Credit cards for a 600 credit score tend to be a bit harder to obtain, seeing how this number is situated below the market average and only classed as fair. Thereby, some companies might regard holders of such scores as unworthy of receiving credit.
In this article, we leverage a complex methodology to rank and review the market’s very best credit cards that support unfavorable scores. Similarly, we also provide a series of tips and tricks to help you choose the right credit card provider.
Come and see for yourself!
10 Credit Cards for Bad Credit That Are Easy to Get
We may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page. This doesn’t affect our research and evaluation process. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. 1. First Access Visa Card
Key Features
- Unsecured card for bad credit
- Easy approval
- No cash advance fee the first year
2. Applied Bank Gold Preferred Card
Key Features
- Low fixed APR
- No credit check required
- Immediate credit increase
3. First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard
Key Features
- Expedited processing option
- Low cash advance fee
- Real-time credit score access
4. Petal 2 Credit Card
Key Features
- High spending limits
- Generous cashback bonuses
- Looks beyond FICO score
- No fees
5. Indigo Mastercard
Key Features
- Easy approval
- Free cash advances first year
- 24/7 account management and customer support
- Fraud protection
7. Reflex Mastercard
Key Features
- Instant approval
- Foregin transaction fee waived
- No monthly fee first year
8. OpenSky Secured Visa
Key Features
- Solid secured deposit limits
- Low APR rate
- No credit check required
9. Capital One Quicksilver One
Key Features
- Generous 1.5% cashback on all purchases
- Tools for credit score analysis
- Relatively-high credit lines
10. Bank of America Customized Credit Card for Students
Key Features
- Great cashback rewards for students
- Variable APR with a low starting point
- No annual fees
Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score Review
1. First Access Visa Card
Key Features
- Annual fee: $75.00 for the first year; $48.00 each subsequent year
- Credit limit: $300
- APR: 34.99%
- Cash advance fee: $0 for the first year
About First Access Visa Card — The First Access card is designed specifically for people with less-than-perfect credit in mind. Hence, it’s easily one of the best unsecured cards for a 600 credit score.
So, if you need a credit line fast and you don’t mind paying the one-time $95 fee to open the account (in addition to an annual fee), the First Access card is an excellent choice.
Perks and rewards — With the First Access Visa Card you’ll get free cash advances for the first year; the cash advance fee goes up to an industry-standard $10 or 3% after that.
Moreover, there is no monthly service fee for the first year. Better yet, the card is issued by the Bank of Missouri, which reports credit history to all major bureaus so you’ll have an easy time rebuilding your credit.
Credit limits — The First Access card starts with a $300 minimum credit limit. If you’re looking at credit cards for a 600 FICO score, that’s more or less the standard.
Also, you’ll be eligible for a credit limit increase assessment after the first year. And if you’re approved, there will be an associated cost of 20% of the increase.
Interest rates — Despite the 34.99% APR, this card is ideal for repairing your credit fast. However, we advise against using it as a long-term option given all its associated fees.
Pros
- + Unsecured card for bad credit
- + Easy approval
- + No cash advance fee the first year
Cons
- − One-time account open fee
2. Applied Bank Gold Preferred Card
Key Features
- Annual fee: $48.00
- Credit limit: $200–$1,000
- APR: 9.99% fixed
- Cash advance fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
About Applied Bank Gold Preferred — Applied Banks services several of the top easy credit cards to get, such as the Gold Preferred Visa. It’s a secured card with a highly affordable APR and a few neat perks that make it stand out.
Perks and rewards — This card’s biggest selling point is that it doesn’t require a credit check nor does it have a minimum credit requirement. Therefore, if you’re not crazy about a creditor peeking into your credit, this card is a perfect choice.
Applied Bank also has excellent mobile banking and online banking support. Additionally, you’ll be able to monitor your balance and credit easily. And as a Visa card, it has automatic reporting to all major credit bureaus.
Credit limits — This is a secured credit card, which is the case with most 600 credit score credit cards. In other words, your credit limit will be equal to the refundable security deposit you make when you open an account.
Moreover, your credit limit can be no lower than $200 and no higher than $1,000 to activate the card. And once your application is approved, you can increase your credit by making additional security deposits up to $5,000.
Interest rates — Another impressive feature of the Gold Preferred card is its extremely low APR. A 9.99% APR is well below what you would expect from credit cards for a credit score of 600 or less.
Plus, it’s a fixed APR, so it won’t change while you have an active account.
Pros
- + Low fixed APR
- + No credit check required
- + Immediate credit increase
Cons
- − No rewards program
3. First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard
Key Features
- Annual fee: $39.00
- Credit limit: $200–$2,000
- APR: 13.99% variable
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
About First Progress Platinum Select — Searching for a credit card for people with a 600 credit score and below? Then look no further than First Progress. This full-featured Mastercard is an excellent secured option that you can receive with relative ease through an online application.
Best of all, there are no credit checks!
Perks and rewards — Like the Applied Bank Gold Preferred, this card’s application doesn’t require a credit inquiry, so applying won’t affect your credit at all.
It also has an expedited processing option that can get you a card up to seven days faster for an additional charge.
As with all the best credit cards for a 600 score, this one reports credit activity to all major credit bureaus. It’s a solid credit repair tool, without some of the onerous fees.
What’s more, First Progress advertises that you will not be declined as a result of discharged bankruptcies on your credit file.
Credit limits — As previously mentioned, this is a secured card so your credit limit will be equal to the refundable deposit you make when opening the account. In addition to that, the deposit can be as low as $200 but no higher than $2,000; the card currently doesn’t allow a credit limit higher than $2,000.
Interest rates — A 13.99% variable interest rate for purchases is quite reasonable and the card’s cash advance APR is fairly low too — namely, 19.99%.
Overall, we’d call this the best credit card for a 600 score if your priority is getting a card fast without too many strings attached.
Pros
- + Expedited processing option
- + Low cash advance fee
- + Real-time credit score access
Cons
- − Annual fee
4. Petal 2 Credit Card
Key Features
- Annual fee: N/A
- Credit limit: $500–$10,000
- APR: 12.99%–26.99% variable
- Cash advance fee: N/A
About Petal 2 — The Petal 2 card is the epitome of a starter card — excellent if you’re new to credit cards and one of the good credit cards for poor to fair credit with no annual fee. In fact, this card’s defining feature is its lack of fees.
Perks and rewards — Petal 2 card is one of the few unsecured cards you’ll find that has such lax credit requirements and still offers attractive rewards.
For starters, you’ll get an industry-standard 1.5% cashback (1% plus 0.5% when you pay your bill on time). Additionally, you can earn up to 10% cashback at select merchants which you can find on the Petal mobile app.
Credit limits — This card’s credit limit firmly cements it among the best unsecured cards for fair credit. Namely, you can qualify for up to $10,000 depending on your creditworthiness.
Additionally, the Petal card’s issuer, WeBank, looks at more than just FICO score to determine your limit. For instance, things like your monthly income and recurring bills can help aid your application. And if you don’t miss a payment six months in a row, you’ll be eligible for a credit limit increase, unless you’re already capped.
Interest rates — Although not really spectacular, Petal 2’s interest rates are relatively low for an unsecured card. In fact, you can qualify for an APR as low as 12.99% with excellent credit. Like most cards for a 650 score, this one will have an APR closer to 25% for fair credit applicants.
Overall, it’s a top-notch card from the get-go that only gets better if you can make timely payments.
Pros
- + High spending limits
- + Generous cashback bonuses
- + Looks beyond FICO score
- + No fees
Cons
- − No cash advance
5. Indigo Mastercard
Key Features
- Annual fee: Up to $99.00
- Credit limit: $300
- APR: 24.99% variable
- Cash advance fee: $0 for the first year
About Indigo Mastercard — Celtic Bank bills the Indigo Card as the ideal credit card for people with less-than-perfect credit, and it lives up to that with a few caveats. If you’re in the market for credit cards for fair credit with no deposit, Indigo fits the bill, but it can have a relatively high annual fee.
Perks and rewards — What we liked about this Mastercard is that you can prequalify with a soft credit pull, which is a relief if your credit is shaky and you don’t want to risk damaging it further. And like all Mastercards, Indigo feeds data to all the major credit bureaus. In fact, most of this card’s perks come from Mastercard itself; you’ll get excellent fraud protection, and it’s accepted worldwide.
One feature that stands out, in particular, is that Indigo Mastercard offers free cash advances for the first year you open an account.
Credit limits — The Indigo Mastercard has a $300 limit. That’s not what we’d call a huge fall-back plan, so this card is probably better-suited for credit-building than similar instant approval credit cards.
What’s more, there’s currently no option to raise the credit limit either.
Interest rates —24.99% APR is what we’d expect to see on a card like this, so we’d say it fits the industry standards.
Where this card disappoints is in a high annual fee. Your credit could qualify you for no annual fee, but poor credit can result in an annual fee of up to $99.00.
Pros
- + Easy approval
- + Free cash advances first year
- + 24/7 account management and customer support
- + Fraud protection
Cons
- − No credit line increase
6. Surge Mastercard
Key Features
- Annual fee: $75.0–$99.00
- Credit limit: $300–$1,000
- APR: 24.99%–29.99% variable
- Cash advance fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
About Surge Mastercard — The Surge card is an easy and quick way to get your hands on an unsecured line of credit if you don’t mind the few extra fees.
Perks and rewards — Surge includes the types of perks you’d expect from credit cards for fair credit. For instance, you’ll be eligible for a credit limit increase after six months, at which point you can request a credit review from Continental Finance.
You’ll also get zero fraud liability from Mastercard, so you won’t be responsible for any unauthorized charges made on the card.
Lastly, you’ll get a free monthly credit score from Continental Finance when you enroll in e-statements.
Credit limits — Depending on your credit score, you get a credit limit anywhere between $300 and $1,000. That’s on the lower end for unsecured credit cards for fair credit, but around what we expected.
Interest rates — Despite the great perks, we would have liked to see a lower APR; namely, the card can have a purchase APR as high as 29.99%. That said, you can still qualify for an APR of 25%, provided you have a decent credit score.
Bear in mind the annual fee can cut into your credit limit, and there’s an additional charge if you want new cards issued on the same account.
Overall, it can be a decent credit card if your credit is hurting, but you should always plan ahead and look to pay off the entire bill to avoid the high interest rate.
Pros
- + Instant approval
- + Zero fraud liability
- + Free monthly credit score
Cons
- − High APR
7. Reflex Mastercard
Key Features
- Annual fee: $75.00–$99.00
- Credit limit: $300–$1,000
- APR: 24.99%–29.99% variable
- Cash advance fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
About Reflex Mastercard — The Reflex card offers an easy-to-use, unsecured line of credit that you can apply for in minutes.
It’s serviced by Continental Finance, like other credit cards for people with a 600 credit score such as the Surge card. Likewise, it can have high fees to make up for its accessibility and fast approval time.
Perks and rewards — We chose Reflex Mastercard so much for its perks but due to the relative ease of access. Still, there are a few perks worth mentioning that make the Reflex card a prime choice. One of them is a free monthly credit score report from Experian.
If you’re like most Reflex Mastercard users, you’re probably trying to work your credit score back up a bit. Keeping an eye on your score will help considerably in doing that.
Credit limits — The credit limit is between $300 and $1,000 for the Reflex card. If you’re approved for a credit limit below $1,000 you can request an assessment to increase it after six months.
What’s more, if you’re approved to the minimum limit of $300, Continental Finance will waive the card’s foreign transaction fees for the first year.
Interest rates — We were generally pleased that this card’s interest rate is in line with the typical APR for credit cards for bad credit.
Overall, Reflex Mastercard is a good alternative if you simply cannot afford a secured card, such as the Applied Bank Gold Preferred.
Pros
- + Instant approval
- + Foregin transaction fee waived
- + No monthly fee first year
Cons
- − High fees
8. OpenSky Secured Visa
Key Features
- Annual fee: $35
- Credit limit: up to $3,000
- APR: 17.39% APR
- Cash advance fee: $6 or 5% of the amount (whichever is bigger)
About OpenSky — OpenSky represents a sub-division of Capital Bank, known for its credit rebuilding cards. It does this by providing users with several benefits, as well as the ability to apply for credit without having to pass a credit score check.
Perks and rewards — OpenSky Secured Visa belongs to those credit cards for a 600 score that does not offer many of the traditional perks and rewards, such as cashback on purchases. Namely, it’s meant to serve as a cheap and straightforward service for people interested in rebuilding credit.
Credit limits — At OpenSky, the spending limit is determined based on the value of a user’s refundable deposit. As such, credit limits can vary between $200 and up to $3,000.
Interest rates — OpenSky customers can expect to pay a 17.39% APR, which is a relatively low rate. A $35 annual account administration fee applies as well.
Pros
- + Solid secured deposit limits
- + Low APR rate
- + No credit check required
Cons
- − Lacks user perks and rewards
9. Capital One Quicksilver One
Key Features
- Annual fee: $39
- Credit limit: over $300
- APR: 26.99% (variable)
- Cash advance fee: the greater of either $10, or 3% of the amount
About Capital One Quicksilver One — Capital One represents one of the leading US banks, mostly known for its lending services and massive cashback offer. All in all, the Quicksilver One card is the perfect option for consumers with fair credit scores that enjoy cashback benefits.
Perks and rewards — First off, users can enjoy unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase. While other credit cards for a 600 score can offer similar bonuses, this one is more than generous. Namely, the reward can be redeemed for cash, it can be used to cover your on-going purchases, or even converted into gift cards. In the long run, considerable earnings could be attained due to the high cashback rate.
The Quicksilver One card also provides users with automatic credit line reviews. Depending on your spending habits and current score, you are considered for a higher credit line every 6 months. The CreditWise function provides consumers with a credit report and a series of tools meant to facilitate efficient credit monitoring. Fraud coverage and tap-to-pay are also available.
Lastly, users can also take advantage of autopay, balance transfers, 24/7 customer service, recurring transactions, virtual card numbers, no FX transaction fees, travel accident insurance, extended warranty, and auto rental collision damage waiver amongst others.
Credit limits — The Quicksilver One card’s spending limits vary based on your current income and credit score. The lowest expectable credit limit is $1,000. Likewise, this credit card for a 600 score has limits as high as $10,000, according to user reports.
Interest rates — Quicksilver One card users can expect to pay an APR of 26.99% on purchases, transfers, and cash advances. There’s an annual fee of $39 associated with this credit card. A late payment penalty of $39 applies as well.
Pros
- + Generous 1.5% cashback on all purchases
- + Tools for credit score analysis
- + Relatively-high credit lines
Cons
- − High annual fee
10. Bank of America Customized Credit Card for Students
Key Features
- Annual fee: no fee
- Credit limit: $1,000 is the average
- APR: from 13.99%–23.00% variable APR
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater
About Bank of America — The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students is meant to help students consolidate their credit scores, while also giving them access to multiple rewards. Thus, it definitely belongs to favorite unsecured credit cards for a 600 credit score that targets young adults.
Perks and rewards — First off, students can access a 3% cashback deal in a chosen category; be it online shopping, off-campus dining, gas, travel, or home improvement. A 2% cashback offer is given for grocery store purchases, whereas all other merchant transactions will grant you 1% in cashbacks.
Furthermore, a $200 online cash reward is given to users who make $1,000 worth of purchases during their first three months with this card. This is why many consider this Customized Credit Card for Students as an excellent credit card for a 600 credit score.
Other rewards include free monthly FICO credit score reviews and access to the bank’s popular payment and finance management app.
Credit limits — Spending limits are directly linked to your spending habits and current credit scores. Users can expect an average limit of $1,000, yet the actual amount may vary.
Interest rates — Bank of America credit card owners can expect to pay a variable standard APR situated between 13.99% and 23.99%. Also, students can rest easy as there is no annual fee associated with this card. And as is often the case with balance transfer cards for fair credit, the service entails a 3% fee on each transaction.
Pros
- + Great cashback rewards for students
- + Variable APR with a low starting point
- + No annual fees
Cons
- − Below-average policy transparency
How to Decide on the Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit
Here are a couple of pointers on how to pick the most suitable credit card for your challenging credit score.
See Whether You Meet the Requirements
All credit card providers require that you fulfill specific preconditions. Here is a list of basic requirements that apply to most credit cards:
- Be at least 21 years old, depending on your jurisdiction
This is a legal requirement, so it cannot be circumvented. In some jurisdictions, credit may be offered to younger individuals, as long as they receive written parental agreement or have a verifiable source of income.
- Be a valid Social Security number holder
Credit cards for fair credit with instant approval are only obtainable by citizens that hold a valid SSN. The number is used to prove your citizenship and to generate credit score reports. Consequently, foreigners may face increased difficulties when applying for a credit card.
- Have an on-going income
All credit card agencies will ask customers to provide data on their estimated monthly income. This requirement is understandable, as providers want to be sure that you can afford to pay back your debt. Many fair credit unsecured credit cards do not require actual proof, whereas others may have you show your W-2 form or pay stub.
- Possess an acceptable credit score
If you hold a FICO score between 580 and 669, you’ll likely be approved by all of our ranked providers. Lower scores may be accepted as well. Yet, these entail larger costs and additional onboarding requirements.
For improving your poor credit score, you can always check what the credit score repair professionals have to offer.
Do Not Base Your Decision Solely on the Perks
Most credit cards for poor credit will often promise to shower you with rewards. However, you shouldn’t base your decision solely on the promised perks. A larger reward ratio generally entails higher costs or reduced spending limits.
Similarly, some rewards may prove useless. For instance, many cards provide debtors with airline miles or free access to airport business lounges. These rewards are practically meaningless if you’re not a frequent flyer.
Cashback rewards are also extremely prevalent. In such cases, the provider will send you a specific percentage of your purchase value. This perk is quite useful, but not ideal if you merely plan on budgeting to settle your outstanding debt. These rewards are also popular with department store credit cards with 600 credit score requirements, although high rates may only be offered for purchases made from the same chain of stores.
Determine How Much You’re Planning to Spend
This will directly influence which card you get due to the inherent credit limits of each provider. A recent study has shown that the average American has a total credit limit of $22,751 across different cards.
High limit credit cards for fair credit like Petal 2 Visa are quite rare. Statistics show that bank-based credit cards for first-time users generally hold a limit of $5,000. Cards issued by private agencies have a first-time average limit of $2,000. Your actual number will depend on your credit history, current credit score, and monthly income.
Budget Wisely by Considering the Interest Rates
Different cards come with different prices. Future card users should consider their on-going expenses, desired credit limit, and income to determine an acceptable APR. Fair credit holders should expect to pay an average interest rate above 22%.
Bottom Line
Below-average and fair credit scores cause headaches for millions of consumers throughout the US. Luckily, several providers have stepped up and are now offering multiple credit cards for a 600 credit score. Indeed, the annual percentage interest rate (APR) is usually higher, but with smart financial management, you can rebuild your credit score by making payments in due time.
FAQs
What credit card is good for a 600 credit score?
There are a lot of neat options for consumers with a credit score above the 600 threshold. Some of the most popular choices include Petal 2 or First Access Visa. We often recommend that users carry out their due diligence to find the right fit — some may prefer cards with multiple rewards, whereas others enjoy cards with high credit limits.
Can you get a credit card with a 600 score?
You certainly can! There are fewer credit card providers willing to serve people with a credit score under 600, but they do exist. Such companies generally charge a higher interest rate. Still, they provide a quick and simple service that’s bound to help you pay for any necessary products, services, or pending bills.
What is the easiest credit card to get with fair credit?
Relevant examples include Capital One QuicksilverOne, Capital One Secured MasterCard, the Petal Visa card, or the Credit One Platinum Visa.
Fair credit score holders can obtain quite a lot of cards. Some providers even cater to users with sub-600 scores, looking for credit rebuilding possibilities. Also, providers that support pre-qualification usually have an easy onboarding and approval process.
What is the minimum credit score for a credit card?
Multiple providers are happy to assist users with scores that are situated below the 600 threshold. While it’s best to avoid going any lower, some credit card providers understand that rebuilding credit is necessary and mostly doable through the means of repaying credit card debt on time. Such is the case with most credit cards for a 600 credit score.
