Skip to main content
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
    • Personal Loans
    • Debt Consolidation
    • Business Loans
    • Student Loans
    • Student Loan Refinance
    • Mortgage Rates
    • Refinance Rates
    • Cash Out Refinance
    • Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
    • Best Rewards Credit Cards
    • Best Cash Back Credit Cards
    • Auto Loans
    • Auto Refinance
    • Debt Relief
    • Credit Repair
    • Insurance
  • Get your free credit score in minutes!
  • Login Sign Up for Free
  • Call Us 1-800-813-4620

LendingTree
  • Personal Loans
  • Debt Consolidation
  • Business Loans
  • Student Loans
  • Student Loan Refinance
  • Mortgage Rates
  • Refinance Rates
  • Cash Out Refinance
  • Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
  • Best Rewards Credit Cards
  • Best Cash Back Credit Cards
  • Auto Loans
  • Auto Refinance
  • Debt Relief
  • Credit Repair
  • Insurance

Sign up for Free

Log in

1-800-813-4620

  • Login Login
  • LendingTree
      • Personal Loans
      • Debt Consolidation
      • Business Loans
      • Student Loans
      • Student Loan Refinance
      • Mortgage Rates
      • Refinance Rates
      • Cash Out Refinance
      • Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
      • Best Rewards Credit Cards
      • Best Cash Back Credit Cards
      • Auto Loans
      • Auto Refinance
      • Debt Relief
      • Credit Repair
      • Insurance
    • Get your free credit score in minutes!
    • Login Sign Up for Free
    • Call Us 1-800-813-4620

Credit CardsBest Credit Cards
How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

| Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.

| American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.

American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

On This Page
  • Our top card picks
  • Compare cards for fair credit
  • What is a fair credit score?
  • How to choose a fair credit card
  • How to qualify
  • Pros and cons
  • Methodology
  • FAQs

Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit in August 2022

Tracy Brackman
Robin Ratcliff

August 1, 2022

*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

This article was last updated August 1, 2022 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.

Our top pick for best credit card for fair credit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is the best credit card for fair credit, because, along with its lower credit requirements, it offers a $0 annual fee, access to Capital One benefits and the potential for credit line increases.

Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit in August 2022

  • Capital One Platinum Credit Card
    Best overall credit card for fair credit
    Capital One Platinum Credit Card
  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
    Best cash back credit card for fair credit
    Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card
    Best secured credit card for fair credit
    Discover it® Secured Credit Card
  • OpenSky<sup>®</sup> Secured Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
    Best instant approval card for fair credit
    OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back
    Best student card with rotating categories for fair credit
    Discover it® Student Cash Back
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student chrome
    Best student card for gas and restaurant rewards for fair credit
    Discover it® Student chrome
  • Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
    Best business credit card for fair credit
    Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

A fair credit score is one that falls between 580 and 669, and is one step above poor or bad credit. If you have fair credit, you most likely won’t qualify for a card with a high rewards rate or robust benefits — those are typically designated for individuals with good or excellent credit.

That said, there are still a variety of cards available, including cash back cards, $0 annual fee cards, 0% intro APR cards, student cards and business cards. In fact, the leading fair credit cards often offer low or no annual fees, credit-building tools, reasonable interest rates and at least 1% cash back on every purchase.

We compiled a list of the best credit cards for fair credit based on cards available on LendingTree and from top issuers.

Best For Overall credit card for fair credit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card Advertisement

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 26.99% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: No bonus

Earning rate: Non-rewards Card

Why we picked this card: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card provides useful tools to help those looking to boost their credit profiles with the help of a credit card. 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, cardholders receive free and unlimited access to their credit score and tools to help monitor their credit through CreditWise from Capital One.

ProsCons
  • Reports card usage to the three major credit bureaus
  • Opportunity to qualify for a higher credit line
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fees: None
  • No sign-up bonus
  • No rewards rate
  • High APR

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a $0 annual fee card, and was designed for those with fair/limited credit who want a card that furnishes the credit bureaus with positive payment information.

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus or rewards for the purchases you make using the card. Keep in mind, though, that when trying to build or establish credit, it’s best to focus on practicing responsible credit card usage rather than racking up rewards. This means you should pay your bill on time and in full each month and keep your balance well below your credit line.

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee. As for foreign transaction fees? There are none.

Just know, the card comes with a high purchase APR of 26.99% (variable) if you carry a balance on your card from month to month.

  • Check your credit score with CreditWise
  • Foreign transaction fee of none
  • Lock your card in the Capital One app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: No bonus

Earning rate: Non-rewards Card

Why we picked this card: The Capital One Platinum Credit Card provides useful tools to help those looking to boost their credit profiles with the help of a credit card. 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, cardholders receive free and unlimited access to their credit score and tools to help monitor their credit through CreditWise from Capital One.

ProsCons
  • Reports card usage to the three major credit bureaus
  • Opportunity to qualify for a higher credit line
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fees: None
  • No sign-up bonus
  • No rewards rate
  • High APR

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a $0 annual fee card, and was designed for those with fair/limited credit who want a card that furnishes the credit bureaus with positive payment information.

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus or rewards for the purchases you make using the card. Keep in mind, though, that when trying to build or establish credit, it’s best to focus on practicing responsible credit card usage rather than racking up rewards. This means you should pay your bill on time and in full each month and keep your balance well below your credit line.

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee. As for foreign transaction fees? There are none.

Just know, the card comes with a high purchase APR of 26.99% (variable) if you carry a balance on your card from month to month.

  • Check your credit score with CreditWise
  • Foreign transaction fee of none
  • Lock your card in the Capital One app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen

Check out our Capital One Platinum Credit Card review.

Best For Cash back credit card for fair credit

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Advertisement

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $39
Regular Purchase APR 26.99% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: No bonus

Earning rate: 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)

Why we picked this card: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid option for consumers with fair/limited credit scores who want to earn a flat cash back rewards rate. Cash back can be redeemed for any amount, anytime. Rewards don’t expire for the life of the account, and can be redeemed for statement credits, checks or gift cards, or used to directly cover a recent purchase.

ProsCons
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • Credit requirement of fair/limited
  • Automatically be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months
  • No sign-up bonus
  • $39 annual fee
  • High APR

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is intended for individuals looking for a card that’ll help add positive payment history to their credit history and boost their credit score. The card is best for those who plan to spend at least $2,600 on the card in a year, since that’s how much cash back it will take to recoup the $39 annual fee.

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 a $0 annual fee.

In addition, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with an APR of 26.99% (variable).

  • Automatic credit line reviews
  • Foreign transaction fees: None
  • Lock your card in the Capital One app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen
  • $0 fraud liability
  • Tap and pay technology

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: No bonus

Earning rate: 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)

Why we picked this card: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid option for consumers with fair/limited credit scores who want to earn a flat cash back rewards rate. Cash back can be redeemed for any amount, anytime. Rewards don’t expire for the life of the account, and can be redeemed for statement credits, checks or gift cards, or used to directly cover a recent purchase.

ProsCons
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • Credit requirement of fair/limited
  • Automatically be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months
  • No sign-up bonus
  • $39 annual fee
  • High APR

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is intended for individuals looking for a card that’ll help add positive payment history to their credit history and boost their credit score. The card is best for those who plan to spend at least $2,600 on the card in a year, since that’s how much cash back it will take to recoup the $39 annual fee.

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 a $0 annual fee.

In addition, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with an APR of 26.99% (variable).

  • Automatic credit line reviews
  • Foreign transaction fees: None
  • Lock your card in the Capital One app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen
  • $0 fraud liability
  • Tap and pay technology

Check out our Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review.

Best For Secured card for fair credit

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card Advertisement

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 24.49% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Poor/Limited

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Why we picked this card: 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, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers cash back on every purchase you make.

ProsCons
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR offer on balance transfers
  • Automatic account reviews starting at seven months
  • Can only earn the elevated rewards rate at gas stations and restaurants up to the first $1,000
  • Maximum credit line of $2,500 (if you qualify)
  • High APR

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is ideal for those looking to build or establish credit using a secured card. Secured cards are best for individuals whose credit scores prevent them from being approved for regular, unsecured cards.

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. If this happens, your card will transition to a Discover it® chrome.

Note that Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover, as well as those from other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.

In addition to offering a $0 annual fee, the card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, though, the late fee will be up to $41. But, beware — it’s important to pay your bill on time when trying to establish a good credit history.

If you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you’ll be subject to a 24.49% Variable APR. However, the card does offer a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months. After that, a 24.49% Variable APR applies.

  • Free FICO Score access
  • Discover Identity Alerts
  • Ability to freeze and unfreeze your card
  • U.S.-based 24/7 customer support

Credit needed: Poor/Limited

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Why we picked this card: 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, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers cash back on every purchase you make.

ProsCons
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR offer on balance transfers
  • Automatic account reviews starting at seven months
  • Can only earn the elevated rewards rate at gas stations and restaurants up to the first $1,000
  • Maximum credit line of $2,500 (if you qualify)
  • High APR

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is ideal for those looking to build or establish credit using a secured card. Secured cards are best for individuals whose credit scores prevent them from being approved for regular, unsecured cards.

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. If this happens, your card will transition to a Discover it® chrome.

Note that Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover, as well as those from other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.

In addition to offering a $0 annual fee, the card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, though, the late fee will be up to $41. But, beware — it’s important to pay your bill on time when trying to establish a good credit history.

If you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you’ll be subject to a 24.49% Variable APR. However, the card does offer a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months. After that, a 24.49% Variable APR applies.

  • Free FICO Score access
  • Discover Identity Alerts
  • Ability to freeze and unfreeze your card
  • U.S.-based 24/7 customer support

Check out our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

Best For Instant approval

OpenSky<sup>®</sup> Secured Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card Advertisement

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
on OpenSky's secure site

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $35
Regular Purchase APR 18.89% (variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Poor/Limited

Sign-up bonus: N/A

Earning rate: None

Why we picked this card: The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a secured card that doesn’t require a credit check to be approved. However, a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $3,000 is mandatory, and it’ll serve as your line of credit.

ProsCons
  • No credit check
  • Refundable security deposit
  • No bank account required
  • No rewards program
  • $35 annual fee
  • Cannot transition to an unsecured card

Because the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t pull your credit, there won’t be an impact to your credit score when you apply.

But while this card doesn’t require a bank account for approval, you’ll still have to provide some financial information, including your annual income, monthly housing payment and housing payment type.

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card has an ongoing APR of 18.89% (variable) and charges a $35 annual fee. Note, in addition, that if you use the card to make purchases outside of the U.S., you’ll also be subject to foreign transaction fees of 3% of each Transaction in U.S. dollars.

That said, unlike some secured cards, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t offer the option to transition to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible card usage. Therefore, the only way to get your deposit back is to pay your balance in full and close the account once your credit improves to the point where you can qualify for an unsecured card.

  • Access to Visa benefits
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Mail alerts
  • Four-step application process
  • Convenient mobile app

Credit needed: Poor/Limited

Sign-up bonus: N/A

Earning rate: None

Why we picked this card: The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a secured card that doesn’t require a credit check to be approved. However, a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $3,000 is mandatory, and it’ll serve as your line of credit.

ProsCons
  • No credit check
  • Refundable security deposit
  • No bank account required
  • No rewards program
  • $35 annual fee
  • Cannot transition to an unsecured card

Because the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t pull your credit, there won’t be an impact to your credit score when you apply.

But while this card doesn’t require a bank account for approval, you’ll still have to provide some financial information, including your annual income, monthly housing payment and housing payment type.

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card has an ongoing APR of 18.89% (variable) and charges a $35 annual fee. Note, in addition, that if you use the card to make purchases outside of the U.S., you’ll also be subject to foreign transaction fees of 3% of each Transaction in U.S. dollars.

That said, unlike some secured cards, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t offer the option to transition to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible card usage. Therefore, the only way to get your deposit back is to pay your balance in full and close the account once your credit improves to the point where you can qualify for an unsecured card.

  • Access to Visa benefits
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Mail alerts
  • Four-step application process
  • Convenient mobile app

Check out our OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card review.

Best For Student card with rotating categories for fair credit

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back Advertisement

Discover it® Student Cash Back

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Cash Back

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earning rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Why we picked this card: If you’re a college student with fair/limited credit who’s looking to build up your credit score, the Discover it® Student Cash Back can help you do that — while also letting you earn a generous cash back rate in categories that rotate quarterly (up to the quarterly maximum).

ProsCons
  • Rotating cash back categories
  • Cashback Match bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Spending cap on higher rewards rate
  • Must opt in to bonus categories each quarter
  • Balance transfer fee

The Discover it® Student Cash Back has a $0 annual fee — which helps make it a good fit for college students on a budget.

Note, though, that if you don’t activate the quarterly 5% categories, you’ll earn just 1% back on every purchase — plus, there’s a $1,500 spending cap on each quarterly category. If you max out that cap each quarter, you’ll earn $75 in cash back before your rate drops to 1% after the first year.

And if you need to finance a large purchase — like a laptop or school books — over a few months, there is an intro APR offer of 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases from the date of account opening. After that, the interest rate will range from a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR. The card also offers a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR.

Despite the effort required to activate a new category every quarter, the Discover it® Student Cash Back’s rewards program, along with its $0 annual fee, make it hard to beat. But if fussing over bonus categories is too much trouble, students should look to other student cards that are more straightforward, such as the Discover it® Student chrome.

  • Foreign transaction fees: None
  • Free access to your FICO Score
  • Dark web monitoring for your Social Security number (when you opt in)
  • Ability to freeze and unfreeze your card online
  • No late fee on your first late payment
  • No penalty APR

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earning rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Why we picked this card: If you’re a college student with fair/limited credit who’s looking to build up your credit score, the Discover it® Student Cash Back can help you do that — while also letting you earn a generous cash back rate in categories that rotate quarterly (up to the quarterly maximum).

ProsCons
  • Rotating cash back categories
  • Cashback Match bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Spending cap on higher rewards rate
  • Must opt in to bonus categories each quarter
  • Balance transfer fee

The Discover it® Student Cash Back has a $0 annual fee — which helps make it a good fit for college students on a budget.

Note, though, that if you don’t activate the quarterly 5% categories, you’ll earn just 1% back on every purchase — plus, there’s a $1,500 spending cap on each quarterly category. If you max out that cap each quarter, you’ll earn $75 in cash back before your rate drops to 1% after the first year.

And if you need to finance a large purchase — like a laptop or school books — over a few months, there is an intro APR offer of 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases from the date of account opening. After that, the interest rate will range from a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR. The card also offers a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR.

Despite the effort required to activate a new category every quarter, the Discover it® Student Cash Back’s rewards program, along with its $0 annual fee, make it hard to beat. But if fussing over bonus categories is too much trouble, students should look to other student cards that are more straightforward, such as the Discover it® Student chrome.

  • Foreign transaction fees: None
  • Free access to your FICO Score
  • Dark web monitoring for your Social Security number (when you opt in)
  • Ability to freeze and unfreeze your card online
  • No late fee on your first late payment
  • No penalty APR

Check out our Discover it® Student Cash Back review.

Best For Student credit card for gas and restaurant rewards

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student chrome Advertisement

Discover it® Student chrome

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student chrome

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR for 6 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

Why we picked this card: Along with a solid cash back rate on gas and restaurant purchases, the Discover it® Student chrome comes with a $0 annual fee and intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

ProsCons
  • Elevated rate on gas and groceries
  • Cashback Match bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Low earning rate on general purchases
  • Cap on higher earning rate
  • Balance transfer fee

If you’re a student with fair/limited credit who spends a significant amount on gas and dining, the Discover it® Student chrome could be a good fit.

The card also offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR. In addition, Discover it® Student chrome cardholders receive an intro APR on balance transfers of 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months. Afterward, a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR applies.

The Discover it® Student chrome charges a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

  • Free Social Security number alerts
  • Ability to freeze card
  • $0 fraud liability
  • 100% U.S.-based, 24/7 customer service

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earning rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

Why we picked this card: Along with a solid cash back rate on gas and restaurant purchases, the Discover it® Student chrome comes with a $0 annual fee and intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

ProsCons
  • Elevated rate on gas and groceries
  • Cashback Match bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Low earning rate on general purchases
  • Cap on higher earning rate
  • Balance transfer fee

If you’re a student with fair/limited credit who spends a significant amount on gas and dining, the Discover it® Student chrome could be a good fit.

The card also offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR. In addition, Discover it® Student chrome cardholders receive an intro APR on balance transfers of 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months. Afterward, a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR applies.

The Discover it® Student chrome charges a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

  • Free Social Security number alerts
  • Ability to freeze card
  • $0 fraud liability
  • 100% U.S.-based, 24/7 customer service

Check out our Discover it® Student chrome review.

Best For Business credit card for fair credit

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

Learn More
Highlights
  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
  • No annual fee
  • Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly
  • $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
  • Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
  • Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Fair

Sign-up bonus: N/A

Earning rate: 1% cash back on every purchase

Why we picked this card: The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is a flat-rate, $0 annual fee card — it’s worthy of consideration if you think you’ll struggle to qualify for other business credit cards. In addition, there’s no charge for employee cards.

ProsCons
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • $0 annual fee
  • No fee for employee cards
  • No sign-up bonus
  • High APR
  • No bonus earning categories

Business owners with less-than-stellar credit can build credit history and earn cash back with the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business.

Rewards won’t expire as long as the account is open, and there’s no cap on how much cash back you can earn. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, checks or gift cards, or as credit for previous purchases.

Just know, the card does come with a high APR of 26.99% (variable). In addition, the card does not offer a sign-up bonus.

  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Free employee cards with customizable spending limits
  • Extended warranty
  • Lock your card or an employees if it has been misplaced, lost or stolen
  • Downloadable purchase records
  • Itemized year-end summaries of spending
  • Roadside assistance

Credit needed: Fair

Sign-up bonus: N/A

Earning rate: 1% cash back on every purchase

Why we picked this card: The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is a flat-rate, $0 annual fee card — it’s worthy of consideration if you think you’ll struggle to qualify for other business credit cards. In addition, there’s no charge for employee cards.

ProsCons
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • $0 annual fee
  • No fee for employee cards
  • No sign-up bonus
  • High APR
  • No bonus earning categories

Business owners with less-than-stellar credit can build credit history and earn cash back with the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business.

Rewards won’t expire as long as the account is open, and there’s no cap on how much cash back you can earn. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, checks or gift cards, or as credit for previous purchases.

Just know, the card does come with a high APR of 26.99% (variable). In addition, the card does not offer a sign-up bonus.

  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Free employee cards with customizable spending limits
  • Extended warranty
  • Lock your card or an employees if it has been misplaced, lost or stolen
  • Downloadable purchase records
  • Itemized year-end summaries of spending
  • Roadside assistance
The information related to the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Side-by-side comparison of the best credit cards for fair credit

Credit cardBest forRewards rateAnnual fee
Capital One Platinum Credit CardOverall credit card for fair creditNon-rewards Card$0
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit CardCash back card for fair credit1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)$39
Discover it® Secured Credit CardSecured card for fair credit2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically$0
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit CardFair credit instant approvalNone$35
Discover it® Student Cash BackStudent credit card with rotating rewards categories5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically$0
Discover it® Student chromeStudent card for gas and restaurant purchases2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically$0
Capital One® Spark® Classic for BusinessBusiness credit card for fair credit1% Cash Back on every purchase$0

What is a fair credit score?

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 17% of Americans have a fair FICO Score, and 13% have a fair VantageScore.

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.

For example, FICO uses the following ranges:

Credit ratingCredit score
Poor credit300 to 579
Fair credit580 to 669
Good credit670 to 739
Very good credit740 to 799
Exceptional credit800 to 850

VantageScore, by contrast, utilizes the following ranges:

Credit ratingCredit score
Very poor credit300 to 499
Poor credit500 to 600
Fair credit601 to 660
Good credit661 to 780
Excellent credit781 to 850

We should note, the lower your credit score, the less chance you have of being approved for a credit card or loan with favorable terms and a low interest rate.

How to choose a credit card for fair credit

If you have fair credit, you should consider a credit card that offers the following:

Credit bureau reporting. After demonstrating responsible card usage — which means paying your bill on time each month and staying well below your credit limit — you have the potential to boost your fair credit rating. Therefore, it’s important to choose a card that reports your credit activity and payment history to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

Low or no annual fee. Unless the card offers enough rewards or benefits to help offset the cost of an annual fee, it’s generally best to opt for one that has no annual fee.

For example, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card does not offer a rewards program, but comes with a $0 annual fee. By contrast, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) and charges a $39 annual fee.

 

Reasonable APR. By choosing a card with a reasonable variable APR (compared to a high APR), you can save on interest charges if you carry a balance on your card month over month. According to a recent LendingTree study, credit card interest rates ranged from 16.26% to 23.53% in May 2022 — so ideally, you’ll want to stay on the mid- to low-end of those APRs.

Tools to help build credit. In addition to reporting to the major credit bureaus, some credit cards offer tools to help you build your credit profile, such as free and unlimited access to your credit score, the ability to monitor your credit and automatic account reviews to see if you can qualify for a higher credit line.

Read the card’s terms and conditions carefully before you apply. Credit cards targeted to consumers in the lower credit ranges can come with many “gotchas” in the fine print, including sky-high monthly maintenance fees and no grace period for interest.

How to qualify for a fair credit card

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.

For example, Capital One considers fair credit applicants to be those who have defaulted on a loan in the past five years, or those who have a limited credit history — with the latter meaning they’ve owned a credit card or other credit for less than three years (including students, people new to the U.S. or authorized users on someone else’s credit card).

 

On the other hand, Discover states that the fair credit category generally includes consumers who may have been 30, 60 or 90 days late on a payment.

 

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:

  1. Paying on time and in full. Your payment history is the most important factor affecting your credit score, so you should always pay on time. Paying in full isn’t required for a good score, but it’ll help you avoid building up a balance and incurring interest charges.
  2. Don’t max out your card. Credit utilization — how much of your credit limit you’re using — is the second-most important factor weighing on your credit score. Personal finance experts recommend spending no more than 30% of your credit limit. For example, on a card with a $500 credit limit, don’t carry more than a $150 balance at any point.
  3. Apply for new credit sparingly. When you apply for new credit, it generates a hard inquiry and lowers your average age of accounts, both of which hurt your score. However, with responsible usage, your score should recover over time and continue to move up.
  4. See if you prequalify before applying. Several issuers offer prequalification tools that can tell you if you’re preapproved for a card by performing a soft pull of your credit — which won’t affect your credit score.
For example, Capital One lets you see which cards you may qualify for after you enter some general info about yourself (like your name, address and phone number) here. We should note, preapproved offers are not guaranteed, and you’ll still need to complete the application process to receive a final approval decision.

 

Pros and cons of fair credit cards

  • You won’t need to have good or average credit for approval
  • Potential to earn rewards for the purchases you make
  • Card may not charge an annual fee
  • Rewards and benefits not as robust as cards for good or excellent credit
  • Typically cannot receive a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers

Methodology

To select the best card for each of these categories, our credit card experts compared cards that require fair credit 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.

Fair credit credit cards FAQs

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 is possible to find a card that offers balance transfers with fair credit. Just know that those cards are very few and far between, and they typically don’t offer interest-free periods.

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.

You can check your credit score in a variety of ways without generating a hard inquiry, so it won’t be negatively affected. For example, 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.

In addition, 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, and according to Discover, the “good credit” category generally includes dependable borrowers who may have been slightly late on a payment in the past or who may not have a long credit history.

Capital One, on the other hand, states that a good credit candidate has not declared bankruptcy on a loan in the past five years. In addition, the individual has a credit card or loan and has not been more than 30 day late on any payment in the last five years.

The best fair credit card for you depends on how you plan to use the card. For example, if you’re a student who needs to finance a large purchase — like a laptop or school books — a card that offers an interest-free period on purchases, like the Discover it® Student Cash Back, is a good option. But if you’re a small business owner who needs to boost your company’s credit profile, the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business would be a better choice.

Tracy Brackman

  • Expertise: Credit cards, credit scoring, personal finance
  • Education: Ohio State University, Florida International University

 


Tracy Brackman is a senior editor and credit card expert at LendingTree, where she writes and edits educational pieces on credit card-related topics and personal finance using her 12+ years of experience in the field.

Before joining LendingTree in 2019, Tracy worked as a products editor for CreditCards.com, where she developed the credit card products section and created content focused on breaking credit card news.

Prior to that, she worked as a product information manager for Bankrate, where she managed the financial and credit card product details and maintained compliance for two affiliate networks, as well as Bankrate-owned and operated sites.

She began working in the credit card space in 2009 as the editorial department manager for FlexOffers, an affiliate marketing company.

Tracy studied marketing at the Ohio State University and Florida International University.

Read More

The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.

Recommended Articles

Best Credit Cards for Emergencies for 2022 Best Grocery Credit Cards in August 2022

Footer Navigation

About Us

  • About LendingTree
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Investors
  • Partner with Us
  • Press Room
  • Widgets

Legal Information

  • Overview
  • Privacy
  • Online Tracking
  • Security
  • Advertising Disclosures
  • Terms of Use
  • Licenses & Disclosures
  • Unsubscribe
  • Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
  • Accessibility Statement

Other Sites

  • CompareCards
  • DepositAccounts
  • MagnifyMoney
  • Ovation Credit
  • QuoteWizard
  • SimpleTuition
  • SnapCap
  • Student Loan Hero
  • ValuePenguin

Follow Us

Download Our App

  • Apple App Store
  • Google Play
LendingTree, LLC is a Marketing Lead Generator and is a Duly Licensed Mortgage Broker, as required by law, with its main office located at 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Suite 700, Charlotte, NC 28203, Telephone Number 866-501-2397 (TDD/TTY). NMLS Unique Identifier #1136. LendingTree, LLC is known as LT Technologies in lieu of true name LendingTree, LLC in NY. LendingTree technology and processes are patented under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816 and licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 5,995,947 and 5,758,328. © 2016 LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only.

Online Security: Protect Against Fraud

Equal Housing Opportunity Better Business Bureau Comodo Secure