Credit Cards for Fair Credit
With fair credit, you have many more credit card options than with poor credit. Finding credit cards for fair credit can be difficult since many credit cards don\'t tell you the credit requirements. If you apply for a credit card for poor credit, then you will end up paying higher interest and fees. If you apply for a credit card for excellent credit, then you run the risk of a decline and a credit inquiry which could lower your credit score. That is why we reviewed credit cards for fair credit and even shared the credit scores of past applicants - to help you find the best credit card. All of the reviews are free, and you can apply for the credit cards online instantly. Search All Credit Cards
Featured Cards by Credit Score
Updated: 11/1/2009
FAIR CREDIT SCORE OF 550-639
Fair credit consumers are on the fence with most credit card issuers. Approvals tend to be based on your credit score and other factors such as income and credit card debt. If approved, most cards come with a small annual fee and a low credit limit. However small the credit limit, this is a great option if you have fair credit and can help you continue to improve your credit score.
Best Secured Credit Card
Public Savings Bank Secured Visa
- 0% APR for purchases for 6 months
- No annual fee. Just a one time fee of $79
- No credit, income or employment requirements
- Reports to all 3 national credit bureaus
- 25 day grace period
Why we recommend it...
Getting a credit card with fair credit is more difficult in this economy. Virtually all credit card companies have increased their credit score requirements to hedge against defaults in this poor economy. For people with fair credit, you may want to consider a secured credit card if you are looking to improve your credit.
When it comes to secured credit cards, the Public Savings Bank Secured Visa looks like a great option. It has a low one time of fee of $79 with no annual fee. It also boast a credit limit based on your deposit up to $25,000. This is a great way to rebuild your credit while gaining the benefits of a credit card.
Pros:
- No Annual Fee
- Builds Credit History
- Convenience of a Visa
Cons:
- Requires a Deposit
- One Time Application Fee
Credit Score Approval Data †
Average Credit Score Approved for this Card
Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card
Discover® Student Card - Clear
- 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants, movies and many more.
- Unlimited cash rewards, automatically
- Up to 20% Cashback Bonus® when you shop online
- Double rewards with more than 100 Cashback Bonus Partners
- Customer Service in less than a minute, anytime you want
Why we recommend it...
As the economy continues to decline, credit cards for fair credit become harder to find. One of the few exceptions are for student credit cards. These cards have all of the features and benefits of traditional cards but come with the lower credit requirements. This Discover Student Card has seen approvals with credit scores in the low 600's.
Pros:
- 0% Interest* on Purchases for 6 Months
- No Annual Fee
- No minimum income or cosigner required
Cons:
- Approval is Not Guaranteed
Credit Score Approval Data †
Average Credit Score Approved for this Card
Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card
* See the online Provider's credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the "Apply Now" button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on Provider's website.
† Credit Karma members have received approvals with these credit scores. We hope this information helps you in your selection. Please note because factors including income, length of credit history, and employment status can affect credit card approval, these are only guidelines and approval is not guaranteed.
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