Who Has a 528 Credit Score?

While age isn't a direct factor in credit score calculations, there are clear trends across different generations. According to 2023 Experian data, average FICO 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 528 Credit Score

A 528 credit score falls into the 'poor' range, which can make qualifying for a traditional credit card a significant challenge. Most mainstream lenders view this score as high-risk, often resulting in immediate application denials for their most popular unsecured cards. While your options are more limited, it doesn't mean a credit card is completely out of reach; you'll likely need to focus on products specifically designed for building or rebuilding credit.

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Kudos offers an AI-powered Explore Tool that simplifies finding a credit card by asking about your preferences, such as low interest rates or specific rewards. The tool then uses a preference matching feature to analyze nearly 3,000 cards and recommend options that best align with your financial situation and goals.

Auto Loans and a 528 Credit Score

A 528 credit score places you in the subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan more challenging. Lenders view this score as high-risk, often leading to significantly higher interest rates and less favorable terms compared to borrowers with better credit.

According to Experian's Q2 2025 data, here is how average auto loan rates break down by credit score:

• Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars, 7.13% for used cars
• Prime (661-780): 6.87% for new cars, 9.36% for used cars
• Non-prime (601-660): 9.83% for new cars, 13.92% for used cars
• Subprime (501-600): 13.18% for new cars, 18.86% for used cars
• Deep subprime (300-500): 15.77% for new cars, 21.55% for used cars

Mortgages at a 528 Credit Score

With a 528 credit score, your mortgage options are very limited. You generally will not qualify for a conventional loan. Your most likely path is an FHA loan, which requires a down payment of at least 10% for applicants with scores below 580. While some specialty loan programs exist for poor credit, they are uncommon and have strict terms.

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A low credit score also results in less favorable loan conditions. You can expect a significantly higher interest rate, which dramatically increases the total cost of the loan over time. Lenders will also apply stricter underwriting, scrutinizing your finances more closely, and you will likely face higher fees and more expensive mortgage insurance.

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 528 Credit Score

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, but no matter your current number, it is always possible to improve your credit score. With consistent effort and the right strategies, most people can see meaningful changes within a few months.

• Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports helps you spot and dispute inaccuracies or fraudulent activity that could be dragging down your 528 score. This also allows you to track your progress as you work to build better credit habits.
• Set up automatic bill payments. Since payment history is the single most important factor in your score, automating payments is the best way to build a positive record and avoid late fees. For a 528 score, establishing a history of on-time payments is a critical first step.
• Lower your credit utilization ratio. A high utilization ratio significantly hurts your score, so focus on keeping your balances below 30% of your total credit limit. This shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly and can provide a quick boost to your score.
• Apply for a secured credit card. These cards are designed for those rebuilding credit and are an accessible tool for someone with a 528 score to establish a positive payment history. Responsible use is reported to the credit bureaus, helping you demonstrate creditworthiness over time.

You can also use a tool like Kudos to help you spend smarter and maximize rewards as you build your credit.