Who Has a 573 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, scores tend to improve as people get older and build a longer financial track record. According to 2023 Experian data, here are the average FICO scores broken down 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
• Silent Generation (ages 78+): 760

Credit Cards With a 573 Credit Score

A credit score of 573 is considered to be in the "poor" range, which can significantly impact your ability to get approved for a credit card. Lenders generally view scores in this range as high-risk, meaning you'll likely face rejections for most traditional, unsecured credit cards. Your options will probably be limited to secured cards that require a cash deposit or unsecured cards specifically designed for individuals with bad credit, which often come with higher interest rates and fees.

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Kudos offers an Explore Tool that uses AI to help you find suitable options from a database of nearly 3,000 cards based on your preferences, such as low interest rates. The platform can also provide insights into how a new card might impact your credit score, helping you make a choice that fits your financial situation.

Auto Loans and a 573 Credit Score

A 573 credit score places you in the subprime borrower category, which can make securing an auto loan more challenging. Lenders will likely view you as a higher-risk borrower, resulting in significantly higher interest rates compared to those with better credit.

According to a 2025 guide on auto loan rates, here is how interest rates typically break down by credit score:

• 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 573 Credit Score

With a 573 credit score, your mortgage options are limited but not entirely gone. Conventional and jumbo loans are generally out of reach. Your primary path would be an FHA loan, which is available to borrowers with scores as low as 500. However, because your score is below 580, you will be required to make a minimum 10% down payment, according to mortgage score requirements.

A 573 score will also lead to less favorable loan terms. You can expect a higher interest rate than borrowers with better credit, which significantly increases the total cost of your loan over time. For an FHA loan, you will also face higher mortgage insurance premiums. Lenders will apply stricter underwriting standards, potentially requiring more cash reserves and limiting your total loan amount.

What's in a Credit Score?

Understanding your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, as it's a blend of several key financial habits. The most common factors that determine your score 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.
• Credit mix refers to the variety of credit products you have, such as credit cards, retail accounts, and loans.
• New credit inquiries and recently opened accounts can also temporarily impact your score.

How to Improve Your 573 Credit Score

No matter your current number, it's always possible to improve your credit score with consistent effort and the right strategy. While it takes time, there are several proven methods to boost your creditworthiness, with most people seeing meaningful changes within three to six months.

• Monitor your credit reports. A score of 573 could be dragged down by errors, and finding and disputing these inaccuracies can provide a significant boost. Regularly checking your reports also helps you track your progress and detect potential identity theft early.
• Set up automatic bill payments. Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score, and a 573 score often reflects past late payments. Automating payments ensures you never miss a due date again, helping you build a positive history over time.
• Lower your credit utilization. High credit card balances relative to your limits can severely impact your score. Paying down your debt to keep your utilization below 30% directly addresses the second-most important scoring factor.
• Become an authorized user. If your credit history is thin or damaged, being added to a family member's credit card with a long, positive history can help. Their good payment habits and low utilization will be added to your credit file, helping you rebuild.

For personalized card recommendations and help maximizing rewards as you rebuild, the Kudos browser extension can be a valuable tool.