Credit Cards for Fair Credit

Credit Karma Recommended Credit Cards Finding the best credit card can be a difficult task. At Credit Karma, we compare credit cards across dozens of credit card companies to give you the most up to date reviews and recommendations. Our featured credit cards have been declared the best credit cards based on user feedback, credit card interest rates, card benefits, and the way you plan to use the card. As a unique benefit, we also provide user feedback on credit score requirements and credit card limits. All of the reviews are free and you can apply online instantly. Search All Credit Cards

Featured Cards by Credit Score:

Updated: 9/1/2010

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® Classic Platinum

Best Unsecured Credit Card

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Capital One® Classic Platinum Credit Card

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0% Intro APR on all purchases until June 2011
Image Card—personalize your card with an image of your choice
$0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen

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255 Comments| Share| 0 members think this is a good card

Why we recommend it...

Unsecured credit cards for fair credit consumers can often come with hundreds of dollars of hidden fees or exorbitant interest rates. With so many pitfalls about in this credit range, we are happy to recommend the Capital One Classic Platinum Card. Our data shows the consumers with credit scores as low as 516 have been approved in the past for this card. With a low annual fee, reasonable interest rate, and great introductory rate, this card is an excellent option for consumers looking to make the switch to an unsecured card.

Pros:

Unsecured Credit Card
0% Intro Rate
Low Fees and Interest Rate

Cons:

Approval is Not Guaranteed

Credit Score Approval Data †

616

Average Credit Score Approved for this Card

577

Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card

Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards

Best Secured Credit Card

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Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards Credit Card

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An excellent credit card for 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 to remind you of your upcoming payment due date with online enrollment
On-call customer service representatives to assist you with questions or concerns

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390 Comments| Share| 0 members think this is a good card

Why we recommend it...

The Orchard Bank Secured MasterCard is consistently the highest rated secured credit card by Credit Karma users. The Orchard Bank secured credit card has no processing fee and 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%-28.90%, an annual fee of $0 - $74 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 †

593

Average Credit Score Approved for this Card

492

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. These approval metrics are only guidelines and approval is not guaranteed. You can learn more about credit card approval through our in-depth article.