Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit in November 2024

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The best credit cards for fair credit hit the sweet spot between being easy to get and offering great perks. The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is our top pick if you have average credit since it’s a no-annual-fee card that doesn’t require a security deposit. If you’re looking for cash back, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is also available, offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases despite a $39 annual fee.

In selecting the best cards for fair credit, we’ve meticulously analyzed cards based on their accessibility, fees, rewards and credit-building potential. Our picks are grounded in a methodical approach that weighs each card's benefits against the needs of individuals with fair credit.

Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit

We found the best cards available for fair credit scores. Some cards feature no annual fee, while others allow you to earn cash back from your purchases.

*Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Credit CardMoneyGeek RatingAPRAnnual FeeRewards SummaryRecommended Credit
5/ of 5
29.99% variable
$0
No Rewards
580-740 (Fair to Good)
On Issuer's Site
4.6/ of 5
29.99% variable
$39
Earn 1.5–5% cash back
580-740 (Fair to Good)
On Issuer's Site
4.2/ of 5
19.74% - 29.74% variable
$0
Earn 1%–8% cash back
(No Credit History)
On Issuer's Site
3.6/ of 5
19.74% - 29.74% variable
$0
Earn 1.5%–10% cash back
(No Credit History)
On Issuer's Site
4.4/ of 5
29.99% variable
$0
Earn 1.5%–5% cash back
(No Credit History)
On Issuer's Site

Best Cards for Fair Credit by Category

Evaluate your lifestyle and financial goals to find the right card for fair credit. While the cards in this category are limited, you still have plenty of options, whether you're after cash back or minimal fees.

Best No Annual Fee Card for Fair Credit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Platinum Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary
No Rewards
APR
29.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
580-740 (Fair to Good)

Best Cash Back Cards for Fair Credit

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary
Earn 1.5–5% cash back
APR
29.99% variable
Annual Fee
$39
Recommended Credit
580-740 (Fair to Good)
Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card
Credit Card logo for Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary
Earn 1.5% cash back
APR
15.40% -18.00%
Annual Fee
None
Recommended Credit
590-850 (Fair to Excellent)

Best Secured Card for Fair Credit

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary
Earn 1.5%–5% cash back
APR
29.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)

Best Student Card for Fair Credit

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.2/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–8% cash back
APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.6/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Earning
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, e...
APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)
Rewards Summary
Earn 1.5%–10% cash back
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Want to explore options beyond this list? MoneyGeek also ranks the best credit cards for these categories:

More About the Best Cards for Fair Credit

MoneyGeek's top selections for credit cards for fair credit are designed with your financial growth in mind. These cards are easy to get and will allow you to build your credit so you can access cards with better features over time.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum is a no-annual-fee card that offers an automatic credit line increase review in just six months. Although it lacks a cash back program, it’s a great choice if you want a low maintenance card that helps you build your credit.

Credit Card logo for Capital One Platinum Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The QuicksilverOne is one of the few cards for fair credit that offers cash back, letting you earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. However, it comes with a $39 annual fee. If your purchases amount to at least $2,600 per year, you can offset the annual fee using the cash back you earn. It’s a solid choice for folks with fair credit who don’t mind paying an annual fee to get a cash back card.

Credit Card logo for Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards

If you’re a Navy Federal Credit Union member, the Navy Federal cashRewards is a stand-out choice. It offers no annual fee, a $300 welcome bonus and a competitive cash back rate of up to 1.75% on all purchases. You’d be hard-pressed to find a card that can beat its features among credit cards for fair credit.

Credit Card logo for Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
Rates & Fees

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Quicksilver Secured is the easiest card to get among our picks, but it requires a refundable $200 security deposit. Still, it lets you earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases for no annual fee. You can also receive an automatic credit line review six months after opening your account, and it offers a path to an unsecured card through responsible use. If you have fair credit and don’t mind paying a security deposit, the Quicksilver Secured is a solid option.

Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Savor Student is an excellent card for students looking to maximize their spending power while building their credit. It’s a no-annual-fee card that comes with a $50 welcome bonus and 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (all other purchases get 1%).

Credit Card logo for Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.2/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Quicksilver Student is available to students with fair credit. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, a $50 welcome bonus (after you spend $100 in three months) and no annual fee. It’s a straightforward card that’s great for building your credit while earning simple cash back.

Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.6/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

How We Made Our Picks

MoneyGeek evaluated credit cards for fair credit by analyzing key metrics relevant to consumers with fair credit. We considered factors such as recommended credit scores, fees, rewards programs, interest rates, credit-building features and customer satisfaction. Cards that scored well in these areas were rated higher. This comprehensive evaluation helps you find the best credit card for your specific financial needs and goals.

What Is Fair Credit?

Fair credit is a term used to describe FICO scores that fall between 580 and 669. People with fair credit are often considered subprime borrowers, which means they may be subject to higher interest rates on credit cards and loans. This credit score range indicates a credit history that has some issues, such as limited credit history or past late payments.

Credit cards for fair credit help build or rebuild credit profiles and may include features like credit monitoring and financial education. However, they offer fewer benefits compared to cards for higher credit scores. You may also see a lower reward rate or the presence of an annual fee.

Often, choosing a credit card for fair credit means deciding between enjoying no annual fee or having cash back rewards. For example, the Capital One Platinum has no annual fee but doesn’t offer cash back. On the other hand, the QuicksilverOne offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases but has a $39 annual fee.

Student cards and secured cards are also available for individuals with fair credit, but they come with distinct requirements. Student cards require college enrollment, and secured cards require a security deposit.

Types of Cards for Fair Credit

Credit cards for fair credit come in various forms, each with unique features that cater to different financial needs. Here's a look at the main types available:

Category
Description

Cash Back Cards for Fair Credit

These cards return a portion of your spending as cash rewards. For example, a card offering 1.5% cash back gives you effectively $15 for every $1,000 spent.

No Annual Fee Cards for Fair Credit

These cards don’t charge annual fees. They have fewer perks compared to cards that charge annual fees, but they’re attractive for those who prefer a simple and cost-effective credit option.

Secured Cards for Fair Credit

These require a deposit that typically serves as your credit limit. They're a solid choice for building or rebuilding credit, as they often have higher approval odds. They typically don’t have annual fees and may offer cash back.

Student Cards for Fair Credit

Student cards are designed for students and often have no annual fee. These cards help first-time card users learn to manage credit and build a credit history.

Tips for Picking the Best Card for Fair Credit

If you have average credit, choosing the right credit card can significantly impact your financial health. Here are five useful tips to help you make an informed decision:

    creditCardsMagnifyingGlass icon

    Use Prequalification Tools

    Before applying, it helps to know your credit score to understand which cards you qualify for. Many issuers offer prequalification tools that let you check your chances of approval without a hard inquiry. Using these tools helps you avoid unnecessary hits on your credit score and wasting your time on cards that are inaccessible to you.

    annualFee icon

    Consider Annual Fees

    If you're focused on rebuilding your credit, it's better to have a card with no annual fees and no cash back than having to pay annual fees for a low cash back rate. As your credit improves, you'll have opportunities to upgrade to cards with rewarding cash back at no annual fee.

    creditApproved icon

    Look for Credit-Building Features

    Choose a card that reports to the three major credit bureaus and offers tools to help you improve your credit score. Features like free credit score access and financial education resources can be very beneficial.

    signupBonus icon

    Consider a Secured Card if You Can Afford It

    A secured credit card can be an option for people who are having a hard time qualifying for a regular credit card. Secured cards often have no annual fee and can feature cash back rewards, but they require a security deposit.

    metalCard icon

    Find a Secured Card With a Path to an Unsecured Card

    If you’re getting a secured card, look for one that offers a path to upgrade to an unsecured version. This transition can help you build your credit and access better perks and rewards over time.

How a Credit Card Can Improve Your Fair Credit Score

A great sign that you’re wisely managing your credit card is making purchases and then paying off the balance every billing period. This strategy can be an effective way to improve a fair credit score. Here’s how:

  1. 1
    Regular Reporting to Credit Bureaus

    Credit card issuers report your activity to credit bureaus. Consistent on-time payments and responsible use are reflected in your credit report, contributing to a positive credit history.

  2. 2
    Building a Longer Credit History

    The length of your credit history affects your credit score. By maintaining a credit card account in good standing over time, you can extend your credit history, which can positively impact your score.

  3. 3
    Improving Your Credit Utilization Ratio

    Credit utilization, or the ratio of your credit card balance to your credit limit, is a key factor in credit scoring. Keeping your balances low compared to your credit limits can improve your credit utilization ratio, boosting your credit score.

  4. 4
    Opportunity for Credit Line Increases

    With responsible use, you may become eligible for credit line increases. A higher credit limit can further improve your credit utilization ratio as long as you don’t increase your spending proportionately.

  5. 5
    Demonstrating Creditworthiness

    Consistently managing your credit card well shows lenders that you are creditworthy. This can lead to better credit opportunities in the future, such as approval for loans with more favorable terms.

FAQ About the Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit

It may feel challenging to find a credit card that fits your needs and goals if you have fair credit. That’s why we’ve responded to some frequently asked questions about cards for fair credit to help you make an informed decision.

What is 'fair credit'?

Can you earn rewards with fair credit credit cards?

Are there credit cards for fair credit with no annual fee?

What should you look for in a secured credit card?

How can a credit card improve a fair credit score?

What are the typical fees associated with fair credit credit cards?

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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