512 Credit Score: Good or Bad?

Last Updated: Apr 05, 2023

  • A 512 credit score is considered "Very Poor"
  • Having a “Very Poor” credit score can cost you 1000s of dollars in extra interest over the lifetime of your loans
  • Call us today to find out how you can repair your credit (fast)!

Is 512 a good credit score?

As mentioned above, a 512 FICO® Score is considered “Very Poor”. This is typically a result of situations such as:

           
  • You’ve had payment problems (late payments, missed payments, etc)        
  • Accounts have been charged off & sent to collections        
  • Foreclosures or bankruptcy

Approximately 16% of all consumers in America have FICO® Scores in the “Very Poor” range (512-579).

With a 512 FICO® Score, you’ll struggle to obtain credit cards & loans. For the credit you do happen to secure, unfortunately it will come with extremely high interest rates.

How to improve a 512 credit score

To improve your credit score, you need to focus on fixing the underlying factors.

           
  • Always make your minimum payments, and ensure they’re paid on time        
  • Keep your credit card balances as low as possible (also known as a low utilization rate)        
  • Build your credit file by making sure the accounts you do open, get reported to the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian & Transunion)        
  • Only apply for credit when necessary, this keeps your hard inquiries at a minimum

Not sure where to start? A dedicated credit repair agency, like us, can work with you to ensure you’re maximizing all avenues when it comes to improving your score.

What can you do with a 512 credit score?

As mentioned previously, a 512 credit score is considered “Very Poor”. So your lending options are going to be extremely limited.

In most cases, your lending applications will be rejected. For loans/credit you are approved for, you will often need to pay extra fees or deposits, and you will have the highest interest rates.

What kind of interest rate can you get with a 512 credit score?

In most cases, your lending applications will be rejected with a 512 credit score. But in cases where you are approved, unfortunately you will pay the highest interest rate tiers.

These higher interest rates can cost you thousands of dollars in added interest over the lifetime of your loans, in comparison to if you had a “Good” credit score.

We highly recommend you take the necessary steps towards repairing your credit, and securing a better financial future for yourself.

Decoding Your Credit Score

If you're uncertain about the significance of your credit score, you're not alone. It's a three-digit number between 300 and 850 that aids creditors' assessment of your creditworthiness. A score of 512 is considered a poor score, indicating high risks of defaulting on a credit card or loan. Factors like your payment record, credit usage, credit history duration, and credit types considered influence your credit score. The better your credit score, the higher your chances to receive approval for loans, credit cards, and other financial products. To enhance your credit score, pay bills on time, keep credit usage within reasonable limits, and frequently review your credit report.

The Perks of a Stellar Credit Rating

Maintaining an excellent credit rating can provide numerous financial benefits. It grants access to lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, translating to long-term cost savings. Additionally, having a great credit score may enable higher credit limits, which can augment credit history and enhance credit scores. Furthermore, having an exceptional credit rating simplifies rental applications and mortgage approvals, resulting in a more comfortable transition. Moreover, a good credit score may lead to lower insurance premiums and job prospects, as employers may scrutinize credit reports during the hiring process. By practicing advantageous credit practices, you can experience several benefits while establishing a sturdy financial foundation for your future.

Need help improving your credit score?

Can I get a mortgage/home loan with a 512 credit score?

The chances of securing a mortgage with a 512 credit score are extremely low unfortunately. Is it possible? Maybe, but it generally isn’t a wise idea with such a low credit score.

Why? Because you’ll end up paying thousands of dollars in extra interest over the life of the loan.

Instead, we recommend focussing on improving your credit score, to at least 580-669 (which is considered “Fair”, or ideally 670+. Once you’ve increased your score, you’ll be in a much better place to apply for a mortgage.

Can I get a car loan with a 512 credit score?

With a 512 credit score, you’ll be considered a “deep subprime borrower”, which is the lowest credit tier. There may still be auto loan options for you, but they’ll be a lot more difficult to come by, and you will pay higher interest rates.

Can I get a personal loan with a 512 credit score?

Unfortunately the theme continues here, with a 512 credit score, it is going to be difficult to obtain a personal loan (at least one with good interest rates). You may be tempted to deal with lenders that have a poor reputation, but we urge you not to.

The best thing to do is focus on improving your credit score, to the “Fair” range (between 580-669), which will put you in a significantly better position when it comes to applying for loans/credit.

Bottom Line

Let’s face it, a 512 credit score is not good. Applying for any forms of lending will be very difficult & expensive.

You’ll pay higher interest rates, and often have substantial fees.

The best course of action (by far), is to improve your credit score first before you apply for loans. Not only will it open more doors for you, it will also save you a ton of money in the long run (due to lower interest rates).

Need help improving your credit score?

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