4.1
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Discover's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stationsRead More
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% Variable APR
Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Why We Picked It
Here's an excellent way for students with average or limited credit scores to gain experience managing credit. No annual fee, no penalty APR, plus up to 5% cashback rewards in rotating categories (up to a quarterly cap with enrollment, 1% back on other purchases) earn this card an "A" in our book.
Pros & Cons
- 5% cashback on rotating bonus categories after enrollment
- First-year cash-back match
- 5% bonus cashback rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending
- Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
- Low 1% base reward rate
Card Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.99% – 26.99% applies.
- Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for students earning cash back with strong customer service
Discover it® Student Chrome
On Discover's Website
3.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Discover's Website
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earnRead More
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% Variable APR
Credit Score
Fair/New to Credit
Why We Picked It
If you're a student building credit, the Discover it® Student Chrome is an excellent starting point on your credit journey. You'll gain access to a respectable rewards program and reasonable APR, with no pesky annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Earn rewards while building credit
- Cash back earned is automatically matched at the end of your first year as a cardholder
- Introductory APR offer
- Reward earning is capped in highest category to $1,000 in purchases per quarter
- Rewards are less-than-stellar in comparison with other student cards
Card Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.99% – 26.99% applies.
- Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for earning cash back with fair credit
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
2.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Plus, earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental carsRead More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
Regular APR
30.49% (Variable)
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Why We Picked It
A great option for those with less-than-stellar credit, this card offers a gateway to building better credit while earning a respectable 1.5% cash back rewards rate. You may also gain a higher credit line in as little as 6 months from account opening.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 1.5% cashback rewards
- Average credit applicants considered
- No foreign transaction fee
- Rewards don’t expire
- High APR
- No boosted rate in common spending categories
- No welcome offer
- No intro APR offer
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn’t expire for the life of the account. It’s that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you’re all set
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for a simple card with fair credit
Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
1.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
30.49% (Variable)
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Why We Picked It
If you've got fair credit, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card offers a no-frills path to get back on your feet. Since there's no annual fee, this can be a low cost option if you make your payments on time and don't carry a balance. Given the shockingly high APR, it's wise to use the card for everyday expenses and pay the balance in full.
Pros & Cons
- No foreign transaction fees
- Applicants with fair credit may be approved
- Increased credit line possible in as little as 6 months
- Very high variable APR
- No rewards program
- No welcome bonus or intro APR offer
- Cash advance fee
Card Details
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you’re approved in seconds
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One’s mobile app
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you’re all set
- Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee – and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
FAQs
The Best Credit Cards For Fair Credit Of July 2023? ›
Most credit scores that lenders use in the United States range from 300 to 850. And when people talk about achieving the “highest” credit score possible, they're usually talking about the ever-elusive 850 FICO® Score. Earning a perfect 850 FICO Score isn't common, but it's certainly possible.
What is the highest credit score possible 2023? ›Most credit scores that lenders use in the United States range from 300 to 850. And when people talk about achieving the “highest” credit score possible, they're usually talking about the ever-elusive 850 FICO® Score. Earning a perfect 850 FICO Score isn't common, but it's certainly possible.
Which card is easiest to get approved for? ›| Rank | Card Name | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milestone® Mastercard® | Instant Approval |
| 2 | Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | Instant Approval |
| 3 | Surge® Platinum Mastercard® | Instant Approval |
| 4 | Total Visa® Card | Instant Approval |
- Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®: Fair to good (580–740) ...
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Fair to good (580-740) ...
- Mission Lane Cash Back Visa Credit Card: Fair to good (580-740) ...
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Fair to good (580-740)
- Pay on Time, Every Time. ...
- Reduce Your Credit Card Balances. ...
- Avoid Taking Out New Debt Frequently. ...
- Be Mindful of the Types of Credit You Use. ...
- Dispute Inaccurate Credit Report Information. ...
- Don't Close Old Credit Cards.
Pay all your bills on time
One of the easiest ways to boost your credit is to simply never miss a payment. The biggest share of your FICO credit score — 35% — is based on how often you make minimum debt payments on time, whether that's for a credit card, personal loan or auto financing.
Depending on your credit history, it is quite possible you can improve your credit score by 100 to 150 points in 90 days. This won't work for everyone. If you're just out of bankruptcy and your score is 450, it will take a lot longer. For many people, it's still a reasonable goal.
Can I get a Walmart credit card with a 520 credit score? ›The Walmart Credit Card credit score requirement is 640 or higher, which means people with fair credit or better have a shot at getting approved for this card. The Walmart® Store Card also requires at least fair credit for approval.
What is the most difficult card to get approved for? ›Centurion® Card from American Express
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.
Most Widely Accepted in the U.S.: Visa and Mastercard are both accepted at almost 11 million U.S. merchant locations. Least Widely Accepted Internationally: American Express (160+ countries and territories); Discover (200+). Least Widely Accepted in the U.S.: American Express and Discover (10.6 million locations).
Can I get an American Express card with a 600 credit score? ›
In other words, you'll likely need a score in at least the "good" range to qualify for an AmEx card. Other American Express cards will usually require even higher scores. According to the score ranges from FICO, that means American Express applicants typically have at least a 670 score: Exceptional.
How to go from 620 to 720 credit score? ›- Pay on time (35% of your score) The most critical part of a good credit score is your payment history. ...
- Reduce your debt (30% of your score) ...
- Keep cards open over time (15% of your score) ...
- Avoid credit applications (10% of your score) ...
- Keep a smart mix of credit types open (10%)
Sources Suggest a Minimum 648 FICO Score
That said, if you have a low credit score (below 620 FICO), you'll likely need an issuer that deals specifically with subprime consumers. For Discover it® cards, most reports indicate a FICO score between 680 and 720 should get you a good offer.
- Keep balances low or pay off credit card debt. ...
- Ask for late payment forgiveness. ...
- Don't close old credit accounts. ...
- Become an authorized user. ...
- Dispute any errors on your credit report. ...
- Consider opening a secured credit card. ...
- Pay off delinquent balances. ...
- Get a credit builder loan.
- Check your credit report. ...
- Pay your bills on time. ...
- Pay off any collections. ...
- Get caught up on past-due bills. ...
- Keep balances low on your credit cards. ...
- Pay off debt rather than continually transferring it.
- Dispute Credit-Report Mistakes. ...
- Make a Big Debt Payment. ...
- Reduce Your Credit Card Statement Balance. ...
- Become an Authorized User. ...
- Dispute Negative Authorized-User Records. ...
- Ask for a Higher Credit Limit. ...
- Write a Goodwill Letter.
What is the highest credit score you can get? A 900 credit score may be the highest on some scoring models, but this number isn't always possible. Only 1% of the population can achieve a credit score of 850, so there's a certain point where trying to get the highest possible credit score isn't realistic at all.
Is there a 900 credit score? ›Is a 900 credit score possible? Depending on the type of scoring model, a 900 credit score is possible. While the most common FICO and VantageScore models only go up to 850, the FICO Auto Score and FICO Bankcard Score models range from 250 to 900.
Is a 750 credit score good for a 23 year old? ›A “good” credit score based on FICO's criteria is 670-739, a “very good” score is 740-799 and an “exceptional” score is 800-850.
Does anyone have an 850 credit score? ›While achieving a perfect 850 credit score is rare, it's not impossible. About 1.3% of consumers have one, according to Experian's latest data. FICO scores can range anywhere from 300 to 850. The average score was 714, as of 2021.