Results for “what is the lowest credit score” · retrieved September 22, 2026
The lowest possible score for standard FICO and VantageScore models is 300, though some industry-specific FICO models can go as low as 250.
For the most common base credit scoring models, such as standard FICO and VantageScore, the lowest possible score is 300. While this is the established floor for these models, it is extremely rare for an individual to have a score this low, as it would require nearly every factor evaluated by the model to be as negative as possible. Some specialized, industry-specific FICO scoring models used by lenders for auto loans, mortgages, or credit cards utilize a different scale that ranges from 250 to 900.
Answer details
Standard Scoring Models
The standard base models for both FICO and VantageScore use a range of 300 to 850, making 300 the lowest possible score for these versions.
Industry-Specific Models
Certain industry-specific FICO models, which are sometimes used for auto loans, mortgages, or credit cards, operate on a scale of 250 to 900.
Rarity of Lowest Scores
Reaching the lowest possible score is very rare, as it requires an extremely negative credit history across all evaluated factors, such as payment history and amounts owed.
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About this answerUnderstanding Your Credit: What is the Lowest Credit Score? | myFICO
For now, we're going to focus on FICO ® Scores because these are the scores used by 90% of top lenders. The lowest possible FICO Score you can likely have is 300 (although industry-specific FICO Scores can be as low as 250); you typically need more than double that number to get approved for some types of loans...."Base" FICO Scores (FICO Score 8) range from 300-850, while industry-specific FICO Scores range from 250-900....What is the lowest
February 18, 2020
What Is the Lowest Credit Score?
The lowest credit score is 300. Scores under 580 are considered poor, which can make it harder to qualify for credit cards and loans. Learn more....The lowest possible credit score for the two main scoring models, FICO and VantageScore®, is 300. However, it's very rare for someone to have a score that low....The lowest credit score you can get is 300 for standard FICO and VantageScore credit scores, both of which also go as high as 850. However,
May 21, 2025
What is the Lowest Possible Credit Score?
credit score ranges,...Poor VantageScore credit score ranges are:...- Poor: 500 to 600- Very Poor: 300 to 499...Poor FICO credit score ranges are:...- Fair: 580 to 669- Poor: 579 and below...The lowest score you can get with either model is 300, though past scoring models have gone lower (and aren’t used so much today).
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What Is The Lowest Credit Score Possible?
Applicants who have the lowest credit score—or scores that fall within the poor credit score range—usually have trouble qualifying for mortgages,personal loansand car loans without a co-signer. The lowest FICO Score and VantageScore someone can have for the most common versions of these credit scoring models is 300.Below, we’ll discuss how a low score can impact your finances and show you ways you can improve your score....Though credit score ran
July 8, 2021
Credit Scores
A credit score is a number — typically between 300-850 — that estimates how likely you are to repay a loan and make the payments on time. Credit scoring systems calculate your credit score in different..., but the scoring system most lenders use is the FICO score....A low score means you have “bad” credit, which means it will be harder for you to get credit. You’re more likely to pay higher interest rates on credit that you do get.
November 7, 2023
What’s the lowest credit score possible?
The lowest possible credit score is 300 for FICO® and VantageScore®. Your credit score doesn’t start at 300, but it can drop due to negative marks on your credit report....| FICO | VantageScore || --- | --- || 300 – 579 (Poor) | 300 – 599 (Poor) || 580 – 669 (Fair) | 600 – 660 (Fair) || 670 – 739 (Good) | 661 – 715 (Good) || 740 – 799 (Very good) | 716 – 747 (Very good) || 800 – 850 (Exceptional) | 748 – 850 (Excellent) |...A 300 is the lowest cr
March 31, 2025
What Is the Lowest FICO Score: Why 300 Is the Floor - CLIMB
The lowest possible FICO score is 300. That’s the floor for all base FICO scoring models, including the widely used FICO Score 8 and FICO Score 10, which run on a 300 to 850 scale. If you have an industry-specific FICO score, the kind auto lenders and credit card issuers sometimes use, the floor drops even lower to 250 on a scale that tops out at 900....Once you do meet those requirements, your score lands somewhere on the 300 to 850 range. A 300
April 30, 2026
What Is a Bad Credit Score? | Capital One
Having a low credit score can make it difficult to qualify for loans. But what’s considered a bad score can vary. For example, FICO®, a major credit scoring company, lists credit scores under 580 as poor, its lowest rating....A FICO credit score of less than 580 might be considered poor. A VantageScore credit score of 600 or less might be poor, with very poor scores being 499 or less....Generally, “bad credit” refers to scores in the poor range—a
May 19, 2026
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