With responsible use, the right fair credit credit cards can help you move your average credit score into the excellent range and open up even more options for rewards, perks, and features.
You obviously want excellent terms for your credit cards for average credit, but, unfortunately, your credit score doesn’t quite make it into the “excellent” range (yet!). These days, credit scores dictate most offers from reputable lending institutions, with a few tiered categories: excellent, good, fair/average, and poor/bad/limited/no credit. If you fall into the fair/average range, don’t give up hope on getting a decent credit card!
There are some superb options out there, and with responsible use, you could do some good for your score overall and soon find yourself qualifying for even better offers. Here are CardRatings’ picks for the top credit cards for average credit.
Frequently asked questions about fair credit credit cards
What is fair credit?
“Fair credit” refers to a specific range within credit scoring models, indicating a moderate level of creditworthiness. The exact score range considered “fair” can vary depending on the scoring model used.
- FICO Scores: FICO, a widely used credit scoring model by many lenders, generally considers a score between 580 and 669 to be “fair.” As of April 2025, the national average U.S. FICO Score stood at 715. This marks a slight decline from earlier in 2025 and 2024, partly attributed to factors like the resumption of federal student loan delinquency reporting.
- VantageScore: VantageScore, another popular credit scoring model developed by the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), typically defines a “fair” score (often referred to as “near prime”) as being between 601 and 660. As of March 2025, the average VantageScore credit score increased to 702.
While the average credit score in the United States often falls into the “good” category, having a fair credit score means you still have options for financial products, though you may not qualify for the absolute best rates or terms.
➤ SEE MORE:VantageScore vs. FICO® Score
Can I get a credit card with fair credit?
Yes, you can get a credit card with fair credit. While you might not initially qualify for premium rewards or travel cards, there are numerous suitable options available to help you build your credit history.
If your fair credit score is on the lower end of the spectrum, a secured credit card might be a good starting point. These cards typically require a security deposit, which often matches your credit limit. Although this may seem like a drawback, a secured card is an effective tool for improving your credit score, paving the way for more desirable card offers in the future.
For many individuals with fair credit, unsecured credit cards (which do not require a deposit) are also an option. Some of these cards are tailored for specific demographics, like students, while others offer broad benefits. You may even find some rewards-earning credit cards available for fair or average credit.
It’s important to be aware that credit cards for fair credit may sometimes come with annual fees or higher interest rates. While it’s always advisable to pay off your balance in full each month, if you anticipate carrying a balance, you might consider looking for cards that offer an introductory 0% APR period.
How can a credit card help you improve your fair credit?
A credit card can be a powerful tool for improving fair credit, but its effectiveness hinges entirely on responsible use. Whether your fair credit stems from a limited credit history or past payment challenges, a credit card offers specific avenues to build a stronger financial profile.
One of the most significant ways a credit card helps is by establishing a positive payment history. Payment history is a major factor in credit scoring models. By consistently making on-time payments, you demonstrate reliability to lenders, which can significantly boost your score over time.
For individuals with high existing credit card balances, adding a new card can also positively impact your credit utilization ratio. This ratio measures how much of your available credit you’re currently using. Ideally, you want to keep this percentage low, typically below 30%. If you’re currently above that, a new credit card with an additional credit line can lower your overall utilization, provided you don’t accumulate new debt on the fresh account.
To truly benefit from your new credit card, responsible usage is paramount. This means only charging what you can comfortably afford to pay off, and crucially, making your payments in full and on time every single month. Consistent good habits will be reported to the credit bureaus, leading to a steady improvement in your fair credit score.
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.
