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Choosing Credit Cards for Fair Credit

5 min read

Published August 21, 2024

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

A fair credit score falls between 580 and 669 on the FICO scoring scale.
The best credit card for you depends on your priorities. You may want to consider factors like interest rates and rewards.
With responsible card usage, you can build your credit.

If you’ve missed a few payments or accrued some credit card debt, you may have a “fair” credit score. According to FICO^®, a fair credit score falls in the range of 580 to 669. You may not qualify for the best credit rates or terms with a score in this range. However, having fair credit doesn’t mean you have to settle for the most basic credit cards. You could still find a card that helps your score and earns rewards.

How to choose a credit card for fair credit

Your financial priorities can help you choose the right credit card. Maybe you want to stay on top of your credit score. In that case, a secured credit card may be the best fit.

Secured credit cards can build credit history and help credit scores. To open a secured credit card, you send your issuer a security deposit. The deposit amount typically is equal to your credit limit.

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You can use a secured credit card to make eligible purchases within your credit limit, just like any other credit card. If you miss payments, your issuer may use your deposit to cover the balance and close your account. On the other hand, making on-time payments and keeping your balance low may influence your score. After months of responsible use, your card issuer may upgrade you to an unsecured card.

How you use the credit card may affect which card you choose

Your typical credit habits can help you choose the best card features for you.

If you tend to carry a balance from month to month, you want to try to avoid a card with a high interest rate. A card with a relatively low interest rate or a card with a 0% introductory APR could save you money in the long run. To avoid owing interest, you can pay off your card in full and on time each month.

If you never or rarely carry a balance, a card’s interest rate may not be a deciding factor. You might instead want a card that allows you to earn miles or cash back as you shop. While a fair credit score may bar you from some rewards cards, you have options. Your spending habits could help you find the best fit. A card that offers cash back in your biggest spending categories, like gas or groceries, could maximize your rewards.

Some credit cards have rotating bonus categories that may fit into certain lifestyles. For example, students may want a student cash back card. The Discover it^® Student Cash Back card lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, you earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases–automatically.

How a new credit card may impact your fair credit score

While it’s better to have fair credit than poor credit, lenders still consider fair credit “subprime.” That means you may not qualify for the best interest rates, spending limits, or rewards programs. Fortunately, a new credit card may help build your credit history.

Credit scoring models determine your score based on your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix. Responsible use of a credit card can help your credit score in many of these areas:

Payment History: If you pay at least the minimum required amount early or on time each month, you could build a positive payment history. Some issuers offer automatic payments, which makes it easier to stay on top of your bill.
Credit Utilization: Your credit utilization ratio is the total amount you owe across all your credit accounts compared to your total available credit. A new credit card increases your available credit, which improves the ratio if you keep your spending in check and maintain low balances.
Credit Mix: If you have a mix of revolving and installment credit accounts, lenders can see that you can handle different types of credit responsibly. If you already have a loan, a credit card could help your credit score by adding revolving credit to the mix.

Did you know?

If you're looking to keep an eye on your score, it can be helpful to have a credit card issuer that provides access to your credit scores for free. With Discover, get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO^® Score and more.²

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While a fair credit score may narrow your options, finding the best card for your financial circumstances is still important. By assessing a card’s interest rates, fees, and rewards, you can make an informed decision. Responsible credit card use could help you stay on top of your score and improve your financial well-being to provide more credit options in the future.

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