Who Has a 369 Credit Score?

While age is not a direct factor in credit score calculations, there is a clear correlation showing scores tend to improve over time. According to 2023 Experian data, the average FICO score increases with each successive 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 369 Credit Score

A credit score of 369 falls into the 'very poor' range, which can significantly hinder your ability to qualify for most traditional credit cards. Lenders view such a score as a high-risk indicator, suggesting a history of missed payments or other financial challenges. Consequently, any credit card options available to you will likely come with unfavorable terms, such as high interest rates, low credit limits, and annual fees.

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Tools like the Kudos Explore Tool can simplify this process by using your stated preferences to provide personalized recommendations from its database of nearly 3,000 cards. Its Dream Wallet feature can also analyze your spending to offer insights on how different cards may impact your credit, helping you find a suitable match for your financial situation.

Auto Loans and a 369 Credit Score

A 369 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan challenging, though not impossible. Lenders will view you as a high-risk borrower and will charge significantly higher interest rates to compensate for that risk.

According to an analysis for 2025, here is how average interest rates break down by credit score:

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

Mortgages at a 369 Credit Score

A 369 credit score falls well below the minimum requirements for most home loans. Government-backed FHA loans, for example, require a FICO score of at least 500 with a 10% down payment. While some specialty lenders may work with sub-580 borrowers, a score in the 300s presents significant barriers to approval, and your options will be extremely limited, if they exist at all.

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If you could secure financing, a low credit score would drastically affect the loan's terms. Lenders charge much higher interest rates to offset their risk, potentially costing you tens of thousands more over the loan's lifetime. You would also likely face larger down payment requirements, higher insurance premiums, and a lower cap on how much you can borrow, which severely restricts your purchasing power.

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 payment history, which tracks whether you pay your bills on time, is the most significant factor.
• Credit utilization, or the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit, also plays a major role.
• The length of your credit history demonstrates your experience with managing credit over time.
• Having a healthy mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your score.
• Finally, recent credit inquiries, which occur when you apply for new credit, are also taken into account.

How to Improve Your 369 Credit Score

While a 369 credit score is considered very low, it is possible to improve it with a dedicated strategy. An expert-driven guide outlines several proven methods that can help you rebuild your financial standing over time.

• Become an authorized user. If you have a trusted friend or family member with a strong credit history, being added to their account can help you benefit from their on-time payments and low credit utilization, which can quickly improve your credit profile.
• Apply for a secured credit card. These cards require a cash deposit that acts as your credit limit, making them easier to get approved for with a very low score. Responsible use and on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus, helping you build a positive history.
• Consider a credit-builder loan. Offered by many credit unions and online lenders, these loans are designed specifically to help establish a positive payment history. Your payments are reported to credit bureaus, and the loan amount is often held in a savings account for you until it's paid off.
• Address collection accounts. A very low score often involves accounts that have gone to collections, which are significant negative marks. You can negotiate settlements or request goodwill deletions to have these removed from your report, which can provide a substantial boost.

The Kudos browser extension can help you effortlessly manage your credit cards and rewards as you work to improve your score.