Who Has a 522 Credit Score?

While a 522 credit score can be found across any demographic, it falls well below the national average for every age group. Credit scores tend to improve with age as people build longer credit histories. According to a 2023 generational breakdown from Experian, the average FICO scores are:

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

Credit Cards With a 522 Credit Score

A credit score of 522 is considered poor, which unfortunately makes it difficult to qualify for most credit cards. Lenders generally see this score as a high risk, meaning applications for standard, unsecured cards are likely to be rejected. However, this doesn't close the door completely, as you may still find success with secured credit cards designed for building credit.

‍

Kudos can help you find the right card for your situation with its Explore Tool, which uses a quiz to match your financial preferences to its database of nearly 3,000 cards. The platform also offers credit score insights to help you understand the potential impact of a new card, allowing you to make a responsible choice.

Auto Loans and a 522 Credit Score

A 522 credit score places you in the subprime lending category, which can make securing an auto loan more difficult. While you may still get approved, lenders will likely offer you significantly higher interest rates due to the increased risk.

According to a 2025 market analysis, average auto loan rates vary dramatically across different credit score brackets:

• 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 522 Credit Score

A 522 credit score is considered poor, making it challenging to secure a mortgage. However, it is not impossible. Your main option will likely be an FHA loan, which accepts scores as low as 500 if you can provide a 10% down payment. While some VA or USDA lenders might consider scores this low on a case-by-case basis, most conventional loans will be out of reach until your score improves.

With a 522 score, you should expect less favorable loan terms. Lenders will charge higher interest rates and fees to offset their risk, significantly increasing the total cost of your loan. According to mortgage requirements, you will also face a larger down payment requirement and higher mortgage insurance premiums on an FHA loan, which will increase your monthly payments.

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 522 Credit Score

Improving your credit score is an achievable goal that relies on consistent, positive financial behaviors. While a 522 score can be a starting point, taking deliberate action can lead to significant improvements in your financial health.

• Monitor your credit reports regularly. You can obtain free credit reports from the three major bureaus to identify and dispute any inaccuracies or signs of identity theft that could be dragging down your score. Correcting errors is a critical first step to ensure your score accurately reflects your financial history.
• Establish automatic bill payments. Your payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score, so setting up automatic payments is a foolproof way to avoid late fees and negative marks. Consistently paying on time is essential for rebuilding your credit from a 522 score.
• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit, as this is the second-largest component of your score. Paying down balances can provide a quick and meaningful boost by showing lenders you can manage credit responsibly.
• Apply for a secured credit card. For those with a poor credit history, a secured card is a powerful tool designed specifically for building or rebuilding credit. Your responsible use and on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus, helping you establish a positive track record.

As you work to improve your credit, the Kudos browser extension can help you make smarter spending decisions and maximize your rewards.