A credit score is a three-digit number lenders use to evaluate the risk you pose as a borrower. It’s based on information from your credit report, including payment history, balances and derogatory marks like accounts in collections or a bankruptcy.
Your credit score can determine whether you’re approved for a credit card, auto loan or mortgage. It can also determine what interest rate you’ll pay and how much you’ll pay in total.
Overview of a 473 Credit Score
Credit scores are three digit numbers that lenders, financial institutions and banks use to assess the likelihood of you repaying your loans. They’re based on your credit report from one or more of the three credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
With a 473 credit score, you’re considered “Very Poor” and your lending options are extremely limited. Lenders will most likely reject your applications for loans/credit and often require you to pay extra fees or deposit funds.
If you’re looking to build credit with a 473 credit score, there are two main options: add yourself as an authorized user on someone else’s credit card or apply for a secured credit card. Secured cards work just like regular credit cards, but you’ll typically be required to put down a security deposit equal to your credit limit.
Credit Card Options with a 473 Credit Score
The good news is that you do have a few credit card options available to you with a 473 credit score. Secured credit cards are your best bet, as they don’t require a credit check and offer high odds of approval for people with low credit scores.
However, secured cards typically have a security deposit of $500 to $1,000. In addition, they come with higher interest rates and annual fees than unsecured cards.
The key to using your credit responsibly is making on-time payments. A payment history is the single most important factor in determining your credit score, so make sure to pay your bills every month and on time. Also, keep your utilization rate—the percentage of your total credit limit you’re using—under 30%.
Auto Loans with a 473 Credit Score
A 473 credit score is considered a poor credit rating, which can make it difficult to qualify for an auto loan. However, you can improve your credit rating by paying your bills on time and avoiding debt.
You can also try to establish a credit mix that includes both revolving and installment loans. This can help improve your credit rating because the FICO credit-scoring model favors users with multiple credit accounts and a good credit mix.
Other factors that can impact your 473 credit score include derogatory marks on your reports like bankruptcy billing or late payments. Bankruptcies stay on your credit report for 10 years, and account-in-collection and late-payment marks may stay on your report for seven years.
Personal Loan Options with a 473 Credit Score
Your credit score is a number that measures how likely you are to repay debt and whether you’re a good candidate for a loan. Your score is determined by your credit history and credit utilization.
If you’re in a poor credit situation, it can be difficult to get approved for a personal loan or an unsecured credit card. However, it’s possible to find lenders who specialize in helping individuals with bad or no credit build credit.
OneMain Financial is an example of a lender who considers applicants with less rigid credit qualifications than some other lenders. The company’s personal loans are available to borrowers with bad credit or no credit at all and can offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than most other lenders.
Mortgages with a 473 Credit Score
Your credit score is a key metric that lenders use to assess your risk level when it comes to lending you money. It ranges from 300 to 850, and is a reflection of how you repay your debt.
If you have a 473 credit score, it may be hard to qualify for mortgages or other types of loans. This is because your credit score is below the subprime threshold that most lenders consider when making lending decisions.
You can improve your credit score by taking steps to build your credit history. This includes opening new accounts and making on-time payments.
You also want to make sure you’re not committing any mistakes that are negatively impacting your credit score. Checking your credit reports regularly will help you catch any inaccurate information.