Credit cards for fair/average scores
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CK Editors’ Tips††: If you have fair or average credit, you’ll probably have the chance to continue to build your credit while also benefitting from rewards and other useful card features. While you likely won’t yet qualify for the most lucrative rewards cards on the market, there are options out there.Read more
What to consider when choosing a credit card for fair credit
It can be difficult to find a credit card when you have fair credit because not all issuers advertise what kind of credit you need to qualify for a particular card. But some do, so watch out for any cards that note fair or average credit as a standard for approval. Otherwise, it may be helpful to find credit marketplaces and articles (like those on Credit Karma) that classify specific cards as right for this credit band — those sources are more likely to rely on accurate information than rumors.
It can be difficult to find a credit card when you have fair credit because not all issuers advertise what kind of credit you need to qualify for a particular card. But some do, so watch out for any cards that note fair or average credit as a standard for approval. Otherwise, it may be helpful to find credit marketplaces and articles (like those on Credit Karma) that classify specific cards as right for this credit band — those sources are more likely to rely on accurate information than rumors.
How we picked the best credit cards for fair credit
Finding a credit card for fair or average credit can feel like a guessing game, so we made our picks from cards that we could confirm were targeted at people with fair credit. Issuers don’t always make this information readily available, so we made our picks from cards that specifically advertise this feature or that allow themselves to be displayed as an option for people with fair credit on Credit Karma’s marketplace. Read more about our methodology for picking the best credit cards.
Jump to editors’ picksFinding a credit card for fair or average credit can feel like a guessing game, so we made our picks from cards that we could confirm were targeted at people with fair credit. Issuers don’t always make this information readily available, so we made our picks from cards that specifically advertise this feature or that allow themselves to be displayed as an option for people with fair credit on Credit Karma’s marketplace. Read more about our methodology for picking the best credit cards.
Milestone® Gold Mastercard®
Regular purchase APR
24.90%Annual fee
$75 the first year; $99 thereafter
Regular purchase APR
24.90%
Annual fee
$75 the first year; $99 thereafter
- Bad credit history? Milestone Mastercard could be for you. With reporting to all three credit bureaus, you can get credit for all of your hard work
- No upfront security deposit required so you can keep more money in your pocket. Plus, gain access to a manageable credit limit with every card
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Regular purchase APR
26.99%*VariableAnnual fee
$0
Regular purchase APR
26.99%* Variable
Annual fee
$0
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Great for building your credit history††
Great for building your credit history††
AvantCard
Regular purchase APR
28.24%*VariableAnnual fee
$39
Regular purchase APR
28.24%* Variable
Annual fee
$39
- Fast and easy application process
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
Great for earning rewards while building credit††
Great for earning rewards while building credit††
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards rate
1.5%Cash backAnnual fee
$39
Rewards rate
1.5% Cash back
Annual fee
$39
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Rewards rate
1%Cash backAnnual fee
$75 for the first year, $99 thereafter
Rewards rate
1% Cash back
Annual fee
$75 for the first year, $99 thereafter
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services, terms apply
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
Great for people working on their credit††
Great for people working on their credit††
Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
Regular purchase APR
24.90%Annual fee
$75 the first year; $99 thereafter
Regular purchase APR
24.90%
Annual fee
$75 the first year; $99 thereafter
- Less than perfect credit? Indigo Mastercard is a great choice! Indigo Card reports to all three major credit bureaus and gives you the chance to establish a consistent payment record!
- Unsecured credit card with no security deposit - keep your cash in your wallet! Plus, affordable monthly payments comes standard on every card
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Rewards rate
1.5%Cash backWelcome bonus
$400Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cash back
Welcome bonus
Earn a $400 bonus on your Upgrade Card after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions within 60 days.*
Annual fee
$0
- $400 bonus on your Upgrade Card after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
Upgrade Card
Regular purchase APR
8.99% - 29.99%Annual fee
$0
Regular purchase APR
8.99% - 29.99%
Annual fee
$0
- Earn a $400 bonus on your Upgrade Card after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- $0 fees - $0 annual fee, $0 activation fees, $0 maintenance fees
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
Rewards rate
1%Cash backAnnual fee
$39
Rewards rate
1% Cash back
Annual fee
$39
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services, terms apply
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card
Min. deposit
$200RefundableRegular purchase APR
19.70%*VariableAnnual fee
$36 the first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
Min. deposit
$200 Refundable
Regular purchase APR
19.70%* Variable
Annual fee
$36 the first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
- Put down $200, which becomes your credit line. Then, if you qualify, double your credit line to $400 without making another deposit.
- Double your $200 credit line by making at least your minimum payment on time each month for the first 7 months your account is open.
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†† The opinions you read here come from our editorial team. Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors' opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when it’s posted.