Credit Cards For A 524 Credit Score are often marketed as opportunities to help people with poor credit rebuild their financial history. But from a consumer standpoint, a 524 credit score can feel like a heavy weight. It often leaves you asking questions like: is a 524 credit score good or bad? and what credit options are even available to me? Let’s explore what this number really means and what you can do next.
What if your credit score is in this range 300–639
A 524 credit score sits in the “poor” credit range. Most scoring models classify anything between 300 and 579 as “very poor,” while 580–639 is considered “fair.” Being in this range means you’re seen as a high-risk borrower. Lenders may assume you’ve had late payments, high credit card balances, or little credit history.
This doesn’t mean you’re shut out of the financial system. It just means approvals will be harder and the terms you’re offered—like interest rates—will likely be less favorable. The good news? Scores are not permanent. With a plan and consistent effort, a 524 can move up into the fair range faster than you might think.
What credit cards can you get with a 524 credit score?
With a 524 credit score, your options are limited, but they do exist. The most common include:
- Secured credit cards: These require a deposit, usually $200–$500, which acts as your credit limit. They’re one of the fastest ways to start building credit.
- Retail store cards: Sometimes easier to get approved for, though they come with high interest rates and limited usability.
- Credit-builder cards: Specially designed for people with poor credit, these cards help you establish positive payment history.
If you’ve wondered, what can I get with a 524 credit score?—these cards are your starting point. By using them wisely, you can set the foundation for a better score over time.
How to get beyond a very poor credit score
Moving from a very poor credit score like 524 into fair or good territory won’t happen overnight, but steady progress is possible. Here are some proven steps:
- Pay bills on time – Payment history is the single most important factor in your score.
- Lower balances – Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. If your limit is $500, keep your balance under $150.
- Limit new applications – Too many hard inquiries can drag your score down further.
- Consider a credit-builder loan – These small loans are designed specifically to help rebuild credit.
- Be patient and consistent – Improvement is measured over months, not weeks.
Even small changes—like paying off one credit card—can start boosting your score.
Number of open accounts by credit score range
The number and type of accounts you have also influence your score. At 524, many people either have too few accounts to build a positive history or too many accounts in poor standing. Credit scoring models reward a mix of account types, such as:
- Revolving credit (credit cards)
- Installment loans (personal, auto, student loans)
A balanced profile shows lenders you can handle different types of credit responsibly. That doesn’t mean opening lots of new accounts at once—in fact, that can hurt your score. Instead, focus on maintaining a small number of accounts in good standing, and let your positive history build up naturally.
Building your credit card score
To build your score from 524, you’ll need to show consistent, responsible use of credit. Here’s how to do it with credit cards:
- Keep utilization low: Never max out your cards. Try to stay under 30% of your limit.
- Always pay more than the minimum: This helps reduce debt faster and avoids extra interest.
- Make payments on time: Even one late payment can drag your score down further.
- Leave accounts open: Older accounts lengthen your credit history, which is a positive factor.
These habits, over time, can transform a 524 into a stronger score that opens more financial doors.
Improving Your Credit Score
So, is a 524 credit score good? No—it’s considered poor. But it’s not permanent. The key to improvement is steady, small changes that add up:
- Review your credit reports for errors and dispute anything that isn’t accurate.
- Set up reminders or autopay to never miss a due date.
- Pay down credit card balances aggressively, even if it means making smaller everyday sacrifices.
- Explore tools like secured cards or credit-builder loans designed for people in your situation.
Improvement won’t be instant, but every on-time payment and every lowered balance is a step forward. Over the course of 6–12 months, many people see significant progress.
Bottom Line
A 524 credit score is not where anyone wants to be—but it’s also not the end of the story. It signals challenges, yes, but it also represents a starting point. With the right mix of secured cards, on-time payments, lower balances, and patience, you can move into the fair range and beyond.
👉 Take your first step today: Check your credit reports, open a secured or credit-builder card, and commit to making every payment on time. Your financial future is in your hands.
