Is it easy to get approved for a card with fair credit?

Although getting approved is easier with a higher credit score, consumers who have fair credit can and do receive approval for many types of credit cards, including secured credit cards. One of the easiest cards to get approved for with fair credit is the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. Although it has an annual fee, its ongoing APR is slightly lower than many other cards for fair credit and there’s no credit check required.

What is the minimum credit score you need for a credit card for fair credit?

Credit cards for fair credit may require a minimum credit score of 580, about 135 points below the 2024 national average.

How do I get a high credit limit on a credit card for fair credit?

A combination of your credit score, credit history, your income and your debt will determine your credit limit. You can’t really guess what your credit limit will be before applying, but if you know you need a card with a specific credit limit, a secured credit card that allows you to set your credit limit through the security deposit you put down may be an option.

Best Credit Cards for Fair/Average Credit of May 2025

* The information about the (card name) has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Compare Bankrate's best cards for fair credit

Card name	Best for	Annual fee	Bankrate review score
Capital One Platinum Credit Card	No annual fee	$0	4.2 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on Capital One's secure site See Rates & Fees
Discover it® Student Cash Back	Students	$0	5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on Discover's secure site See Rates & Fees
Milestone® Mastercard® - $1,000 Credit Limit	High credit limit	$250 the first year; $99 thereafter	2.5 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on Milestone Mastercard's secure site
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card	Flat-rate cash back	$39	4.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on Capital One's secure site See Rates & Fees
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards	Travel	$95	3.2 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on Credit One Bank's secure site See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®	Long-term financing	$0	4.2 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on Upgrade's secure site See Rates & Fees
Avant Credit Card	No penalty APR	$59	2.7 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on Avant's secure site
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card	No credit check	$35	3.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on OpenSky's secure site
Prosper® Card	No deposit	$59 (waived for the first year if you sign up for autopay before your first statement)	3.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) Apply now on Prosper's secure site See Rates & Fees

Researching the best cards for fair credit

250+

cards rated

50+

rewards programs valued

5000

data points analyzed

40+

perks evaluated

We thoroughly rate and research the best cards for fair credit based on key criteria to help you make confident decisions when choosing your next credit card. Learn more about our methodology below.

What is fair or average credit?

A fair or average credit score is a FICO® Score between 580 and 669. But while this score is better than those in the bad, limited and no credit ranges, lenders may still consider you a subprime borrower. That means your credit report suggests you're at a higher risk of defaulting on a credit card than someone with good or excellent credit.

Why your credit score matters

When you’re a subprime borrower, it costs more to borrow money. Lenders typically offer you loans and credit cards with higher interest rates to help offset the risk. Your credit score doesn’t just impact how much interest you pay on loans. It can play a much bigger role in your financial life:

Renting an apartment

When you rent an apartment or condo, your landlord may run a credit check to determine how likely you are to be a tenant who pays rent on time. The same factors that impact your credit score the most (your repayment history and the amount of debt you carry) could affect your application.
Buying a home

With a lower credit score, you may not qualify for a conventional mortgage. This factor can make it harder to buy the home you want, as many sellers prefer conventional loans over government-backed loans.
Insurance costs

In most states, insurance companies use your credit history to help determine how much you pay for insurance. A good credit score could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars when buying auto or homeowners insurance.
Utilities and phone plans

Utility companies and phone carriers also run credit checks to determine how well you manage your finances. A lower score could mean having to put down a deposit for service or phone plans, costing you hundreds of dollars upfront.
Credit limits

Not all credit cards for fair credit have high limits. Depending on your credit score, you could end up with a credit limit as low as $200 to $300, making it difficult to build credit, especially if you use too much of your available credit.

What makes a great fair credit card

To find the right fair credit card for you, you'll want to consider your goals for the card. Whether you want to build credit, earn rewards or simply practice responsible credit use, here's what to look for in a great fair credit card.

Credit score requirements you can qualify for

Checking your credit score first can give you a better idea of which cards you’ll likely get approval for. Then, take a look at the recommended credit scores for the cards you're eyeing. You can also get prequalified for a card using a tool like Bankrate's CardMatch™ without hurting your credit score.
Rewards potential

Some of the fair credit cards above offer 1 to 10 percent cash back or points, either for a flat rate or bonus category rates. You never want to chase credit card rewards while carrying a balance, as interest charges will outweigh any rewards value. But if you're using the card responsibly for everyday purchases, it doesn't hurt to reap points or cash back while you spend.
Credit-building tools

If your main goal is to build credit, check out cards with features that help build credit or grow your financial literacy. Some cards offer free access to your credit score and credit monitoring. Others come with advice to help you make the best financial decisions.
Secured or unsecured option

Depending on your credit score, an unsecured card can be harder to qualify for. Secured credit cards have looser credit requirements and require a security deposit, which usually determines your credit limit. If you're able to put down a deposit, a secured card can help you build credit with less risk. You can often upgrade to an unsecured card after a few months to a year of positive payment history.
Reasonable APR and fees

Ideally, you'd pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. But if you tend to carry a balance, prioritize finding a low-interest credit card. This is usually a card with an APR under the current average interest rate. You'll also want to watch out for annual fees, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees and late fees. If your card does charge fees, you'll want to be prepared when it's time to pay.

Fair credit card news & views

According to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, 15.5 percent of Americans had fair credit in 2024. That means you're far from alone if you're on a credit-building journey. According to our proprietary data, among people with fair credit who apply for a card through Bankrate, more than 2 in 5 (44 percent) are approved. It's also worth noting that Bankrate receives nearly double the applications from fair credit users compared to excellent credit users.

People with fair credit scores are still on the search for credit — it might just take more applications and research to find the right card. Still, there are cards out there for anyone trying to improve their credit use.

We browsed a Reddit thread* of credit card suggestions for a credit score of 600. In particular, Redditors look at cards from Discover and Capital One, like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and other secured card options. Other users suggested cards from Navy Federal Credit Union if you're able to qualify.

One user suggested prequalifying for a card to get a sense of your approval chances without a hard inquiry on your credit report.

“Prequalify through Capital One or Discover without a hard pull and go from there. Secured is a great option to build a relationship with a company.”
— Reddit User

A piece of advice from another thread is to show good credit habits over time and rebuild relationships with previous issuers with whom you made credit mistakes.

“Sounds like all you need is time. That’s what helped me move from the poor range to the fair range and I’m in the good range now. Made a lot of mistakes prior to this last year and seeing my credit score get a little better each time has been a sense of relief.”
— Reddit User

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate. Please see the issuer’s website for updated terms and conditions.

Fair Credit Cards Pros & Cons

Pros

A chance to work on your credit: Fair credit cards often come with features that can help you track (and potentially boost) your credit score, like higher credit limits and free access to your score.
Access to unsecured cards: Several unsecured cards are available for consumers with fair credit. Even if you start with a secured card, you may be eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card with better perks and benefits after demonstrating responsible card usage.
Lower fees: Plenty of cards for fair credit either charge no annual fee or carry a relatively low fee. That says a lot considering how pricey cards can be if you have bad credit, especially unsecured cards.

Cons

High APR: Though someone with fair credit is seen as a lower lending risk than someone with bad credit, credit cards for fair credit still tend to carry high interest rates. And the lower your score is, the more likely it is that you’ll be assigned a high interest rate.
Limited perks: Most of these cards carry only a handful of noteworthy perks, offering only basic card protections and credit score monitoring.
Limited rewards: Most cards available with fair credit lack a rewards program or only offer a basic 1 percent flat rate.

Expert advice for people with fair credit

Having fair credit offers many advantages, like the chance to qualify for an unsecured card and more rewarding options. While you should work to maintain fair credit, the good habits you create can lead to a higher score over time.

Pay your bills on time and avoid debt

Missing a credit card payment can hurt your score and stay on your credit report for up to seven years. The later a payment, the worse it is for your credit score.

Plus, not paying your balance in full can lead to credit card debt, which can be costly if you have a high APR. Paying the balance on your card in full each month is a key way to work toward a higher score.
Check your credit report

Incorrect information on your credit report — even something as simple as a misspelling of your name — could negatively affect your credit score. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report once a week through AnnualCreditReport.com, so check regularly for any discrepancies and dispute errors.
Wait before opening new accounts

Opening too many new accounts at once can hurt your score because it can look suspicious or like you're in financial trouble. In fact, some issuers have rules that prevent applicants from opening up too many cards in a certain amount of time, such as Chase's 5/24 rule. Once you’ve applied and an issuer approves you for a credit card for fair credit, use it responsibly for a while to demonstrate your ability to handle new credit. Overall, be patient and wait between credit card applications to benefit your score.
Consider keeping older credit accounts open

A credit card that you’ve had for a long time adds to your length of credit history, a significant contributor to your credit score. If you outgrow your credit card for fair credit, don’t close it right away. If it doesn’t have maintenance fees, keep the account open and active to help maintain your score.

More information on credit cards for fair credit

Credit cards you can get with a 600 credit score

Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit

How to build credit fast

Why is good credit so important?

Frequently asked questions about credit cards for fair credit

Although getting approved is easier with a higher credit score, consumers who have fair credit can and do receive approval for many types of credit cards, including secured credit cards.

One of the easiest cards to get approved for with fair credit is the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. Although it has an annual fee, its ongoing APR is slightly lower than many other cards for fair credit and there’s no credit check required.
Credit cards for fair credit may require a minimum credit score of 580, about 135 points below the 2024 national average.
A combination of your credit score, credit history, your income and your debt will determine your credit limit. You can’t really guess what your credit limit will be before applying, but if you know you need a card with a specific credit limit, a secured credit card that allows you to set your credit limit through the security deposit you put down may be an option.

**The information about the Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card and Gold Visa® Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

How we assess the best cards for fair or average credit

When evaluating the best cards for fair credit, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that make it easy to build credit history while keeping costs low.

We analyzed over 50 of the most popular cards designed for people with a fair credit score and rated each based on its cost, APR, credit-building features and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

Build credit, minimize fees

Cards available with a fair credit score run the gamut, from basic no-annual-fee secured cards to unsecured cards with modest fees and rewards rates to cards with sky-high fees and APRs. Our rating methodology for these cards focuses on two key factors: How easy a card makes it to build credit and the costs you’ll face along the way.

Here’s how overall scoring breaks down for credit-building cards.

Cost 45.00%
Ease of building credit 25.00%
APR 10.00%
Perks 10.00%
Customer experience 10.00%

A credit-building card’s cost has a large influence on its overall score and our decision to include it in our best cards list. This is because cards in this category tend to be much pricier than traditional credit cards designed for people with a good or better credit score.

We compare a card’s total cost, including any annual fees, account activation fees, monthly fees and more against the total cost of other cards in the credit-building category and assign each card a score based on its affordability. We also factor rewards-earning potential into our assessment of a credit-building card’s total cost, subtracting expected earnings from the sum of its fees.

To get a sense of a credit-building card’s rewards-earning potential, we estimate its average annual rewards rate and average annual earnings based on the most popular spending categories (as covered in the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer spending report).

However, we use a slightly lower spending assumption ($300 per month or $3,600 per year) to estimate average earnings, assuming credit-builders will start out with a lower credit limit, will want to keep credit utilization low and will focus primarily on small purchases they can easily pay off.

While low-cost credit-building cards will always be at a major advantage in our scoring system and will likely earn a higher spot on our best cards list, no-annual-fee credit-building cards can be hard to come by, especially if you’re looking for an unsecured card. With this in mind, we may include unsecured cards with high fees in our list if they offer other benefits for credit-builders, like a high starting credit limit or useful perks.

A card’s APR is also a major factor in its credit-building score. Each card’s average APR is compared against the average APR of other cards in the category, and the cards with lower-than-average APRs receive a higher rating.

Given the many costs students face — from textbooks to laptops — the presence of an introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers also plays a role in a student card’s score and its inclusion on our list.

Though high APRs are hard to avoid when you’re just starting out or working on your score, credit-builders and students should strive for as low an APR as possible since they’re likely to either be new to managing cards or trying to establish better financial habits and avoid falling into debt.
Along with a credit-building card’s cost, we consider how easy the card makes it to build credit. To assess this, we evaluate its credit limit potential and minimum deposit requirement.

Unsecured cards with a high starting credit limit and secured cards that let you put down a large deposit and get a matching high credit limit will score the highest according to our “Ease of building credit” rubric and are more likely to appear on our list.

This is because a high credit limit can make it much easier to keep your credit utilization low, a primary credit-building factor that makes up 30 percent of your FICO credit score.

Secured cards have a slight advantage in this category since the maximum credit limit on a secured card tends to be much higher than the typical starting credit limit on an unsecured card that’s available with a bad or fair credit score. However, unsecured credit-building cards have the upper hand in another key aspect of building credit: accessibility.

Cards that carry no or a low deposit requirement can also receive a high score according to our “Ease of building credit” rubric since these cards offer a lower barrier to entry than secured cards that require you to put up hundreds of dollars in an upfront deposit.

Indeed, some users may prefer to pay a non-refundable $50 annual fee while they work on their credit score than tie up hundreds in a refundable security deposit.
We evaluate a student or credit-building card’s benefits based on how useful they are for someone looking to build a positive credit history or save money on everyday spending.

We consider the inclusion of a rewards program, student-centric perks, access to your credit score or a credit monitoring service of prime importance, along with the ability to prequalify for the card with only a soft credit pull and a clear path to increase your credit limit or graduate to an unsecured or full-fledged rewards card.

Cards that include these benefits are likely to score higher according to our credit-building card and student card scoring rubrics and are more likely to earn a place in our list.

Learn more: How we rate our cards

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
1. Getting Utility Services: Why Your Credit Matters. Federal Trade Commission. Accessed on October 8, 2024.
2. What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?. Experian. Accessed on October 8, 2024.

India Davis Editor, Credit Cards

India Davis is an editor specializing in credit cards and updates. She believes in putting the reader first and carrying out a brand’s voice to its fullest potential. She has…

Steve Dashiell Editor, Credit cards

Steven Dashiell is an editor for Bankrate and CreditCards.com with expertise in rewards credit cards, financial literacy, and helping consumers build and maintain their credit.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

Best credit cards for fair/average credit in May 2025

+ Show Summary

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Milestone® Mastercard® - $1,000 Credit Limit

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

Avant Credit Card

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Prosper® Card

Compare Bankrate's best cards for fair credit

Researching the best cards for fair credit

What is fair or average credit?

Why your credit score matters

Renting an apartment

Buying a home

Insurance costs

Utilities and phone plans

Credit limits

What makes a great fair credit card

Credit score requirements you can qualify for

Rewards potential

Credit-building tools

Secured or unsecured option

Reasonable APR and fees

Fair credit card news & views

Fair Credit Cards Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Expert advice for people with fair credit

Pay your bills on time and avoid debt

Check your credit report

Wait before opening new accounts

Consider keeping older credit accounts open