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According to myFICO.com, an average FICO score is any score that falls between 580 to 669 on a 300 to 850 scale. FICO scores below the “fair” range are generally considered “poor,” while scores above that range are considered good, very good, or exceptional depending on how high they are. Having a fair credit score isn’t the end of the world, but it does mean you have some room for improvement. It also means you probably won’t be able to qualify for the top rewards credit cards and travel credit cards.
Before you pick a credit card, we suggest checking your credit report for free with the major credit bureaus or through a credit card that offers free access to your credit score. This will give you a good idea of where you stand and which credit cards you may be able to qualify for.
If your credit score is indeed in this range, here are some of the top cards for average credit to consider.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Best no annual fee credit card for fair credit: Capital One Platinum Card
Best cash back credit card for fair credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne
Best credit card for students: Discover it Student Cash Back
Best credit card to build credit: Petal 2 Visa
Best business credit card for fair credit: Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Compare the best credit cards for fair or average credit
Capital One Platinum credit card
If you’re looking for a basic credit card you can use to build your credit score up, consider the Capital One® Platinum Credit Card. This card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, although you may have to start things off with a fairly low credit limit. Fortunately, Capital One promises to consider increasing your credit limit on this card when you make six months of on-time payments in a row.
You won’t earn any rewards with this card and there aren’t a lot of perks. For the most part, you should consider this card if you want a way to build credit and start building positive credit habits without paying an annual fee.
Read our review of the Capital One Platinum credit card for more info.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards card
If you have average credit but want to start earning cash back on all your purchases, check out the Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card.
This card doesn’t offer an initial sign-up bonus, but you do earn a flat 1.5% back for each dollar you spend and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. There’s a Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card annual fee as well, but you won’t pay any foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made abroad.
Opening and using credit cards responsibly can actually improve your credit score as long as you pay your card off on time and in full each month.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
If you’re a student with average credit and you want to build your credit history while earning cash back on all your purchases, consider the Discover it® Student Cash Back. This card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, yet you can earn rewards for each dollar you spend.
For starters, when you enroll, you’ll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases in Discover’s rotating categories that change every quarter (then 1%). You’ll also earn 1% back on everything else you buy Discover It Cashback rotation. For new card members, Discover will match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year.
Other major benefits include a free look at your FICO score. This card also comes with no late payment fee on your first late payment, and no over-the-limit fees. To learn more, read our review of the Discover it Student Cash Back card.
Petal 2 Visa
The Petal Visa (card issued by WebBank, Member FDIC) is interesting because it’s actually made for people who need help building their credit and want some perks along the way. This card comes with no annual fee, no late fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no other fees (APRs are a 12.99% – 23.99% variable APR). You’ll also get access to a handy mobile app that helps you manage your payments and track your credit progress while you build positive money management habits.
On the rewards side of the equation, you’ll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. After six on-time monthly payments, cash back increases to 1.25% and after 12 on-time monthly payments, cash back grows to 1.5%. Your credit limit can be as high as $10,000, based on your credit profile, so this card can help you build credit while you keep your utilization low.
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Finally, don’t forget that it’s possible to get a credit card for your small business with just “average” credit. The Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business is a good option because it comes with no annual fee and you’ll earn 1% back on everything you buy. You’ll also get free employee cards, which means you can earn rewards and qualify for consumer protections on purchases your employees make.
This card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees, and you’ll qualify for cardholder benefits that include travel and emergency assistance services, secondary auto rental coverage, purchase protection against damage or theft, and extended warranties on eligible items that come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
How we chose the best credit cards for average or fair credit
We evaluated credit cards for those with a fair or average credit score by looking at several factors:
Annual fee — Some credit cards geared to folks with lower credit scores tack on an annual fee. We didn’t include any of them here.Earning potential — Does the card earn rewards, and if so, are there bonus categories or a competitive rewards rate?Ease of use — Are there hoops to jump through or restrictions to be aware of, and is the card’s rewards program easy to navigate?Options for various types of consumers — We selected a variety of cards that appeal to different types of users, from students and those new to credit to folks who want to earn cash back and access additional benefits.
Credit cards for fair or average credit frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When your credit is just “average,” you know you have some work to do. Here are some additional questions and answers that can help you get the most out of your new credit card:
How do you build credit with a credit card?
To build credit with a credit card, you should use your card for regular purchases like gas and groceries, then pay your bill early or on time each month. As you use credit this way, your responsible use will be reported to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, who should be able to use that information to increase your score over time.
If you’re brand new to credit, check out Insider’s step-by-step guide on how to apply for a credit card.
Which fees should you be aware of?
Credit cards can come with an array of fees, ranging from annual fees to application fees, foreign transaction fees, late fees, returned payment fees, and over-the-limit fees. We suggest reading over each card’s terms and conditions before you apply so you know which fees you might be required to pay.
How do you know when your credit score has improved?
Credit cards for average credit can help you improve your credit score provided you avoid racking up too much debt and you always pay your credit card bill early or on time. You can monitor your credit score for free with all three major credit bureaus — and because of the pandemic, you can do so once a week through April 2022.
Some credit cards for average credit, including the Capital One® Platinum Credit Card, give you access to your credit score and credit-building tools just for being a cardholder.
How do you avoid credit card interest?
Credit card interest is charged on your balance if you do not pay your credit card bill in full each month. To avoid interest on your purchases, charge only what you can afford to pay off each month and pay your bill early or on time.
Is earning rewards worth it?
Earning rewards with a credit card is only worth it if you are able to pay your balance in full each month. With credit cards for average credit charging APRs over 20%, earning 1% to 2% back on your purchases won’t leave you ahead.
You should only pursue rewards with a credit card if you are entirely certain you can pay your bill in full each month and avoid debt for the long haul.
How do you apply for a credit card?
There are several different ways to apply for a credit card, including online, by phone, by mail, through the bank’s app, or in person at a branch.
No matter how you apply, you should have an idea of your credit score beforehand to be sure you have a chance of qualifying. In your application, you’ll be asked for personal details like your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and income.
Does Chase have a credit card for fair credit?
Chase doesn’t offer credit cards specifically for fair or average credit, but it does have the Chase Freedom® Student credit card, which can be easier to get approved for with a limited credit history. This is a good choice if you want to start building a relationship with Chase and later want to open valuable Chase rewards cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, when your credit score improves.
You can find out more in our Chase Freedom Student card review