Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
According to myFICO.com, an average FICO score is any score that falls between 580 to 669 on a 300 to 850 scale. FICO scores below the “fair” range are generally considered “poor,” while scores above that range are considered good, very good, or exceptional depending on how high they are. Having a fair credit score isn’t the end of the world, but it does mean you have some room for improvement. It also means you probably won’t be able to qualify for the top rewards credit cards and travel credit cards.
Compare credit cards for average credit
Best no annual fee credit card for fair credit
Best cash back credit card for fair credit
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Best credit card for students
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Best credit card to build credit
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Before you pick a credit card, we suggest checking your credit report for free with the major credit bureaus or through a credit card that offers free access to your credit score. This will give you a good idea of where you stand and which credit cards you may be able to qualify for.
If your credit score is indeed in this range, here are some of the top cards for average credit to consider.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Compare the best credit cards for fair or average credit
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Card Details
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Card Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Fair/New to Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular APR
15.24% – 24.24% Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Rewards
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Rewards
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Card Details
Rewards
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Recommended Credit
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Regular APR
15.24% – 29.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
On Capital One®️’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Capital One Platinum credit card
If you’re looking for a basic credit card you can use to build your credit score up, consider the Capital One Platinum Credit Card. This card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, although you may have to start things off with a fairly low credit limit. Fortunately, Capital One promises to consider increasing your credit limit on this card when you make six months of on-time payments in a row.
You won’t earn any rewards with this card and there aren’t a lot of perks. For the most part, you should consider this card if you want a way to build credit and start building positive credit habits without paying an annual fee.
Read our review of the Capital One Platinum credit card for more info.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards card
If you have average credit but want to start earning cash back on all your purchases, check out the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
This card doesn’t offer an initial sign-up bonus, but you do earn a flat 1.5% back for each dollar you spend and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. There’s a $39 annual fee as well, but you won’t pay any foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made abroad.
Here’s our Capital One QuicksilverOne card review with all the details.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
If you’re a student with average credit and you want to build your credit history while earning cash back on all your purchases, consider the Discover it® Student Cash Back. This card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, yet you can earn rewards for each dollar you spend.
For starters, when you enroll, you’ll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases in Discover’s rotating categories that change every quarter (then 1%). You’ll also earn 1% back on everything else you buy (from July 1 to September 30, 2022, you can earn 5% cash back at restaurants and PayPal on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). For new card members, Discover will match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year.
Other major benefits include a free look at your FICO score. This card also comes with no late payment fee on your first late payment, and no over-the-limit fees. To learn more, read our review of the Discover it Student Cash Back card.
Petal 2 Visa
The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card (card issued by WebBank) is interesting because it’s actually made for people who need help building their credit and want some perks along the way. This card comes with no annual fee, no late fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no other fees (APRs are a 15.24% – 29.24% Variable). You’ll also get access to a handy mobile app that helps you manage your payments and track your credit progress while you build positive money management habits.
On the rewards side of the equation, you’ll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. After six on-time monthly payments, cash back increases to 1.25% and after 12 on-time monthly payments, cash back grows to 1.5%. Your credit limit can be as high as $10,000, based on your credit profile, so this card can help you build credit while you keep your utilization low.
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Finally, don’t forget that it’s possible to get a credit card for your small business with just “average” credit. The Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
is a good option because it comes with no annual fee and you’ll earn 1% back on everything you buy. You’ll also get free employee cards, which means you can earn rewards and qualify for consumer protection on purchases your employees make.
This card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees, and you’ll qualify for cardholder benefits that include travel and emergency assistance services, secondary auto rental coverage, purchase protection against damage or theft, and extended warranties on eligible items that come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Credit cards for fair or average credit frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When your credit is just “average,” you know you have some work to do. Here are some additional questions and answers that can help you get the most out of your new credit card:
Credit cards can come with an array of fees, ranging from annual fees to application fees, foreign transaction fees, late fees, returned payment fees, and over-the-limit fees. We suggest reading over each card’s terms and conditions before you apply so you know which fees you might be required to pay.
Credit cards for average credit can help you improve your credit score provided you avoid racking up too much debt and you always pay your credit card bill early or on time. You can monitor your credit score for free with all three major credit bureaus — and because of the pandemic, you can do so once a week through April 2022.
Some credit cards for average credit, including the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, give you access to your credit score and credit-building tools just for being a cardholder.
Earning rewards with a credit card is only worth it if you are able to pay your balance in full each month. With credit cards for average credit charging APRs over 20%, earning 1% to 2% back on your purchases won’t leave you ahead.
You should only pursue rewards with a credit card if you are entirely certain you can pay your bill in full each month and avoid debt for the long haul.
There are several different ways to apply for a credit card, including online, by phone, by mail, through the bank’s app, or in person at a branch.
No matter how you apply, you should have an idea of your credit score beforehand to be sure you have a chance of qualifying. In your application, you’ll be asked for personal details like your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and income.
Currently, American Express doesn’t offer a credit card for fair or average credit as most Amex credit cards require you to have at least a good credit score (some as high as excellent credit) to qualify. Fortunately, plenty of other banks (like Discover, Petal, and Capital One) provide cards for folks with limited credit history.
Chase doesn’t offer credit cards specifically for fair or average credit, but it does have the Chase Freedom® Student credit card, which can be easier to get approved for with a limited credit history. This is a good choice if you want to start building a relationship with Chase and later want to open valuable Chase rewards cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, when your credit score improves.
You can find out more in our Chase Freedom Student card review.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
According to myFICO.com, an average FICO score is any score that falls between 580 to 669 on a 300 to 850 scale. FICO scores below the “fair” range are generally considered “poor,” while scores above that range are considered good, very good, or exceptional depending on how high they are. Having a fair credit score isn’t the end of the world, but it does mean you have some room for improvement. It also means you probably won’t be able to qualify for the top rewards credit cards and travel credit cards.
Compare credit cards for average credit
Best no annual fee credit card for fair credit
Best cash back credit card for fair credit
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Best credit card for students
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Best credit card to build credit
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Before you pick a credit card, we suggest checking your credit report for free with the major credit bureaus or through a credit card that offers free access to your credit score. This will give you a good idea of where you stand and which credit cards you may be able to qualify for.
If your credit score is indeed in this range, here are some of the top cards for average credit to consider.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Compare the best credit cards for fair or average credit
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Card Details
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Card Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchase
Recommended Credit
Average, Fair and Limited
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Card Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Fair/New to Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular APR
15.24% – 24.24% Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Rewards
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Rewards
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Card Details
Rewards
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants.
Recommended Credit
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Regular APR
15.24% – 29.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
On Capital One®️’s website
Card Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no minimums or expiration date.
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Capital One Platinum credit card
If you’re looking for a basic credit card you can use to build your credit score up, consider the Capital One Platinum Credit Card. This card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, although you may have to start things off with a fairly low credit limit. Fortunately, Capital One promises to consider increasing your credit limit on this card when you make six months of on-time payments in a row.
You won’t earn any rewards with this card and there aren’t a lot of perks. For the most part, you should consider this card if you want a way to build credit and start building positive credit habits without paying an annual fee.
Read our review of the Capital One Platinum credit card for more info.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards card
If you have average credit but want to start earning cash back on all your purchases, check out the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
This card doesn’t offer an initial sign-up bonus, but you do earn a flat 1.5% back for each dollar you spend and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. There’s a $39 annual fee as well, but you won’t pay any foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made abroad.
Here’s our Capital One QuicksilverOne card review with all the details.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
If you’re a student with average credit and you want to build your credit history while earning cash back on all your purchases, consider the Discover it® Student Cash Back. This card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, yet you can earn rewards for each dollar you spend.
For starters, when you enroll, you’ll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases in Discover’s rotating categories that change every quarter (then 1%). You’ll also earn 1% back on everything else you buy (from July 1 to September 30, 2022, you can earn 5% cash back at restaurants and PayPal on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). For new card members, Discover will match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year.
Other major benefits include a free look at your FICO score. This card also comes with no late payment fee on your first late payment, and no over-the-limit fees. To learn more, read our review of the Discover it Student Cash Back card.
Petal 2 Visa
The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card (card issued by WebBank) is interesting because it’s actually made for people who need help building their credit and want some perks along the way. This card comes with no annual fee, no late fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no other fees (APRs are a 15.24% – 29.24% Variable). You’ll also get access to a handy mobile app that helps you manage your payments and track your credit progress while you build positive money management habits.
On the rewards side of the equation, you’ll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. After six on-time monthly payments, cash back increases to 1.25% and after 12 on-time monthly payments, cash back grows to 1.5%. Your credit limit can be as high as $10,000, based on your credit profile, so this card can help you build credit while you keep your utilization low.
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Finally, don’t forget that it’s possible to get a credit card for your small business with just “average” credit. The Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
is a good option because it comes with no annual fee and you’ll earn 1% back on everything you buy. You’ll also get free employee cards, which means you can earn rewards and qualify for consumer protection on purchases your employees make.
This card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees, and you’ll qualify for cardholder benefits that include travel and emergency assistance services, secondary auto rental coverage, purchase protection against damage or theft, and extended warranties on eligible items that come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Credit cards for fair or average credit frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When your credit is just “average,” you know you have some work to do. Here are some additional questions and answers that can help you get the most out of your new credit card:
Credit cards can come with an array of fees, ranging from annual fees to application fees, foreign transaction fees, late fees, returned payment fees, and over-the-limit fees. We suggest reading over each card’s terms and conditions before you apply so you know which fees you might be required to pay.
Credit cards for average credit can help you improve your credit score provided you avoid racking up too much debt and you always pay your credit card bill early or on time. You can monitor your credit score for free with all three major credit bureaus — and because of the pandemic, you can do so once a week through April 2022.
Some credit cards for average credit, including the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, give you access to your credit score and credit-building tools just for being a cardholder.
Earning rewards with a credit card is only worth it if you are able to pay your balance in full each month. With credit cards for average credit charging APRs over 20%, earning 1% to 2% back on your purchases won’t leave you ahead.
You should only pursue rewards with a credit card if you are entirely certain you can pay your bill in full each month and avoid debt for the long haul.
There are several different ways to apply for a credit card, including online, by phone, by mail, through the bank’s app, or in person at a branch.
No matter how you apply, you should have an idea of your credit score beforehand to be sure you have a chance of qualifying. In your application, you’ll be asked for personal details like your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, and income.
Currently, American Express doesn’t offer a credit card for fair or average credit as most Amex credit cards require you to have at least a good credit score (some as high as excellent credit) to qualify. Fortunately, plenty of other banks (like Discover, Petal, and Capital One) provide cards for folks with limited credit history.
Chase doesn’t offer credit cards specifically for fair or average credit, but it does have the Chase Freedom® Student credit card, which can be easier to get approved for with a limited credit history. This is a good choice if you want to start building a relationship with Chase and later want to open valuable Chase rewards cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, when your credit score improves.
You can find out more in our Chase Freedom Student card review.