Loans for a 600 Credit Score: Your Options and How to Get Approved
| 600 score tier | Fair (FICO 580–669) |
|---|---|
| 650 score tier | Also fair; 670 starts good |
| Common options | Personal installment, secured, title, credit union |
| What helps most | Steady income and low debt-to-income |
| Amounts | $100–$5,000 through our network |
| Our form | Free, about 3 minutes, no obligation |
Is 600 a good credit score?
A 600 FICO score is considered fair. FICO's bands are poor (below 580), fair (580 to 669), good (670 to 739), very good (740 to 799) and exceptional (800 and above). That puts 600 just above the poor line. It's not where the lowest rates live, but it's well within the range many online lenders serve.
Think of 600 as a starting point. Lenders will weigh your income, your existing debts and your recent payment history alongside the number. If those look solid, a 600 score can still get you a fair offer.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
What a 600 credit score qualifies for
| Loan type | Fit at 600 | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Personal installment loan | Good fit | Fixed monthly payments; many online lenders serve fair credit |
| Small installment loan | Good fit | $300–$5,000; income often matters more than score |
| Credit union loan | Possible | Membership required; may be flexible with members |
| Secured loan | Good fit | Savings or a CD backs the loan; often lower rates |
| Title loan | Good fit where legal | Your car's value matters more than your score |
| Payday loan | Available where legal | Small amounts due on your next payday |
Personal loan with a 650 credit score
At 650, you're still in the fair tier but close to good, which starts at 670. That can mean more lender choices and lower rates than at 600. If you're at 650 and not in a rush, a few months of on-time payments and lower card balances might move you over the line. If you need the money now, apply and compare offers; many lenders will consider you today.
Sample payments with a 600 score
Rates at 600 vary by lender and state. These examples use assumed APRs, not quotes:
| Loan | Assumed APR | Term | Monthly payment | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 36% | 12 months | about $100.46 | about $1,206 |
| $2,000 | 30% | 12 months | about $194.97 | about $2,340 |
| $3,000 | 30% | 24 months | about $167.74 | about $4,026 |
| $5,000 | 35.99% | 36 months | about $228.99 | about $8,244 |
Your lender shows the exact APR, fees and total before you sign. Use the personal loan calculator to test other amounts.
How to get approved with a 600 credit score
- Show steady income. Regular deposits are the strongest signal for many lenders.
- Lower your debt-to-income ratio. Pay down a card or small balance first if you can.
- Ask for a realistic amount. Smaller requests are easier to approve.
- Check rates with soft inquiries. A soft pull doesn't affect your score, according to the CFPB.
- Consider collateral or a co-borrower if the lender offers it.
- Fix report errors. You can get free credit reports and dispute mistakes.
More tips in how to get a personal loan with bad credit.
How to move from 600 toward good credit
FICO says payment history accounts for 35% of a FICO Score and amounts owed for 30%. That's where the fastest gains come from:
- Pay every bill on time. Set up autopay or reminders.
- Keep card balances low relative to your limits.
- Avoid opening many new accounts at once; new credit counts for 10%.
- Keep older accounts open to help the length of your history.
An installment loan that reports on-time payments to the bureaus can also add positive history. See what is a good credit score.
Compare with nearby score tiers
Lower than 600? See loans for a 500 credit score and loans for bad credit. Between 580 and 669? See personal loans for fair credit. No credit history at all? See loans with no credit.
Secured and title options at 600
If unsecured offers come back smaller or pricier than you'd like, collateral can help. A savings- or CD-secured loan from a bank or credit union is often approved with fair credit and may carry a lower rate, though you need the savings first. A title loan uses your vehicle's value, so your score matters less; availability depends on your state. Pawn loans rely only on the item you leave. See collateral loans and title loan laws by state.
What lenders see at 600
Two people with a 600 score can get very different offers. A lender reviewing your file may see a few late payments from years ago and steady income now, or a recent missed payment and high card balances. The first profile usually gets better terms. Before you apply, pull your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, check for errors, and note anything you can explain, such as a medical bill or a job change. Lenders that review income and bank history may weigh your current stability more than an old blemish.
Get offers for a 600 credit score
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender. One short form takes about 3 minutes and reaches lenders in our network that serve your state. Many lenders focus on income and may use alternative credit data in addition to your score. Decisions often come in minutes, and approved funds can arrive as soon as the next business day. You'll see full terms before you accept.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a loan with a 600 credit score?
Yes. A 600 FICO score is in the fair range, and many online personal and installment lenders consider borrowers at that level. Secured and title loans are also options. Expect higher rates than for good credit; strong income and low debts improve your chances.
What kind of loan can I get with a 600 credit score?
Common options include personal installment loans from fair-credit lenders, small installment loans, secured loans backed by savings or a CD, credit union loans, title loans where legal, and payday loans where legal. The best fit depends on how much you need and how fast you can repay.
Can I get a $5,000 loan with a 600 credit score?
Possibly. Some lenders offer $5,000 or more to fair-credit borrowers with enough income. A larger loan means a closer look at your debt-to-income ratio. Our network handles requests up to $5,000, depending on your state and lender, and you'll see the payment before you accept.
What can I get with a 650 credit score?
A 650 is fair but close to good (670 and up). You'll likely see more personal loan offers and somewhat better rates than at 600. Compare several offers, and consider whether a few months of score improvement could move you into the good tier.
Do lenders use FICO or another score?
Many lenders use a version of FICO, and some use VantageScore or their own models. Some small-dollar lenders rely on income and bank data and may use alternative credit data instead of a traditional score. Your score can differ by model and bureau.