5 Best Cards for a 600 Credit Score

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated August 21, 2025

A credit score around 600 is considered fair, and while premium perks may be out of reach, several credit cards are well-suited to help rebuild or establish a stronger credit history. This article highlights five of the best options designed to support responsible credit use and long-term financial growth.

  • Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

    The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is designed for those with credit scores around 600 or above. It merges features of a credit card and a personal loan, allowing users to pay off purchases in fixed installments.

    This card encourages responsible credit use and helps build credit over time. It has no annual fee, making it easier for users to manage.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
    • Rewards paid every time a payment is made

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn a $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making three debit card purchases.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: $0
    • APR: Fixed, ranging from 14.99% to 29.99% based on creditworthiness
    • Balance transfers: Not supported

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual or foreign transaction fees
    • Flexible payment plans with set monthly installments
    • Cash back rewards tied to payment behavior
    • Helps build credit responsibly

    Redemption Options:
    Cash back rewards can be applied as statement credit or direct deposit, making it easy to use earned rewards.

    Credit Requirements:
    Available to applicants with credit scores around 600 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The APR can be high depending on creditworthiness, and the card does not support balance transfers, which may limit flexibility.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers a simple way to build credit with manageable payments and rewards, making it suitable for those new to credit or with low scores.

  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for people with fair or average credit scores. It provides a straightforward cash back option without complicated rewards programs or tiers.

    This card aims to help users build credit while earning consistent rewards on everyday purchases. It is a solid choice for those who want a simple cash back card and need credit-rebuilding support.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase

    Welcome Bonus:
    There is no widely advertised large welcome bonus for this card, but occasional offers may appear depending on promotions.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $39
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Variable, currently around 29.74%
    • Other perks: Automatic credit line review after six months of on-time payments

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn cash back on all purchases without categories
    • Designed for average-credit applicants
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
    • No expiration on cash back rewards

    Redemption Options:
    Cash back rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or checks. Redemption can be done any time without minimum limits.

    Credit Requirements:
    It is built for consumers with credit scores around 600, often labeled as fair or average credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card has a modest credit limit and a relatively high interest rate. The $39 annual fee may not be ideal for everyone.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It helps build credit with regular use while offering a simple flat-rate cash back reward, making it easy for new cardholders to understand and benefit.

  • Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card

    The Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card is designed for people with fair to poor credit who want to rebuild their credit while earning simple rewards. It emphasizes accessibility and transparency, making it approachable for first-time or recovering credit users.

    The card includes credit monitoring tools and reports to all three major bureaus to support long-term credit improvement.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn a flat cash back rate on all purchases
    • No bonus categories or special limitations

    Welcome Bonus:
    There is no specific welcome bonus offered with this card.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: May apply
    • APR: Variable, 19.99% – 33.99%
    • Other perks: No security deposit required

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build credit without a security deposit
    • Easy-to-understand cash back rewards
    • Access to credit monitoring and educational tools
    • No annual fee, making it low cost

    Redemption Options:
    Cash back rewards are redeemed as a statement credit, making it easy to apply savings directly to the balance.

    Credit Requirements:
    This card is available to people with credit scores around 600 or slightly higher, as it is designed for fair credit users.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Rewards are limited to a flat rate, so it might not offer as much value for higher spenders or those wanting bonus categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers simple rewards and credit-building features without complicated rules, making it a good choice for those new to credit or rebuilding.

  • Capital One Platinum Credit Card

    The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is built for people with fair or rebuilding credit who want a simple way to demonstrate responsible credit use. It does not include rewards but focuses on helping users improve their credit over time.

    This card provides essential features that support gradual progress toward better credit. It’s a solid choice for those starting out or recovering from past credit challenges.

    Earning Structure:

    • No cash back or points rewards

    Welcome Bonus:
    There is no welcome bonus associated with this card.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Variable, currently around 29.74%
    • Other perks: Credit line increase eligibility after six months of on-time payments

    Key Benefits:

    • Simple approval process compared to other cards
    • No fees for adding authorized users
    • Credit building tools and resources available
    • Fraud coverage and account alerts to monitor activity

    Redemption Options:
    Not applicable since the card does not offer rewards or cash back.

    Credit Requirements:
    Typically suited for consumers with credit scores around 600 or lower who are seeking to improve their credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    This card does not earn rewards and may have a lower credit limit initially, so it may not suit those looking for benefits or high spending power.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers an easy way to build credit without annual fees or a security deposit, making it a good choice for those new to credit or with limited credit history.

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card

    The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is designed for people with fair or rebuilding credit scores. It works like a regular credit card but requires a refundable security deposit. This card helps users build credit history through responsible use.

    It has no annual fee and offers features that help cardholders improve their credit. Payments and account use are reported to major credit bureaus.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases
    • Cashback Match: Discover matches all cash back earned after the first year

    Welcome Bonus:
    Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of the first year.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Variable, currently around 27.24%
    • Other perks: Refundable security deposit (minimum $200); monthly credit bureau reporting

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build credit history
    • No annual fee
    • Offers cash back rewards
    • Security deposit is refundable

    Redemption Options:
    Cash back rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:
    It is suitable for people with credit scores between 300 and 629, including those around 600.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Requires a security deposit equal to the credit limit, which may be a barrier for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers a simple way to build credit with no annual fee and rewards, making it a good choice for those new to credit or rebuilding their score.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top secured credit cards for a 600 credit score?

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best secured options for those around a 600 credit score. It requires a refundable deposit and offers rewards, including 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants. It also reports to all three major credit bureaus, making it ideal for building credit responsibly.

Which unsecured credit cards offer instant approval for fair credit?

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card and Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card are unsecured cards designed for fair credit and often provide fast application decisions. Both report to major credit bureaus and do not require a deposit. They’re ideal for users looking to build credit without upfront costs.

How can I obtain a credit card with a $500 limit and no deposit?

Cards like the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card often start with modest limits such as $500 and require no security deposit. These limits may increase with on-time payments. It’s a solid way to access credit while earning flat-rate cash back.

Are there any guaranteed approval credit cards for a 600 credit score with high limits?

There are no true guaranteed approval cards, but the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is accessible to many users with credit scores around 600. It offers flexible payment plans and a credit line based on creditworthiness. High limits may be available, but approval is still based on credit and income.

What credit card options are available for a credit score between 600 and 650?

Cards like the Mission Lane Cash Back Visa®, Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®, and Capital One QuicksilverOne are all suitable for users in the 600–650 range. These cards offer cash back, no annual fees (or low ones), and credit-building tools. With responsible use, they can serve as stepping stones to better credit and card options.