Who Has a 537 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in calculating your credit score, there is a strong correlation between age and the average score. Older consumers generally have higher scores because they've had more time to build a longer credit history. According to 2023 Experian data, here is the breakdown of average FICO scores by generation:

• 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 537 Credit Score

A credit score of 537 falls into the "poor" credit range, which can significantly impact your ability to qualify for a credit card. Most lenders view this score as high-risk, meaning you'll likely face rejections for standard, unsecured credit cards that offer premium rewards and low interest rates. Your options will probably be limited to secured credit cards requiring a cash deposit or specific unsecured cards designed for building credit, which often come with higher fees and interest rates.

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Kudos can help you navigate the options with its AI-powered tools, like the Dream Wallet, which analyzes your spending habits to provide personalized recommendations. This approach allows you to find cards that fit your financial situation, such as those with lower fees, and understand how applying for a new card might impact your credit.

Auto Loans and a 537 Credit Score

A 537 credit score places you in the subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan more challenging. According to a 2025 market analysis, lenders will likely offer you significantly higher interest rates than borrowers with better credit, increasing the overall cost of your vehicle.

• 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 537 Credit Score

With a 537 credit score, your mortgage options are quite limited. According to credit score requirements, your most viable path is likely an FHA loan, which requires a minimum down payment of 10% for applicants with scores below 580. While some specialty non-prime lenders may exist, conventional, VA, and USDA loans are generally out of reach. Most lenders require scores of at least 620 for those loan types.

If you do qualify for a loan, your credit score will lead to less favorable terms. Expect to face significantly higher interest rates than borrowers with better credit. For an FHA loan, you will also have to pay for mortgage insurance, adding to your costs. Lenders will conduct a more rigorous review of your finances and may cap the amount you can borrow.

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 537 Credit Score

No matter your current credit score, it's always possible to improve your financial standing with consistent effort. While it takes time, taking the right steps can lead to meaningful changes in your creditworthiness within a few months.

• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly check your reports from all three major bureaus to spot and dispute any inaccuracies. For a 537 score, correcting even a single error could provide a significant and immediate boost.
• Make on-time payments. Payment history is the single most important factor in your score, so set up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates. Establishing a consistent record of on-time payments is fundamental to rebuilding your credit from a poor score.
• Reduce credit utilization. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit, as high balances heavily penalize your score. Paying down your cards is one of the quickest ways to see an improvement when you have a low score.
• Become an authorized user. Ask a trusted friend or family member with excellent credit to add you to one of their accounts. This allows their positive payment history and low credit utilization to reflect on your report, which can be a powerful way to build credit when your own options are limited.

To help you make the most of your cards while rebuilding your credit, consider using a tool like the Kudos browser extension.