According to most credit bureaus and credit scoring models, a 610 credit score is considered “fair” credit.
Consumers with fair credit should have access to most personal loan products, but interest rates and repayment terms may vary greatly depending on income and other financial data.
Approximately 17% of Americans have credit in the “fair” credit range.1 610 falls right in the middle of this credit range, which includes all scores between 580 and 699.
Here, you will learn more about fair credit scores like 610 and what you can do to improve your credit and progress into the good credit tiers and higher!
Key Takeaways for a 610 Credit Score
Overview of Your
Credit Rating
610 is typically labeled as a “fair” credit score. Consumers within this credit tier may be considered a higher lending risk.
Borrowing Options With a
610 Credit Score
Most loan products, including secured and unsecured loans, are available, but with varying rates and terms.
Improving a 610
Credit/FICO Score
Consumers can improve their credit scores by making timely payments, avoiding new debts, and monitoring their credit reports.
Is 610 a Good Credit Score?
610 falls in the middle of the “fair” credit score range. While 610 isn’t one of the worst scores out there, it’s not exactly a good credit score. Fair credit consumers should prioritize improving their credit history in order to access some great benefits and just to make life easier overall when it comes to their finances.
What Can I Get Approved For?
Upgrade
4.4 Trustpilot Rating
- Rewards checking
- Personal loans
- Upgrade OneCard
- Premier savings
Upgrade is a finance company that provides affordable and responsible credit products to borrowers in need. They offer spending cards and personal loans. Loans range from $1,000 to $50,000, and personal credit line cards range from $500 to $25,000.
Min Credit Score Depends on the Product You Choose
Consumer Credit Union
4.8 Ninja Star Rating
- Personal loans & auto loans
- Mortgages
- Credit cards
- Banking solutions
Like other credit unions, Consumers Credit Union is an open-to-the-public, not-for-profit institution. This credit union offers a wide range of products and services to members—checking, savings, debit and credit cards, vehicle and consumer loans, money market accounts and certificates.
Check out Their Website for More Information on Products and Services
Creditstrong
4.0 Ninja Star Rating
- Installment or revolving credit
- Flexible pricing
- Build credit history
- Build your savings
CreditStrong offers safe and secure solutions to help borrowers build credit. CreditStrong offers two different types of accounts: installment and revolving. These accounts are a combination of a savings account and either a secured installment loan or a secured revolving line of credit.
No Minimum Credit Score Required
Many loan products should be available to consumers with a 610 credit score, but terms, rates, and other details may vary. Let’s explore some of the ins and outs of a few financial products you may have access to with a 610 credit score.
Personal Loans
A personal loan is one of the most common types of loans available because they can be used for so many different purposes. Personal loans can cover everything from major home repairs to a small financial emergency. There are even private lenders who specialize in working with people with fair or poor credit and provide credit builder loan products.
Bank Loans vs. Credit Unions
Bank loans and credit union loans function very similarly but can differ when it comes to approval requirements. Banks typically only offer installment loans to consumers with excellent credit scores, while credit unions are more willing to approve a wider variety of borrowers. However, keep in mind that you will have to become a member in order to get personal loans from a credit union.
Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards
Instead of applying for a personal loan for funding, you may also consider using a line of revolving credit like a secured or unsecured credit card. Typically, credit card issuers offer the best rates and credit limits to consumers with good credit. So, with a credit score in the “fair” range, you may want to get a secured credit card instead.
Secured credit cards work similarly to traditional credit cards, except account holders include a down payment that secures their credit limit. A secured credit card can help consumers improve their credit utilization while also giving them access to recurring cash.
Car Loans vs. Car Leases
Car loans and leases are both available for consumers with 610 credit scores. Although car loans and leases both allow people access to a vehicle, they can differ when it comes to interest rates, the effect they can have on your credit score, and more.
Feature | Car Loan | Car Lease |
Suitability for 610 Credit Score | Approval may come with higher interest rates. Shopping around for the best rates and considering a co-signer might improve terms. | Leasing companies may be more flexible with credit scores, but a 610 score could still affect terms and interest rates. |
Ownership | You own the car after the loan is paid off. | You don’t own the car; you return it at the end of the lease, though you may have the option to buy. |
Upfront Costs | Down payment, taxes, and other fees. May require a higher down payment for a 610 credit score to secure a loan. | First month’s payment, a refundable security deposit, taxes, and other fees. Down payment may be lower than a loan, or sometimes not required. |
Monthly Payments | Generally higher than lease payments because you’re paying off the entire purchase price of the vehicle, plus interest and finance charges. | Lower than loan payments because you’re only paying for the car’s depreciation during the lease term, plus interest and fees. |
Credit Impact | Consistent on-time payments can improve your credit score. Missed payments can significantly harm your credit. | Similar to loans, on-time payments can help build credit, but the total amount of debt may be lower. |
Mileage Limits | No mileage limits. The car is yours to drive as much as you like. | Leases come with mileage limits, typically 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. Exceeding these limits can result in hefty fees. |
Customization | You can modify or customize your car as you see fit. | No modifications are allowed. The car must be returned in good condition, with normal wear and tear. |
Early Termination | You can sell or trade in the vehicle at any time, but you must pay off the loan balance first. | Ending a lease early can be costly, with fees that can be almost as expensive as sticking with the contract. |
Long-Term Costs | Typically higher upfront but can be more economical in the long run if you keep the car for many years after the loan is paid off. | Lower upfront costs, but you never stop paying for the vehicle as long as you continue to lease. |
Disclaimer: This chart is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice; terms and conditions may vary based on individual credit situations and lender policies.
Cash Advance Loans
Cash advance loans, like payday loans, are designed to help people access cash while they are in between paychecks. Consumers with just about any credit score can usually get approved for these types of financial products, which is why they are often referred to as no credit check loans. However, quick cash loans almost always come with very high interest rates and short repayment terms, so unless you can repay your balance in full within about fourteen days, you may want to stay away from them.
Products and Tools To Help Improve a 610 Credit Score
Budgeting Apps
Budgeting apps can help you stay on top of your due payments and watch your spending habits. Some apps you can download and start using today are:
- YNAB (You Need a Budget)
- PocketGuard
- GoodBudget
- HoneyDue
- EveryDollar
Credit Report Monitoring
While you should be checking your recurring credit reports on your own, using a professional credit monitoring service may also be helpful. These programs can help you keep an eye on your credit reports, and notify you about any errors, inconsistencies, or suspicious activity.
Some popular services include:
- Identity Force
- Capital One CreditWise
- myFICO
- FICO Advanced
- Experian
- ID Watchdog
- Credit Karma
- Aura
Credit Repair Agencies For Fair Credit Scores
If you need help determining where to start when it comes to improving your credit score, you may want to work with an official credit repair company. Some companies you may consider are:
- Credit Saint
- The Credit People
- Lexington Law
- Sky Blue
- The Credit Pros
- Safeport Law
Benefits of Improving Your 610 Credit Score
Improving your credit isn’t always easy, but the incredible benefits you can enjoy will make the effort worthwhile!
Easy Loan Approval
Good credit borrowers often qualify for special pre-approval offers or are able to breeze through credit applications easily, allowing you to access cash without any hassle.
Higher Credit Limits
Lenders and financial institutions typically deem consumers with a better credit score as a lower lending risk and, therefore, are more likely to approve you for a higher credit limit on credit cards and revolving credit products!
Better Rates on Loans and Insurance
Not only do good credit borrowers have access to a wide variety of loan products and credit limits, but they may also have access to lower interest rates as well. Lenders and insurance providers want to draw in financially responsible borrowers, which is why they are willing to extend funding at a lower cost to certain consumers.
How to Improve Your 610 Score
With intentional effort and consistency, you can secure the improvement of your credit score. Below are a few tips to keep in mind along the way.
Know How Your Credit History Works
To start improving your credit score, you first need to understand how your credit report works. Your credit report is an official record of your financial data as compiled by any of the three major credit bureaus. You can typically access a copy of your free credit report from each of these credit bureaus at least once a year, although you may want to check in on your credit reports more often than that.
Your credit report is broken down into five categories that each contribute a certain percentage to determine your overall credit score. Those categories include the following:
- Payment history: Makes up 35% of your FICO score
- Amounts owed: Makes up 30% of your FICO score
- Length of credit history: Makes up 15% of your FICO score
- Credit mix: Makes up 10% of your FICO score
- New credit applications (aka hard credit checks): Makes up 10% of your FICO score
Avoid Late or Missed Payments
As you can see from the breakdown above, making timely payments and maintaining a positive payment history is key to improving your credit score. If you have trouble remembering to manually submit your payments, consider signing up for autopay.
Avoid Applications for New Credit Accounts
Avoiding applications for new credit accounts will not only save you from acquiring a hard credit check on your credit report but also prevent you from accumulating more debts. That way, you can focus on repaying what you already owe and improving your credit utilization rate.
FAQs About 610 Credit Scores
Can I qualify for a rewards credit card with a 610 credit score?
While most rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit, some issuers offer products aimed at fair credit consumers. Research and compare to find cards designed for fair credit with rewards.
Are there specific strategies for improving a 610 credit score faster?
Beyond timely payments and low credit utilization, regularly reviewing your credit report for errors and disputing any inaccuracies can quickly improve your score.
How does a 610 credit score affect my student loan options?
A 610 credit score may limit options for private student loans and affect interest rates. Federal student loans, which don’t require credit checks for most programs, could be a viable alternative.
What Interest Rate Can I Get With a 610 Credit Score?
Interest rates on loans and lines of credit can vary depending on your credit score, income, assets, and other financial data. Forbes reports that the average interest rate for apersonal loan with a three-year term is about 15.36%.2 If you are worried about your credit score holding you back from accessing better interest rates on loans, you can try the following:- Ask a close family member or friend with a good credit history to co-sign your loan with you
- For larger loans like a car loan or mortgage, you can put down a larger down payment
- Leverage offers from one lender to get a better deal from another
Can I Buy a House With a 610 Credit Score?
Buying a home is often a lengthy and complicated process. And with a fair or average credit score, lenders may be apprehensive to approve you for a traditional mortgage loan. Ultimately, the best way to get a better deal on a mortgage would be to work on improving your credit score before you start applying for mortgages. However, we all need a place to live. So if you are looking to buy a home now, you may want to look into the different types of mortgages available so you can find the best fit for you, regardless of your current credit score. Some types of mortgage loans include:- Conventional mortgage
- Second mortgages, aka home equity loans
- FHA loan
- Fixed-rate mortgage
- Adjustable-rate mortgage
- Jumbo loan
- Forgivable mortgage
- Interest-only mortgage
Top 5 Resources for a 610 Credit Score
References:
- 610 Credit Score: Is it Good or Bad? | Experian
- Average Personal Loan Interest Rates | Forbes Advisor