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366 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025
July 1, 2025
TL;DR
A 366 credit score is a foundational starting point from which you can build a stronger financial future. This score falls into the “Poor” FICO score category, which provides a clear opportunity for significant improvement and growth.
What Does a 366 Credit Score Mean?
A credit score of 366 is considered very poor. On the widely used FICO Score range of 300 to 850, this number falls squarely into the lowest category. Lenders view a score like this as a significant indicator of high risk, suggesting a history of credit difficulties. This perception can severely limit your financial flexibility and make accessing new credit a considerable challenge.
Consequently, you will likely face difficulty getting approved for new loans, mortgages, or credit cards. If you are approved, the terms will almost certainly be unfavorable, including very high interest rates and strict conditions. While this score presents significant financial hurdles, it's important to remember that credit scores are not permanent and can be improved over time.
Who Has a 366 Credit Score?
While age isn't a direct factor in calculating your credit score, there is a strong correlation between age and the average score. Data shows that scores tend to improve over time as people build longer credit histories. According to an analysis of Experian data from 2023, here is the breakdown of average FICO scores by generation:
- Generation Z (ages 18-26): 680
- Millennials (ages 27-42): 690
- Generation X (ages 43-58): 709
- Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): 745
- Silent Generation (ages 78+): 760
Credit Cards With a 366 Credit Score
A credit score of 366 falls into the 'very poor' range, which will make qualifying for most credit cards a significant challenge. Lenders view such a low score as a strong indicator of high risk, meaning that applications for traditional, unsecured cards are almost certain to be rejected. Consequently, your options will likely be limited to secured credit cards that require a cash deposit or specific subprime cards that come with high fees and interest rates.
Kudos can help you find the best card for your situation with its AI-powered tools that provide personalized recommendations. The Explore Tool asks about your preferences to match you with suitable options from a database of nearly 3,000 cards, which includes a wide range of choices for different credit profiles.
Auto Loans and a 366 Credit Score
A 366 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan difficult, though not impossible. If you are approved, you will likely face some of the highest interest rates available from lenders.
According to a 2025 loan analysis, here are the average interest rates broken down by credit score:
- Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars and 7.13% for used cars
- Prime (661-780): 6.87% for new cars and 9.36% for used cars
- Non-prime (601-660): 9.83% for new cars and 13.92% for used cars
- Subprime (501-600): 13.18% for new cars and 18.86% for used cars
- Deep subprime (300-500): 15.77% for new cars and 21.55% for used cars
Mortgages at a 366 Credit Score
A 366 credit score is considered extremely poor and will not qualify you for a traditional mortgage. Mortgage requirements show that even the most lenient FHA loans require a minimum score of 500 with a 10% down payment. Other loan types, like conventional or VA loans, typically require scores of 620 or higher. Lenders view a score this low as a major red flag, making mainstream financing essentially unavailable.
Because a 366 score signals very high risk to lenders, it effectively disqualifies you from receiving favorable loan terms. If you could find a non-traditional lender, you would face extremely high interest rates and fees, making the loan far more expensive. Alternative options like owner financing may exist but are unregulated and carry significant risks compared to standard mortgages.
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 366 Credit Score
Improving your credit score is entirely possible, even from a starting point of 366. A comprehensive expert guide shows that with consistent effort, most people can see meaningful changes within three to six months by taking the right steps.
- Establish Automatic Bill Payments. Since payment history is the most significant factor in your score, setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date. This consistent, positive behavior is crucial for rebuilding a poor credit history.
- Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio. Lenders view high balances as a risk, so keeping your utilization below 30% can significantly boost your score. For those with limited credit, making small payments multiple times a month can help keep this ratio low.
- Apply for a Secured Credit Card. If a poor credit history prevents you from getting a traditional card, a secured card is an excellent tool for rebuilding. Your on-time payments are reported to credit bureaus, establishing a new track record of responsible use.
- Monitor Your Credit Reports Regularly. Errors on your credit report can unfairly drag down your score, and you are the first line of defense in finding them. Regularly checking your reports helps you spot and dispute inaccuracies that could be holding you back.
Kudos can help you manage your cards and monitor your score to accelerate your credit-building journey.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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