A credit score of 559 is significantly below the national average and is considered poor. This score often indicates past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history, both of which can negatively impact your financial opportunities.
With a poor credit score, obtaining approval for loans or credit cards becomes challenging, as most lenders prefer borrowers with better credit scores to minimize risk. However, it's important not to lose hope. Some lenders specialize in offering financial products to those with poor credit, providing a pathway to rebuild your creditworthiness.
Let's delve deeper into what a 559 credit score means for you. We'll explore the types of loans and credit cards you might still qualify for despite your low score. Additionally, we'll discuss actionable steps you can take to improve your score over time. A higher score will help you to achieve better financial health and access to more favorable credit options in the future.
What kind of credit score is 559?
Nestled within the 'poor' credit range of 300-579, a credit score of 559 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 559 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 559 credit score?
Obtaining a credit card with a 559 credit score is difficult but not impossible. Most banks and other financial institutions are cautious about issuing cards to consumers with poor credit. This is because you have a much higher risk of default - not paying your bills.
However, several options are available for individuals in this situation. One option is to apply for subprime credit cards, which are designed for applicants with little to no credit history or poor credit scores. These credit cards typically come with higher fees and interest rates (APRs) to protect the issuer from the increased risk of default.
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 559 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 559 credit score?
Securing a personal loan with a 559 credit score is difficult, as most lenders prefer significantly higher scores - 670 and up - to mitigate risk. However, it’s not entirely impossible. If you have an asset to put up for collateral - property, vehicle, or savings account - you can get a secured loan. Secured loans are easier to get because they pose less risk for the lender. If you fail to repay the money, the lender can seize your asset to recoup what you owe. Therefore, you are more likely to be approved and with more favorable terms. Before you take out a secured loan, make sure you can repay it as agreed.
Most people don't have an asset for a secured loan. In this case, look into online lenders and lending marketplaces. Many of these online institutions specialize in offering loans to individuals with bad credit. These lenders understand the challenges faced by those with low credit scores and are willing to work with them. They may place more emphasis on your income or employment stability than on your score. Be prepared for higher interest rates and additional fees to compensate for the increased risk the lender is taking.
If you want to avoid the high costs of an unsecured loan for bad credit, see if you can add a co-signer or a co-borrower with good credit. Having another name on the application will improve your chances of qualifying and of getting more favorable terms. The lender sees you as less risky since they can get the money from your co-applicant if you fail to pay. A co-borrower will have equal access to the loan funds, while a co-signer will not.
Another option is to look into cash advance apps. These fintech apps send you a small amount of money almost instantly that you pay back with your next paycheck. Generally, they are connected to your bank account and may ask you to link your direct deposit. There is no credit check, nor do they charge interest. Some of these apps ask for a subscription, while others may request an optional tip for the service.
Credit unions are yet another good place for a loan when you have a poor score. These institutions are member-owned and usually less strict than traditional banks. Many have more lenient requirements and may lend to members with low scores. You usually have to be a member for at least one month before you can take out a loan.
Before you proceed with taking out a loan with a 559 credit score, it is crucial to consider whether you genuinely need the money right now or if it can wait until you’ve improved your score. Taking on a loan with poor credit often results in paying more in interest and fees, making it a more expensive option compared to borrowing with good credit.
It's important to explore all available options before deciding to take on additional debt. Consider other avenues such as borrowing from friends or family, selling old items, or even tapping into emergency savings if possible.
Take your 559 credit score with a grain of salt
Regardless of differing opinions, having a 559 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 559 credit score?
Improving a 559 credit score requires patience and discipline, but it is achievable. There are five main factors used to calculate your credit score:
- Payment history - 35%
- Credit utilization - 30%
- Length of credit history - 15%
- Credit mix - 10%
- New credit - 10%
While these are essential to know and follow, the first thing you need to do is understand why your score is so low. Once you understand the underlying issues, you can take targeted steps to improve it.
While building credit takes time and won't happen overnight, you may see improvements faster than expected with consistent effort. You can also use credit building tools to give your score an additional boost. Credit builder loans offered by credit unions and some fintech apps are any easy way to establish a positive payment history. Or you can get credit fill bills you already pay. Certain companies report rent, utilities, subscription payments and more to the credit bureaus. This service helps you grow your score without any additional products or responsibilities.
Remember, every positive financial decision contributes to a better credit score. A higher credit score leads to a better financial 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
For those with a 559 credit score, a secured credit card is often the most effective way to repair credit and establish a positive payment history. Secured cards require a security deposit that sets your credit limit. This deposit is fully refundable if you close your account in good standing, making it a better deal compared to the annual fees often associated with subprime credit cards.
The security deposit reduces the risk for the credit card issuer, making these cards accessible to nearly everyone. To maximize the benefits of a secured credit card, use it to make small purchases and ensure you pay your balance in full each month. This practice helps establish a positive payment history, which is a crucial factor in improving your credit score.
You might be surprised by the positive impact that even a few months of responsible use can have on your credit score. Consistent on-time payments and maintaining low credit utilization can lead to significant improvements, gradually increasing your credit score and opening up better financial opportunities in the future. By starting with a secured credit card, you can take control of your credit journey and work towards a healthier financial future.
Next steps for your 559 credit score
A 559 credit score means you have a significant journey ahead to improve your creditworthiness. This score makes it challenging to be approved for loans or to get credit cards that don’t require a deposit. However, don't get discouraged. With time and effort, you can increase your score. The more you build up your credit, the more likely you are to qualify for better financial offers.
Start by reviewing your credit report to understand why you scored poorly. Identifying the specific issues allows you to address them directly. Establish responsible credit behaviors such as paying your bills on time and in full each month, keeping your credit utilization low (ideally below 30% of your available credit), and applying for new credit cards only when necessary.
As you work on building your credit, remember to celebrate the small achievements along the way. Each step forward, no matter how minor it may seem, is progress toward a better credit score. Consistency is key, and over time, your efforts will pay off. While the journey to good credit is long, it is within your reach with disciplined financial habits and a positive outlook. Stay committed to your goals, and you'll gradually see your credit score improve, opening up more opportunities for favorable credit terms and 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.