Who Has a 653 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. Generally, older consumers have higher scores because they've had more time to build a positive payment history. According to 2023 Experian data, the average FICO score for different age groups is as follows:

• 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 653 Credit Score

A credit score of 653 places you in the "fair" credit category, which is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to applying for new credit cards. While you'll likely find lenders willing to approve your application, you may not have access to the most premium cards with top-tier rewards and benefits. The cards you do qualify for might also come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits than those offered to applicants with stronger credit histories.

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To find the right card for your financial situation, Kudos provides tools like the Explore Tool and Dream Wallet, which analyze your personal needs and spending habits to offer tailored recommendations. The platform pulls from a database of nearly 3,000 cards and bases its suggestions on your preferences, ensuring you get an unbiased match that isn't influenced by affiliate commissions.

Auto Loans and a 653 Credit Score

A credit score of 653 places you in the non-prime borrower category, meaning you can likely secure an auto loan, but not at the most competitive rates. Lenders view this score as carrying more risk, which translates to higher interest charges over the loan's term.

According to Experian's Q2 2025 data, here are the average auto loan rates broken 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 653 Credit Score

With a 653 credit score, you are in a good position to qualify for several types of home loans. This score generally meets the minimum requirements for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. While this opens up multiple financing paths, it likely won't be sufficient for a jumbo loan, as lenders typically require a score of 700 or more for those larger mortgages.

The primary impact of your score will be on your loan's cost. You can expect to pay a higher interest rate than borrowers with scores in the 700s. For a conventional loan with less than 20% down, your private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums will also be more expensive. Lenders may also apply more scrutiny to your application, closely examining your income and debt.

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 653 Credit Score

No matter your starting point, improving your credit score is an achievable goal with consistent, positive financial habits. For those with a 653 credit score, a few strategic moves can make a significant difference in moving into a better credit tier.

• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports allows you to spot and dispute any inaccuracies or fraudulent activity that could be unfairly dragging your score down.
• Set up automatic bill payments. Since payment history is the single most important factor in your score, ensuring every bill is paid on time is a surefire way to build a positive record and improve your standing.
• Lower your credit utilization ratio. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit, as this shows lenders you're a responsible borrower and can provide a quick boost to your score.
• Become an authorized user. Piggybacking on the account of a friend or family member with excellent credit can add their positive payment history and low utilization to your report, helping to lift your score.

Using a tool like Kudos can help you find the right credit-building products and maximize rewards along the way.