Who Has a 608 Credit Score?

Credit scores generally improve as people get older. Based on 2023 Experian data, here is the average FICO score breakdown 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 and older): 760

Credit Cards With a 608 Credit Score

A credit score of 608 places you in the "fair" credit range, which can be a mixed bag when applying for new credit cards. While you won't be flat-out denied by every issuer, you'll likely find that the most attractive offers with premium rewards and low interest rates are reserved for those with higher scores. This means your options will be more limited, often pointing you toward secured cards or unsecured cards specifically designed for credit-building, which may come with higher fees or interest rates.

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Kudos simplifies the search with its Explore Tool, which uses a quiz to understand your needs and provide personalized recommendations from a database of nearly 3,000 cards. For even deeper personalization, its Dream Wallet feature analyzes your actual spending to match you with cards that maximize your rewards and align with your financial goals.

Auto Loans and a 608 Credit Score

A 608 credit score places you in the non-prime borrower category, which can make securing an auto loan more challenging and costly. While you can still get approved for a loan, you should anticipate higher interest rates than applicants with stronger credit profiles.

To give you a clearer picture, here are the average auto loan interest rates broken down by credit score, based on a 2025 market analysis:

• 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 608 Credit Score

A 608 credit score falls below the 620 minimum for most conventional loans, but you still have options. You are a strong candidate for an FHA loan, which allows scores as low as 580. According to current guidelines, VA or USDA loans might also be possible depending on the lender, but FHA is your most accessible path.

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Your score will directly influence your loan's terms. Expect higher interest rates compared to applicants with stronger credit. For an FHA loan, you will also pay mortgage insurance premiums. Lenders will likely put your application through stricter underwriting, scrutinizing your finances more closely before approval.

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 608 Credit Score

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, but it's not set in stone; with consistent effort, it is always possible to improve your creditworthiness. Whether you're aiming to boost your FICO® score or VantageScore, there are proven methods to help you build a healthier credit profile.

• Establish automatic bill payments. Payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score, so setting up automatic payments is a crucial first step. This ensures you never miss a due date, building the positive payment history needed to move past a 608 score.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Lenders want to see that you aren't maxing out your credit, so aim to keep your balance below 30% of your limit. Paying down your balances is one of the quickest ways to give your 608 score a significant boost.
• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your credit reports from all three bureaus allows you to catch and dispute errors that could be unfairly dragging down your score. This also helps you track your progress and detect any signs of identity theft early.
• Consider a credit-builder loan. If you have a limited or damaged credit history, a credit-builder loan can help you establish a record of on-time payments. This also helps diversify your credit mix, showing lenders you can responsibly manage different types of credit.

Using a free AI-powered tool like Kudos can help you manage your credit cards more strategically as you work to improve your score.