What can I qualify for at 600?

Fair credit at 600 opens auto loans, some personal loans, more credit cards, and easier apartment approvals.

Should I close old collection accounts?

No, closing accounts doesn't remove them. Focus on disputing, negotiating pay-for-delete, or waiting for them to age off.

Check at least monthly using free services. You're entitled to free annual reports from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Breaking through to 600 opens doors to better financial products. Learn how to make this crucial 100-point jump.

Address Collections (+30-50 points): Negotiate pay-for-delete agreements or dispute inaccuracies in collection accounts.
Lower Credit Utilization (+20-40 points): Pay down credit card balances to under 30% of limits. Under 10% is ideal.
Build Payment History (+15-30 points): Six months of on-time payments significantly improves your score trajectory.
Credit Mix (+10-20 points): Add a credit builder loan to diversify your credit mix (10% of score).

550 — Halfway there: unlocks Some unsecured cards, Subprime auto loans
580 — FHA minimum: unlocks FHA loans (3.5% down), More card options
600 — Fair credit!: unlocks Better auto loan rates, More apartment options, Some personal loans

What can I qualify for at 600?: Fair credit at 600 opens auto loans, some personal loans, more credit cards, and easier apartment approvals.
Should I close old collection accounts?: No, closing accounts doesn't remove them. Focus on disputing, negotiating pay-for-delete, or waiting for them to age off.
How often should I check my credit?: Check at least monthly using free services. You're entitled to free annual reports from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Consumers are protected by several federal laws when dealing with credit reporting issues related to how to raise your credit score from 500 to 600:

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) — 15 U.S.C. §1681: Requires credit bureaus to maintain accurate information and investigate disputes within 30 days. Consumers can dispute inaccurate items directly with bureaus or furnishers.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) — 15 U.S.C. §1692: Prohibits abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. Collectors must validate debts upon request.
Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) — 15 U.S.C. §1679: Regulates credit repair companies and protects consumers from deceptive practices.

Reviewed by Hemminger Law Firm, Consumer Rights Attorneys | Last reviewed: January 1, 2026