: 670-739.
  • Very Good: 740-799.
  • Exceptional: 800-850.
Jun 19, 2024

What is the lowest credit score to buy a house? ›

You'll typically need a credit score of 620 to finance a home purchase. However, some lenders may offer mortgage loans to borrowers with scores as low as 500. Whether you qualify for a specific loan type also depends on personal factors like your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), loan-to-value ratio (LTV) and income.

What is the riskiest credit score? ›

Lenders generally see those with credit scores 670 and up as acceptable or lower-risk borrowers. Those with credit scores from 580 to 669 are generally seen as “subprime borrowers,” meaning they may find it more difficult to qualify for better loan terms.

What is the lowest credit limit you can have? ›

The credit limit on your credit card determines how much money you can charge. Credit cards can have spending limits as low as $200 -- or as high as $50,000 or more.

What is the most accurate credit score? ›

The primary credit scoring models are FICO® and VantageScore®, and both are equally accurate. Although both are accurate, most lenders are looking at your FICO score when you apply for a loan.

What is the minimum credit score to get a loan? ›

Your credit score is a significant factor determining your eligibility for a personal loan since it is a collateral-free loan. The minimum CIBIL score for a personal loan is between 720 and 750. Having this score means you are creditworthy, and lenders will approve your personal loan application quickly.

What is the lowest FICO credit score? ›

Some dealerships use a FICO auto score, which ranges between 250–900. Keep in mind this is different from other FICO scoring models, where the lowest score you can get is 300. Generally, the lower your credit score, the higher the annual percentage rate (APR).

What is a good credit score to buy a car? ›

Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.

What is the highest credit score to buy a house? ›

What is a good credit score for buying a house?
  • 800 or higher: Exceptional.
  • 740-799: Very good.
  • 670-739: Good.
  • 580-669: Fair.
  • 579 or lower: Poor.
Jan 10, 2024

Is it possible to have a 300 credit score? ›

A 300 credit score can be a sign of past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history. Whether you're looking for a personal loan, a mortgage or a credit card, credit scores in this range can make it challenging to get approved for unsecured credit, which doesn't require collateral or a security deposit.

Can your credit score be 1? ›

That's because your credit score doesn't start at zero. In fact, the lowest possible score from FICO® and VantageScore® is 300. But unless you've had some recent trouble with on-time payments or high spending, your score likely won't be that low.

Can you have a 200 credit score? ›

Your score falls within the range of scores, from 0 to 600, that is considered very poor. A 200 CIBIL Score is a significantly below the average credit score.

How bad is a zero credit score? ›

Having no credit is better than having bad credit, though both can hold you back. Bad credit shows potential lenders a negative track record of managing credit. Meanwhile, no credit means lenders can't tell how you'll handle repaying debts because you don't have much experience.

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