Who Has a 520 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, there is a clear trend of scores increasing over time. Here is the average FICO score by age group, according to 2023 Experian data:

• 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 520 Credit Score

A credit score of 520 falls into the "poor" range, which can significantly challenge your ability to get approved for a traditional credit card. Most lenders view this score as an indicator of high risk, meaning you'll likely face rejections for standard unsecured cards that offer rewards or low interest rates. Your options will probably be limited to products designed for building credit, such as secured credit cards that require a cash deposit or certain unsecured cards with higher fees and interest rates.

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Kudos' tools, like the Explore Tool, can help you find the right card by matching your stated preferences—such as a desire for low interest rates or specific benefits—to its database of nearly 3,000 cards. The platform's Dream Wallet feature further personalizes recommendations by analyzing your spending habits and providing insights on how a new card might impact your credit.

Auto Loans and a 520 Credit Score

A 520 credit score places you in the subprime lending tier, meaning that while you can still get an auto loan, the terms will be less favorable. You should expect to face significantly higher interest rates, which increases the total cost of your vehicle over the life of the loan.

According to Experian's Q2 2025 data, average auto loan rates break down as follows:

• Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars, 7.13% for used cars
• Prime (661-780): 6.87% for new cars, 9.36% for used cars
• Non-prime (601-660): 9.83% for new cars, 13.92% for used cars
• Subprime (501-600): 13.18% for new cars, 18.86% for used cars
• Deep subprime (300-500): 15.77% for new cars, 21.55% for used cars

Mortgages at a 520 Credit Score

Securing a mortgage with a 520 credit score is challenging, but not impossible. Your primary option will likely be an FHA loan, which is available to borrowers with scores as low as 500. However, because your score is below the 580 threshold, you'll be required to make a down payment of at least 10%. Conventional, VA, and USDA loans are generally out of reach, as most lenders require scores of 620 or higher for those products.

A 520 credit score significantly impacts your loan terms. You can expect to face higher interest rates and fees, which increases the overall cost of the loan. Lenders will also subject your application to stricter scrutiny, a process known as manual underwriting, and may limit the total amount you can borrow. These less favorable terms are how lenders offset the higher risk associated with a low credit score.

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 520 Credit Score

No matter how low your credit score has dropped, it's always possible to improve it with time and consistent effort. There are several proven methods you can use to boost your creditworthiness and build a healthier financial profile.

• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports helps you spot and dispute inaccuracies that could be unfairly lowering your score. Catching errors or identity theft early is a critical first step to rebuilding your credit.
• Establish automatic bill payments. Since payment history is the single biggest factor in your score, setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date. This builds a positive track record and directly counteracts one of the most common reasons for a low score.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Lenders see high balances as a risk, so paying down your credit card debt to below 30% of your limit is essential. This demonstrates responsible credit management and can significantly improve the second most important factor in your score.
• Apply for a secured credit card. A 520 score makes it difficult to get approved for traditional cards, but a secured card allows you to rebuild your credit history with responsible use. Your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus, helping to raise your score over time.

To help you maximize rewards while you build your credit, check out the free AI-powered browser extension from Kudos.