Who Has a 489 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in calculating your credit score, there is a clear trend of scores increasing over time. According to an analysis of 2023 data, the average FICO score varies significantly across different generations:

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

Credit Cards With a 489 Credit Score

A credit score of 489 is considered poor, placing you in a high-risk category for most lenders. Consequently, you'll likely face significant hurdles when applying for traditional credit cards, with a high probability of rejection for most unsecured options. Your best bet will likely be cards specifically designed for building credit, such as secured cards, which may require a security deposit and come with higher interest rates.

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Kudos provides AI-powered tools like the Explore Tool, which can help you find a card based on your preferences, such as a low interest rate. The Dream Wallet feature can also analyze your spending habits and provide insights on how applying for a new card may impact your credit score.

Auto Loans and a 489 Credit Score

A 489 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan challenging. Lenders view this score as high-risk, often resulting in significantly higher interest rates and stricter loan terms, according to 2025 auto loan data.

• 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 489 Credit Score

With a 489 credit score, your mortgage options are extremely limited. Most conventional lenders look for a score of at least 620. While government-backed FHA loans are more forgiving, their lowest tier typically requires a 500 score paired with a 10% down payment. According to mortgage requirements, securing a loan with a score below this threshold is highly improbable through traditional lenders, though some rare non-prime lenders may consider it on a case-by-case basis.

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Should you find a lender willing to work with you, a low score directly results in less favorable loan terms. Expect to face significantly higher interest rates, which can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total cost of your home over time. Lenders will also likely require a larger down payment, charge higher fees, and may cap the amount you can borrow, severely limiting your purchasing power.

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 489 Credit Score

A 489 credit score can feel discouraging, but it is absolutely possible to improve your creditworthiness and build a healthier financial future. With consistent, positive behavior, you can see meaningful changes in your score within a few months.

• Establish Automatic Bill Payments. Your payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date, which is a critical first step to rebuilding a poor credit profile.
• Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio. This is the second most significant factor, and you should aim to keep your usage below 30% of your total available credit. For someone with a low score, paying down balances is a powerful way to show lenders you can manage credit responsibly.
• Become an Authorized User. If you have a trusted friend or family member with a good credit history, ask to be added as an authorized user on their account. Their responsible credit habits can be added to your credit file and may provide a boost to your score.
• Apply for a Secured Credit Card. These cards are designed for individuals with damaged credit and require a small security deposit that acts as your credit limit. Using it responsibly allows you to build a new, positive payment history from the ground up.

To help manage your cards and maximize rewards as you improve your credit, you can use tools like the Kudos browser extension.