Best Credit Cards for Fair or Average Credit of February 2023
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ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best unsecured cards for short credit histories || Best starter cards for no credit || Best rewards credit cards
Credit cards for fair credit, sometimes called "average" credit, are aimed at those in the 630-689 FICO score range. It's an underserved market, so the list of such products is fairly short, and those that do exist lack the big sign-up bonuses you'd get with a card requiring excellent credit. But they may still offer rewards.
These cards can help you if you're just starting out with credit or are working to get back on track. A hallmark of cards for fair credit is high interest rates. That's important to keep in mind as you work to build a positive credit history, especially if you carry a balance.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best unsecured cards for short credit histories || Best starter cards for no credit || Best rewards credit cards
Credit cards for fair credit, sometimes called "average" credit, are aimed at those in the 630-689 FICO score range. It's an underserved market, so the list of such products is fairly short, and those that do exist lack the big sign-up bonuses you'd get with a card requiring excellent credit. But they may still offer rewards.
These cards can help you if you're just starting out with credit or are working to get back on track. A hallmark of cards for fair credit is high interest rates. That's important to keep in mind as you work to build a positive credit history, especially if you carry a balance.
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Best Credit Cards for Fair or Average Credit From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Intro APR | Regular APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Flat-rate cash back | $39 | N/A | 29.74% Variable APR | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Discover it® Student chrome Apply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Rewards for college students | $0 | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months | 17.24%- | Apply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card Apply now on Petal's website | Best for Cash back earned with select merchants | $0 | N/A | 24.49%- | Apply now on Petal's website |
Capital One Platinum Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Simplicity | $0 | N/A | 29.74% Variable APR | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for College students and young adults | $0 | N/A | 29.74% Variable APR | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® Apply now on Upgrade's website | Best for Cash back + flexibility | $0 | N/A | 14.99%- | Apply now on Upgrade's website |
Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card Apply now on Mission Lane's website | Best for Prequalification + up to 1.5% cash back | $0 | N/A | 26.99%- | Apply now on Mission Lane's website |
Prosper® Card Apply now on Prosper's website | Best for Help for 'less than perfect credit' | $0 intro with auto pay, then $39 after first year | N/A | 23.49%- | Apply now on Prosper's website |
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa® Credit Card Apply now on Upgrade's website | Best for Crypto rewards + flexibility | $0 | N/A | 14.99%- | Apply now on Upgrade's website |
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$39
N/A
29.74% Variable APR
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers those with average credit a chance to both earn rewards and, potentially, gain access to a higher credit line.
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers those with average credit a chance to both earn rewards and, potentially, gain access to a higher credit line.
Pros
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a solid ongoing rewards rate: You earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases. (The card also earns 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Terms apply.) You can be automatically considered for a higher credit limit in as little as six months.
Cons
There's a $39 annual fee. You would need to spend $2,600 per year on the card to make that back (not including any 5% travel categories). And unlike some other cash-back cards, it doesn't allow you to boost your rewards earnings with bonus categories.
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
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Our pick for
Rewards for college students
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
$0
0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months
17.24%-26.24% Variable APR
The Discover it® Student chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly bonus categories. You also get a free FICO score, low fees, and forgiveness for your first late payment. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement for this card.
The Discover it® Student chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly bonus categories. You also get a free FICO score, low fees, and forgiveness for your first late payment. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement for this card.
Pros
You earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. (Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your bonus rewards.) The annual fee is $0. There's also Discover's signature bonus for new cardholders.
Cons
Although there's no foreign transaction fee, Discover isn’t as widely accepted abroad as other cards. If you plan to travel internationally, make sure you have a backup plan.
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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
No credit score required to apply.
Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Cash back earned with select merchants
on Petal's website
on Petal's website
$0
N/A
24.49%-33.99% Variable APR
The Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card is a worthy contender for your wallet as you continue building credit. It’s lighter on the fees than some unsecured credit cards for less-than-perfect credit and it offers rewards.
The Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card is a worthy contender for your wallet as you continue building credit. It’s lighter on the fees than some unsecured credit cards for less-than-perfect credit and it offers rewards.
Pros
The Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card, issued by WebBank, is an excellent option for those with less-than-perfect credit. Petal’s algorithm looks beyond credit scores by analyzing your bank information to determine how you manage income, savings and spending. As a result, the card offers a potentially generous credit limit that ranges between $300 and $5,000, depending on eligibility. It also earns up to 10% cash back when you use the card to make purchases with select merchants. The card is well-suited to travel with no foreign transaction fees and the globally accepted Visa network. It can help you build credit since payments are reported to all three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. These companies collect the information used to calculate your credit scores.
Cons
It's possible to find some credit cards that offer decent ongoing rewards on common purchases instead of only with select merchants. Other credit cards may also allow you to change the minimum payment due date to one that better aligns with a direct deposit. The Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card doesn’t offer this option.
$0 Annual Fee.
Variable APRs range from 24.49%-33.99%.
$300 - $5,000 credit limits.
Earn a credit limit increase in as little as 6 months. Terms and conditions apply.
No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead.
2% - 10% cash back at select merchants.
See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
No annual or foreign transaction fees.
Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
Petal's mobile app makes it easy to manage your money, track your spending, and automate payments.
Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
No deposits required.
Card issued by WebBank, Member FDIC.
Our pick for
Simplicity
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
N/A
29.74% Variable APR
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn't offer rewards, as several other cards in the fair-credit category do, but for those looking to strengthen their credit, it's a simple, solid $0-annual-fee option with an incentive for responsible behavior.
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn't offer rewards, as several other cards in the fair-credit category do, but for those looking to strengthen their credit, it's a simple, solid $0-annual-fee option with an incentive for responsible behavior.
Pros
The annual fee is $0. You can be automatically considered for a higher credit limit in as little as six months. You can choose your own due date, which lets you schedule payment for the time of the month that best suits your cash flow. If you do make a late payment, the card doesn't impose a penalty APR. And the card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
Cons
There are no rewards. Plus, the ongoing APR is on the high end at 29.74% Variable APR. That's not an issue if you pay in full every month, but look elsewhere if you expect to carry debt from month to month.
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
Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
Our pick for
College students and young adults
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
N/A
29.74% Variable APR
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One gives you 1% cash back on all your purchases, plus 0.25% back when you make your monthly payment on time, for a total of 1.25% cash back. That's pretty good for a student card.
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One gives you 1% cash back on all your purchases, plus 0.25% back when you make your monthly payment on time, for a total of 1.25% cash back. That's pretty good for a student card.
Pros
The annual fee is $0. With responsible use, you can be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months. You don't have to be a student to apply for the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One, making it a good option for someone with average credit.
Cons
If you've already built good credit, you can probably score a card with higher rewards than this card offers. The ongoing APR is 29.74% Variable APR, which is steep if you plan on carrying a balance.
Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
Pick the monthly due date that works best for you
Pay for Amazon.com purchases using your Capital One rewards
Pay for online purchases with virtual card numbers and keep your actual card number to yourself
Get notified via text, email, and phone if Capital One notices potential suspicious transactions on your account
Build your credit with responsible card use
Our pick for
Cash back + flexibility
on Upgrade's website
on Upgrade's website
$0
N/A
14.99%-29.99% APR
The $0-annual-fee Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® can be an ideal choice if you plan to carry a balance, want the convenience of equal monthly debt repayments and can pre-qualify for a favorable interest rate. It also earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
The $0-annual-fee Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® can be an ideal choice if you plan to carry a balance, want the convenience of equal monthly debt repayments and can pre-qualify for a favorable interest rate. It also earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Pros
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® earns rewards on par with cards for good or excellent credit. And unlike many of those cards, any unpaid balance is automatically converted into an installment loan with a fixed monthly payment. You can also borrow against your credit limit, much like a personal loan. See what terms you'd qualify for without a hard credit inquiry.
Cons
You may qualify for better terms with a traditional personal loan, depending on your financial situation. As of this writing, the card is unavailable to residents of Iowa, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment.
Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan.
$0 annual fee, $0 activation fees, $0 foreign transaction fees
No touch payments with contactless technology built in.
See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score.
Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for.
Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere.
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud liability.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Prequalification + up to 1.5% cash back
on Mission Lane's website
on Mission Lane's website
$0
N/A
26.99%-29.99% Variable APR
The Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card is a great option for people who aren't sure whether their credit is good enough to qualify for a rewards card. The issuer's prequalification process lets you see the offer you're eligible for before you actually apply.
The Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card is a great option for people who aren't sure whether their credit is good enough to qualify for a rewards card. The issuer's prequalification process lets you see the offer you're eligible for before you actually apply.
Pros
Depending on which offer you qualify for, you could get as much as 1.5% cash back on purchases. The annual fee is $0. The issuer automatically reviews your account for potential credit line increases. The prequalification process allows you to check your offer without any effect on your credit score. If you like what you see, you can apply, at which point there will be a "hard" credit pull. If you don't like the offer, walk away with no harm done.
Cons
You might not qualify for 1.5% cash back. You might qualify for less — or no cash back at all. The only way to know exactly what you'll get is to go through prequalification.
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months.
Free, online credit score access for cardholders.
Instant decision on your application.
No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month.
No security deposit required – get started today!
The coverage of Visa®.
Access your account anytime, anywhere with our mobile app.
Our pick for
Help for 'less than perfect credit'
on Prosper's website
on Prosper's website
$0 intro with auto pay, then $39 after first year
N/A
23.49%-34.49% Variable APR
The Prosper® Card doesn't offer rewards, and it charges an annual fee, but the issuer goes out of its way to encourage people with "less than perfect credit" to apply. If you're looking to beef up your credit, it's a decent place to start.
The Prosper® Card doesn't offer rewards, and it charges an annual fee, but the issuer goes out of its way to encourage people with "less than perfect credit" to apply. If you're looking to beef up your credit, it's a decent place to start.
Pros
The Prosper® Card has a prequalification process that lets you see the offer you're eligible for without a "hard" credit check that can ding your scores. (If you go through with applying, then there's a hard check.) Cardholders' accounts are reviewed for a potential credit line increase every three months. And if you're approved, you can begin using your credit line immediately — no need to wait for the physical card.
Cons
There's an annual fee, although you can avoid it in the first year by signing up for autopay before your first statement is issued. The fee is $0 intro with auto pay, then $39 after first year. Prosper also doesn't have other cards to upgrade to once your credit improves, so you either have to keep paying the fee or close the card.
No security deposit required.
$0 first year annual fee with AutoPay.
Instantly access 50% of your credit while your card ships to you.
$0 ATM cash withdrawal fee.
You’ll be reviewed for regular credit line increases.
Zero fraud liability (which offers protection against unauthorized purchases).
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases: 23.49% - 34.49% variable based on Prime Rate.
APR for cash advances: 34.49% variable based on Prime Rate.
Annual Fee: $39 (waived for the first year if you sign up for AutoPay before your first statement).
Minimum interest charge: no less than $1.00 (ME residents no more than $0.50).
Foreign transaction fee: 1% of the transaction amount.
Issued by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC pursuant to a license by Mastercard® International.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Crypto rewards + flexibility
on Upgrade's website
on Upgrade's website
$0
N/A
14.99%-29.99% APR
If you're crypto-crazy, or just crypto-curious, the $0-annual-fee Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa® Credit Card might appeal to you. It earns 1.5% back in the form of Bitcoin when you pay your bill. Like Upgrade's other cards, it works like a combination of a credit card and a personal loan, allowing you to make purchases and then pay down your balance in equal monthly installments at a fixed interest rate.
If you're crypto-crazy, or just crypto-curious, the $0-annual-fee Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa® Credit Card might appeal to you. It earns 1.5% back in the form of Bitcoin when you pay your bill. Like Upgrade's other cards, it works like a combination of a credit card and a personal loan, allowing you to make purchases and then pay down your balance in equal monthly installments at a fixed interest rate.
Pros
The 1.5% rewards rate is on par with that offered by many cards for good or excellent credit. And unlike with those cards, any unpaid balance is automatically converted into an installment loan with a fixed monthly payment. You can also borrow against your credit limit, much like a personal loan. See what terms you'd qualify for without a hard credit inquiry.
Cons
There are some notable restrictions on the Bitcoin rewards you earn, including holding requirements and transaction fees when you sell. You may also qualify for better terms with a traditional personal loan, depending on your financial situation. As of this writing, the card is unavailable to residents of Iowa, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
Earn unlimited 1.5% back in bitcoin rewards after you make payments on your purchases.
The simple way to earn bitcoin: make purchases on your card, make payments, earn bitcoin.
No annual fees, no foreign transactions fees.
Get pre-approved in seconds with no impact to your credit score.
Pay with your phone or device by using Apple Pay® or Google Pay™.
Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere.
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud liability.
- View Rates & Fees
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR FAIR OR AVERAGE CREDIT
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back
This card for people with fair or "average" credit pays the same cash-back rate as the regular Quicksilver card, which targets people with excellent credit. The key difference is that this version charges an annual fee while the regular one does not. Read our review.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Our pick for: Cash back + flexibility
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Crypto rewards + flexibility
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Our pick for: Simplicity
You don't get rewards with the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, or a sign-up bonus or a 0% period. But if you've got fair credit and you need a card you can use to build credit without paying an annual fee, it's definitely worth a look. Read our review.
Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Cash back with select merchants
Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Prequalification + up to 1.5% cash back
Prosper® Card
Our pick for: Help for 'less than perfect credit'
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
Our pick for: College students and young adults
The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One gives newcomers to credit a powerful incentive to develop responsible habits. You earn cash back on every purchase, but when you pay your bill on time, the cash-back rate for that month gets a boost. Read our review.
Discover it® Student chrome
Our pick for: Rewards for college students
Simplicity makes the Discover it® Student chrome a standout for students searching for their first credit card. You'll earn bonus cash back at restaurants and gas stations with no activation required and no rotating categories to keep track of. Read our review.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
Our pick for: Small business
• • •
OTHER RESOURCES
By Kenley Young, NerdWallet
What is considered fair or average credit?
Fair credit, also referred to as "average" credit, is a step up from bad credit but a notch below good credit. It typically means your credit scores fall in the range of 630-689 on a scale that runs from 300 to 850.
Credit scores indicate your level of risk to potential lenders and are based on several factors, including your payment history, the amount of available credit that you’re using, how long you’ve had credit, and more.
There are good credit cards designed for people with fair credit, but you're unlikely to get approved for the best credit cards until you can improve your credit.
Get your credit score for free
You can see and track your credit score for free through NerdWallet. Get started with your free credit score.
How a credit card helps you improve fair credit
Credit cards for fair or average credit can help you move up to good or excellent credit when you use them responsibly. The card issuer reports details about your account to the major credit bureaus, which compile the credit reports that form the basis of your credit scores. This reporting affects key elements of your scores:
Payment history. Payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score, so it's essential to pay your bill on time every month. Doing so also avoids costly late fees. If possible, pay off your balance in full each month. When you pay in full, you don't get charged interest — and cards for fair credit tend to have high interest rates.
Credit utilization. The second-largest factor in your scores, credit utilization is the amount you owe as a percentage of your available credit. (For example, if you have a $500 credit limit and a $200 balance, then your credit utilization is 40%.) The lower your utilization, the better; 30% or below is a good benchmark. Paying in full every month also helps keep utilization in check.
Credit mix. Credit scoring formulas tend to reward people who show that they can handle different kinds of credit. Ideally, you’ll have both installment loans (loans that require a specific number of equal payments, like a mortgage or auto loan), as well as revolving accounts (where the balance goes up and down, like with credit cards).
Length of credit history. Credit scores also take into account how long you've been using credit, so the sooner you can find the right card, the better. And if you already have a long-serving credit account, keep it open and active.
Recent credit applications. When you apply for new credit, it's not uncommon to see your scores dip, at least temporarily.
What to know before applying for a credit card
Apply for the right card for your score
Before applying for a credit card, it’s important to know your credit score. You increase your odds of approval when you apply for a card tailored for your score range. (You can see and track your score for free through NerdWallet.) An average credit score won’t be enough to qualify for some cards, and a rejection letter can hurt more than just your feelings.
A credit card application usually triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. A single "hard pull" can cause a temporary dip in your scores, but if you're continually applying for the wrong cards and being rejected, the damage can be much worse. You want your scores to go up, not down.
Rejection stings, but you can learn from it
If you’re rejected for a credit card, the first thing to do is determine why. Banks are required to notify you if you were denied because of information in your credit report. Review that notice, then review your credit report to make sure there are no inaccuracies, and then do the same for the card application you submitted. At that point, you’ll probably have a good sense of why you were rejected.
If you feel you have a case, you can contact the issuer and ask for reconsideration. If you still aren’t approved, it may be a sign you need to work on your credit scores before applying again. Six months is a good rule of thumb.
Once you’ve zeroed in on a credit card for fair or average credit, make sure you understand any fees it might charge: annual fees, balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, late-payment fees, etc. Many fees are avoidable, especially if you use the card responsibly.
How to choose a credit card for fair credit
When comparing credit cards for fair credit, look for some or all of these features:
Reports to the major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion are the three major bureaus that compile the credit reports that inform your credit scores. Make sure the card you’re considering reports to at least one but ideally all three of these companies. This ensures that your on-time payments and other responsible credit habits will be recorded.
Low or no fees: An annual fee can make sense if the card offers enough rewards and benefits to outstrip the cost of carrying it. The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, for example, charges an annual fee of $39. But it also earns rewards, gives you a tool to monitor your credit profile, and offers the possibility of a higher credit line after making your first five monthly on-time payments. If your credit is at least fair, you can find cards that charge no annual fee at all.
Free credit score: As you work to push your scores into the good-to-excellent range, it’s important that you’re able to track how you’re doing. Many major issuers offer free access to your scores, available once you sign in to your account, along with other budgeting and education tools.
Rewards: Rewards aren’t necessarily a must for credit cards for fair credit, but they are within reach at this range. Some rewards-earning options are listed above. If you can find a card that pays rewards while also providing a steppingstone from average credit to good or excellent credit, it’s a win-win.
An eventual upgrade path: Ideally, you won’t be stuck in the “fair credit score” range forever, so look for a card that offers a route to improved terms. With the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, you’ll have the potential to gain access to a higher credit line. Or you can plan to request a product change from your issuer on your own eventually. With a product change, you’re not applying for a new account; you’re seeking an upgrade to the one you’ve already got. Therefore, you typically don’t have to worry about a hard pull on your credit report. You’ll also usually keep the same account, often with the same card number, so there’s no loss of credit history length.
What to avoid with credit cards for fair credit
Try not to carry a balance: Interest rates on credit cards for average credit tend to be on the high side. You’ll want pay your bill in full each month to avoid paying interest, which can get expensive and will eat into any rewards your card might earn. Making only the minimum payment keeps you in debt longer and could ultimately drag down your credit scores.
Don’t pay late: Make at least the minimum payment, and do so on time each month. If you’re a few days late, you’ll likely owe a late fee. If you’re more than 30 days late, it can start to affect your credit scores.
Don’t settle: With fair credit, you won’t be eligible for the highest-end credit cards — but good cards are still available at this level. Some offer rewards, perks, upgrade paths and even 0% introductory APR periods.
Last updated on February 21, 2023
Methodology
NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards for fair or average credit based on overall value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation include annual and other fees, interest rates, whether a card offers upgrade options, the availability of free credit scores and other credit education and tools, reporting to credit bureaus, and other noteworthy features such as a rewards program. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
While there are no universal dividing lines between credit score bands, you can generally think of "fair credit" — aka "average credit" — as having credit scores in the range of 630 to 689. (The typical credit score scale runs from 300 at the low end to a maximum of 850.)
The terms "fair credit" and "average credit" are used more or less interchangeably within the credit cards industry to describe scores in the middle ground between good credit and bad credit. It's important to note that definitions of credit score ranges can differ from one card issuer to the next. What one issuer might see as a score on the low end of the fair credit range, another might consider bad credit. Conversely, a higher score that one issuer still sees as fair credit might qualify as good credit to a different issuer. Keep in mind, also, that credit scores are not the only thing that credit card issuers and other lenders look at when evaluating a credit application.
The average FICO credit score in the United States in 2022 was 716, according to the company that manages the FICO scoring model. One the VantageScore scale developed by the credit bureaus, the average score in 2022 was 698.
Both of those numbers are actually a bit higher than the 630-689 range typically used to define "average" credit. That's a big reason why the term "fair credit" is often used to describe scores in the middle ground between bad and good.
