Who Has a 476 Credit Score?

A 476 credit score is significantly below the average for any age demographic. Generally, credit scores tend to improve with age as people build a longer financial history. According to 2023 data, the average credit scores by generation break down as follows:

• 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 476 Credit Score

A credit score of 476 falls into the "very poor" range, which can make qualifying for a traditional credit card a significant challenge. Most major lenders view this score as an indicator of high risk, meaning applications for standard unsecured cards are likely to be denied. Consequently, your options will probably be limited to secured credit cards that require a cash deposit or certain unsecured cards designed for rebuilding credit, which often come with high fees and interest rates.

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Kudos can help you find the right card for your situation with its personalized recommendation tools that filter through nearly 3,000 options. By asking about your preferences and analyzing your spending habits, the platform matches you with suitable cards and even provides insights on how a new card might impact your credit score.

Auto Loans and a 476 Credit Score

With a 476 credit score, you fall into the deep subprime category, which can make getting an auto loan more difficult. Lenders generally view this score as high-risk, which means you'll almost certainly face much higher interest rates than borrowers with better credit.

According to an Experian market report for Q2 2025, here is how average 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 476 Credit Score

A 476 credit score falls below the minimum threshold for nearly all mainstream mortgage products. Even government-backed FHA loans, a common option for buyers with lower credit, require a minimum score of 500. While some specialty subprime lenders might consider scores below 580, these options are not common and involve a much stricter approval process.

If you were to find a lender, a low score would lead to unfavorable terms. You would face significantly higher interest rates, increasing your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan. Lenders would also likely require a larger down payment and subject your finances to a more rigorous underwriting process, limiting your borrowing 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 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 476 Credit Score

Improving a credit score of 476 is entirely achievable, though it requires consistent effort and patience. By implementing a few proven strategies, you can begin to build a stronger credit profile and see meaningful changes within three to six months.

• Monitor your credit reports. You can obtain free reports from the three major bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com. Regularly checking for and disputing inaccuracies is a crucial first step, as errors could be unfairly lowering your score.
• Establish automatic bill payments. Your payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date, which is fundamental to rebuilding from a very poor credit rating.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. This is the second most important factor in your score, so aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. Paying down balances and keeping old accounts open shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly.
• Become an authorized user. Being added to the credit card of someone with a strong payment history and low utilization can add positive data to your credit file. This can be a quick way to help improve your score while you work on other areas.

You can use a financial companion like Kudos to help manage your credit cards and monitor your score on your journey to better credit.