A fair credit score of 600 leaves you with decent options when applying for a credit card, but the choices are limited and less attractive than those with good, very good, or excellent credit scores may enjoy.
Still, with a fair credit score, you can find some credit cards that potentially offer lower interest rates and lower minimum payments compared to others on the market.
To qualify for these credit cards your credit report should have no serious delinquencies or derogatory marks. For example, you are more likely to be accepted for a credit card for simply having a short credit history versus having multiple bills in delinquency status.
If your goal is to improve your credit score and it’s feasible for you to pay off your balance each month, you can worry less about the interest rate.
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Good Credit Cards if You Have a 600 Credit Score
Some credit cards have comparatively attractive rates and terms for people with a credit score of 600. It’s important to remember that your entire credit report will be reviewed along with your actual score.
This means someone with a 600 credit score could get approved for a card that someone else with the same score but more derogatory marks in their credit report will not get approved for.
Capital One Platinum Mastercard®
The Capital One Platinum Mastercard offers cardholders the opportunity to improve their credit report and score. Cardholders also have access to travel perks and fraud coverage, benefits that leave cardholders with zero liability if their card gets stolen.
After making payments for six months, cardholders receive an automatic account overview. The summary of the account will indicate the cardholder’s chances for an increase in the credit limit. Make sure you’re paying your credit card bills on time and keeping your balance low.
- Annual fee:$0;
- Regular annual percentage rate (APR):26.99% (variable);
- Intro APR:N/A;
- Rewards rate:N/A.
- Compare cards here:
Jasper Cash Back Mastercard®
Firstly, your eligibility for a Jasper Cash Back Mastercard does not depend solely on your credit score. While reviewing your application, they will base their decision on multiple criteria.
This option is suitable for people with a 600 credit score because they look at your entire history and the reasons behind your score. This Mastercard’s features also allow you to work towards a stable credit history from scratch.
Major features of this card that can save you a lot of money include no foreign transaction fees and no annual fees.
- Annual fee: $0;
- Regular APR: 15.49% to 24.99% (variable);
- Intro APR: N/A;
- Rewards rate: Up to 6%.
- Compare cards here:
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
The Petal 2 credit card has similar features as the Jasper Cash Back Mastercard, combined with fantastic opportunities to build your credit record. You do not have to pay any foreign transaction fees, annual fees, return payment fees, and late fees.
But there are some limitations with Petal 2, as they do not offer cash advances and balance transfers. The Petal 2 credit card enables you to maximize cash-back amounts.
With the Petal 2 cash-back program — which starts at 1% cash back — you can earn up to 1.5% cash back after 12 months of on-time payments. With select merchants, you can even get up to 10% cash back!
- Annual fee: $0;
- Regular APR: 12.99% to 26.99%(variable);
- Intro APR: N/A;
- Rewards rate: 2% to 10%.
- Compare cards here:
Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
The Indigo Platinum is the perfect option if you have a poor credit history. You can even qualify for this card after bankruptcy. The Indigo Platinum Mastercard offers a chance to boost your credit history.
However, the company will charge an annual fee, depending on your creditworthiness. The application process will not take much time, as this credit card does not require any pre-qualification credit checks.
- Annual fee: $0 to $99;
- Regular APR: 24.90%;
- Intro APR: N/A;
- Rewards rate:N/A.
- Compare cards here:
Chase Freedom® Student
A major benefit of the Chase Freedom Student card is that it offers a relatively low interest rate that’s suitable for students who want to start improving their credit history. Because this option is for students, it provides multiple features that help them maintain a favorable credit history.
Earning rewards and points with this card is easy in contrast to other options you’ll find on the market. This is because of the simple cash-back programs they offer: you can earn 1% cash back on all purchases while building your credit score.
You’ll receive a $50 bonus after your first purchase made with this card within three months of opening your account. They also provide insurance in case of damaged or stolen purchases.
- Annual fee: $0;
- Regular APR:14.99% (variable);
- Intro APR:N/A;
- Rewards rate: 1% cash back for all purchases, 4% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 2022).
- Compare cards here:
Milestone® Gold Mastercard®
A major benefit of choosing the Milestone Gold Mastercard is that it offers a fixed interest rate. This does not mean that the interest rate will not change forever, but that the issuer will inform you before changing the rates.
There is no requirement to pay a security deposit when qualifying for the card. If you’re not looking to benefit from rewards, this option is a great choice to build your credit.
- Annual fee: $35 to $99;
- Regular APR: 24.90%;
- Intro APR:N/A;
- Rewards rate:N/A.
- Compare cards here:
Destiny™ Mastercard®
You don’t have to pay a security deposit to be eligible for the Destiny Mastercard. You can breeze through the quick and easy pre-qualification and application process, which does not have any impact on your credit history.
You can use this card for online purchases and for making in-store payments throughout the nation. Destiny Mastercard is a suitable choice if you want to avoid security deposits. It has a remarkable security policy, with features that include zero liability protection and identity theft protection.
- Annual fee: $59 to $99;
- Regular APR: 24.90%;
- Intro APR: N/A;
- Rewards rate: N/A.
- Compare cards here:
First Digital NextGen Mastercard®
Many students who want to keep building and improving their credit history prefer the First Digital NextGen Mastercard. This Mastercard is the perfect solution to boost and build your credit history similar to the Chase Freedom Card.
The application process doesn’t take long, and if you opt for the expedited process, you receive approval sooner. The rates are higher on this card, but it can be a good option if you plan to pay off your balance every month.
- Annual fee: $75 for the first year, $48 after;
- Regular APR: 35.99%;
- Intro APR: N/A;
- Rewards rate: N/A.
- Compare cards here:
Reflex Mastercard®
The Reflex Mastercard is another credit card requiring no security deposit for approval. Despite its costly fees, many people with fair credit rely on Reflex as an opportunity to rebuild their credit record. After using this card for six months, you can apply for an increase in the credit limit.
- Annual fee: $75 to $99 ($0 to $120 in maintenance fees after the first year);
- Regular APR:25.90% to 29.99% (variable);
- Intro APR: N/A;
- Rewards rate: N/A.
- Compare cards here:
Surge® Mastercard
The Surge Mastercard is another good option for people with fair credit scores. If you have a 600 credit score and are trying to improve it, the Surge Mastercard is right for you.
The card issuer reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus each month, so with continued on-time payments, you can work towards increasing your score. You can also customize your notifications so you can more effectively manage your spending and payments.
- Annual fee: $75 to $99;
- Regular APR: 25.9% to 29.99% (variable);
- Intro APR: N/A;
- Rewards rate: N/A.
- Compare cards here:
How to Get a Credit Card for a 600 Credit Score
When you have a poor-to-fair credit score, you must apply for the right cards to get approved. You want to look for cards that only require an average or fair credit score, don’t affect your credit score when you pre-qualify, and/or tolerate previous bankruptcies. Below, you will find some tips to increase your chances of qualifying.
Check Your Credit Score
You should be checking your credit report at least annually. Even the credit bureaus make mistakes, and there’s always a chance that your score could be a result of those mistakes or possibly identity fraud. Keeping track of your credit report and history will help you dispute mistakes and stay on track with good credit management.
Check Different Options
Just because a card suits your colleague, doesn’t mean that it’s the right choice for you. No matter what your friends choose, you should still evaluate your options and take a closer look at all the card’s features before you decide.
Features you should stay mindful of are an easy pre-qualification process, cards with potential credit line increases after a certain number of on-time payments, no annual fee, and cash back on eligible purchases.
Stay aware of your debt and do not borrow more than you can repay, especially if the card features potential credit line increases. If you feel as though the temptation to do so may be too much, move on to another card.
Apply With Caution
Especially with a credit score of 600, you don’t want to just apply to the first offer you see. Simply filling out credit card applications can harm your credit score temporarily and that’s the last thing you need.
To determine which credit card to apply for, consider pre-qualifying with an online tool or calling the card’s issuer and asking specific questions about the card’s requirements. Depending on the issuer, you may need to provide details about your job, income, credit score, age, and other information on the application itself.
This will help the issuer decide whether to approve or reject your application, so it’s a good idea to ensure your eligibility before applying for a credit card. Before applying, obtain all the necessary information and submit it to the issuer so they can make a proper decision. Some of the information that you will need includes:
- Last two pay stubs or a recent bank statement.
- Annual or monthly income.
- Monthly expenses (debt).
- Social Security number.
Take the time it will likely require to properly assemble and organize this information; even if the first card issuer rejects you, you’ll now have the right documentation on hand, neatly assembled, that’ll help you expedite the application process for the next one.
But how do you pick the best card to apply for?
How to Pick the Right Credit Card for a 600 Credit Score
You must keep a few things in mind when selecting the right credit card, such as any rewards for on-time payments to help improve your credit score, how its qualification process will affect your current credit score, variable APR rates, and any potential pitfalls that may come with borrowing more than you can repay.
If you have a hard time managing your money, consider using a secured credit card to help improve your credit score and keep you from falling too deep into more debt. Ultimately, don’t just skim over the terms of the agreement; you should be completely informed about the card you choose. Here are some tips you should consider:
- A credit card with low or no fees will save you money, helping you to improve your credit score. But if you receive enough rewards and perks, a higher annual fee will make sense. You should consider whether the benefits you’d receive from different rewards and perks outweigh the annual fee.
- Do not force pick a credit card company because of the popularity and high demand. Instead, check to see if the features they offer and the terms of the card are competitive with your other options.
- The credit card company should report your on-time payments to at least one of the three credit bureaus. The credit bureaus are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. If you choose a company that reports to any one of them, it means that your transactions stay on record.
- Don’t ignore interest rates while choosing a credit card company. If you aren’t sure that you can pay off your balance every month, it’s vital that you understand the terms and rates associated with your card.
- Many companies offer additional benefits such as insurance and travel perks and sometimes these features can impact the interest rates you end up paying. Therefore, check all important features before making a final decision.
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