Credit Cards for Fair Credit

Credit Karma Recommended Credit Cards 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: 2/1/2012

Fair Credit Score (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.

Capital One® Rewards No Hassle(SM) Cash Credit Card

Best Unsecured Credit Card

  • 2% cash back on gas and groceries
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • BONUS: Get up to 15% more cash back when you shop online at select merchants through Perk Central
  • No limit on the cash you can earn and cash won't expire
  • Redeem cash rewards any time for any amount, even set up automatic redemption
  • 0% intro APR on purchases until November 2012
  • Pick an image for your card—choose the one shown here, any of the hundreds in our collection or add your own

Why we recommend it...

Consumers with fair credit can finally get their hands on great card perks with the Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards. The No Hassle Cash Rewards card offers a cash back program and bonus 0% intro APR. Our data shows that consumers with credit scores as low as 516 have been approved for this card, so you too can benefit from these terrific credit card terms.

The Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards offers 2% cash back on gas and groceries and 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no expiration or earning limit. For the ultimate earning opportunities, cardholders can get up to 15% more cash back at over 300 retailers. Plus, the card has 0% intro APR on purchases until November 2012 to help you save more money on interest.

The Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards has an annual fee of $39. But if you have fair credit and want to score rewards as you build your credit, this card is an excellent option for those looking to make the switch to an unsecured card.

Pros:

  • 2% cash back on gas and groceries, 1% cash back on all purchases
  • 0% intro APR on purchases until November 2012

Cons:

  • Annual fee
Credit Score Approval Data †

612

Average Credit Score Approved for this Card

516

Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card

Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards

Best Credit Card for Building Credit

  • An excellent credit card for help rebuilding credit scores; reports to 3 major credit bureaus monthly!
  • Acceptance at millions of locations worldwide, including website purchases and reservations
  • Your account information is updated and at your fingertips 24/7 so you can manage it your way
  • Email and text messages are available to remind you of your upcoming payment due date
  • On-call customer service representatives to assist you with questions or concerns

Why we recommend it...

The Orchard Bank Secured MasterCard is consistently the highest rated secured credit card by Credit Karma users. The annual fee is waived the first year. It has been reported that Orchard Bank has good customer service. Members have also reported healthy credit limit increases and upgrades to unsecured cards with responsible payment history.

It is important to note that Orchard Bank does have a unique application process. When you apply, Orchard Bank will perform a soft credit inquiry (does not lower credit score) to determine the best product for you. If you have strong credit, they will provide an unsecured card. The secured MasterCard has an APR of 7.90%-19.90%, an annual fee of $0 - $60 for the first year and $35 - $79 per year thereafter, and no processing fee for people with poor or no credit. The minimum security deposit is $200

Pros:

  • No Processing Fee. Annual Fee Waive Year One
  • Builds Credit History
  • Upgrades to Unsecured Credit Card

Cons:

  • Requires a $200 Deposit
Credit Score Approval Data †

599

Average Credit Score Approved for this Card

494

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 the provider's website.

† Credit Karma members have received approvals with these Credit Karma credit scores. These approval metrics are only guidelines and approval is not guaranteed. You can learn more about credit card approval through our in-depth article.

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