What Is A Fair FICO (Fair Isaac) Score?

The fair FICO range runs from 580 to 669 according to current FICO models, placing it between 'poor' (<580) and 'good' (670‑739) scores. This band captures the middle tier of borrowers and aligns with national credit‑score distributions that show roughly one‑fifth of U.S. adults falling here (see official FICO score basics).

For instance, a borrower with a 595 FICO may qualify for a secured credit card or an auto loan but will likely see APRs in the high‑6% to low‑10% range. A borrower scoring 660 FICO sits near the top of the fair band; they can often secure standard auto financing and some unsecured personal loans, though interest rates will still trail those offered to 'good'‑score applicants. Both examples illustrate how the 580‑669 window defines what lenders label as 'fair' credit.

Fair FICO scores range from 580 to 669, placing them below the national average of roughly 714 and generally in the lower half of all borrowers.

In the latest FICO distribution, a 580 score lands near the 15th percentile, while 669 approaches the 45th percentile, meaning most consumers with a fair score score lower than about half of the population but higher than the bottom quarter 2023 FICO Score distribution report.​

mortgages or auto loans.
- Anticipate lower credit limits on new credit cards, often capped at 10‑15 % of the national average for the score range.
- Prepare for larger required down payments or cash‑out amounts on mortgages, commonly 10‑15 % versus 3‑5 % for higher scores.
- Some lenders may deny

A fair FICO score (580‑669) can qualify you for a mortgage but still result in a costly auto loan. Different lenders apply distinct thresholds, so the same number means different outcomes across loan types.

• Mortgage lenders treat scores 620‑639 as borderline, often requiring a larger down payment or mortgage insurance, while scores 640‑669 typically unlock conventional loans with lower rates (mortgage lender guidelines).
• Auto lenders usually accept 580‑629 but add 2‑4 percentage points to the APR compared with borrowers who have good scores.
• Credit‑card issuers approve fair scores but limit the credit line and set a base APR, especially when the score is below 640.
• Personal‑loan banks may approve 580‑649 only with a co‑signer or higher origination fee; scores 650‑669 often receive unsecured approval but at a modestly higher APR than good‑score applicants.
• Private student‑loan lenders view the entire fair range as higher risk, capping loan amounts and frequently requiring a co‑signer for scores under 630.

With a fair FICO score (580‑669) you'll typically pay loan rates that sit above prime but remain reachable: 30‑year mortgage APRs hover around 5.5 %‑7 %, auto‑loan APRs run 7 %‑12 %, credit‑card APRs fall 15 %‑22 %, and personal‑loan APRs land between 10 %‑18 % (see 2023 FICO score trends).

Those ranges shift by where you fall inside the 580‑669 band - borrowers near 580 usually see the higher end, while scores approaching 669 pull rates toward the lower end. Lenders also weight loan purpose, debt‑to‑income, and market conditions, so a fair FICO score may yield a slightly better auto rate than a mortgage rate. Understanding these brackets sets the stage for the next section, which explains when a fair FICO score is enough to win approval.

A fair FICO score (580‑669) can get you approved for many everyday loans when you back it with steady income, low debt‑to‑income, or collateral.

• Secured credit cards: lenders accept 580+ if you provide a refundable deposit equal to the credit limit.
• Auto loans: most finance companies approve borrowers in the fair range, especially with a sizable down payment or a co‑signer.
• Personal loans from subprime lenders: approval rates climb above 70 % for scores 620‑660 when you demonstrate a stable job and a short loan term.
• FHA or VA mortgages: the Federal Housing Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs allow 580+ with at least a 10 % down payment; a 3.5 % down payment still works at 580 if you have a solid payment history.
• Private student loans: many banks will fund a loan for a fair FICO score if you enroll in a school with a low default rate and provide a modest cosigner.

These scenarios show that a fair FICO is often enough to move from denial to approval, provided the rest of your application is strong. The next section illustrates five real‑life loan outcomes you may face with a fair FICO, helping you set realistic expectations.

• Credit‑card approval arrives, but annual percentage rate climbs to 22‑28% because the fair FICO score sits in the 580‑669 range.
• Auto loan typically gains approval, yet interest rises 6‑9% above prime and lenders often ask for a larger down payment.
• Personal loan may be granted, but APR usually lands between 14‑19% and the maximum loan amount is capped.
• Conventional mortgage approval is rare; you may only qualify for an FHA or sub‑prime loan with at least 3.5% down and rates around 5‑7%.
• Home‑equity or other secured loans become available, but lenders impose higher fees, lower credit limits, and steeper interest rates.

A fair FICO score (580‑669) can climb noticeably within weeks by targeting the biggest score drivers and using only free tools.

1. Pull all three free credit reports. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to download the 300‑day‑old reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion at no cost.
2. Dispute any errors immediately. Incorrect late payments, balances or account statuses can knock 30‑50 points; submit the online dispute forms supplied by each bureau and follow up until the item is corrected.
3. Slash credit utilization below 30 %. Pay down the highest‑balance cards first; a reduction from 55 % to 25 % often adds 20‑40 points and shows up after the next reporting cycle (typically 30 days).
4. Become an authorized user on a well‑managed account. If a family member has a long‑standing card with low utilization and on‑time payments, ask to be added. Their positive history can lift your score within a billing period.
5. Set up automatic minimum payments. Avoid new missed‑payment marks by automating at least the minimum due on all revolving and installment accounts. A clean 12‑month payment streak can boost the score by 15‑30 points.
6. Delay new hard inquiries. Each inquiry costs 5‑10 points and stays for two years; postpone applying for new credit until your score has moved out of the fair range.

Follow these steps, monitor your score weekly, and you'll often see a fair FICO score jump toward the good (670‑739) bracket without spending a dime.

A fair FICO score (580‑669) can return after identity theft or bankruptcy, but it usually takes time and active cleanup.

Identity theft often adds fraudulent accounts that pull your score below the fair range; disputing each item and confirming removal typically lifts the score back into fair territory within six to twelve months. For example, a 620 score that fell to 555 after theft can rebound to 630 once the false lines disappear.

Bankruptcy usually drops a score into the low 500s; maintaining on‑time payments on all remaining accounts and waiting 24‑36 months generally restores the score to the fair range. Lenders still treat a fair FICO after bankruptcy as higher risk, but many will consider you for secured cards or subprime loans. See the quick checklist next for confirming whether your score truly sits in the fair zone.

Your FICO is truly fair when it sits inside the 580‑669 band and matches how most borrowers in that range are treated. Use the checklist below to confirm.

• Score falls between 580 and 669 on any current FICO model (e.g., FICO 10 Standard).
• Recent credit report shows a 'fair' risk tier in the lender's internal scoring matrix (often labeled 'fair' or 'subprime').
• Payment history accounts for at least 35 % of the score and contains no recent 30‑day delinquencies.
• Credit utilization stays below 30 % of total revolving limits, a common benchmark for fair‑range borrowers.
• The overall credit profile (age, mix, inquiries) aligns with the national median for the 580‑669 segment, typically a score 20‑30 points above the lower bound.