Why dont more banks and credit unions offer credit cards to people with fair credit? For example, you might need to consider one-time fees for application processing or transferring a balance, depending on what type of card youre looking for and how you plan to use it. Does each credit card company define "fair" credit the same way? Review that notice, then review your credit report to make sure there are no inaccuracies, and then do the same for the card application you submitted. If youre not sure how your credit is doing, you can check your latest credit score for free on WalletHub, the only site where credit scores and reports update daily. This card for people with fair or "average" credit pays the same cash-back rate as the regular Quicksilver card, which targets people with excellent credit. , including your payment history, the amount of available credit that youre using, how long youve had credit, and more. WalletHub makes it easy to find the easiest credit cards to get. See if you're approved in seconds, Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this, Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app, Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. It depends on personal preference as well as your credit standing and organizational skills. What is considered fair or average credit? Another good unsecured card for fair credit is the Petal 2 Visa Credit Card. Fair 600-699. It also earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. If you've already built good credit, you can probably score a card with higher rewards than this card offers. No touch payments with contactless technology built in. You can see and track your credit score for free through NerdWallet. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. See what terms you'd qualify for without a hard credit inquiry. Depending on which offer you qualify for, you could get as much as 1.5% cash back on purchases. As of this writing, the card is unavailable to residents of Iowa, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. Who Should Get It:Apply for Capital One QuicksilverOne if you plan to spend about $2,600 per year, as thats where the cards rewards value can overcome the fixed cost. Our pick for: Rewards for college students. On top of that, the cards annual fee is $0. Youll also usually keep the same account, often with the same card number, so theres no loss of credit history length. WalletHubs editors compared hundreds of credit cards for people with fair credit scores, searching for the top offers in the most popular categories. Disclaimer: NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. Although there's no foreign transaction fee, Discover isnt as widely accepted abroad as other cards. That's important to keep in mind as you work to build a positive credit history, especially if you carry a balance. Petals algorithm looks beyond credit scores by analyzing your bank information to determine how you manage income, savings and spending. MORE: Credit cards 101: Understanding the basics. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific products site. The issuer's prequalification process lets you see the offer you're eligible for which could be up to 1.5% cash back before you actually apply. INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match only from Discover. keeps you in debt longer and could ultimately drag down your credit scores. -annual-fee option with an incentive for responsible behavior. 1. And unlike some other cash-back cards, it doesn't allow you to boost your rewards earnings with bonus categories. Zero fraud liability (which offers protection against unauthorized purchases). You might qualify for less or no cash back at all. The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card is one of the easiest credit cards to get with fair credit. Platinum Credit Card from Capital One This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. A 700+ credit score is needed to get most Discover credit cards, but theres no minimum credit score needed for a few Discover cards. Advertising may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Make at least the minimum payment, and do so on time each month. Cardholders' accounts are reviewed for a potential credit line increase every three months. Approval Odds are WalletHub estimates intended to gauge your likelihood of approval for a particular product. NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. Reviews show typical fair-credit applicants for the cards below start with a limit between $300 and $750, but see an increase after regular payments. No security deposit required get started today! That's a big reason why the term "fair credit" is often used to describe scores in the middle ground between bad and good. Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months. Do any issuers have a particularly good/bad reputation for offering decent fair-credit credit cards. , issued by WebBank, is an excellent option for those with less-than-perfect credit. Or you can plan to request a. from your issuer on your own eventually. The $0-annual-fee Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa can be an ideal choice if you plan to carry a balance, want the convenience of equal monthly debt repayments and can pre-qualify for a favorable interest rate. Plus, the Petal 2 Card reports account info to the three major credit bureaus each month. Wallethub doesnt charge for this service. Some may have slightly lower standards, for example, starting the fair credit range as 620 and ending it at 659. Credit . Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases: 23.49% - 34.49% variable based on Prime Rate. When you have fair credit, is it better to get a credit card with an annual fee or one that requires a refundable security deposit? Whether your finances arent so great or theyre right on track, you should be able to find a Discover card that works for you. so the list of such products is fairly short, and those that do exist lack the big sign-up bonuses you'd get with a card requiring excellent credit. , which is steep if you plan on carrying a balance. The Petal 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa Credit Card, issued by WebBank, is an excellent option for those with less-than-perfect credit. - Business Insider - Fact Check and Transparency Report (United States) . Prosper also doesn't have other cards to upgrade to once your credit improves, so you either have to keep paying the fee or close the card. Who Should Get It: Apply for the Capital One Platinum Credit Cardif you want an inexpensive starter card to build credit with. Cardholders earn 1% back until they pay the accounts bill on time for six consecutive months, which boosts the earn rate to 1.25% cash back. If youre a few days late, youll likely owe a late fee. If you can find a card that pays rewards while also providing a steppingstone from average credit to good or excellent credit, its a win-win. Make sure the card youre considering reports to at least one but ideally all three of these companies. The following offers didnt quite make the cut for our editors best-card selections, but they can still save cardholders a lot of money. According toWalletHubs credit card experts, the best credit cards for fair credit usually have $0 annual fees and give at least 1% back in rewards. You increase your odds of approval when you apply for a card. If you like what you see, you can apply, at which point there will be a "hard" credit pull. There are good credit cards designed for people with fair credit, but you're unlikely to get approved for the best credit cards until you can improve your credit. Many major issuers offer free access to your scores, available once you sign in to your account, along with other budgeting and education tools. Pay with your phone or device by using Apple Pay or Google Pay. So whereas someone with excellent credit might receive a credit . The higher your credit score on either model's scale, the more creditworthy you may appear to potential lenders. Here's why: Capital One advertises that this card is intended for people with fair credit, which can help make the application process less stressful if you have less-than-perfect credit. It typically means your credit scores fall in the range of 630-689 on a scale that runs from 300 to 850. Credit scores indicate your level of risk to potential lenders and are based on several factors, including your payment history, the amount of available credit that youre using, how long youve had credit, and more. Approval Odds are not meant to imply or guarantee that you will be approved by the lender or that credit will be extended. Credit cards for fair credit, sometimes called "average" credit, are aimed at those in the 630-689 FICO score range. There's also Discover's signature bonus for new cardholders. The fee is. Ideally, youll have both installment loans (loans that require a specific number of equal payments, like a mortgage or auto loan), as well as revolving accounts (where the balance goes up and down, like with credit cards). Banks are required to notify you if you were denied because of information in your credit report. Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus. When you pay in full, you don't get charged interest and cards for fair credit tend to have high interest rates. Our pick for: Crypto rewards + flexibility. With the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, youll have the potential to gain access to a higher credit line. Credit Score Requirements: Poor 500-599. Cardholders also are eligible for a credit limit increase in as little as 6 months. If you do make a late payment, the card doesn't impose a penalty APR. Best Credit Cards for Fair or Average Credit From Our Partners Our pick for Flat-rate cash back Compare this card Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card 4.7 NerdWallet rating. These cards have annual fees as low as $0 and report monthly to the 3 major credit bureaus. The average person with fair credit is 47 years old and has an annual income of $54,000 per year. gives you 1% cash back on all your purchases, plus 0.25% back when you make your monthly payment on time, for a total of 1.25% cash back. In fact, only 40 credit-score points separates the two tiers (fair credit means a credit score of 620 to 659, while good credit is 660 to 719). Can I get a credit card if my credit is fair? If you have lousy credit and are looking for a way to build it back; the Milestone Mastercard is a strong option. It's an underserved market, so the list of such products is fairly short, and those that do exist lack the big sign-up bonuses you'd get with a card requiring excellent credit. (For example, if you have a $500 credit limit and a $200 balance, then your credit utilization is 40%.) Using these cards responsibly helps you improve your credit score, so you can then look for cards with better perks. There are no rewards. Paying in full every month also helps keep utilization in check. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month, Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees, Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen, Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card, Pick the monthly due date that works best for you, Pay for Amazon.com purchases using your Capital One rewards, Pay for online purchases with virtual card numbers and keep your actual card number to yourself, Get notified via text, email, and phone if Capital One notices potential suspicious transactions on your account, Build your credit with responsible card use. It also has a $35 annual fee. Your web browser (Internet Explorer) is out of date and no longer supported. As of this writing, the card is unavailable to residents of Iowa, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C. offers those with average credit a chance to both earn rewards and, potentially, gain access to a higher credit line. : ', '}}. And the card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. The average adult has around 5 credit cards, including store credit cards, but theres no golden rule for how many credit cards you should have - or how many credit cards is too many. That's because this entry-level card doesn't charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees. You might be able to get a better card than you think. And if you already have a long-serving credit account, keep it open and active. Capital One . Yes, you can get a credit card if you have fair credit. This card for people with fair or "average" credit pays the same cash-back rate as the regular Quicksilver card, which targets people with excellent credit. And the card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. But you can achieve that effect with a collection of cards that each excel in a particular area. The best business credit card for fair credit is Capital One Spark Classic for Business because it has a $0 annual fee and gives 1% cash back on all purchases. If you still arent approved, it may be a sign you need to work on your credit scores before applying again. That's not an issue if you pay in full every month, but look elsewhere if you expect to carry debt from month to month. (Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your bonus rewards.) Paul Soucy Feb 27, 2023. The Petal 2 Card also offers 1 - 1.5% cash back. You want your scores to go up, not down. Roughly 13.5% of people have fair credit, according to WalletHub data. When comparing credit cards for fair credit, look for some or all of these features: Reports to the major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the three major bureaus that compile the credit reports that inform your credit scores. 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies. NerdWallet strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. has a prequalification process that lets you see the offer you're eligible for without a "hard" credit check that can ding your scores. And while fair credit wont get you the very best unsecured cards, it should qualify you for an account with no annual fee, solid rewards or maybe even both. Some offer rewards, perks, upgrade paths and even 0% introductory APR periods. You would need to spend $2,600 per year on the card to make that back (not including any 5% travel categories). We encourage everyone to share their knowledge while respecting our content guidelines. Even small business owners with limited credit history can get Capital One Spark Classic, so applicants with fair/average credit should have solid approval odds. In this case, we have chosen five of the best credit cards for fair credit so that you will be able to choose the correct card for your personal finances. The Best Credit Cards for Average or Fair Credit of March 2023. Business Insider 8h ago. (Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your bonus rewards.) The issuer's prequalification process lets you see the offer you're eligible for before you actually apply. Dont settle: With fair credit, you wont be eligible for the highest-end credit cards but good cards are still available at this level. Plus, the ongoing APR is on the high end at 29.74% Variable APR. What to avoid with credit cards for fair credit. Debit cards allow you to spend money by drawing on funds you have deposited at the bank. With responsible use, you can be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months. Best for entry-level fair credit Mission Lane Visa Credit Card Apply now On Mission Lane's secure site Add to compare 3.4 Bankrate review Rewards Rate N/A Intro offer N/A Annual fee $0 -. You can also borrow against your credit limit, much like a personal loan. A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesnt guarantee it. No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month. You increase your odds of approval when you apply for a card tailored for your score range. is a great option for people who aren't sure whether their credit is good enough to qualify for a rewards card. Get Credit Cards for Fair Credit Start with your FICO Score and get matched, based on your credit profile with offers for rewards or no annual fees, so you can strengthen your credit. And after paying on time for 12 straight months, the rewards rate increases to 1.5% back across the board. At that point, youll probably have a good sense of why you were rejected. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (5) Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rewards 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) What are some low interest credit cards for fair credit? (The typical credit score scale runs from 300 at the low end to a maximum of 850.). Why this is one of the best credit cards for fair credit: When you pay this card on time, you can boost your cash back earnings. An average credit score wont be enough to qualify for some cards, and a rejection letter can hurt more than just your feelings. Fair credit, also referred to as "average" credit, is a step up from bad credit but a notch below good credit. The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for people with fair credit who plan to charge a fair amount to their new card. The Discover it Student chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly bonus categories. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. You earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. What We Dont Like:This card is not a good option for carrying a balance from month to month, thanks to a fairly high APR. One of the best low interest credit cards for fair credit is the Petal 2 Visa Credit Card because it is possible to get an interest rate of 17.49% (V), depending on your overall creditworthiness. For example, Discover will consider other factors, such as how your income compares to your debt, along with your employment status, whether you own or rent your home, how many loans and lines of credit you already have open, and more. The second-largest factor in your scores, credit utilization is the amount you owe as a percentage of your available credit. The second-largest factor in your scores. And if you already have a long-serving credit account. If your credit score is in the average or fair range of 580 to 669, these credit cards are among the best and some even offer rewards and benefits. $105. It only has a $39 annual fee and gives you at least 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Why We Like It:The Capital One Platinum Credit Cardhas a $0 annual fee. Rejection stings, but you can learn from it. Credit cards for fair credit target consumers with FICO scores between 580 and 669. First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card. As a result, the card offers a potentially generous credit limit that ranges between $300 and $5,000, depending on eligibility. FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: Credit scores also take into account how long you've been using credit, so the sooner you can find the right card, the better. If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $0.50. The annual fee is. The Prosper Card doesn't offer rewards, and it charges an annual fee, but the issuer goes out of its way to encourage people with "less than perfect credit" to apply. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard, Milestone Mastercard - Less Than Perfect Credit Considered, {{(bank.reviews == 1) ? Please keep in mind that while some offers may come from WalletHub advertising partners, sponsorship status played no role in card selection. Foreign transaction fee: 1% of the transaction amount. The prequalification process allows you to check your offer without any effect on your credit score. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card BEST OVERALL RATING 4.5 OVERALL RATING 4.5/5.0 Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card. Petal's mobile app makes it easy to manage your money, track your spending, and automate payments. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. (For example, if you have a $500 credit limit and a $200 balance, then your credit utilization is 40%.) Top credit cards for fair credit in Canada Compare credit cards for fair credit by category Top regular rate cashback card: Neo Financial Mastercard Credit recommended (600-) Apply now on Neo Financial's secure site 600 Min. You can be automatically considered for a higher credit limit in as little as six months. The card is well-suited to travel with no foreign transaction fees and the globally accepted Visa network. Using multiple credit cards for the wrong reasons, however, can get you into big trouble.