FEATURED CREDIT CARDS

Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

Mission Lane Visa<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
  • No Annual Fee
  • Fair Credit
  • Enjoy coverage from Visa®.
    *See Card Terms

Indigo® Mastercard® - $1,000 Credit Limit

Indigo<sup>®</sup> Mastercard<sup>®</sup> - $1,000 Credit Limit
  • Get the credit limit you deserve—$1,000 guaranteed if approved
    Rates & Fees

Milestone® Mastercard®

Destiny Mastercard
  • $700 Credit Limit
  • No security deposit
  • Less than perfect credit is ok
    Rates & Fees

A Complete Guide to Credit Cards for Fair Credit

Navigating the world of credit with a fair credit score can feel like a challenge. While your options may not be as plentiful as they are for those with excellent credit, there are plenty of credit cards designed to help you build and improve your credit history. The key is to understand your options, avoid common pitfalls, and use your card strategically. This comprehensive guide will serve as your hub for all things fair credit, helping you find the right card and use it as a tool to move toward a better financial future. For a step-by-step guide to doing your research, read our article on How to Find the Right Card for Fair Credit.

For a broader understanding of how your credit card affects your score, you can explore our article on How Your Credit Card Affects Your Credit Score.

Understanding fair credit: What does it mean for your options?

A fair credit score typically falls within the 580 to 669 FICO score range. This signals to lenders that you have some positive credit history, but also some risk.

  • Better than bad credit: Your options will be significantly better than if you have poor credit, but you may face higher interest rates and lower credit limits than those with a good or excellent score.

  • A transitional stage: Fair credit is often a transitional stage. By using a card responsibly, you can build a stronger credit profile and qualify for better cards and loan terms in the future.

  • Key features to look for in a fair credit credit card

    When you have fair credit, it's important to be strategic about the card you choose. Look for these key features:

  • No annual fee: While some cards for fair credit come with a fee, many excellent options do not. A no-annual-fee card is a great way to avoid unnecessary costs while building credit.

  • Introductory APR offer: Some cards may offer an introductory 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers, which can be a valuable tool if you need to manage existing debt. However, always be mindful of the standard APR after the promotional period ends.

  • Credit limit reviews: Some cards will automatically review your account for credit limit increases after several months of on-time payments. This can help improve your credit utilization ratio.

  • Free credit score access: Many cards offer free access to your credit score, which allows you to track your progress and see how your actions are affecting your credit history.

  • The different types of cards for fair credit

    Depending on your credit profile and financial situation, you can choose from a few different card types.

  • Secured Credit Cards: These cards require a security deposit, which often acts as your credit limit. They are an excellent option for those with limited credit history or who are rebuilding. They are the easiest to get approved for and provide a reliable path to improving your credit score. For a deeper comparison, see our article on Secured vs. Unsecured: The Right Card for Your Fair Credit Score.

  • Unsecured Credit Cards for Fair Credit: These cards do not require a security deposit. They may have higher interest rates and lower credit limits than prime cards, but they can be a great option for those who have moved out of the "poor credit" range.

  • Store Credit Cards: Many retail stores offer credit cards that are easier to qualify for than traditional bank cards. While they can be a good option for building credit, be aware of high-interest rates and that they can only be used at a single retailer.

  • How to use a fair credit card to improve your score

    Using your credit card responsibly is the most important step in moving from fair to good credit. For a detailed, step-by-step plan, read our guide on How to Move from How to Move from Fair to Good Credit: A Strategic Plan.

  • Pay on time, every time: Your payment history is the most important factor in your credit score. Set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date.

  • Keep your credit utilization low: Aim to keep your spending well below your credit limit, ideally under 30%.

  • Consider a credit limit increase: Over time, you may be eligible for a credit limit increase. This can also help lower your utilization ratio.

  • Monitor your credit: Regularly check your credit score and credit reports to track your progress.

  • By choosing the right card and using it wisely, you can move toward a stronger financial future and unlock better credit card offers down the road.

    Related credit card articles

  • How to Move from Fair to Good Credit: A Strategic Plan

  • Secured vs. Unsecured: The Right Card for Your Fair Credit Score

  • How to Find the Right Card for Fair Credit

  • Maximizing Rewards and Benefits with a Fair Credit Card

  • Red Flags to Avoid: Common Pitfalls of Credit Cards for Fair Credit

  • How Your Credit Card Affects Your Credit Score

  • How Many Credit Cards Should You Have? A Guide to Optimizing Your Wallet







  • Found this guide helpful? Bookmark it for future reference as you continue your financial journey!

    Experian Boost: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Your Free Credit Score

    FICO Credit Scores

    A credit score is a number generally between 300-850, based on a statistical analysis of a person's credit files. This score represents the credit worthiness of a person. A credit score is assigned to each individual, to rate how risky a borrower he or she is--the higher the score, the less risk the individual poses to creditors. In most cases, your credit score will determine whether you will be approved for a credit card.

    What is a Credit Score?

    A credit score is a number generally between 300-850, based on a statistical analysis of a person's credit files. This score represents the credit worthiness of a person. A credit score is assigned to each individual, to rate how risky a borrower he or she is--the higher the score, the less risk the individual poses to creditors. In most cases, your credit score will determine whether you will be approved for a credit card.

    Credit Score Facts

    1. Credit Scores range from 300-850, the higher the better.
    2. Most lenders base approval on your credit score.
    3. Higher Scores mean lower payments and better deals.
    4. Higher Scores mean Lower interest rates.
    5. Scores are determined by 5 main categories:
      • Payment History
      • Amounts Owed
      • Length of Credit History
      • Type of Credit Used
      • New Credit

    Note: Credit scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any credit card product.

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    The card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Gettingacreditcard.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Gettingacreditcard.com does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.