Published on Apr 05, 2025 6 min read

Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Building Credit with Fair Scores

Building credit with a fair score can be challenging, but the right unsecured credit card can make all the difference. These cards are designed to help you improve your credit without requiring a security deposit. With responsible use, they can provide a solid foundation for better financial opportunities, making them an excellent choice for credit growth.

What Exactly Is a Fair Credit Score?

A fair credit score, ranging from 580 to 669 on the FICO scale, might not be perfect, but it’s far from poor. The good news? You can still qualify for unsecured credit cards and start building toward a stronger financial future! However, lenders often view borrowers in this range as higher risk, which may lead to higher interest rates or lower credit limits. That said, using these cards responsibly can be an effective way to strengthen your credit over time.

Why Choose Unsecured Credit Cards?

Unsecured credit cards are a popular choice for individuals with fair credit, offering convenience and flexibility without requiring a cash deposit as collateral. Unlike secured cards, they provide broader access to credit while still helping you build a stronger credit profile. Many of these cards also come with appealing benefits, such as rewards programs and credit-building tools, making them a valuable asset for managing and improving your finances.

Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Fair Credit:

If you have a fair credit score, these unsecured credit cards can help you build credit while offering valuable perks:

1. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One QuicksilverOne is a great choice for individuals with fair credit who want to earn rewards while strengthening their credit profile.

• Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
• Annual Fee: $39.
• Credit Limit: Starts with a modest limit, but responsible usage can lead to higher credit lines.
• Perks: Gain access to a higher credit line after making your first five on-time monthly payments.

This card is perfect for those looking to improve their credit while enjoying cash back rewards on everyday spending.

2. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Though technically a secured credit card, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out for its straightforward path to transitioning into an unsecured card.

• Annual Fee: None—this card has a $0 annual fee.
• Credit Limit: Requires a refundable security deposit, but Discover conducts monthly reviews of your account to determine if you're eligible to upgrade to an unsecured card.
• Perks: At the end of your first year, Discover generously matches all the cash back you’ve earned.

With its strong rewards program, no annual fee, and potential to graduate to an unsecured card, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice for building or rebuilding credit.

3. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa is tailored for individuals working to rebuild their credit.

• Rewards: Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases.
• Annual Fee: Ranges from $0 to $95, depending on your creditworthiness.
• Credit Limit: Starts modest but has the potential to grow over time.
• Perks: Enjoy free online access to your credit score and the flexibility to choose your payment due date.

This card offers a reliable option for those committed to improving their credit and regaining financial stability.

4. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

The Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card is a straightforward, unsecured option designed for individuals with fair credit.

• Rewards: While it doesn’t offer a rewards program, it’s a hassle-free choice for building credit.
• Annual Fee: Ranges from $0 to $39, depending on your credit profile.
• Credit Limit: Determined by your creditworthiness.
• Perks: No security deposit required, with quick application decisions.

Ideal for those seeking a simple, no-frills card to establish or improve their credit.

5. Avant Credit Card

The Avant Credit Card is an unsecured option tailored for individuals with fair credit who are looking to build or improve their credit profile.

• Rewards: While it doesn't offer a rewards program, its primary focus is on supporting credit building.
• Annual Fee: Ranges from $0 to $59, depending on your creditworthiness.
• Credit Limit: Starts at $300, with the potential for increases through responsible use.
• Perks: No security deposit required, plus access to valuable credit education tools.

This straightforward card is an excellent choice for those seeking an uncomplicated, unsecured option to strengthen their credit over time.

How to Choose the Best Unsecured Credit Card?

Selecting the right unsecured credit card for fair credit requires careful consideration of several key factors:

1. Annual Fees

Many unsecured credit cards for fair credit include annual fees. While these fees can be worthwhile if the card offers valuable benefits, ensure they fit within your budget and provide enough value to justify the cost.

2. Interest Rates

Unsecured cards for fair credit often come with higher interest rates. If you’re planning to carry a balance, prioritize finding a card with the lowest possible APR to minimize long-term costs.

3. Credit-Building Features

Look for cards that support your credit-building journey with tools like free credit score monitoring, educational resources, or automatic credit limit increases. These features can accelerate your progress toward better credit.

4. Rewards and Benefits

If earning rewards is important to you, choose a card that offers incentives such as cash back, points, or other perks. This way, you can build credit while enjoying extra value for your everyday spending.

Smart Strategies for Building Credit with an Unsecured Card:

Once you've selected the right unsecured credit card, follow these strategies to make the most of it:

1. Always Pay on Time

Your payment history has the biggest influence on your credit score. To avoid setbacks, ensure you pay at least the minimum amount by the due date every month.

2. Keep Credit Utilization in Check

Try to use no more than 30% of your available credit limit. The lower your utilization, the better it reflects on your credit score.

3. Stay on Top of Your Credit Report

Regularly review your credit report to spot any errors and monitor your progress. Many credit card issuers now provide free access to your credit score, making it easier to stay informed.

4. Limit New Credit Applications

Every time you apply for a new credit card, a hard inquiry is made on your report, which can temporarily lower your score. Be selective and avoid applying for multiple cards at once.

Conclusion:

Building credit with a fair score is absolutely achievable with the right unsecured credit card. By selecting a card that aligns with your financial goals and managing it responsibly, you can steadily enhance your creditworthiness over time. Whether you’re seeking rewards, low fees, or straightforward tools to build credit, the options highlighted above represent some of the top choices for those with fair credit.