Credit Cards for Fair Credit

Do you have average credit, limited credit, or fair credit that needs some improvement? If your credit scores are somewhere in between bad and good, take a look at our expert's recommended credit cards for fair credit.

Individuals with fair credit often have trouble getting approved for the best credit cards, but they don't need to pay the high fees associated with most "bad credit" credit cards. If you have a fair credit score, these are the best credit cards for average credit in the marketplace: they offer low or no annual fees, low balance transfer fees, cash back, airline miles, and more.

A great deal of these Fair Credit Credit Cards feature a 0% introductory APR or an instant approval decision, so be sure to scan the details regarding special promotions, rewards programs, annual fees, and other pertinent information before applying. Congratulations — you're on your way to excellent credit.

Improve your chances of being approved by making sure you're applying for the right type of credit card: Are Credit Cards for Fair Credit Right for You?

Capital One® Platinum Credit Card

credit cards for bad credit, capital one, no interest credit card
  • 24-hour travel assistance gives you a replacement card and cash advance
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $19 after that
  • Monitor your spending with free text message alerts
  • More Info
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Ongoing APR Setup Fee Annual Fee Credit Bureau Reporting Credit Required
24.9%(V) $0 $0 intro for first year; $19 after that Yes Limited to
Average Credit

Capital One® No Hassle CashSM Rewards Credit Card

cash rewards credit card for bad credit capital one no hassle
  • Bonus: Get up to 15% more cash back when you shop online at select merchants through Perk Central
  • 2% cash back on gas and groceries
  • No limit on the cash you can earn and cash won't expire
  • More Info
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Ongoing APR Setup Fee Annual Fee Credit Bureau Reporting Credit Required
17.9% - 22.9% (V) $0 $39.00 Yes Average Credit

Orchard Bank® Visa® Cards
For Bad or Fair Credit to Help Rebuild Credit

orchard bank visa card for bad credit
  • Reports to 3 major credit bureaus monthly!
  • Provides you the opportunity to rebuild your credit score
  • Acceptance at millions of locations including online purchases and reservations
  • More Info
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Ongoing APR Setup Fee Annual Fee Credit Bureau Reporting Credit Required
14.99% or 19.99%, or 7.99% for secured cards $0-$39
(based on credit worthiness)
$0-$59 first year;
$35-$59 per year thereafter
Yes Bad or Fair Credit

Capital One® Classic Platinum Credit Card

capital one credit card for bad credit platinum
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 0% intro APR on all purchases until November 2012
  • Pick an image for your card -- choose the one shown here, any of the hundreds in our collection, or add your own
  • More Info
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Ongoing APR Setup Fee Annual Fee Credit Bureau Reporting Credit Required
17.9% - 22.9% (V) $0 $39.00 Yes Average Credit

Capital One® Cash Rewards for Newcomers

capital one cash rewards newcomers
  • A card designed to help those new to the U.S. establish credit and earn cash back
  • Build credit with automatic reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • Get 2% cash back on travel purchases
  • More Info
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Ongoing APR Setup Fee Annual Fee Credit Bureau Reporting Credit Required
24.9%(V) $0 $0 Yes Limited Credit
Fair Credit OK
Are Credit Cards for Fair Credit Right for You?

Your credit scores aren't below 650, but they're also not in the 700+ range. So what type of card offers should you be comparing when you need a new credit card?

If your FICO scores fall between 650 and 700, you're in what is known as the "Fair Credit" range. In other words, your credit scores are just average. While this is nothing to be ashamed of, you also shouldn't expect to be approved for the very best rewards credit cards with the most lucrative signup bonuses available in the marketplace. That's just not realistic. And since your credit scores will take a small ding every time you apply for a new credit card, you want to make the most out of each application by applying for credit cards that will most likely approve you the first time around.

The good news is there are a lot of great Credit Cards for Fair Credit that have no annual fees, reasonable interest rates, and even competitive rewards programs. Compare the credit card offers above, read our expert reviews, and focus your attention on the benefits that matter most to you. Are you looking for a credit card with no annual fee, low interest rates, miles, or maybe cash back? You'll find options for each among our recommended cards above.

Once you're approved for a fair credit credit card that best fits your needs, continue to pay your monthly bills on time and in full each month and your credit scores will soon climb into the "good credit" range. Then you'll be ready to take advantage of the very best rewards credit cards and lucrative sign-up bonuses reserved for only those with top-notch credit scores.


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Credit Cards for
Fair Credit

credit cards for bad credit, capital one, no interest credit card
Capital One® Platinum Credit Card

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