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: 1/5/2009
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 Cash Back Credit Card
Capital One® No Hassle Cash(SM) Rewards
- Get a 25% annual bonus on the cash you earn during the year
- 1% cash back on every purchase
- Buy what you've been dreaming of and pay no interest until June 2009
- There's no limit to the cash back you can earn, and your cash rewards won't expire
- Redeem cash whenever you want
Why we recommend it...
This card has a moderate annual fee, but it is the only card to provide cash back benefits for this credit range. More importantly, credit scores as low as 528 have been approved. It's also been reported that Capital One has a credit line increase program after only three months of good payment history.
Pros:
- Good Benefits (Cash Back and Intro APR)
- Credit Line Increase Program
Cons:
- Approval is Not Guaranteed
- High Ongoing APR
Credit Score Approval Data*
Average Credit Score Approved for this Card
Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card
Best Fair Credit Credit Card
Capital One® No Hassle Points(SM) Rewards
- 5 points per dollar spent at gas stations, major grocery and drug stores
- 1 point for every dollar spent on other purchases
- There is no limit to the points you can earn, and your points won't expire for the life of your account
- Buy what you've been dreaming of and pay no interest until June 2009
Why we recommend it...
This Capital One card has the same rates and terms as the cash back one above. The major difference is that this card has rewards as a benefit rather than cash back. We have consistently recommended these cards for the low credit score requirements for fair credit consumers.
Pros:
- Rewards Program
- Low APR and Fees
Cons:
- $29 Annual Fee
Credit Score Approval Data*
Average Credit Score Approved for this Card
Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card
* 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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