Who Has a 577 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in calculating your credit score, there's a clear trend showing that scores tend to improve over time. According to a generational breakdown from Experian, here’s how average FICO scores looked in the third quarter of 2023:

• 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 577 Credit Score

A credit score of 577 falls into the "fair" credit range, which can present some challenges when applying for new credit cards. Lenders may view this score as an indicator of higher risk, often resulting in rejections for top-tier rewards cards or approvals with less favorable terms. If you are approved, you will likely face higher interest rates and lower credit limits than applicants with stronger credit profiles.

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To navigate the complexities of the credit card market, Kudos offers a free, AI-powered recommendation engine called the Explore Tool. This feature uses a personalization quiz to match your financial preferences with suitable card options, helping you find the right fit for your situation without the guesswork.

Auto Loans and a 577 Credit Score

A 577 credit score places you in the subprime lending category, meaning that while you can likely still get an auto loan, you will face significantly higher interest rates. These less favorable terms result in higher monthly payments and a greater total cost for the vehicle over the life of the loan.

According to a 2025 market report, average interest rates vary dramatically based on credit score:

• 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 577 Credit Score

While a 577 credit score makes buying a home challenging, it doesn't close the door completely. Your primary option will likely be an FHA loan, which requires a down payment of at least 10% for scores below 580. Most conventional, VA, and USDA loans are generally unavailable, as lenders typically look for scores of 620 or higher. You might also find specialty or subprime lenders willing to work with you, but they come with stricter terms.

A 577 score significantly impacts your loan terms. You'll face higher interest rates and fees, including extra mortgage insurance on an FHA loan. Lenders will also require a more rigorous review of your finances, known as manual underwriting, where they will closely examine your income, debt, and reasons for past credit issues. This means fewer choices and a more expensive loan overall.

What's in a Credit Score?

Understanding your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, as it's a blend of several key financial habits. The most common factors that determine your score include:

• Your payment history tracks whether you have paid past credit accounts on time.
• Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you are currently using.
• The length of your credit history considers the age of your oldest account and the average age of all your accounts.
• Credit mix refers to the variety of credit products you have, such as credit cards, retail accounts, and loans.
• New credit inquiries and recently opened accounts can also temporarily impact your score.

How to Improve Your 577 Credit Score

No matter your current standing, it's always possible to improve your credit score and build a healthier financial profile. With consistent effort, most people can see meaningful changes within three to six months.

• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports allows you to find and dispute any inaccuracies, which can be a quick way to boost a score that has been negatively impacted by errors.
• Establish automatic bill payments. Since payment history is the most significant factor in your score, this ensures you never miss a due date and begin building a track record of reliability.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. A 577 score may be dragged down by high card balances, so paying them down to below 30% of your limit can have a significant and relatively fast positive impact.
• Apply for a secured credit card. For those with damaged credit, a secured card is an accessible tool that helps you build a positive payment history when you may not qualify for other credit products.

To help you make smarter spending decisions as you improve your credit, consider using the Kudos browser extension to maximize your rewards.