524 Credit Score: Good or Bad?

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2023

  • A 524 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 524 a good credit score?

As mentioned above, a 524 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 (524-579).

With a 524 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 524 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 524 credit score?

As mentioned previously, a 524 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 524 credit score?

In most cases, your lending applications will be rejected with a 524 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.

Understanding the Impact of a 524 Credit Score on Your Life

Having a credit score of 524 can significantly affect your life in multiple ways. It can be challenging to get approved for loans and credit cards, and you may encounter obstacles when trying to rent an apartment or secure certain job positions. Numerous hiring managers check credit scores as part of their recruitment process, and a low credit score could raise concerns in this regard as well. Improving your credit score as soon as possible is crucial to avert these unfavorable outcomes.

Building Good Credit Habits for a Better Financial Future

Although it may seem challenging, improving your credit score is achievable by developing good credit habits today. One of the most important things you can do is to ensure you always make your minimum payments on time. Another thing you should try as well is to keep your credit card balances low. Regularly monitoring your credit report for errors and having them corrected promptly is necessary. If necessary, seek guidance from a credit repair agency to establish a personalized plan to boost your score. With dedication and patience, a brighter financial future is within reach, and a higher credit score that opens up opportunities.

Need help improving your credit score?

Can I get a mortgage/home loan with a 524 credit score?

The chances of securing a mortgage with a 524 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 524 credit score?

With a 524 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 524 credit score?

Unfortunately the theme continues here, with a 524 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 524 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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