Who Has a 348 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, there is a clear correlation between age and average credit scores. According to 2023 Experian data, scores tend to increase with each successive generation, reflecting longer credit histories and more time to establish a positive payment track record. Here is the breakdown of average FICO scores by generation:

• Generation Z (ages 18-26): 680
• Millennials (ages 27-42): 690
• Generation X (ages 43-58): 709
• Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): 745
• Silent Generation (ages 78+): 760

Credit Cards With a 348 Credit Score

A credit score of 348 is considered very poor, placing you in a high-risk category for lenders and making it challenging to qualify for traditional credit cards. Most issuers will likely deny your application for unsecured cards due to the perceived risk of default. Therefore, your options will primarily be limited to secured credit cards or other credit-building products specifically designed for individuals with damaged credit.

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Kudos offers AI-powered tools that provide personalized credit card recommendations based on your unique financial goals and preferences. Features like Dream Wallet analyze your spending to find matching cards and even provide insights into how a new card might impact your credit score.

Auto Loans and a 348 Credit Score

A 348 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which makes securing an auto loan challenging, though not impossible. Lenders will view you as a high-risk borrower, resulting in significantly higher interest rates and stricter loan terms.

According to 2025 auto loan data, here are the average interest rates broken down by credit score bracket:

• Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars, 7.13% for used cars
• Prime (661-780): 6.87% for new cars, 9.36% for used cars
• Non-prime (601-660): 9.83% for new cars, 13.92% for used cars
• Subprime (501-600): 13.18% for new cars, 18.86% for used cars
• Deep subprime (300-500): 15.77% for new cars, 21.55% for used cars

Mortgages at a 348 Credit Score

A 348 credit score falls well below the minimum requirements for nearly all mortgage products. According to lender guidelines, even government-backed FHA loans, known for their flexibility, require a score of at least 500. Conventional loans typically start at a 620 minimum, making qualification for any mainstream mortgage highly unlikely with your current score.

Even if you found a niche lender willing to consider your application, a low score dramatically impacts loan terms. You would face significantly higher interest rates, larger down payment requirements, and expensive mortgage insurance premiums. This would make any potential home purchase far more costly over the life of the loan.

What's in a Credit Score?

Figuring out what goes into your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, but it generally boils down to a handful of key elements. The most common factors include:

• Your history of making payments on time is the most significant factor.
• How much of your available credit you're currently using, known as your credit utilization ratio, plays a major role.
• The age of your credit accounts, including the average age and the age of your oldest account, is also considered.
• Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage different types of credit, such as credit cards and loans.
• Opening several new credit accounts in a short period can be seen as a risk and may temporarily lower your score.

How to Improve Your 348 Credit Score

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, and even if you're starting with a low number, it is entirely possible to improve your creditworthiness with consistent, positive behavior. With a score of 348, focusing on foundational habits is the key to building a healthier credit profile.

• Monitor your credit reports regularly. This helps you identify and dispute any inaccuracies or fraudulent activity that could be dragging your score down. For someone with a very poor score, removing even one error can provide a meaningful boost.
• Establish automatic bill payments. Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score, so ensuring you never miss a payment is critical. Building a track record of on-time payments is the most effective way to show lenders you are a reliable borrower.
• Apply for a secured credit card. If you have damaged credit, a secured card is an excellent tool for rebuilding a positive payment history. It's accessible to most people and reports your activity to the credit bureaus, helping you demonstrate responsible credit use.
• Become an authorized user. Being added to the account of a responsible primary user can add their positive payment history and low credit utilization to your file. This can provide a significant lift to a low score, assuming the primary account holder maintains good credit habits.

Kudos provides educational resources and a free browser extension to help you manage your cards and make smarter financial decisions as you work to improve your score.