What Is a Bad Credit Score? (And The Path Back)
By Carlos Acosta | Fact checked
Last Updated: February 2026
Quick Answer
A score below 670 is generally considered fair or poor. Scores below 580 are considered "Very Poor" and make it difficult to get approved for traditional credit cards or loans without paying high interest rates/fees.
Get Your Free Credit Report
Federal law entitles you to one free copy of your credit report from each of the three major bureaus every 12 months. Checking your report helps you spot errors and understand what lenders see.
- Request reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- No credit card required
- Review for errors before applying for new credit
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com →
BadCreditFirst is not affiliated with AnnualCreditReport.com. This link is provided for consumer convenience only.
If this sounds like you…
You've been denied recently, want to avoid hard pulls, or are starting with no credit — secured cards are usually the safest next step.
FICO® Score Ranges (Danger Zones Emphasized)
The Real-World Costs of Bad Credit
A bad credit score can lead to application denials, higher security deposits for utilities and rentals, and much higher APR on any credit you do get. Lenders see you as higher risk and charge more or require collateral.
Common Causes
Late or missed payments, maxed-out credit cards, and accounts in collections or default all drag your score down. Rebuilding starts with paying on time and reducing balances.
Check Your Credit Report for These Common Errors
Before applying for new credit, review your report for mistakes that can lower approval odds.
- Accounts that do not belong to you
- Late payments reported incorrectly
- Paid collections still marked as unpaid
- Duplicate accounts
- Incorrect balances or credit limits
- Negative items older than the legal reporting period
- Hard inquiries you did not authorize
If you find any of these errors, dispute them before applying for new credit.
Before You Apply
- Check your credit report for errors
- Know your current score
- Compare fees and deposit requirements before applying
What rebuilding typically looks like
- Month 0Open your first credit-building account
- Months 1–3On-time payments begin reporting
- Months 4–6Early score improvement appears
- Months 9–12Eligible for better card options
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for multiple cards at once
- Carrying balances on secured cards
- Closing your first account too early
What Rebuilding Credit Usually Looks Like
Credit improvement is not instant. Most people see progress in predictable stages.
- Month 0–1
- Account approved and opened
- Initial deposit or setup completed
- Credit line reports to bureaus
- Month 2–3
- First on-time payments reported
- Credit utilization stabilizes
- Early score movement possible
- Month 4–6
- Consistent payment history builds
- Approval odds for better cards improve
- Fewer rejections when applying
- Month 6–12
- Graduation or upgrade options appear
- Lower fees and higher limits possible
- Stronger overall credit profile
Results vary based on payment history, balances, and past credit issues.
Compare options
See how products stack up in our comparisons and read full reviews before applying.