Getting a credit card with fair credit is possible, but your options are narrower than they are for people with excellent credit
Fair credit typically means a score between 580 and 669, depending on the scoring model. At this range, you won't see the best interest rates or rewards, but you can still find cards designed for people rebuilding their credit history. The key is knowing where to look and what documents you'll need before you start.
Most issuers that accept fair credit fall into two categories: traditional banks offering cards with higher interest rates, and credit-builder cards from smaller lenders or credit unions. Some cards charge an annual fee; others don't. The tradeoff is usually between the fee and the interest rate, or between a lower credit limit and better terms.
Key Takeaways
- Fair credit cards exist at major banks, online lenders, and credit unions, but each has different requirements and fee structures.
- You'll need a government-issued ID, proof of income (usually a recent pay stub or tax return), and your Social Security number to explore.
- Secured cards require a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit, while unsecured cards don't, but unsecured cards for fair credit typically charge annual fees.
- Your credit report will be pulled during the process, so checking it yourself first for errors can improve your chances.
- Approval usually takes three to five business days, and you can check your status online or by phone using your process reference number.
Where to find credit cards that accept fair credit
Start with your own bank or credit union. If you already have a checking or savings account there, they have your income and payment history on file, which can work in your favor. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask whether they offer cards for fair credit. Many regional banks and credit unions have programs specifically for this range.
If your current institution doesn't have an option, search online for "fair credit credit cards" or "credit cards for 600 credit score." Websites like NerdWallet, The Points Guy, and Bankrate let you filter by credit range and see side-by-side comparisons of fees, interest rates, and credit limits. Read the reviews from actual cardholders—they often mention whether approval was straightforward or whether the card arrived quickly.
Capital One, Discover, and Chime are three issuers known for accepting fair credit. Capital One's Platinum card has no annual fee but a higher interest rate. Discover's Secured card requires a deposit but reports to all three credit bureaus. Chime's card is designed for people with limited credit history. None of these is the "best"—it depends on whether you want to avoid a fee, avoid a deposit, or prioritize building credit history.
Secured versus unsecured cards for fair credit
A secured card requires you to put down a cash deposit, usually between $200 and $2,500. That deposit becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other—swipe it, pay the bill—and the deposit stays in a separate account at the bank. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, many issuers will convert it to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
An unsecured card doesn't require a deposit, but the tradeoff is usually a higher interest rate or an annual fee (or both). With fair credit, you're unlikely to find an unsecured card without at least one of these costs. The interest rate on unsecured fair-credit cards typically ranges from 18% to 24%, compared to 15% to 18% for people with good credit.
Choose a secured card if you have the cash available and want to avoid an annual fee. Choose an unsecured card if you don't have $200 to $500 to set aside, or if you want to start building credit when ready without waiting for a conversion. Either way, the goal is the same: make small purchases, pay the full balance on time every month, and watch your credit score climb.
Documents and information you'll need to explore
Have these items ready before you start an process:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of income—a recent pay stub (last 30 days), tax return from the past two years, or a bank statement showing regular deposits
- Your current address and phone number
- Employment information (employer name, how long you've worked there)
If you're self-employed or have irregular income, a tax return is stronger proof than a single pay stub. If you don't have recent income documentation, some issuers will accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your position and salary.
Before you explore, pull your own credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com (the only free, official source). Look for errors—wrong addresses, accounts you didn't open, or payments marked late that you made on time. If you find errors, dispute them with the credit bureau before you explore. Fixing even one error can move your score up a few points.
The process process and what happens next
Most applications take 10 to 15 minutes online. You'll enter your personal information, income, and employment details. The issuer will then pull your credit report—this is called a hard inquiry and it will temporarily lower your score by a few points. This is normal and expected.
After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation page with a reference number. Write this down. The issuer will review your process, usually within three to five business days. Some issuers give you an when ready decision; others take longer.
You can check your status by logging into the issuer's website (they'll give you a temporary login) or by calling the number on your confirmation email. If you're approved, the card will ship within 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, you'll receive a letter explaining why—usually because your score is lower than their minimum, or because you have too many recent inquiries or accounts.
How to use your new card to build credit
Getting approved is only the first step. How you use the card determines whether your credit score goes up or down. The most important rule: pay your full balance on time, every month. Even one late payment will hurt your score and may trigger a higher interest rate.
Keep your balance low—ideally below 30% of your credit limit. If your limit is $500, try not to carry more than $150 in charges at any time. This ratio, called credit utilization, makes up about 30% of your credit score. High utilization signals to lenders that you're relying too heavily on credit.
Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum due. Better yet, set up automatic full-balance payments so you never miss a important date. Most issuers let you do this through their online portal or mobile app.
What to do if you're denied
Denial doesn't mean you can't get a card. It means you were denied by that particular issuer. Different lenders have different thresholds. If you're denied, ask the issuer for the specific reason—your credit score, your income, the number of recent inquiries, or something else. This information helps you decide your next move.
If your score is the issue, wait three to six months, focus on paying all bills on time, and try again. Each on-time payment adds points to your score. If your income is the issue, you may need to provide additional documentation or wait until you've been in your current job longer.
Don't explore to multiple cards in a short period. Each process triggers a hard inquiry, and multiple inquiries in a few weeks can lower your score and make you look like a credit risk. Space applications out by at least three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will explore for a credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only temporarily. The hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points for about three months. However, if you're approved and use the card responsibly, your score will recover and then climb as you build a positive payment history. The long-term benefit outweighs the short-term dip.
Can I get a credit card if I have no credit history?
Yes. A secured card is your best option. Because you're putting down a deposit, the issuer has less risk. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, you can convert to an unsecured card. Some issuers also offer cards specifically for people with limited or no credit history.
What's the difference between a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry?
A hard inquiry happens when you explore for credit and the lender pulls your full report. It lowers your score slightly and stays on your report for two years. A soft inquiry happens when you check your own credit or when a company pre-screens you for offers. Soft inquiries don't affect your score and aren't visible to other lenders.
How long does it take to improve my credit score after getting a card?
You'll see movement within three to six months of on-time payments. Your score may jump 20 to 50 points in the first year if you keep your balance low and never miss a payment. The longer your positive history, the more your score climbs.
Should I get a secured card or an unsecured card?
Get a secured card if you have $200 to $500 available and want to avoid an annual fee. Get an unsecured card if you don't have that cash or want to start building credit without a deposit. Both work—the choice depends on your situation and what fees you're willing to pay.