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644 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025
July 1, 2025

TL;DR
A 644 credit score is generally considered 'Fair,' serving as a solid foundation for building a stronger credit history. While it may not qualify you for the most competitive rates, it's a respectable starting point that opens the door to many lending options.
What Does a 644 Credit Score Mean?
A credit score of 644 places you in the "fair" range on the FICO scale, which typically runs from 300 to 850. While not considered a poor score, it sits below the U.S. average. For your finances, this means you'll likely be approved for some loans and credit cards, but probably not with the most competitive interest rates or terms. Lenders may view a 644 score as carrying a moderate amount of risk, impacting the offers you receive.
The good news is that a 644 score is a strong foundation to build upon. You're on the verge of the "good" credit category, and improving your standing is entirely achievable. Moving your score into a higher bracket can unlock significant financial advantages, including better loan terms and greater borrowing power, paving the way for a more secure financial future.
Who Has a 644 Credit Score?
While age isn't a direct factor in calculating your credit score, there is a clear correlation showing that scores tend to improve over time. This is often because older individuals have had more opportunities to build a longer credit history, manage different types of credit, and demonstrate a consistent payment record. Based on 2023 Experian data, here’s how average FICO scores break down by generation:
- 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 644 Credit Score
A credit score of 644 places you in the "fair" credit category, which can be a mixed bag when 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 offering top-tier rewards or the lowest interest rates. Issuers often reserve their best products for applicants with good to excellent credit, meaning you might face a higher annual percentage rate (APR) or a more modest credit limit.
To navigate this landscape, Kudos provides AI-powered tools that analyze your financial preferences and spending habits to find a card that fits your situation. By sifting through nearly 3,000 options, the platform provides personalized, unbiased recommendations designed to maximize your rewards and responsibly build your credit.
Auto Loans and a 644 Credit Score
A 644 credit score places you in the "non-prime" category, meaning you can likely get an auto loan but will face higher interest rates than borrowers with better credit. Lenders see this score as a moderate risk, which directly impacts the terms and total cost of your financing.
According to Q2 2025 data, here is how average auto loan rates break down across different credit score tiers:
- 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 644 Credit Score
With a 644 credit score, you are in a position to qualify for several types of home loans. This score generally meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Government-backed programs like FHA and VA are often highly accessible with this score. However, you will likely not be eligible for a jumbo loan, as lenders typically require a credit score of 700 or higher for those larger mortgages.
While you can get approved, your 644 score will affect your loan terms. You should expect to receive a higher interest rate than borrowers with scores in the 700s, which increases your monthly payment and total interest paid. For conventional loans with a down payment under 20%, your Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums will also be more expensive. Lenders may also scrutinize your overall financial health more closely.
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 644 Credit Score
Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, but it isn't set in stone; with consistent effort, it is always possible to improve your creditworthiness. According to a 2025 expert guide, you can see meaningful changes within three to six months by taking the right steps.
- Reduce your credit utilization ratio. This ratio is a major factor in your score, and keeping your balances below 30% of your credit limit can provide a significant boost. For a 644 score, paying down debt is one of the fastest ways to see a meaningful improvement.
- Establish automatic bill payments. Your payment history is the single most important component of your score, so ensuring every bill is paid on time is fundamental. Automating payments prevents late fees and demonstrates reliability to lenders, which is crucial for moving out of the fair credit range.
- Monitor your credit reports. Regularly checking your reports from all three bureaus helps you spot and dispute inaccuracies that could be unfairly dragging down your 644 score. This also allows you to track your progress and stay motivated as you see your positive actions pay off.
- Address collection accounts. A collection account can be a major anchor on your score, and addressing it by negotiating a settlement or payment plan can lessen its negative impact. Resolving these outstanding debts shows lenders you are taking responsibility for your financial obligations.
Using a tool like the Kudos browser extension can help you use your credit cards more strategically to maximize rewards and build your score.
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