With a 584 credit score, you're below the national average credit score of 715, falling into what's typically known as the subprime category. Yet, this doesn't mean you're ineligible for all borrowing opportunities. Indeed, a variety of lenders provide loans and credit card options for borrowers with a 584 credit score. The catch is these credit products will have higher interest rates, extra fees, and less favorable terms than those offered to consumers with good to excellent credit ratings.
A 584 credit score falls in the fair range, ranging from 580 to 669. A fair credit score suggests credit missteps in the past or possibly limited credit history. It is still a significant step above poor or bad credit.
Let’s explore the significance of a 584 credit score and outline ways to enhance your credit. The more you boost your score, the better the financial products you can access down the line.
What kind of credit score is 584?
A credit score of 584 falls into what's considered the fair category. 18% of Americans have scores within this bracket. Lenders look at your credit score to determine your lending risk or, in simpler terms, your reliability in repaying borrowed money. Being in the fair score range means lenders see you as a higher risk compared to those with good to excellent credit, though not as risky as individuals with poor scores.
A fair credit score indicates you've encountered some financial difficulties in the past, such as late or missed payments, high debt amounts, or collections accounts. Or perhaps you have an insufficient credit history. These issues contribute to the overall lower score, signaling to lenders that there have been challenges in managing credit responsibly. This makes it tougher to secure loans or credit cards with favorable terms, as lenders are cautious about the potential risks.
To access credit with a fair score, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial qualifications, such as a good income, steady employment, and few debt obligations. These factors can help offset the perceived risk and improve your chances of approval. However, if you are approved, expect loans or credit cards to come with elevated interest rates and added fees. These higher costs reflect the increased risk lenders associate with fair credit scores, making it more expensive to borrow money. Improving your credit score over time can help you qualify for better terms and lower costs in the future.
The best thing you can do is raise your credit rating to unlock more favorable financial opportunities. Consistently paying bills on time, reducing outstanding debt, and minimizing new credit inquiries are crucial steps towards building a healthier credit profile. Over time, these efforts can improve your creditworthiness, enabling you to qualify for loans and credit cards with better terms and lower interest rates.
Can I get a credit card with a 584 credit score?
Yes, acquiring a credit card with a score of 584 is possible, but be prepared for a narrower selection.
Many issuers are open to approving people with fair credit scores for subprime credit cards. These cards let you access credit and improve your score with responsible use, but they are generally not the most enticing. It is hard to find one with rewards, though not impossible, and many feature numerous fees, high interest rates, and low limits. This is because lenders view fair credit score holders as higher risk, which translates into more expensive borrowing terms to offset potential defaults. These cards give you access to credit but should be used as a good stepping stone to better offers with more rewards.
A secured credit card could be a smarter choice for those with fair credit. Secured cards have lower fees and interest rates than their unsecured subprime counterparts. The catch is they require a refundable security deposit upfront. The deposit not only determines your spending limit but also minimizes risk for the credit card provider by acting as collateral should you miss a bill. These cards are designed to help individuals rebuild or establish credit, as they report to the major credit bureaus, allowing responsible usage to positively impact your credit score over time.
For those aiming to better their credit situation, secured cards represent an excellent starting point. They provide an opportunity to bolster your score and foster responsible credit use, paving the way to qualify for a standard credit card with favorable terms and benefits. Over time, with consistent on-time payments and responsible credit use, you can graduate to an unsecured card with better perks.
Alternatively, you could become an authorized user on someone else’s account. This approach grants you access to credit and the chance to benefit from a friend or family member’s positive payment history and low credit usage, all while bypassing the need for your own credit application. As an authorized user, their good credit behavior can reflect positively on your credit report, helping to boost your score. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the primary account holder maintains good credit habits, as their negative actions can also impact your score.
One strategy to increase your chances of approval and improve your credit score over time is to prequalify for a credit card. Prequalification involves a soft credit inquiry, which doesn't affect your score and helps you understand which cards you might qualify for. This step can prevent unnecessary hard inquiries that could further lower your score if you’re denied. After you prequalify, compare card offers and choose the best one for you.
Can I get a personal loan with a 584 credit score?
Getting a personal loan with a credit score of 584 can happen, but be prepared for some compromises. The loans you'll find will likely feature elevated interest rates, additional costs, and stricter terms for repayment. This is the cost of borrowing with less than good credit. Luckily you do have options available to you.
Secured Loans: Secured loans are another option to consider. These loans require an asset to be put up as collateral. This asset could be a vehicle, property, or savings account. Putting up collateral reduces the lender's risk so they may offer better interest rates and terms compared to unsecured loans, even with a lower credit score. The risk with secured loans is that if you fail to repay the money as agreed, you could end up losing your collateral.
Joint Loans: Joint loans can also be a viable solution. Applying with a co-borrower or co-signer who has a higher credit score can help you qualify for better rates and terms. The lender evaluates both applicants' credit histories and financial situations, so having a financially strong co-applicant can significantly boost your chances of approval. Keep in mind that both parties are equally responsible for the loan. Any missed payments will affect both credit scores.
Online Lenders: A number of online lenders and loan marketplaces are geared towards servicing individuals with fair to poor credit scores. These providers are interested in more than just your credit rating. They take a holistic view of your financial health and also consider your income levels, employment status, and debt-to-income ratio. This approach can increase your chances of approval if you have other strong financial indicators. Be careful, though, since many lenders who don't put much weight on your score may add in extra fees or higher interest rates to compensate for the risk they are taking. What you should do to make sure that you find a good option is to shop around. Try to prequalify with at least three different lenders. Then, compare offers, looking at the amounts, interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. This way, you can find the best offer with the most favorable terms possible.
Credit Unions: Credit unions often provide more personalized service and may offer more favorable loan terms to their members, even those with fair credit scores. They are known for lower fees and interest rates compared to traditional banks. Certain federal credit unions offer Payday Alternative Loans (PALs). These are short-term loans with interest rates capped at 28%, making them an affordable alternative to payday loans. To be able to take out a loan from a credit union, you usually have to be a member. It can be worth joining as credit unions often consider individual circumstances and are more flexible in their lending criteria.
Cash Advance Apps: Cash advance apps offer another alternative, allowing you to borrow small amounts - $50 to $500 - against your next paycheck. These apps don't check your credit score, nor do they charge interest. They do ask you to link your bank account and set up direct deposit. This lets them monitor what you make and can afford to repay. Advances are typically debited from your bank account within two weeks or from your next paycheck. Many apps let you reschedule payments at least once. The fees they charge are minimal but can add up. Some ask for a subscription fee, others a flat rate per advance, or an optional tip. Almost all charge a fast funding fee if you need the cash instantly. Cash advance apps can be helpful for emergencies when you need a little extra. Just don't become reliant on them or tip too much.
Keep in mind that short-term loans are typically more expensive and more challenging to repay than installment loans, which are spread out over two to seven years. Regardless of whether you opt for a short-term loan, an installment loan, or a secured loan, it is essential to have a payment plan in place. Making timely payments will improve your credit score, while missed payments or loan defaults will not only damage your score but can also lead to a cycle of debt.
While obtaining a personal loan with a credit score of 584 may require compromises, exploring various options like secured loans, joint loans, online lenders, credit unions, and cash advance apps can help you find a suitable solution for your financial needs. Shopping around and understanding the terms of each option is key to securing the best possible loan terms. Try to prequalify with multiple lenders to compare offers and secure the best one for you. By carefully considering your choices, you can obtain the necessary funds while working towards improving your credit score for future financial opportunities.
Take your 584 credit score with a grain of salt
No metric, not even the ever-popular credit score, can fully predict a person’s ability to repay their dues. Consequently, lenders set their own score benchmarks and may not place much emphasis on credit scores at all. Some lenders might approve applications with scores over 580, while others won’t consider anything below 670. Additionally, there are creditors who value aspects like employment status and housing stability over the credit score itself. These lenders take a more holistic approach, assessing the overall financial health and stability of the applicant.
It's vital to grasp that your credit score, a three-digit figure derived from your credit report details, is malleable. Possessing fair credit is not a lifelong condition; it's feasible to enhance your score through dedicated efforts. Strategies include paying bills on time, reducing debt, and avoiding new credit inquiries. Over time, these efforts can lead to a higher credit rating, opening up access to better loan terms and financial opportunities.
A higher credit rating will unlock access to superior financial products, lower interest rates, and more favorable loan terms. While having fair credit might restrict your current options, taking proactive steps can lead to substantial improvements and expanded financial opportunities in the future. Keep in mind that your credit score is a dynamic indicator of your financial behavior and can be improved through consistent, positive financial habits.
How can I grow my 584 credit score?
Boosting your credit score is one of the best things you can do to improve your financial situation. A higher credit score means borrowing becomes not only easier but also more affordable. A positive credit history translates to lower interest costs, access to more credit products, and an easier time renting an apartment or getting a job.
With your credit score at 584, the path to good credit might appear daunting, but achieving a good score is attainable. First, look at the key factors that determine your score:
- Payment history: This is the most significant factor. Ensure you make all payments on time.
- Credit utilization ratio: Aim to keep your credit usage below 30% of your available credit.
- Age of credit accounts: Older accounts positively impact your score, so keep them open and active.
- Variety in types of credit: Having a mix of credit types (e.g., credit cards, installment loans) shows you can manage different kinds of credit responsibly.
- Inquiries for new credit: Limit the number of new credit applications, as frequent inquiries can lower your score.
Next, review your credit report to understand why your score is low. Identify any past credit mistakes, such as late payments or high balances, and take effective steps to address them. By focusing on these key areas and making consistent, responsible financial decisions, you can gradually improve your credit score, enhancing your financial opportunities and stability.
Monitor your credit
Initiate the process by examining your credit report from all three national credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each bureau may have slightly different information, so it’s essential to look at all three credit reports. You are entitled to a free report from each bureau annually via annualcreditreport.com. Carefully review these reports, looking for errors and disputing inaccuracies or outdated data with the respective bureau. Correcting these errors can quickly boost your score.
Next, pinpoint the reasons behind your low score. Check for frequent late or missed payments, any collections accounts, excessive use of your credit limit, or a surge in recent credit applications. All these behaviors negatively impact your credit score. Identifying these factors helps you understand what needs to be addressed.
As you review your report, stay alert for signs of identity theft. Unauthorized accounts or unfamiliar activities on your credit report could indicate that someone has stolen your identity and is damaging your credit. If you suspect identity theft, report it immediately to the credit bureaus and take steps to secure your personal information.
By reviewing your report, you can figure out the root causes of your low score and begin to take steps to address the issues and raise your rating.
Do damage control
Now that you're aware of the factors negatively impacting your score, the next step is to work on rectifying them. Remember, adverse information can stay on your credit report for seven years, though its influence wanes with time. Since your score is in the fair range, you probably don't have a significant number of recent negative incidents to resolve.
Take care of the few that you do have by reaching out to your creditors or debt collection agencies and asking if they’ll negotiate. They might consent to eliminate a negative record if you settle an overdue balance in full or may stop noting late payments if you manage to update your account to a current status. Creditors are generally inclined to assist in exchange for settlement. Getting rid of any negative marks can have an immediate positive impact on your score, so engaging with your creditors is advised.
Consider setting up a payment plan if paying the full amount at once isn't feasible. Many creditors are willing to work out a manageable repayment schedule. Also, ask about “pay for delete” arrangements where a creditor agrees to remove the negative mark from your credit report once the debt is paid.
Get credit and use it
Improving your credit score hinges on responsible credit use. Lenders gauge your dependability as a borrower by how well you manage credit obligations. The most straightforward method to show you can be trusted with credit is to consistently borrow and repay as per the terms agreed upon. Credit cards make this easy to do.
If you haven't yet, apply for a credit card. Either a secured or unsecured card will help you as long as the issuer reports your payment history. Use it for small, manageable purchases each month—expenses you could easily cover with cash. Pay off the entire balance by the end of each billing cycle. Consider setting up autopay or payment reminders to avoid late or missed payments. Establishing and maintaining a history of on-time payments is vital since payment history is the biggest part of calculating your score. Even one late payment can drastically drag down your credit rating.
The second most significant aspect is your credit utilization rate. Keep your credit usage under 30% of your available credit to demonstrate that you aren’t overly dependent on borrowing. If you can bring it lower, that’s even better. To help manage this, you might opt to make multiple payments throughout the month.
Credit builder tools can also be beneficial. Many financial institutions offer credit builder loans, which are designed to help individuals establish or improve their scores. With these loans, the borrowed amount is held in a secured account while you make monthly payments. Once you’ve paid off the loan, the funds are released to you, and your successful payments are reported to the credit bureaus, boosting your score.
Rent reporting services can also play a role in improving your credit rating. These services report your on-time rent payments to the credit bureaus, which can help build a positive payment history, especially if you do not have many other credit accounts.
Personal loans can be another tool. Make your payments on time each month and your score will go up. The concern here is it's rarely a good idea to take on debt you don't need.
Consistently paying your bills on time and keeping your utilization low proves that you are responsible with credit and will gradually boost your score. As your score increases, you’ll qualify for more advantageous financial products, helping you achieve better financial stability and growth.
Next steps for your 584 credit score
A credit score of 584 falls short of the ideal, making it harder to get loans or credit, but not impossible. You will be able to find lenders, though expect the terms offered to include steeper interest rates and more fees, serving as the lender's safety net. This is because lenders view individuals with fair credit scores as higher-risk borrowers, and they compensate for this risk by charging higher costs.
Fortunately, being in the fair credit score bracket isn't a forever situation. Through consistent effort, such as paying bills on schedule, cutting down debt, and managing your credit utilization wisely, you can improve your score to enter the good category. One of the most effective strategies is to ensure all your payments are made on time. Payment history significantly influences your credit score, so avoiding late payments is crucial.
Additionally, reducing your overall debt, particularly high-interest debt, can positively impact your credit score. Keeping your credit utilization ratio below 30% demonstrates responsible credit management. This means you should aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit.
Another step is to regularly review your credit report for any errors or inaccuracies and dispute them promptly. Correcting these errors can quickly boost your score.
By focusing on these actions, you can steadily improve your credit score, making it easier to access better financial products and achieve 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.