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Best credit cards for fair/average credit in March 2023

Updated March 10, 2023

Credit cards for people with a fair or average credit score can help you build a positive credit history, which plays an important role in your personal finances. With the right card and responsible use, you can grow your credit score and qualify for credit cards and loans with better terms and lower interest rates, which can save you a lot of money.

Not everyone will qualify for the best credit cards for fair credit, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for cards that offer nothing but high fees. Many credit cards for fair credit charge no annual fees and come with credit-building features like free credit score and credit monitoring. Some even offer low interest rates, high credit limits or cash back on your spending.

To help, we’ve chosen the best credit cards for fair or average credit available from our partners. We also have the information you need to help you find the right credit card for you and tips to help you grow your credit score.

Image of Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

Best for entry-level fair credit

Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

Apply now Lock
on Mission Lane's secure site
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
3.4 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

$0 - $59

Regular APR

26.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Recommended credit

Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
Info
Info
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
3.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on Mission Lane's secure site
Info
Image of Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Best for no annual fee

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

29.74% (Variable)

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
Info
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Image of Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

$39

Regular APR

29.74% (Variable)

Recommended credit

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info
Info
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Image of Discover it® Student Cash Back

Best for rotating cash back bonus categories

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

Cashback Match™
Info

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR

Recommended credit

No Credit History
Info
Info
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
Image of Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card

Best for up to 1.5 percent cash back

Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card

Apply now Lock
on Mission Lane's secure site
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

26.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Recommended credit

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info
Info
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Info
Apply now Lock
on Mission Lane's secure site
Image of Credit One Bank Wander® Card
Apply now Lock
on Credit One Bank's secure site
Rating: 3.2 stars out of 5
3.2 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

10,000 Bonus Points
Info

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

28.24% Variable

Recommended credit

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info
Info
Rating: 3.2 stars out of 5
3.2
Info
Apply now Lock
on Credit One Bank's secure site
Image of Milestone® Mastercard®

Best for fraud protection

Milestone® Mastercard®

Apply now Lock
on Genesis FS Card Services's secure site
Rating: 2.1 stars out of 5
2.1 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

$35-$99

Regular APR

24.90%

Recommended credit

Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
Info
Info
Rating: 2.1 stars out of 5
2.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Genesis FS Card Services's secure site
Image of OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply now Lock
on Capital Bank's secure site
Rating: 3.1 stars out of 5
3.1 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

$35

Regular APR

21.89% (variable)

Recommended credit

No Credit History
Info
Info
Rating: 3.1 stars out of 5
3.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital Bank's secure site
Image of Avant Credit Card

Best for no penalty APR

Avant Credit Card

Apply now Lock
on Avant's secure site
Rating: 2.7 stars out of 5
2.7 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

$59

Regular APR

29.49% Variable

Recommended credit

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info
Info
Rating: 2.7 stars out of 5
2.7
Info
Apply now Lock
on Avant's secure site
Image of Indigo® Mastercard®

Best for bankruptcy forgiveness

Indigo® Mastercard®

Apply now Lock
on Genesis FS Card Services's secure site
Rating: 2.1 stars out of 5
2.1 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

$0-$99

Regular APR

24.90%

Recommended credit

Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
Info
Info
Rating: 2.1 stars out of 5
2.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Genesis FS Card Services's secure site
Image of Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

Best for low interest and low cost

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

Apply now Lock
on Upgrade's secure site
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
3.0 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

$200 Bonus
Info

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

14.99% - 29.99% APR

Recommended credit

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info
Info
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
3.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Upgrade's secure site