5 Best Credit Cards for Fair or Average Credit

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated August 21, 2025

Finding the right credit card with fair or average credit can be difficult, but several options offer solid rewards, helpful features, and the chance to rebuild credit. The best cards in this category combine easier approval requirements with benefits like credit bureau reporting, manageable fees, and even cash back, making them practical tools for improving your financial health without being limited by your current score.f

  • 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 offers a simple way to earn cash back without needing a perfect credit history.

    This card is straightforward, making it easy to use for everyday purchases. It helps build credit while rewarding users on every purchase they make.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
    • No categories or spending limits to track

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not typically offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $39
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Variable, typically around 30%
    • Credit line may increase after 6 months of on-time payments

    Key Benefits:

    • Flat-rate cash back on all purchases
    • Available to those with fair credit
    • Helps build or rebuild credit with responsible use
    • No category restrictions or caps on rewards

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Typically available to applicants with fair or average credit scores, often in the 630–689 range.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has a $39 annual fee and a relatively high APR, so carrying a balance can be costly.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a simple cash-back program with approval chances for those rebuilding credit, making it a good starter rewards card.

  • Capital One Platinum Credit Card

    The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is designed for people with fair or average credit who want to build or rebuild their credit history. It is an unsecured card, meaning no deposit is required to apply.

    This card has a simple setup with no rewards or cash back. Instead, it focuses on helping users improve their credit through responsible use over time.

    Earning Structure:

    • No rewards points
    • No cashback offers

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Variable, typically around 30%
    • Credit line review possible after 6 months of on-time payments

    Key Benefits:

    • No security deposit needed
    • Helps build credit with regular reporting to credit bureaus
    • No annual fee reduces cost of keeping the card
    • Simple, straightforward approval process

    Redemption Options:

    Not applicable, as the card does not offer rewards or cash back.

    Credit Requirements:

    Designed for individuals with fair or limited credit history, usually in the 630–689 range.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    It lacks rewards and has a higher interest rate than many cards. Carrying a balance can be costly.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides a clear way to build credit without a security deposit, making it accessible for those new to credit or recovering from credit issues.

  • Petal® 1 Visa® Credit Card

    The Petal® 1 Visa® Credit Card is designed for people with fair, limited, or no credit history. It aims to help users build or improve their credit without requiring a security deposit, unlike many other credit-builder cards.

    This card evaluates eligibility by looking beyond credit scores, considering cash flow and financial behavior. It offers simple rewards and does not charge an annual fee.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
    • No rewards on general purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The Petal 1 card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Variable, typically ranges from 28.99% to 33.99%
    • Credit limits range from $300 to $5,000

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build credit with on-time payments
    • No security deposit needed
    • Simple cashback rewards
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

    Redemption Options:

    Cashback rewards are earned automatically and can be redeemed as statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:

    Recommended for applicants with credit scores ranging from 300 to 719, covering poor to good credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has a relatively high APR and limited rewards compared to other credit cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is an unsecured card with no deposit, simple rewards, and flexible approval criteria, making it a practical choice for those building credit.

  • Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

    The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® combines a traditional credit card with installment-style repayments to help users manage and pay down balances more easily. This card offers a straightforward way to earn rewards while encouraging responsible credit use. It is a good option for those rebuilding credit or looking for a card with flexible repayment options.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earns 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
    • Cash back rewards increase with every payment made on the account

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn a $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making three qualifying debit card transactions.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Fixed, ranges from 14.99% to 29.99%
    • Credit limits range from $500 to $25,000

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee
    • Encourages responsible credit use with fixed payments
    • Available to those with a FICO score of 600 or above
    • Helps pay down balances with more predictable payments

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited into a linked account, or used for purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Typically suited for applicants with fair to excellent credit, often starting at a FICO score of 630.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Higher APRs may apply depending on credit risk, and fixed payments might be higher than minimum payments on some balances.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    This card helps new credit users build credit with simple rewards and encourages paying off debt through fixed monthly payments.

  • Discover it® Student Chrome

    The Discover it® Student Chrome card is aimed at students who want to start building credit while earning rewards. It offers simple features that help users manage their finances without added complexity.

    This card helps students establish a credit history and rewards spending on everyday purchases, especially on dining and gas. It is designed to fit a student’s lifestyle and financial needs.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back at gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
    • 2% cash back at restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New users have their first-year cash back rewards matched dollar for dollar.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: Variable, based on creditworthiness
    • No credit score required to apply

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee
    • Cashback match in the first year
    • Helps build or improve credit history
    • Easy-to-understand rewards program

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Recommended for applicants with credit scores ranging from 630 to 689, typically considered fair credit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Credit limits may be lower than regular credit cards, which can limit spending power.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its straightforward rewards and no annual fee help students build credit without extra costs or complicated rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top unsecured credit cards available for individuals with fair credit?

The Petal 1 Visa® Credit Card is a strong unsecured option, requiring no deposit and offering cash back at select merchants. The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is also unsecured and ideal for building credit with no annual fee. Both are accessible to users with fair or limited credit histories.

How can I get instant approval for a credit card if I have a credit score around 600?

Many cards for fair credit offer online pre-approval tools with fast decisions. The Capital One Platinum Credit Card often delivers instant approval after a soft credit check. This makes it a convenient choice for applicants around the 600 credit score range.

Which credit cards offer high credit limits for those with average credit scores?

The Petal 1 Visa® Credit Card offers credit limits up to $5,000 based on financial history. Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® can offer even higher limits, reaching up to $25,000 for qualified applicants. Both adjust limits based on responsible usage and creditworthiness.

Are there any credit cards that cater to a 630 credit score without requiring a deposit?

Yes, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card accepts applicants in the fair credit range, including those around 630. It’s unsecured and earns flat-rate cash back on all purchases. The Petal 1 Visa® Credit Card is another no-deposit option with flexible approval standards.

Can you recommend any credit cards designed for people with fair to average credit that also provide rewards programs?

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Discover it® Student Chrome earns up to 2% cash back on gas and restaurants, plus a first-year cash back match. Both support credit building while rewarding everyday spending.