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
Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards
- 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
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 7.9%, an annual fee of $35 that is waived the first year, and no processing fee for people with poor or no credit. The minimum security deposit is $200
Pros:
- No Process Fee. Annual Fee Waive Year One
- Builds Credit History
- Upgrades to Unsecured Credit Card
Cons:
- Requires a $200 Deposit
Credit Score Approval Data †
Average Credit Score Approved for this Card
Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card
Best Guaranteed Approval 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
* 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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