Who Has a 380 Credit Score?

While a 380 credit score is significantly below the national average, it's helpful to see how scores typically break down across different age groups. According to 2023 Experian data, average credit scores tend to increase steadily with age:

• 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 380 Credit Score

A credit score of 380 is significantly below the national average and falls squarely in the "poor" credit range. Lenders view this score as a major red flag, indicating a high risk of default, which makes qualifying for most traditional credit cards extremely challenging. Consequently, you'll likely face immediate rejections or, at best, be limited to options like secured credit cards that require a cash deposit as collateral.

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Kudos offers AI-powered tools that analyze your unique financial situation and preferences to help you find the best credit card match from a database of nearly 3,000 options. The platform provides crucial credit score insights, empowering you to make a responsible choice that aligns with your goal of improving your credit.

Auto Loans and a 380 Credit Score

A 380 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan challenging. While approval is still possible, you will likely face significantly higher interest rates and less favorable loan terms.

• Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars and 7.13% for used cars, according to Q2 2025 data
• 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 380 Credit Score

A 380 credit score is well below the minimum for all mainstream home loans. Government-backed FHA loans require a score of at least 500, while conventional mortgages typically demand a 620 or higher. With a score of 380, you will not qualify for these standard options, as lenders view it as too high of a risk.

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The most likely impact of a 380 credit score is loan denial. While rare subprime lenders might consider such a score, their terms would be severe. You would face exceptionally high interest rates, substantial fees, and a very large down payment requirement, making any potential loan extremely expensive and difficult to manage.

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 380 Credit Score

While a 380 credit score can feel limiting, it's important to know that you can rebuild your credit with a focused strategy. By implementing a few proven methods, most people can see significant improvements in as little as three to six months.

• Establish Automatic Bill Payments. Payment history is the largest factor in your credit score, so ensuring every bill is paid on time is the most critical first step. Setting up automatic payments prevents missed due dates that severely damage a low score.
• Apply for a Secured Credit Card. A secured card is an excellent tool for credit-building, as it requires a cash deposit that makes it easier to get approved. Responsible use and consistent payments are reported to the credit bureaus, establishing a positive history.
• Become an Authorized User. Ask a trusted family member or friend with a strong credit history to add you as an authorized user on one of their cards. Their good payment history and low credit utilization can be added to your credit file, giving your score a boost.
• Monitor Your Credit Reports. Regularly check your credit reports from all three bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—for errors or fraudulent activity. Disputing and removing inaccuracies can provide a quick and significant lift to your score.

Kudos can help you manage your cards and monitor your score to make smarter financial decisions on your credit improvement journey.