Who Has a 359 Credit Score?

While a 359 credit score is significantly below average, it's useful to understand how scores typically trend across different age groups. According to 2023 data on average FICO scores, creditworthiness generally improves with age as people have more time to build a positive payment history.

• 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 359 Credit Score

A credit score of 359 falls into the "poor" credit range, which can significantly hinder your ability to qualify for most traditional credit cards. Lenders view this score as an indicator of high risk, meaning they are less likely to approve applications for unsecured cards with favorable terms. Consequently, your options will likely be restricted to products specifically designed for consumers with bad credit, such as secured credit cards that require a cash deposit.

‍

Kudos offers AI-powered tools that can help you find a credit card that aligns with your financial situation and goals. By using a quiz to understand your preferences, Kudos provides personalized recommendations from a database of nearly 3,000 cards to match you with the best options for your circumstances.

Auto Loans and a 359 Credit Score

A 359 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan challenging. Lenders view this score as high-risk, so if you are approved, you will likely face the highest possible interest rates and less favorable loan terms.

According to Experian's Q2 2025 data, average auto loan interest rates break down by credit score bracket as follows:

• 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 359 Credit Score

A 359 credit score is considered extremely low and generally will not qualify for a traditional mortgage. Most lenders have minimum score requirements that are significantly higher. For instance, government-backed FHA loans, known for their flexibility, require a minimum score of 500 with a 10% down payment, according to a KudosMortgage guide. With a score well below this threshold, securing a home loan through conventional channels is highly unlikely.

Even if you could find a specialty lender willing to consider your application, a low credit score results in very unfavorable terms. You would face substantially higher interest rates, increasing your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan. Lenders would also require a larger down payment and subject your finances to intense scrutiny through manual underwriting to offset their 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 generally boils down to a handful of key elements. The most common factors include:

• Your history of making payments on time is the most significant factor.
• How much of your available credit you're currently using, known as your credit utilization ratio, plays a major role.
• The age of your credit accounts, including the average age and the age of your oldest account, is also considered.
• Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage different types of credit, such as credit cards and loans.
• Opening several new credit accounts in a short period can be seen as a risk and may temporarily lower your score.

How to Improve Your 359 Credit Score

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, but even a very low score can be improved over time with consistent effort. There are several proven methods you can use to build your creditworthiness and achieve a healthier financial profile.

• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports helps you find and dispute any inaccuracies that could be unfairly dragging your score down. This also allows you to track your progress and see the positive impact of your efforts over time.
• Establish automatic bill payments. Your payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score, so ensuring every bill is paid on time is a fundamental step toward rebuilding. For a low score, establishing a consistent record of on-time payments is essential for demonstrating reliability to lenders.
• Apply for a secured credit card. A secured card is an accessible tool for building a positive payment history when you have damaged credit. Responsible use proves you can manage credit, which is critical for improving your score when other options are unavailable.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. This ratio compares your card balances to your limits, and keeping it below 30% is a key goal for credit health. Paying down balances is one of the fastest ways to see a meaningful improvement in your score.

Let Kudos be your financial companion to help you manage your credit cards, monitor your score, and maximize rewards.