Who Has a 648 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, there is a clear correlation between age and average scores. Generally, scores tend to rise with each successive generation. According to 2023 Experian data, here is the breakdown of average FICO scores by generation:

• Generation Z (ages 18-26): 680 (Good)
• Millennials (ages 27-42): 690 (Good)
• Generation X (ages 43-58): 709 (Good)
• Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): 745 (Good)
• The Silent Generation (ages 78+): 760 (Very Good)

Credit Cards With a 648 Credit Score

A credit score of 648 places you in the "fair" credit category, which is a bit of a mixed bag when applying for new credit cards. While you'll likely find some decent options available, you may not qualify for the most premium cards that offer top-tier rewards and benefits. Lenders may also approve you for a lower credit limit or a higher interest rate than someone with a better score, reflecting the increased risk they perceive.

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Kudos offers AI-powered tools like Dream Wallet that analyze your unique spending habits to recommend the best credit card for your financial situation. The platform also provides valuable insights into how applying for a new card could impact your credit score, empowering you to make a well-informed decision.

Auto Loans and a 648 Credit Score

A 648 credit score places you in the non-prime borrower category, meaning you'll likely face higher interest rates than applicants with better credit. The list below, based on Experian's Q2 2025 data, shows how rates vary significantly across credit tiers.

• 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 648 Credit Score

With a 648 credit score, you can qualify for several major mortgage types. You meet the typical minimums for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. However, jumbo loans, which are for larger amounts, generally require a score of 700 or higher, placing them out of reach for now.

While you are eligible, your score will likely lead to less favorable terms. Lenders view a 648 score as a moderate risk, which often results in higher interest rates and potentially steeper Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums. Borrowers with scores in the mid-600s typically face higher mortgage rates than applicants with scores over 740, costing more over the life of the loan.

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 648 Credit Score

While a 648 credit score is considered 'fair,' it's important to remember that improving your credit is always possible with consistent effort and the right strategy. By taking a few proven steps, you can build a stronger financial future and move into a better credit tier.

• Establish Automatic Bill Payments: Since payment history is the most significant factor in your score, automating payments ensures you never miss a due date. For a 648 score, building a flawless record of on-time payments is crucial for demonstrating reliability to lenders.
• Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio: High credit card balances can keep your score in the 'fair' range, so aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. Paying down your balances shows lenders you aren't overextended and can significantly improve your score.
• Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports from all three bureaus to catch and dispute any errors that might be unfairly lowering your score. Correcting inaccuracies can provide a quick boost, and monitoring helps you track your progress as you climb out of the fair credit range.
• Become an Authorized User: Ask a trusted family member with excellent credit to add you as an authorized user on one of their long-standing credit cards. This allows their positive payment history and low utilization to appear on your credit file, which can help improve a limited or fair credit history.

As you work on these habits, consider using the Kudos browser extension to help you find the right credit products for your profile and use them more strategically.