Who Has a 482 Credit Score?

Age itself isn't a direct factor in your credit score, but scores tend to increase as people get older. This is because older individuals generally have longer credit histories and more time to establish a positive payment track record. Here's a look at the average credit scores by generation for 2023:

• 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 482 Credit Score

A credit score of 482 falls squarely in the "poor" range, which will significantly limit your ability to qualify for most credit cards. Lenders generally view applicants with scores this low as high-risk, meaning you'll likely face rejection for standard unsecured cards from major banks. Your most viable options will probably be secured credit cards that require a cash deposit or unsecured cards targeted at consumers with bad credit, which often carry high fees and interest rates.

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Kudos offers AI-powered tools that analyze your spending habits and financial goals to provide personalized credit card recommendations from a database of nearly 3,000 options. The platform also provides insights into how applying for a new card could impact your credit, helping you find a suitable match for your financial situation.

Auto Loans and a 482 Credit Score

A 482 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan challenging, though not impossible. Lenders will view you as a high-risk borrower, meaning you'll likely face some of the highest interest rates available.

According to 2025 auto loan data from Experian, average interest 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 482 Credit Score

With a 482 credit score, your mortgage options are extremely limited. Most lenders will not approve a loan for a score this low. Even government-backed FHA loans, known for flexibility, require a minimum score of 500. While some specialty lenders might work with sub-580 borrowers, securing a loan with a 482 score is highly improbable, as very few mortgages are approved for scores under 600.

If you find a lender, expect demanding terms. A 482 score results in much higher interest rates, adding thousands to your total cost. You will also face a larger down payment requirement and a strict underwriting process. Lenders will scrutinize your income, debts, and the reasons for your past credit problems before making a decision.

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 482 Credit Score

Improving your credit score is an achievable goal that relies on consistent, positive financial behavior. While it takes time, you can see meaningful changes within a few months by taking the right steps.

• Establish automatic bill payments. Your payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score, so paying every bill on time is the most critical step toward recovery.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Lenders look at how much of your available credit you're using, and keeping this ratio below 30% can significantly boost your score.
• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports from all three bureaus helps you find and dispute errors that could be unfairly dragging down your score.
• Apply for a secured credit card. For those with damaged credit, a secured card allows you to build a positive payment history and demonstrate responsible credit management.

Using a tool like Kudos can help you manage your cards and monitor your score as you work to improve your credit health.