500 Credit Score: Is It Good?
A 500 credit score is considered "Poor" on the FICO scale. A 500 is in the lower range, so options are limited to rebuilding-focused products — but scores can recover faster than most people expect. A 500 is the lowest score that can still qualify for an FHA mortgage — though it requires a 10% down payment.
Is a 500 credit score good?
On the FICO scale of 300–850, a 500 falls in the poor range. It is enough to access credit, but you will typically pay higher interest until you move into the "good" range (670+). See the full credit score ranges and what counts as a good score.
What you can get with a 500 credit score
With a 500, you can generally qualify for:
- secured credit cards and credit-builder products
- FHA mortgages with 10% down (scores 500–579)
- auto loans at high APRs, often easier with a co-signer
- rebuilding tools that report to the bureaus
Exact approval and pricing always depend on the lender, your income, and the rest of your credit profile — these are general guidelines, not guarantees.
How to improve a 500 credit score
The same fundamentals move every score:
- Pay every bill on time — payment history is the biggest factor
- Lower your credit utilization by paying balances down before the statement closes
- Dispute any errors dragging your reports down
- Keep older accounts open to lengthen your credit history
- Avoid unnecessary new applications and hard inquiries
How far to the next tier
You're about 80 points from the "Fair" range (580+). Crossing a band boundary usually matters more for your rates than moving a few points within one, so it's a worthwhile target.
Check all three of your scores free
Your 500 may differ across Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, because your three reports aren't identical. CreditVana shows all three free, refreshed every 14 days, so you know exactly where you stand.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 500 credit score good or bad?
A 500 is in the "poor" FICO range. It is below the "good" threshold of 670, so you can still get credit but usually at higher interest rates.
What can I get approved for with a 500 credit score?
With a 500, you can generally qualify for secured credit cards and credit-builder products and FHA mortgages with 10% down (scores 500–579). Approval and rates depend on the lender and the rest of your profile.
How can I raise a 500 credit score?
Pay every bill on time, keep your credit utilization low, dispute any report errors, keep older accounts open, and limit new applications. These fundamentals improve any score over time.