Who Has a 472 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, data shows a strong correlation between age and higher scores. Here's a look at the average FICO scores by age group, based on 2023 Experian data:

• Ages 18-26 (Gen Z): 680
• Ages 27-42 (Millennials): 690
• Ages 43-58 (Gen X): 709
• Ages 59-77 (Baby Boomers): 745
• Ages 78+ (Silent Generation): 760

Credit Cards With a 472 Credit Score

A credit score of 472 is considered poor and can significantly hinder your ability to get approved for a credit card. Lenders view this score as a high-risk indicator, making them hesitant to extend a line of credit. Consequently, your options will likely be limited to secured cards or unsecured cards designed for bad credit, which often come with high fees and interest rates.

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Fintech company Kudos offers AI-powered tools like the Explore Tool and Dream Wallet, which analyze your spending habits and financial preferences to provide personalized credit card recommendations from a database of nearly 3,000 cards. These tools offer insights into how a new card could affect your credit score and help you find options that minimize fees, ensuring you select a card that fits your financial situation.

Auto Loans and a 472 Credit Score

A 472 credit score falls into the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan challenging. While you may still get approved, lenders will likely offer you significantly higher interest rates and less favorable terms.

According to a 2025 analysis, average auto loan rates break down as follows:

• 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 472 Credit Score

A 472 credit score falls below the minimum threshold for nearly all mortgage programs. Government-backed FHA loans, one of the most accessible options, require a minimum score of 500 for eligibility. According to 2025 mortgage requirements, options for scores this low are extremely limited, and while some specialty lenders exist, they are rare and have strict rules.

Even if you found a willing lender, a low score would result in very unfavorable loan terms. You would face significantly higher interest rates, larger fees, and a substantial down payment requirement. Lenders would also likely cap the amount you can borrow, severely restricting your home-buying power and increasing the overall cost of the loan.

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 history of making payments on time is the most significant factor.
• How much of your available credit you're currently using, known as your credit utilization ratio, plays a major role.
• The age of your credit accounts, including the average age and the age of your oldest account, is also considered.
• Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage different types of credit, such as credit cards and loans.
• Opening several new credit accounts in a short period can be seen as a risk and may temporarily lower your score.

How to Improve Your 472 Credit Score

While a 472 credit score can feel limiting, it is entirely possible to improve it with consistent, positive behavior, and there are several proven methods to help you get there. With consistent effort, you can see meaningful changes in as little as three to six months.

• Monitor your credit reports. You can get free reports and should check them for any errors or inaccuracies that could be dragging your score down. Disputing and correcting these mistakes can be one of the quickest ways to see a score improvement.
• Set up automatic bill payments. Payment history is the most significant factor in your score, so ensuring every bill is paid on time is critical for rebuilding credit. This action demonstrates reliability to lenders and directly addresses a likely cause of a poor score.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit, as high balances negatively impact your score. Paying down debt shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly, making you a less risky borrower.
• Consider a secured credit card. These cards are designed for building or rebuilding credit and require a security deposit, making them accessible even with a low score. Your payments are reported to the credit bureaus, allowing you to establish a positive history.

The Kudos browser extension can help you manage your cards and maximize rewards as you work toward a better score.