A 591 credit score is not considered good. It falls in the “fair” category on the FICO scale, which ranges from 300 to 850. Fair scores span 580 to 669, placing 591 near the bottom of that tier and well below the national average, which hovers around 715. You won’t be locked out of borrowing entirely, but you’ll pay significantly more for credit than someone with a good or excellent score.
Where 591 Sits on the Scale
FICO groups scores into five tiers: poor (300 to 579), fair (580 to 669), good (670 to 739), very good (740 to 799), and exceptional (800 to 850). At 591, you’ve cleared the “poor” threshold, but just barely. Lenders generally view scores below 670 as subprime, meaning they consider you a higher-risk borrower. That perception shows up in the interest rates you’re offered, the credit limits you receive, and sometimes whether you’re approved at all.
What You’ll Pay for Auto Loans
The cost difference between a fair score and a good one is easiest to see with auto loans. Borrowers in the 501 to 600 range paid an average of 13.17% on new car loans and 19.42% on used car loans in recent quarters, based on Experian data. Compare that to someone with a score above 660, who might qualify for rates in the single digits.
On a $25,000 used car financed over five years, a 19% rate means you’d pay roughly $12,500 in interest alone. The same loan at 7% would cost about $4,700 in interest. That’s nearly $8,000 more out of your pocket for the same vehicle, purely because of your credit score.
Credit Card Options at This Score
You can get a credit card with a 591 score, but your choices are limited. Secured credit cards are the most common option. These require a refundable security deposit, typically $200, which usually becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other, and if you close the account in good standing, you get your deposit back.
Some issuers offer unsecured cards to borrowers in this range, but they often come with high annual fees that eat into whatever value the card provides. When evaluating any card at this score level, check three things: whether the issuer reports your payment activity to all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), whether there’s a path to upgrade the card once your score improves, and what the annual fee is. A card that reports to all three bureaus is essential because that’s how your on-time payments actually build your score over time.
Renting an Apartment
Most landlords and property management companies run credit checks on applicants. A 591 score could result in a higher security deposit or outright rejection, particularly from larger apartment complexes with strict screening criteria. Individual landlords tend to be more flexible. You can find them through local classified listings and for-rent signs rather than large rental platforms dominated by management companies.
If you’re concerned about being turned down, offering a larger deposit upfront, providing references from previous landlords, or showing proof of steady income can help offset a lower score. Some landlords will also accept a co-signer.
How to Move Your Score Up
The good news about a 591 is that relatively small changes in your credit behavior can produce noticeable score increases. You’re close enough to the 670 “good” threshold that consistent effort over six to twelve months can make a real difference.
Check your credit reports for errors. You can pull free reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you don’t recognize, balances reported incorrectly, or late payments that were actually made on time. Disputing and correcting even one error can bump your score.
Pay every bill on time. Payment history is the single largest factor in your score. Setting up autopay for at least the minimum payment on each account eliminates the risk of a missed due date. Even one 30-day late payment can drag a fair score back into poor territory.
Lower your credit utilization. This is the percentage of your available credit you’re currently using. If you have a $1,000 credit limit and carry a $700 balance, your utilization is 70%, which hurts your score. Aim to keep it below 30%, and below 10% if possible. Paying down existing balances is one of the fastest ways to see a score increase.
Avoid opening too many new accounts at once. Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and multiple inquiries in a short window signal risk to scoring models. If you’re rebuilding, one secured card or credit-builder loan is enough to start.
Consider a credit-builder loan. These small installment loans, offered by many credit unions and online lenders, hold the borrowed amount in a savings account while you make monthly payments. Once you’ve paid it off, you get the money. The real value is the record of on-time installment payments added to your credit history, which can improve both your payment history and your credit mix.
What “Good” Actually Looks Like
Reaching a 670 score opens doors that are partially or fully closed at 591. You qualify for mainstream credit cards with rewards programs, auto loan rates drop significantly, and landlords are far less likely to require extra deposits. Mortgage lenders also become more willing to work with you, though the best rates typically require scores of 740 or higher.
A 591 score isn’t permanent. It’s a snapshot of your credit profile right now. With on-time payments, lower balances, and a clean credit report, many people move from fair to good within a year.