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Along with its lower credit requirements, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card offers a $0 annual fee, access to Capital One benefits and the potential for credit line increases.
A fair credit score is one that falls between 580 and 669, according to FICO, and is one step above poor or bad credit. While your credit card options may be limited with fair credit, there are still a variety of cards you can potentially qualify for. These include cash back cards, $0 annual fee cards, 0% intro APR cards, student cards and business cards. In fact, the best credit cards for fair credit often offer low or no annual fees, credit-building tools, reasonable interest rates and at least 1% cash back on every purchase.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Automatic credit line reviews: Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
If you’re looking to boost your credit profile with the help of a credit card, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a great option. Along with reporting your card usage to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion), Capital One will automatically begin reviewing your account at six months to see if you qualify for a higher credit line. Plus, you’ll receive free and unlimited access to your credit score and tools to help monitor your credit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Cash back rewards: 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid option if you want to earn elevated cash back rewards on every purchase. Plus, after demonstrating responsible card usage and building a relationship with Capital One, you may be able to request a product change to the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which earns cash back at the same flat rate as the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card but charges no annual fee.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Cash back rewards: Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the most valuable secured credit cards around. It requires a security deposit ranging from $200 to $2,500 — which will serve as your credit line. However, unlike the majority of secured cards, this card lets you earn cash back on every purchase you make.
After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
No credit check required: No risk to your credit to apply
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a secured card that doesn’t require a credit check or bank account to be approved. You will, however, have to submit a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $3,000 which will serve as your line of credit. But based on your payment performance and history with OpenSky, you can be considered for credit line increases in as little as six months — and potentially every three months thereafter.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months for balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening
After, a 11.24% to 18.00% (variable) Variable APR applies
If you want to transfer over credit card debt without costly interest charges and fees, the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card is a strong contender. Along with a year of low interest on balance transfers, the card comes with a $0 balance transfer fee and $0 annual fee.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Cash back rewards: Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is worth considering if you think you’ll struggle to qualify for other business credit cards. Along with offering rewards on every purchase, this $0-annual-fee card can help you build your credit history. Plus, there’s no charge for employee cards.
Just know, the card does come with a high APR of 30.74% (Variable), so it’s best to pay your balance in full each month.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Cash back rewards: Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
If you’re a student, the Discover it® Student Cash Back offers a great opportunity to earn cash back rewards on everyday purchases. Plus, Discover will match all of the cash back you earn during your first year of card membership. The card also comes with a $0 annual fee and an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
No deposit required: This card doesn’t require a security deposit
When looking for a credit card with fair credit, one of the few options you may have is a secured credit card that requires a minimum security deposit of $200 to $300. But the AvantCard Credit Card accepts applicants with limited/poor/fair credit without requiring you to put a deposit. The card does have a $59 annual fee — but that’s still a lower amount than a security deposit.
Because this card has a high 35.99% Variable APR, it’s best if you’re able to make payments in full every month.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Cash back rewards: 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
Accessing a high credit limit can be hard to do with fair credit. But the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® offers credit limits as high as $25,000 if qualified. Plus, you’ll earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment on the card.
This card also comes with fixed monthly payments instead of allowing you to make minimum payments — which can be helpful if you’re trying to get control of your debt.
Sign-up bonus: $10 Amazon Gift Card upon approval
Store credit cards are often easier to get approved for than traditional cards and can serve as a great tool to help build credit. If you spend a considerable amount at Amazon.com, the Amazon Prime Store Card lets you earn a generous cash back rate on those purchases.
In fact, you can choose between earning 5% back or receiving special financing on purchases of $150 or more. Note, Prime membership is required to earn rewards.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Winner
|
N/A | Non-rewards Card | 29.99% (Variable) |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Cash back
|
N/A | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | 29.99% (Variable) |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Secured card
|
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. | 28.24% Variable APR |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
Instant approval
|
N/A | Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases | 25.64% (variable) |
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
|
Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card*
Learn More
on Navy Federal Credit Union's secure site |
Balance transfers
|
N/A | N/A | 11.24% to 18.00% (variable) |
Learn More
on Navy Federal Credit Union's secure site |
|
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
Learn More
on Capital One's secure site |
Business owners
|
N/A | Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. | 30.74% (Variable) |
Learn More
on Capital One's secure site |
|
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Rotating categories for students
|
Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. | Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
AvantCard Credit Card
Apply Now
on Avant's secure site |
No security deposit
|
None | Non-rewards card | 35.99% |
Apply Now
on Avant's secure site |
|
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Apply Now
on Upgrade's secure site Rates & Fees |
High credit limit
|
$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions* | 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment | 14.99% - 29.99% APR |
Apply Now
on Upgrade's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Amazon Prime Store Card*
Learn More
on Synchrony Bank's secure site |
Store card
|
$10 Amazon Gift Card upon approval | Prime cardholders can earn 5% back at Amazon.com | 29.99% |
Learn More
on Synchrony Bank's secure site |
According to FICO, the most commonly used credit scoring model, a fair credit score ranges from 580 to 669. For its competitor VantageScore, a fair credit score is considered to be 601 to 660. Experian states that roughly 37% of Americans have a poor to fair FICO Score.
Credit scores, which generally range from 300 to 850, are calculated using information that’s been reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) from previous or existing credit accounts. The credit ratings of poor to exceptional vary depending on the credit-scoring model.
| Credit rating | Credit score |
|---|---|
| Poor credit | 300 to 579 |
| Fair credit | 580 to 669 |
| Good credit | 670 to 739 |
| Very good credit | 740 to 799 |
| Exceptional credit | 800 to 850 |
| Credit rating | Credit score |
|---|---|
| Very poor credit | 300 to 499 |
| Poor credit | 500 to 600 |
| Fair credit | 601 to 660 |
| Good credit | 661 to 780 |
| Excellent credit | 781 to 850 |
If your FICO Score falls below 580, and you can only qualify for cards designed for bad or poor credit, there are steps you can take to improve your credit score over time, including:
Look for low-to-no fees
You should read the fine print in the terms and conditions to ensure that the card doesn’t charge a lot of fees. Paying fees cuts into a credit card’s value regardless of what type of card you obtain. Not to mention, some cards’ fees can amount to hundreds of dollars per year. Whether it’s an annual fee to carry a card, late fees or other card fees, look out for cards with higher fees unless they offer more than enough benefits to outweigh the added costs.
Watch out for these extra fees
Credit card issuers may charge various fees depending on the card, including:
Annual fee: A fee charged each year to remain a cardholder and access the card’s benefits. Many cards for fair credit carry no annual fee, but some may charge $39 or more.
Returned payment fee: A fee is incurred if your card payment was returned for having insufficient funds in your payment account or for other reasons. Returned payment fees can vary between cards. The Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card carries a $20 returned payment fee, while the Discover it® Secured Credit Card charges up to $41.
Late fee: Card issuers charge late fees when you don’t make at least a minimum payment by the card’s due date. Late fees can be as high as $40 (or more) on some cards.
Servicing fee: Credit card companies sometimes charge a monthly fee for servicing the account. Servicing fees aren’t common with most cards.
Set-up fee: A one-time fee charged by credit card companies to set up a new account. This fee isn’t very common outside of cards for people with bad credit.
Tip: Use secured cards to build creditFind cards that offer rewards
Credit cards for fair credit typically don’t provide the same bonus rewards rates as popular rewards credit cards that require good to excellent credit. Still, many cards in this category offer cash back and other rewards on everyday spending or specific categories.
Prioritize cards with a path to upgrade to a better card
As your credit improves, so do your chances of qualifying for more rewarding credit cards with better perks. Some credit card issuers perform credit line reviews and allow you to upgrade from a secured credit card to an unsecured card if you’ve shown responsible use of your credit over a period of time. If your card issuer doesn’t have an unsecured card, you can still improve your credit, opening the door to better credit card options.
Qualifying for a credit card with fair credit starts with knowing your credit score. Credit card issuers perform a hard credit inquiry when you apply for a credit card. A hard credit pull can cause your credit score to drop temporarily. Knowing your score can help you determine the best cards to apply for within your credit range. Follow the tips below to improve your chances of qualifying for a credit card for fair credit.
If you have a credit score anywhere between 580 and 669, FICO considers you to have fair credit — which should qualify you for a fair credit card. However, when determining which credit rating category you fall within, a credit card issuer may take additional factors into consideration.
To improve your chances of success, try to get prequalified for a credit card. The prequalification process involves a soft credit inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit score. While it’s no guarantee that you’ll be approved for a card, checking prequalification status gives you a better idea of which cards you qualify for with your credit.
If you’re having trouble getting approved for a credit card, try applying in person at your bank. As a bank customer, you already have an established relationship with your institution, potentially making them more inclined to approve your credit card request.
If you’re still having trouble qualifying for a credit card designed for fair credit after following those steps, here are some things to consider before you apply for another card:
If you prefer a particular bank, you can look at cards for fair credit by issuer. Some issuers, like Chase and American Express, don’t offer any cards for fair credit. But you can explore several options from other issuers.
| Credit cards | |
|---|---|
| American Express credit cards for fair credit |
|
| Bank of America credit cards for fair credit |
|
| Capital One credit cards for fair credit |
|
| Citi credit cards for fair credit |
|
| Chase credit cards for fair credit |
|
| Discover credit cards for fair credit |
|
| Navy Federal Credit Union credit cards for fair credit |
|
| Wells Fargo credit cards for fair credit |
|
Yes, each card in this list is available to consumers with fair credit. Just know that you should avoid applying for multiple credit cards at the same time, since each application typically initiates a hard inquiry on your credit report — which can have a negative impact on your score.
It’s possible to find a card that offers balance transfers with fair credit, like the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. That said, those cards are very few and far between.
Cards that earn travel rewards and provide travel benefits are usually aimed at applicants with good or excellent credit. However, it is possible for applicants with fair credit to find cards that earn cash back or offer discounts on purchases.
To check your credit score, you can request a free copy of your FICO Score every 30 days through Experian, or sign up for a free credit score through LendingTree.
Also, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the three major credit bureaus to provide individuals with a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com (currently available weekly). Plus, you’ll receive one any time that a company takes adverse action against you, such as rejecting you for a credit card or loan.
FICO considers a score of 670 to 739 to be a good credit score, while VantageScore usually considers a score of 661 to 780 to be good.
The best fair credit card for you depends on how you plan to use the card. In many cases, though, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a great fit. It offers a path to graduate to an unsecured credit card and opportunities for credit line increases for a $0 annual fee, which are all great features for a credit card for fair credit.
To select the best card for each of these categories, our credit card experts compared cards where fair credit is recommended for approval on LendingTree.com and on major issuer and credit union sites.
We chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, such as each card’s annual fee, the rewards program and the interest rate.
Other factors that come into play when making our selection may include the benefits offered by the card, as well as the opportunity to improve your credit score or increase your line of credit.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
