Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit in the USA

Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit in the USA (2026 Guide)

If you have fair credit — typically a FICO score between 580 and 669 — you can still qualify for credit cards that offer rewards, building credit opportunities, and helpful features. In 2026, several cards stand out for people with fair credit who want to improve their score and enjoy benefits without paying high fees. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

What Is Fair Credit?

Fair credit usually refers to a credit score in the range of 580–669. This means you might have had some challenges in the past, but you’re not in the bad credit category. With fair credit, you still have good chances of approval, especially with cards designed for credit building and everyday rewards. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Top Credit Cards for Fair Credit (2026)

1. Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Credit Needed: Fair, Good, Excellent

This card is a top pick for fair credit holders because it offers solid cash back on every purchase with no annual fee. It’s simple and works well for everyday spending. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

2. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $39
• Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Credit Needed: Fair, Limited History

Good choice if you want rewards and are comfortable with a small annual fee. It can help you build credit while earning on spending. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

3. Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: Up to 1.5% cash back after making on-time payments
• Credit Needed: Fair to Good

This card rewards responsible use and offers no annual fee, making it ideal for fair credit holders focused on long-term credit building. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

4. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 2% cash back at gas & restaurants (up to quarterly limits), 1% on other purchases
• Credit Needed: Fair, Rebuilding

Though technically secured, this card can be a great tool if you want to build or rebuild credit while still earning rewards. You may be eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured card later. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

5. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $35
• Rewards: None
• Credit Needed: Fair, Limited, No Credit Check Required

This secured card doesn’t require a credit check, making it easier to get approved and start building your credit with responsible use. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

6. Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express®

• Annual Fee: ~$95
• Rewards: Travel, gas & dining rewards
• Credit Needed: Fair to Good

Good for fair credit holders who spend often on travel and dining and want rewards beyond cash back. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

How to Choose the Right Fair Credit Card

• Check the **annual fee** — $0 is best if you’re building credit.
• Look for **cash back or rewards** that match your spending habits.
• Prefer cards that **report to all major credit bureaus** to improve your score.
• Consider secured cards if you’re rebuilding credit. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Tips to Improve Approval Odds

• Prequalify before applying — pre-qualification usually doesn’t affect your credit score.
• Keep credit utilization below 30% of your limit.
• Make consistent on-time payments to raise your score. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What credit score qualifies as “fair credit”?

Generally, fair credit in the US ranges from about 580 to 669. Cards designed for this range often have higher approval odds but may come with higher APRs. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Can I get rewards with fair credit?

Yes — many cards like Upgrade Cash Rewards and QuicksilverOne offer cash back or rewards even with fair credit. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Is a secured card good for fair credit?

Yes — secured cards like Discover it® or OpenSky® help build credit by reporting your payment history, which can raise your score over time. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Final Thoughts

Having fair credit doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for good credit cards. In 2026, there are plenty of options — from easy approval cards to secured cards that help you build credit responsibly while earning rewards. Compare offers, choose cards that fit your spending habits, and always pay on time to improve your credit score and financial future. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}