609 credit score: A guide to credit scores
Quick insights
- A 609 credit score is considered fair or near prime, depending on the scoring model.
- A credit score of 609 might indicate some credit history issues such as late payments, high credit utilization or a limited credit history.
- Improving a 609 credit score could involve making on-time payments, reducing credit utilization and correcting any errors on your credit report that might be hurting your score.
Credit scores are three-digit numbers that lenders consider when evaluating loan and credit card applications. Generally, lenders may view higher credit scores as a positive factor, while lower scores may be viewed less favorably. Approval rates and terms can vary based on a variety of factors, including credit scores.
While a 609 credit score is classified as fair or near prime by FICO® and VantageScore®, credit scores are dynamic and can improve with healthy financial habits. Read on to find out how this score fits into the different scoring models, what factors may contribute to it, some strategies for raising it and more.
Understanding a 609 credit score
Credit scores are calculated using information from your credit reports, including payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix and new credit inquiries. A 609 credit score falls within FICO’s fair or VantageScore’s near prime credit range.
To better understand how a 609 credit score compares to other scores, it may be helpful to know the credit scoring ranges for VantageScore and FICO.
As of 2025, VantageScore's scoring ranges for VantageScore 3.0 are:
- Superprime: 781 to 850
- Prime: 661 to 780
- Near prime: 601 to 660
- Subprime: 300 to 600
FICO's credit score ranges for FICO Score 8 are:
- Exceptional: 800 to 850
- Very good: 740 to 799
- Good: 670 to 739
- Fair: 580 to 669
- Poor: 300 to 579
Approval odds with a 609 credit score
While lenders may view those with a 609 credit score as a higher risk, they generally consider several factors when evaluating credit applications, including credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio and credit history.
A low score could increase the likelihood of receiving:
- Higher interest rates on loans and credit cards
- Stricter loan terms or higher fees
- Potential denials for credit or loan applications
Lenders often list eligibility criteria or offer pre-approval tools on their websites, which may be helpful as you evaluate your options. Some lenders specialize in offering credit products to individuals with fair credit, but the terms might not be as favorable as those offered to individuals with a better credit profile.
Financial behaviors contributing to a 609 credit score
A 609 credit score may signal past financial missteps or a short positive credit history. Common contributors may include:
- Late or missed payments
- High credit utilization ratios
- Limited credit history or mix of credit types
- Recent hard credit checks
The good news is that your score isn’t permanent, and there are steps you can take to improve it.
Improving a 609 credit score
With consistent effort and smart financial habits, you can raise a 609 credit score over time. Some proactive steps you can take to help improve your score include:
- Consistently making on-time payments
- Reducing credit utilization ratios by paying down debt, for example
- Monitoring credit reports to correct any errors or inaccuracies that may be hurting your score
- Avoiding unnecessary applications that lead to hard credit checks
You may want to consider checking your credit to identify areas for improvement. One way to do this is by using a credit monitoring tool, like Chase Credit Journey®, a free online tool that anyone can use to view their credit score without impacting it.
In summary
A 609 credit score falls within the fair or near prime credit ranges for the FICO and VantageScore scoring models. While it could potentially harm your chances for approval or qualifying for the most favorable rates and terms on credit products, it's not a definitive barrier.
By understanding the factors that contribute to your credit score and taking steps to improve it, you can work toward a stronger credit profile. You may want to consider reviewing your credit with Credit Journey® and exploring strategies for credit improvement to enhance your financial opportunities.
