Who Has a 461 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, data shows a strong correlation between age and higher scores. Older consumers generally have more time to build a positive payment history and a longer credit history. According to a 2023 generational breakdown from Experian, average FICO scores steadily increase with age:

• 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 461 Credit Score

A credit score of 461 falls into the "very poor" range, which can make qualifying for a traditional credit card a significant challenge. Most major lenders view a score this low as a strong indicator of high risk, leading to likely denials for unsecured cards with favorable terms. Consequently, your options will probably be restricted to secured credit cards that require a cash deposit or certain unsecured cards specifically designed for rebuilding credit, which often come with high fees and interest rates.

‍

Kudos offers AI-powered tools like Dream Wallet that analyze your financial situation to provide personalized card recommendations and insights into how a new card might impact your credit score. By matching your profile against its large database, Kudos helps you find suitable options designed to fit your needs and help you build credit responsibly.

Auto Loans and a 461 Credit Score

A 461 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which lenders view as high-risk. While you may still get approved for an auto loan, you will likely face significantly higher interest rates and less favorable terms.
According to 2025 data on average auto loan rates, here is how interest breaks down by credit score bracket:

• 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 461 Credit Score

A 461 credit score makes qualifying for a mortgage extremely challenging. Most mainstream lenders, including those offering government-backed loans, have higher minimums; FHA loans, for example, require a score of at least 500. With a score this low, your options are generally limited to rare specialty or subprime lenders, according to current mortgage requirements.

‍

If you do find a lender, a 461 score will lead to unfavorable terms. Expect to face significantly higher interest rates, larger down payment requirements, and extra fees. Your application will also likely undergo a stricter review process known as manual underwriting, where lenders scrutinize every detail of your financial history.

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's primarily based on a handful of key financial habits. The most common factors include:

• Your payment history tracks whether you have paid past credit accounts on time.
• Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you are currently using.
• The length of your credit history considers the age of your oldest account and the average age of all your accounts.
• Having a healthy mix of credit types, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your score.
• Recent credit inquiries and newly opened accounts can temporarily lower your score.

How to Improve Your 461 Credit Score

Don't be discouraged by a 461 credit score; improving your creditworthiness is entirely possible with consistent, positive financial habits. There are several proven methods you can use to start rebuilding your credit profile today.

• Monitor your credit reports regularly. Checking your reports allows you to spot and dispute inaccuracies that could be unfairly dragging down your score. For someone with a score in the 400s, correcting even a single error can have a meaningful impact.
• Establish automatic bill payments. Your payment history is the most significant factor in your score, and a 461 score likely reflects missed payments. Setting up automatic payments is a critical step to ensure you build a positive history of paying on time.
• Apply for a secured credit card. A low score makes it difficult to get approved for new credit, but a secured card is designed for this situation. It helps you build a fresh history of responsible use that gets reported to the credit bureaus.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. If you have existing balances, paying them down shows lenders you can manage debt responsibly. Keeping your balances low, ideally under 30% of your limit, is a key strategy for improving a poor credit score.

For help managing your cards and tracking your progress, consider using a financial tool like Kudos to stay on top of your credit-building journey.