Who Has a 645 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, there is a clear trend of scores improving over time. According to 2023 data, the average credit scores by generation show a steady increase:

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

Credit Cards With a 645 Credit Score

A credit score of 645 places you in the "fair" credit category, which is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to applying for credit cards. While you'll likely find options available, you may not qualify for the most premium cards that offer top-tier rewards, sign-up bonuses, or the lowest interest rates. Lenders often view this score as carrying some risk, so you might be approved with a lower credit limit or a higher-than-average APR.

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Kudos can help you find the right credit card by using its AI-powered tools to analyze your unique financial situation, based on either your stated preferences or your actual spending habits. The platform then sifts through thousands of cards to provide personalized recommendations, even offering insights into how applying for a new card could impact your credit score.

Auto Loans and a 645 Credit Score

With a 645 credit score, you fall into the 'non-prime' borrower category, which means you'll likely be approved for an auto loan but with higher interest rates. According to a 2025 market analysis, lenders view this score as carrying more risk, which is reflected in the cost of borrowing.

• 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 645 Credit Score

With a 645 credit score, you are in a good position to qualify for several types of home loans. This score meets the typical minimum credit score requirements for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, giving you a range of options. While you likely won't qualify for a jumbo loan, which usually requires a score of 700 or higher, you have access to the most common mortgage products available.

However, while you are eligible, a 645 score will impact your loan terms. You can expect to face higher interest rates and potentially larger private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments than borrowers with scores in the 700s. Lenders may also scrutinize your application more closely, looking at factors like your debt-to-income ratio and cash reserves to offset the perceived risk.

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 645 Credit Score

No matter your current standing, it's always possible to improve your credit score. With consistent effort and the right strategy, you can use proven methods to boost your creditworthiness and achieve better financial health.

• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports helps you spot and dispute inaccuracies that could be dragging your score down, while also allowing you to track your progress out of the fair credit range.
• Set up automatic bill payments. Since payment history is the single most important factor in your score, automating payments ensures you never miss a due date, which is critical for building the positive history needed to elevate a 645 score.
• Lower your credit utilization. High credit card balances often hold scores in the fair range back, so aim to keep your utilization ratio below 30% to show lenders you can manage credit responsibly.
• Become an authorized user. Piggybacking on the good credit habits of a family member or friend can add their positive payment history and low utilization to your report, which is especially helpful if your own credit history is short.

For personalized help in selecting the right credit products to build your score, the Kudos browser extension can guide your decisions.