Credit cards for fair or average credit

If you have average or lower-than-average credit scores, applying for a credit card may seem intimidating. You might be wondering what type of cards, if any, you could be eligible for.

Whatever your starting point, Capital One has credit card options—including some with rewards. Read on to learn more about credit cards geared toward individuals with average or less-than-average credit.

What you’ll learn:

• FICO® scores ranging from 580 to 669 are considered fair and may be below average for Americans.

• If you have less-than-perfect credit, you may be eligible for cards that can help you build credit. 

• Credit card options for fair or average credit scores include secured credit cards and student credit cards.

• When choosing a credit card for fair credit, it’s helpful to understand your credit scores, compare interest rates and annual fees, and consider all options available to you.

A credit score is generally considered “fair” when it falls between 580 and 669, according to FICO. At the same time, it’s important to understand that “fair” and “average” aren’t the same thing when it comes to credit scores. Scores of 580-669 might be categorized as fair. But these scores are below average in the United States. 

Keep in mind that credit card issuers have their own criteria for determining which cards you can qualify for. Even with fair or below-average credit scores, there may still be credit card options available to you.

Here’s a look at some credit card options that may suit individuals with fair credit scores.

Secured cards are a popular option for building credit from scratch or rebuilding lower-than-average scores after negative factors have impacted your credit reports. A secured credit card can be a helpful credit-building tool when used responsibly over time. 

Capital One’s secured credit card options for building or rebuilding credit include the Platinum Secured card and Quicksilver Secured Rewards card. 

• Capital One Platinum Secured card: This is a secured card with no annual fee and no hidden fees. View important rates and disclosures. And if you make the minimum required security deposit, you’ll get an initial credit line of at least $200. You can also raise your initial credit line by depositing more than the minimum.

• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards card: Like other secured cards, Quicksilver Secured Rewards requires a refundable deposit. But its $200 minimum deposit comes with the ability to earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, all with no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

If you have fair credit scores, you might consider the Capital One Platinum Mastercard® or the Capital One QuicksilverOne card: 

• Platinum Mastercard®: The Platinum Mastercard is another great card for fair credit. It gives you the credit you need with no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures. And like the Platinum Secured card, you’ll automatically be considered for a higher credit line in as few as six months.

• QuicksilverOne card: Want to earn rewards? Check out QuicksilverOne. You could earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Your rewards won’t expire for the life of the account. And you can redeem them in a variety of ways.

If you’re at a four-year university, a community college or another higher-education institution, you might be interested in one of these Capital One student credit cards:

• Quicksilver student card: Like the Quicksilver cards you’ve already read about, this card offers the ability to earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. And with Quicksilver Rewards for Students, there’s no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

• Savor Student card: If going out is your thing, Savor Rewards for Students might be for you. It lets you earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining and entertainment.¹ Staying in? You can also earn 3% on popular streaming services—all with no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

No matter which Capital One card you decide is right for you, you’ll get great features and benefits that can make using your card responsibly that much easier. Here are a few:

• $0 foreign transaction fees: You won’t pay a fee for purchases made outside the U.S. using your Capital One credit card. View important rates and disclosures.

• $0 liability for unauthorized charges: If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t be responsible for charges you didn’t authorize.²

• 24/7 account monitoring: Eno, your Capital One assistant, can help keep an eye on your accounts 24/7 and reach out if something unusual is spotted.³

• Capital One Mobile app: Manage your accounts anywhere, anytime with the Capital One Mobile app.⁴

• Pick your own due date: Change your due date to gain more control over your finances.

When it comes to choosing a credit card, there are many factors to consider. Everyone’s financial situation and goals are different, so the best card for you isn’t determined by credit scores alone.

If your credit scores are average or below average, here are some tips that may help you choose a card:

1. Know your credit scores: Some cards are geared more toward people with fair credit scores. You can use free tools like CreditWise from Capital One to monitor your credit—even if you aren’t a Capital One cardholder. You can also get free copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

2. Consider interest rates and annual fees: As you compare card options, be sure to consider the card’s annual fee and the annual percentage rate (APR). If you’re likely to carry a balance, you may want to avoid cards with high interest rates.

3. Don’t rule out secured credit cards: If you have fair credit scores, qualifying for unsecured credit cards may be challenging. In this case, secured cards can be a great option. With automatic credit line reviews, you could be considered for a higher credit limit in as few as six months. And with responsible use, you could position yourself to get your deposit back and upgrade to an unsecured card.

4. Don’t settle—take time to compare options: As you research credit cards, remember there are options available—and requirements will vary from lender to lender.

Whether your credit scores are average or fair, there may be a Capital One card that’s right for you. 

To find the best credit card for you, you can get started by comparing cards from Capital One. 

If you’re new to credit or searching for your next credit card, Capital One can help: 

• See whether you’re pre-approved for credit cards without harming your credit scores. 

• If you’re looking to build your credit with responsible use, explore student cards and cards for people with fair credit. 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with a cash back rewards card. 

• Monitor your credit report and score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone, and using it won’t hurt your credit.