What is a fair credit score?

Fair credit scores typically range between 580 and 669 depending on the scoring model used. Most credit scores fall between 300 and 850. Fair credit is a step above poor credit but below good and excellent scores.

Keep reading to learn how to tell whether you have a fair credit score, why credit scores are important and what you can do to help improve yours.

What you’ll learn:

• According to FICO®, fair credit scores fall between 580 and 669. 

• VantageScore® refers to fair credit scores as near prime, with scores in this category ranging from 601 to 660.

• Improving your credit scores can help you become eligible for credit cards with better rewards programs and better loan terms.

• Capital One offers cards for fair credit, including Platinum, QuicksilverOne and SavorOne.

What’s considered fair credit may differ slightly based on what credit-scoring company the scores came from. FICO says a fair credit score is between 580 and 669, while VantageScore says near-prime or fair scores range from 601 to 660. Fair credit may be caused by factors like a limited credit history, late or missed payments, having accounts in collections or carrying high balances on credit cards. 

If you have fair credit, you might find it challenging to get approved for credit with better terms, like low interest rates. Here’s a closer look at how the two major credit-scoring companies categorize credit scores.

Here’s how FICO categorizes its scores—and how fair scores compare to others:

• Exceptional (800-850): Borrowers in the exceptional credit score range are the most likely to qualify for credit and get good interest rates, according to Experian®, a major credit bureau.

• Very good (740-799): FICO says borrowers in this category also tend to have higher-than-average credit scores. That makes it easier to qualify for favorable credit terms.

• Good (670-739): Lenders are generally willing to extend credit to people with good credit scores because they’ve typically proven they will repay borrowed money.

• Fair (580-669): While credit scores in the fair range are below average in the U.S., lenders may still approve borrowers for credit products. Options could be more limited, though.

• Poor (300-579): Applicants with credit scores in this range may be turned down for credit requests. Or the lender may approve the application but require a fee or deposit up front.

VantageScore’s scale is slightly different from FICO’s. Here’s how VantageScore says its scores might be judged—and where fair or near-prime scores fall within the model:

• Superprime (781-850): This is the best category possible for VantageScore. Potential borrowers with excellent credit are usually trusted to repay what they borrow.

• Prime (661-780): Prime credit is considered good credit. People with scores in this range are unlikely to have trouble getting approved for loans.

• Near prime (601-660): It could be more difficult for people with near-prime or fair credit scores to be approved for loans or credit cards. And loan approvals may come with higher interest rates. 

• Subprime (300-600): Having a credit score in this range could mean higher interest rates if a loan is approved at all. But there are ways to improve your scores.

A fair credit score could mean you qualify for some credit cards and some loan products. But you may end up with a higher interest rate, a lower credit limit or a limited loan principal compared to borrowers with good or excellent credit scores. Every lender is different, so consider comparing your options and, if possible, getting pre-approved before you apply.

Not sure whether you have a fair credit score? You can check your score by using CreditWise from Capital One—even if you’re not a Capital One cardholder. It’s free, and you can check as often as you like without hurting your credit scores. Or you can get free copies of your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion®—at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Capital One has credit cards that are geared toward applicants with fair credit scores, including:

• Platinum
• QuicksilverOne
• SavorOne

Keep in mind that the better your credit, the more options you’ll likely have when applying for a credit card. But even if you have fair credit, you still have options.

If you have fair credit, you could unlock more opportunities and qualify for more favorable terms by improving your credit scores. Here are just a few of the reasons higher credit scores can be beneficial:

• Greater access to credit cards: A higher credit score may improve your chances of qualifying for a credit card that best fits your situation—whether you’re looking for a good rewards program or a low APR. 

• Improved chances of qualifying for loans: Strong credit can also help you qualify for mortgages, auto loans, personal loans and more. 

• Potential for better terms: If you’re approved for a credit card or loan, the lender may also use your credit scores when determining your interest rate, credit limit or other account terms. Generally, higher credit scores may help you qualify for more favorable terms.

• Support with rental applications: Landlords may pull your credit to help them decide whether you qualify for a lease. 

• Advantages during employment screenings: With your written permission, some employers may review your credit as part of a background check.

• Lower insurance premiums: Depending on state laws, insurers may consider your credit history when determining premiums. 

• Fewer security deposit requirements: Cellphone providers and utility companies may decide to waive security deposits for people with strong credit.

While you may qualify for loans with fair credit, improving your scores could help you get more favorable terms. Here are a few steps you can take to help you work toward a better credit score: 

• Use credit responsibly. There are several ways to show lenders you’re a responsible borrower, like making on-time payments every month. This shows lenders you’re following the terms of your agreement. Also, try to keep your credit utilization low. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends doing this by keeping your credit card balances at no more than 30% of your available credit card limits across all accounts. 

• Avoid payment mistakes. Payment history is a key credit-scoring factor. And late payments can lead to lower scores. Credit aside, you could end up being charged more in interest or fees too. Plus, paying only the minimum amount due or maxing out your credit limit can lead to a high credit utilization ratio and bruise your credit. 

• Consider credit applications. Opening too many new credit accounts within a short period of time could hurt your credit scores because credit-scoring formulas take recent credit inquiries into account. It could also give lenders a negative impression of your personal finances.

• Monitor your credit. Checking your credit reports regularly can help ensure that the information used to calculate your credit scores is accurate. You can take a look at your report anytime by signing up for CreditWise.

• Consider a secured credit card. A secured credit card can be a great tool for those with fair credit or low scores. Secured cards require a security deposit to open the account, which is why they’re typically easier to be approved for. But like a credit card, a secured credit card can help build credit if used responsibly. 

• Beware of quick fixes. Remember that credit repair and credit building take time. There’s no such thing as a quick credit fix. But it’s never a bad time to start developing good habits to help improve your credit.

Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about fair credit scores:

Fair credit scores typically fall between 580 and 669. And while you can qualify for credit with fair credit scores, higher scores typically mean more options and better terms.

Ready to kick-start your credit-building journey? Compare Capital One’s credit cards for fair credit and see if you’ll be approved for a card with 100% certainty—without hurting your credit scores.