Holding a credit score at the 355 mark places you below the national average, categorizing your credit status as poor, or in plain terms, bad. Such a score typically reflects either past credit missteps or a minimal credit history. While this may limit your options with traditional lenders, many of whom prefer clients with scores of at least 670, hope is not lost.
There is a niche market of lenders that aims to serve individuals with your credit profile. This post will delve into the meaning behind a 355 credit score, shed light on the types of loans and credit cards that may be within your reach, and provide a roadmap for building credit. With determination and the right strategies, you can improve your credit score and expand your financial opportunities.
What kind of credit score is 355?
Nestled within the 'poor' credit range of 300-579, a credit score of 355 often reflects financial difficulties such as late or missed payments, elevated debt levels, accounts in collections, bankruptcy, or simply a lack of credit history. According to TransUnion, only about 16% of Americans find themselves in this poor credit category.
Such a score places borrowers in the high-risk category for lenders, who prioritize being repaid. With a history of missed payments and accounts in collections, most lenders are hesitant to approve loans or credit cards. While certain lenders will work with individuals who have poor scores, the terms are usually less favorable, featuring higher fees and interest rates.
The optimal strategy for those with a 355 credit score is to focus on building credit. This involves making timely payments, reducing outstanding debts, and avoiding new credit applications. Once your score improves, you can qualify for lower-cost credit cards or loans, which will further aid in rebuilding your financial stability. Patience and disciplined financial habits are key to transitioning from a poor credit score to a healthier financial standing.
Can I get a credit card with a 355 credit score?
Getting approved for a credit card with a 355 credit score is difficult but feasible. The majority of credit card companies and banks are hesitant to provide cards to those with scores under 670, viewing them as high-risk borrowers. When you have a score of 355, you’ll need to look for specific subprime credit cards designed to cater to individuals with poor or nonexistent credit histories. The catch is these cards typically come with higher fees and APRs to mitigate the issuer's risk of nonpayment.
Subprime credit cards often carry various costs, including annual fees, monthly maintenance fees, and higher interest rates, which can add up and make these cards expensive to use. However, they can still be a viable option if you manage them responsibly, as they provide an opportunity to build or rebuild your credit. Ensure you understand all the associated fees and terms before applying for a subprime credit card to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
If the idea of paying extra for a subprime credit card doesn't appeal to you, consider a secured credit card. Many financial institutions offer these as a tool for credit building. Secured cards function similarly to unsecured cards, except they require a refundable cash deposit. The deposit establishes your credit limit and diminishes the bank's lending risk, enabling these cards to offer lower costs and interest rates than their unsecured counterparts. Using a secured credit card responsibly—by making small purchases and paying off the balance in full each month—can significantly help improve your credit score over time.
Another option is to become an authorized user on a relative or friend's credit card. This arrangement allows you to access credit without undergoing the standard application process. Ask someone with exemplary credit habits to add you as an authorized user. Their positive usage will be reflected on your credit report, potentially boosting your score without the immediate need for a personal credit card. It’s important to choose someone who manages their credit well, as their financial behavior will impact your credit history.
While getting a credit card with a 355 credit score presents challenges, it is not impossible. By exploring subprime and secured credit cards or becoming an authorized user, you can find a path to building or rebuilding your credit. With patience, responsible financial habits, and a strategic approach, you can improve your credit score and eventually qualify for better financial products.
Can I get a personal loan with a 355 credit score?
Being approved for a personal loan when your credit score stands at 355 is no easy feat, given that lenders typically look for applicants with more robust credit profiles. Nevertheless, it's not an insurmountable task. A niche group of online lenders exists who focus on bad credit loans. These lenders place less emphasis on your credit score but will likely charge higher interest rates and additional fees to reflect their increased risk.
If you have an asset to offer as collateral—such as property, a vehicle, or a savings account—you can obtain a secured loan. Secured loans are easier to get approved for because they pose less risk to the lender. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender can seize your asset to recover the owed amount. As a result, you are more likely to receive approval and more favorable terms. Before taking out a secured loan, ensure you can repay it as agreed.
If you want to avoid the high costs associated with an unsecured loan for bad credit, consider adding a co-signer or co-borrower with good credit to your application. Having an additional applicant with strong credit will enhance your chances of qualifying for the loan and securing more favorable terms. The lender perceives less risk since they can collect payment from the co-applicant if you default. A co-borrower will have equal access to the loan funds, whereas a co-signer will not.
Another option is to explore cash advance apps. These fintech applications provide you with a small amount of money almost instantly, which you repay with your next paycheck. You link them to your bank account rather than having to undergo a credit check. They do not charge interest, though some ask for a subscription fee or optional tip.
Credit unions are another excellent option for obtaining a loan with a poor credit score. These member-owned institutions tend to have more lenient requirements and may be willing to lend to members with low scores. Generally, you need to be a member for at least one month before you can apply for a loan.
Before you commit to a loan with high fees and interest rates, carefully consider the urgency of your financial needs. Assess whether your situation allows for a delay in borrowing until you've had a chance to improve your score. Improving your credit score, even slightly, can open up opportunities for lower-cost alternatives.
It's important to explore all available options before taking on additional debt. Consider alternatives like borrowing from friends or family, selling unused items, or tapping into emergency savings if possible.
Take your 355 credit score with a grain of salt
Regardless of differing opinions, having a 355 credit score places you in a lower bracket, generally seen as poor. However, this is not an irreversible condition. Credit scores are inherently fluid, changing with your financial behaviors and practices. With dedication to sound financial habits, it's possible to raise your score and gain access to a broader range of financial products.
To improve your credit score, focus on making all your payments on time, reducing outstanding debt, and avoiding new credit inquiries. Regularly monitor your credit report to catch and dispute any errors. Consider using tools like secured credit cards or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account to build a positive credit history.
Rebuilding credit is a gradual process, but with patience and discipline, you can transition from a low score to a healthier financial standing. Every positive financial decision you make contributes to a better credit future, enhancing your attractiveness as a candidate for loans and credit cards down the line.
How can I improve my 355 credit score?
Boosting a 355 credit score is pretty straightforward. The hardest part is being committed and disciplined.
Your score is calculated based on these five factors:
- Timeliness of payments - 35%
- Credit utilization ratio - 30%
- Credit history length - 15%
- Diversity in credit accounts - 10%
- Inquiries for new credit - 10%
Before tackling these areas, identify the root causes of your low score. With this insight, you can formulate a plan to make targeted improvements.
You can also use credit-building tools to boost your score. Credit builder loans, offered by credit unions and some fintech apps, are an easy way to establish a positive payment history. Alternatively, you can leverage bills you already pay. Some companies report rent, utilities, subscription payments, and more to the credit bureaus. This service helps you improve your score without taking on additional products or responsibilities.
Building your credit score is a marathon, not a sprint. Be prepared for a gradual process that will take several months at the least. Although it takes time, you'll likely start seeing positive changes more quickly than expected. Regularly monitor your progress, stay committed to responsible financial habits, and be patient. With consistent effort, you can steadily raise your credit score and unlock better financial opportunities in the future.
Review your credit report
First things first, get your credit report. You can access a free report annually from each of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at annualcreditreport.com. Carefully check for any errors and dispute them with the corresponding bureau. Addressing and correcting inaccuracies can lead to an immediate improvement in your credit score.
Mistakes can stem from simple errors by financial institutions or might indicate identity theft. If you suspect identity theft, freeze your credit report to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
Next, take time to understand what's dragging your score down. Are there instances of late or missed payments, accounts in collections, high credit utilization, or numerous recent credit inquiries? Identifying and acknowledging these issues is crucial because they provide insight into the specific behaviors you need to change to improve your score.
Do some damage control
It's time to make amends for past financial slip-ups. Reach out to your creditors or collection agencies to discuss what actions can be taken regarding your unpaid balances. Creditors might agree to eliminate negative information from your report if you can pay off the balance in full or enter into a structured repayment plan. Showing a willingness to clear up past financial errors can improve your score.
If attempts to get negative marks removed are unsuccessful, don't give up hope. Negative entries stay on your report for seven years, but their impact on your score lessens over time. Focus on positive financial behaviors to improve your score naturally. Make sure to pay all your bills on time, as timely payments are crucial for a good credit score. Additionally, work on lowering your credit utilization by reducing outstanding balances and keeping your credit card usage below 30% of your available credit.
Consider setting up automatic payments or payment reminders to ensure you never miss a due date. It's common to forget bills, and everyone makes mistakes. Most issuers and banks offer autopay options to help ensure timely payments.
To maintain low credit utilization, pay off your balance throughout the month. Issuers report your utilization at the end of the month, so reducing your balance before this time will enable you to use credit while improving your score. Additionally, avoid applying for new credit too frequently, as multiple inquiries can negatively impact your score.
By maintaining these good financial practices, you can gradually improve your credit score, even if negative marks remain on your report. Remember, rebuilding your credit is a gradual process, but with consistent effort and discipline, you can achieve a healthier credit profile and access better financial opportunities in the future.
Get a secured credit card
A secured credit card can be an optimal tool for mending credit and establishing a positive payment history for anyone with a 355 credit score. Secured cards are backed by a security deposit, which effectively becomes your credit limit. This cash deposit is fully refundable upon account closure, provided all your bills are paid. This feature offers a significant advantage over the nonrefundable fees charged by subprime credit cards.
The security deposit reduces the risk to the issuer, as they can use the deposit to cover any missed payments. Therefore, secured cards are easier to qualify for, even if your credit score is low. To use a secured card effectively, treat it like a regular credit card. Make small purchases and pay off the balance in full every month. This practice helps build credit by demonstrating responsible credit usage and timely payments.
The positive impact of a few months of diligent card usage might surprise you. Consistently paying your balance in full not only helps improve your credit score but also instills good financial habits. Over time, as your credit improves, you may qualify for unsecured credit cards and loans with more favorable terms. A secured credit card is a valuable stepping stone on your path to rebuilding your credit and achieving a healthier financial future.
Next steps for your 355 credit score
A score of 355 is low and can make it challenging to qualify for loans or secure credit cards without upfront deposits. However, it's important to stay positive and remember that enhancing your credit score is a feasible goal. Start by reviewing your credit report to understand the root causes of your low score. Next, adopt responsible credit habits: pay your bills on time and in full, minimize your credit usage by keeping balances low, and limit new credit inquiries to avoid further hard inquiries on your report. Consistently making timely payments and maintaining low credit utilization are key factors in improving your score.
As you establish these responsible habits, your score will gradually improve. Take moments to acknowledge each small victory along the way, such as a month of on-time payments or a reduction in your credit card balances. These milestones are indicators of your progress and motivation to continue your efforts.
While you have a ways to go, achieving a good credit score is within your grasp with consistent effort. Stay committed to your financial goals, and over time, you will see significant improvements in your credit score, leading to better financial opportunities and greater financial stability.
This content is general in nature and is provided for informational purposes only. MoneyFor is not a financial advisor and does not offer financial planning services. This content may contain references to products and services offered through MoneyFor marketplace.