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414 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025
July 1, 2025
TL;DR
A 414 credit score offers a clear opportunity for growth, as it is considered well below the average. According to the FICO model, this score falls into the "Poor" range, providing a solid baseline from which you can begin building a stronger credit history.
What Does a 414 Credit Score Mean?
A credit score of 414 falls into the "poor" category on the FICO Score range, which spans from 300 to 850. Lenders view a score this low as a significant risk, making it very difficult to qualify for new credit cards, mortgages, or auto loans. If you are approved for any form of credit, it will likely come with steep interest rates and unfavorable terms. This can make borrowing money expensive and limit your overall financial flexibility.
However, a 414 credit score is not a permanent label. Think of it as a starting point rather than a final destination. While the path forward requires dedication, improving your credit standing is entirely achievable. Over time, demonstrating responsible financial habits can gradually lift your score, unlocking better borrowing options and greater financial freedom in the future.
Who Has a 414 Credit Score?
While age isn't a direct factor in calculating your credit score, there is a clear trend of scores improving over time. According to a 2023 analysis, here's how average credit scores break down 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 414 Credit Score
A 414 credit score places you in the "very poor" credit range, signaling to lenders that you are a high-risk borrower. Consequently, you'll find it very difficult to get approved for most traditional, unsecured credit cards. While approval isn't impossible, you'll likely be limited to secured credit cards that require a cash deposit and come with less favorable terms, such as high interest rates and low credit limits.
Kudos can help you find the right card for your circumstances with its Explore Tool, which uses a personalized quiz to understand your financial needs. It then sorts through a database of nearly 3,000 cards to recommend options that best align with your situation, helping you find a suitable match.
Auto Loans and a 414 Credit Score
A 414 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan challenging. Lenders view this score as high-risk, meaning you will likely face some of the highest interest rates available if you are approved.
According to a 2025 analysis, average auto loan rates break down by credit score as follows:
- 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 414 Credit Score
With a 414 credit score, qualifying for a traditional mortgage is highly unlikely, as most lenders require scores of 620 or higher. While an FHA loan is an option for those with lower credit, it requires a score of at least 500 with a 10% down payment. Your score falls well below this threshold, limiting potential options to specialized, high-risk subprime lenders.
If you do find a lender, expect unfavorable terms. You will face much higher interest rates, larger fees, and a required down payment of at least 10%. Lenders will also likely cap the loan amount and subject your finances to a stricter review process, known as manual underwriting.
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 414 Credit Score
Having a 414 credit score can feel limiting, but there are proven methods to rebuild your credit profile. With consistent, positive financial habits, most people can see meaningful changes within three to six months.
- Establish Automatic Bill Payments. Your payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score, so ensuring every bill is paid on time is the best first step toward recovery.
- Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit, as high balances can signal financial distress to lenders and significantly lower your score.
- Apply for a Secured Credit Card. For those with damaged credit, a secured card requires a cash deposit as collateral, making it easier to get approved and build a positive payment history.
- Monitor Your Credit Reports. Regularly check your reports for errors or fraudulent activity that could be dragging your score down, as disputing inaccuracies is a free way to boost your score.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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