Credit cards for fair or average credit

If you have average or lower-than-average credit scores, you might wonder what types of cards you might be eligible for.

Wherever you’re starting, Capital One may have credit card options, including some that allow you to earn rewards. Learn about credit cards designed for people with fair or average credit.

What you’ll learn:

• FICO® says credit scores ranging from 580 to 669 are considered fair and below the average in America.

• Using a credit card responsibly by paying your statements on time every month can help you build credit. 

• People with fair or average credit scores may be eligible for unsecured and secured rewards credit cards.

• When choosing a credit card, it’s helpful to consider options by comparing interest rates, annual fees and other terms.

According to FICO, a fair credit score falls between 580 and 669. 

With credit scores, average credit isn’t a credit score category from either VantageScore® or FICO, two major credit-scoring companies. But FICO reported in March 2026 that the average credit score in the U.S. is 714.

Credit scores are based on information from credit reports, which are a reflection of financial history and activity. But you can have more than one credit score. And ultimately, credit card issuers have their own criteria to determine which cards you qualify for.

Higher scores typically make it easier to qualify for credit cards with lower interest rates.

Here’s a look at Capital One credit cards for people with fair credit scores.

​​Secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit. Capital One offers two secured credit cards: Platinum Secured and Quicksilver Secured. Here’s how they compare.

Unsecured credit card options from Capital One include the Platinum card, the QuicksilverOne card and the SavorOne card. Here’s how they compare.

If you’re at a four-year university, a community college or another higher-education institution, you might be interested in the Quicksilver Student card or the Savor Student card from Capital One. Here’s how they compare.

Capital One credit cards share certain features and benefits that can help you get the most out of your card. 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.

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

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

• Personalized payments: Change your due date and payment method for more control.

• Automatic payments: When it’s time to pay your bill, you can set up AutoPay to help ensure your payment is on time and as expected every month.

Everybody’s financial situation and goals are different, so the best card for you isn’t determined by credit scores alone. But if you have fair credit, here are five tips that may help you choose a card.

• Double-check your credit score. To better understand your credit situation so you can find the right card, you can use free tools like CreditWise from Capital One to monitor your credit report. You can also get free copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

• Consider interest rates and annual fees. As you compare card options, be sure to consider a card’s annual fee and its annual percentage rate (APR). One way to minimize or avoid interest charges is to pay off your statement balance every month. 

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

• Understand the rewards structure. If the card you’re shopping for offers rewards, look into details like how the rewards are earned, whether there are any limits or restrictions and how they can be redeemed. 

• Explore additional card benefits. Check out the range of benefits offered by the cards you’re considering. Capital One cards, for example, can offer everything from security alerts to access to can’t-miss events across music, sports, theater, dining and more through Capital One Entertainment.

Whether your credit scores are fair or average, there may be a Capital One card that’s right for you. If you’re new to credit or searching for your next credit card, here are ways 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.

• Monitor your credit report and score with CreditWise. It’s free even if you aren’t an accountholder, and using it won’t hurt your credit.