600 credit score: is it bad, and can you still borrow?

A 600 credit score is considered fair, rather than poor, on the standard FICO scale used in the United States. It can still make borrowing harder or more expensive. Before applying for a card or loan, check which scoring model produced the number, review your credit reports, and compare the full borrowing terms.

• A 600 FICO score falls in the fair category, below the good range.
• The number alone cannot predict approval, an interest rate, or a credit limit.
• Different scoring models and credit reports can produce different results.
• Payment habits and existing balances matter more than chasing a quick score fix.

Is a 600 credit score bad or fair?

According to myFICO’s educational guidance, consulted on November 3, 2026, the fair FICO range runs from 580 to 669. That places 600 within fair credit, not the category labeled poor. However, a category name is a description of credit risk, not a promise that a lender will accept an application.

Experian’s guidance on a 600 FICO score, also consulted on November 3, 2026, describes it as below average. It notes that some lenders may decline applicants in this range, while others may offer credit with higher costs. Neither outcome follows automatically from the score alone.

How does it compare with other FICO ranges?

FICO category	Score range
Poor	Below 580
Fair	580 to 669
Good	670 to 739
Very good	740 to 799
Exceptional	800 and above

These categories come from myFICO. Comparing yourself with a national average is less useful unless the comparison uses the same scoring model and measurement period. For an application, the lender’s actual requirements matter more than how close your score is to somebody else’s.

Why might a lender see a different score?

The score in a banking app is not necessarily the score a prospective lender will use. myFICO explains that scoring models, model versions, bureau information, and reporting schedules can differ. A number without its model, credit bureau, and date gives an incomplete picture.

For example, a balance update may reach one bureau before another. An account may also appear on some reports but not others, depending on where a creditor reports activity. These differences do not automatically indicate an error, although unfamiliar or inaccurate information deserves investigation.

Before comparing scores, record the model name, bureau, and date shown beside each result. If a balance appears out of step with a recent payment, our explanation of credit reporting dates after paying in full covers that separate timing issue.

Can you get a credit card or loan with a 600 score?

Approval is possible, but there is no universal answer. According to myFICO, lenders set their own criteria and may consider income, existing debt, and credit history alongside the score. A lender can therefore reject an application even when the score falls within a range it sometimes accepts.

A card offer and a personal loan also serve different purposes. Compare the cost and repayment structure for the product you actually need, rather than treating an approval as evidence that the borrowing is affordable. Our guide to personal loan eligibility with fair credit explains the loan-specific checks.

What can you check before applying?

• Read the interest terms, fees, and repayment requirements.
• Check whether the application involves a hard credit inquiry.
• Ask whether an eligibility check is preliminary rather than final approval.
• Compare the required payment with money available after essential expenses.
• For a secured card, check the deposit terms and credit-bureau reporting.

Experian identifies secured cards as a possible credit-building tool when account activity is reported to the credit bureaus. The deposit ties up cash, however, and approval does not eliminate the need to manage payments. Opening another account is not the only way to work on an existing credit profile.

What can help improve a 600 credit score?

Start with the reasons accompanying your score and the information in your reports. Experian notes that people can reach the same score for different reasons. High card balances, missed payments, a short history, or recent applications call for different responses.

Keep payment management separate from score tracking

Review due dates and payment arrangements before focusing on the next score update. Experian identifies payment history as a major scoring factor. Automatic payments can help manage deadlines, but the selected amount still needs to fit your repayment plan.

Our guide to checking whether credit card autopay covers only the minimum explains why an active payment setting may leave a balance outstanding. Monitoring the account remains useful even after automation is enabled.

Address balances without buying an unnecessary loan

High use of available revolving credit can weigh on scores, according to myFICO. Paying down existing card debt can address that issue, while repeated applications can introduce hard inquiries. Taking out debt solely to create a different mix of accounts adds a repayment obligation without guaranteeing improvement.

If a report contains an account or payment status you believe is wrong, gather statements and investigate through the relevant credit bureau and reporting company. Keep that accuracy check distinct from efforts to change accurate negative history. No action here establishes a guaranteed score increase or a reliable completion date.

Informational content only, not financial advice.