Is 580 a good credit score?

A 580 credit score is the bottom of FICO's 'Fair' range (580–669) — below average and just one point above 'Poor.' It opens some doors, like an FHA mortgage with 3.5% down, but financing comes at higher rates and with fewer options than a Good score.

Where 580 falls on the FICO scale

On the 300–850 FICO scale, 580 is the very bottom of the 'Fair' band (580–669) — one point above 'Poor' (300–579). It sits well below the U.S. average, which is in the mid-710s. Lenders view it as subprime: approvable for some products, but higher-risk.

What a 580 score qualifies for

FHA mortgage — 580 is the minimum for the 3.5%-down FHA program; conventional loans typically want 620+.
Secured and subprime credit cards — available, often with low limits and higher APRs.
Auto loans — approvable but in the subprime tier, where rates are significantly higher.
Personal loans — some lenders approve at 580, but expect higher APRs and lower limits.

How to move from Fair to Good

The fastest levers are lowering credit utilization below 30% (ideally under 10%), making every payment on time (payment history is 35% of your score), and disputing any report errors. Reaching 'Good' (670+) meaningfully expands your options and lowers your rates.

The numbers

580–669 is FICO's 'Fair' range; 580 is its lowest point, just above 'Poor' (300–579). — myFICO
FHA requires a minimum 580 FICO for the 3.5%-down program. — HUD
Payment history (35%) and amounts owed (30%) are the two largest scoring factors. — CFPB

Key takeaways

580 is the bottom of 'Fair' — below average and one point above 'Poor.'
It qualifies for an FHA mortgage (3.5% down) and secured cards, but at higher rates.
Lower utilization + on-time payments are the fastest path toward 'Good' (670+).
Reaching 620 unlocks conventional mortgages; 670+ opens prime pricing.