If your credit score falls in the 580–669 range, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. In fact, 2025 brings a host of credit card choices designed for fair credit that can help you build (or rebuild) your score while still earning rewards and avoiding steep fees.
Below, we break down the best secured and unsecured cards for fair credit this year, plus strategies to help you graduate to better cards fast.
What Is “Fair” Credit, Exactly?
Fair credit typically means a FICO score between 580 and 669. This score range may result from:
- A limited credit history
- A few late payments
- High utilization or recent hard inquiries
Many card issuers hesitate to approve applicants in this bracket—but that’s changing.
Top Credit Cards for Fair Credit in 2025
We’ve sorted these into two key categories: secured (requires a refundable deposit) and unsecured (no deposit, but may have higher interest or fees).
Best Secured Credit Cards for Fair Credit
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Rewards: 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, 1% on everything else
- Bonus: Cashback Match™ in Year 1
- Why it’s great: Reports to all 3 bureaus and graduates to unsecured
- Annual Fee: $0
2. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards
- Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back
- Annual Fee: $0
- Minimum Deposit: $200
- Upgrade path: Eligible for unsecured version after consistent payments
3. Citi® Secured Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why it’s solid: Basic card for establishing credit with no frills
- Reports to: All 3 credit bureaus
Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Fair Credit
1. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Annual Fee: $39
- Credit Needed: Fair
- Best for: Earning rewards while rebuilding
2. Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
- Rewards: Up to 1.5% cash back
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Reporting: Yes – all 3 bureaus
- Unique feature: Uses cash flow underwriting (not just credit score)
3. Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Rewards: 1.5% back once payment is made
- Annual Fee: $0
- Extra: Fixed monthly payments, flexible use like a hybrid card
4. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: None
- Best for: Simple starter card with upgrade potential
Tips to Improve Your Score With a Fair Credit Card
- ✅ Pay on time – Payment history is 35% of your FICO score
- 📉 Keep utilization below 30% – Even lower is better
- 🔍 Check your score monthly – Use tools like CreditWise (free)
- 📈 Ask for a credit line increase – Especially after 6 months of on-time payments
- 🔁 Upgrade when eligible – Many cards auto-review your account
Final Thoughts: Build Smart, Graduate Fast
The best credit cards for fair credit in 2025 don’t just accept you—they set you up for long-term success. Choose a card that:
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Has no or low fees
- Offers upgrade potential
With consistent use, your fair credit can turn into good credit and beyond—opening the door to top-tier travel cards, premium perks, and lower interest rates.
Related Posts You Might Like:
- 7 Beginner Credit Cards That Actually Raise Your Score in July 2025
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card Review 2025
- Secured vs Unsecured Student Cards Guide
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