Fair Credit CREDIT CARDS

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With fair credit, it’s easy to believe that you’ll never qualify for a credit card. Fortunately, this isn’t true. There are hundreds of credit cards designed for consumers with fair credit, all of which provide a variety of benefits to help improve your finances. From the Surge Mastercard credit card to the First Access Visa credit card, we help you find the offer that best suits you. From the interest rate to fees, from credit requirements to brand information, we’ll help you secure the right credit card at the right time.

☆   Card Spotlight
Today’s Featured Card

PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card

Start building credit by keeping your balance low and paying all your bills on time each month

Rating

  

Regular Purchase APR

See Provider Website

Credit Recommended

Fair/Poor

Annual Fee

See Provider Website

Updated For

Fri 21 Feb 2025

Full Details

Card Page

Imagine® Visa® Credit Card

Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee As low as $99

Credit Recommended Fair/Poor

Regular Purchase APR 29.99% or 36% Fixed

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Earn Cash Back Rewards* on All Eligible Purchases – 3% on Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
  • Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
  • $0 fraud liability**
  • Free Access to your Credit Score†
  • The Imagine Card is issued by WebBank

*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.

**Zero liability subject to Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.

† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by WebBank (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.

Additional Info

  • Rewards Rate: Up to 3% Cash Back Rewards; 3% Cash Back Rewards on Gas, Groceries and Utility Bill Payments. 1% Cash Back Rewards on all other eligible purchases.
  • Credit Line: Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
  • Annual Fee: As low as $99
  • Regular APR: 29.99% or 36% Fixed
  • Credit Recommended: Fair/Poor
  • Card Brand: Visa®
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 29.99% or 36% Fixed
Annual Fee As low as $99
Credit Recommended Fair/Poor
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee n/a
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee n/a
Foreign Transaction Fee 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars
Balance Transfer Fee 3% of the amount of each transfer

Destiny® Mastercard® with Instant Credit

A guaranteed $700 credit limit to help get your financial goals on track, if approved.

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee $175 the first year; $49 thereafter

Credit Recommended Fair

Regular Purchase APR 35.90%

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • A guaranteed $700 credit limit to help get your financial goals on track, if approved.
  • Don’t wait for your card to come in the mail. If approved, add your card to your mobile wallet and shop today. See Terms.
  • Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
  • Trusted by more than a million customers with reporting to all three major credit bureaus, so you get credit for all of your hard work.
  • No security deposit, just instant purchasing power. See Terms.
  • Zero Fraud Liability – Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
  • Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.

Additional Info

  • Credit Limit: $700
  • Regular APR: 35.90%
  • Monthly Fee: $0 the first year (billed $0 each month); $150 annually thereafter (billed $12.50 each month)
  • Cash Advance APR: 35.90%
  • Cash Advance Fee: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater (not to exceed $100 )
  • Credit Recommended: Fair
  • Annual Fee: $175 the first year; $49 thereafter
  • Brand Name: Mastercard
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
  • Minimum Credit Score: 500
  • Penalty APR: See Terms

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 35.90%
Annual Fee $175 the first year; $49 thereafter
Credit Recommended Fair
Cash Advance APR 35.90%
Cash Advance Fee $5 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater (not to exceed $100 )
Cash Grace Period See Terms
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Overlimit Fee See Terms
Return Check Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Balance Transfer Fee See Terms

Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit

Higher limit than before, still no security deposit required!

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Terms

Credit Recommended Bad/Poor/Fair

Regular Purchase APR 35.9%

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Now with higher credit limits
  • Increase your access to available credit
  • Higher limit than before, still no security deposit required!
  • Greater access to credit than before
  • Less than perfect credit is okay
  • Mobile account access at any time
  • Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.

Additional Info

  • Regular APR: 35.9%
  • Annual Fee: See Terms
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
  • Card Brand: Mastercard®
  • Credit Recommended: Bad/Poor/Fair
  • Intro Rate: N/A
  • Intro Period: N/A
  • Balance Transfer: N/A
  • Intro (Purchases): N/A
  • Intro (Balance Transfers): N/A

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 35.9%
Annual Fee See Terms
Credit Recommended Bad/Poor/Fair
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee n/a
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee See Website for Details
Overlimit Fee See Website for Details
Return Check Fee See Website for Details
Foreign Transaction Fee 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

Milestone® Mastercard®

Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Terms

Credit Recommended Fair/Good

Regular Purchase APR See Terms

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Greater access to credit than before – $700 credit limit
  • Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app
  • Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
  • $0 liability for unauthorized use
  • Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7

Additional Info

  • Regular APR: See terms
  • Credit Recommended: Fair/Good
  • Annual Fee: See terms
  • Card Brand: Mastercard
  • Credit Limit: $700
  • Cash Advance Fee: See terms
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR See Terms
Annual Fee See Terms
Credit Recommended Fair/Good
Cash Advance APR See Terms
Cash Advance Fee See Terms
Cash Grace Period See Terms
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Overlimit Fee See Terms
Return Check Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee See Terms
Balance Transfer Fee See Terms

Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Card

Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee $85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter

Credit Recommended Fair

Regular Purchase APR 29.99% or 36% Fixed

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Earn Cash Back Rewards* on All Eligible Purchases – 3% on Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
  • Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
  • Prequalify** without affecting your credit score
  • No security deposit
  • Free access to your VantageScore 4.0 score from TransUnion®†

*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.

** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry into your credit history (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.

† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.

Additional Info

  • Credit Line: Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
  • Rewards Rate: Up to 3% Cash Back Rewards; 3% Cash Back Rewards on Gas, Groceries and Utility Bill Payments. 1% Cash Back Rewards on all other eligible purchases.
  • Regular APR: 29.99% or 36% Fixed
  • Annual Fee: $85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter
  • Credit Recommended: Fair
  • Card Brand: Mastercard®
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 29.99% or 36% Fixed
Annual Fee $85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter
Credit Recommended Fair
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee n/a
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee n/a
Foreign Transaction Fee 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars
Balance Transfer Fee 3% of the amount of each transfer

Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card

Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee $85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter

Credit Recommended Fair

Regular Purchase APR 29.99% or 36% Fixed

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Earn Cash Back Rewards* on All Eligible Purchases – 3% on Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
  • Use Anywhere Mastercard® is Accepted
  • $0 fraud liability**
  • Free access to your VantageScore 4.0 credit score from TransUnion®†

*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.

**Fraud liability subject to Mastercard® rules.

† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.

Additional Info

  • Rewards Rate: Up to 3% Cash Back Rewards; 3% Cash Back Rewards on Gas, Groceries and Utility Bill Payments. 1% Cash Back Rewards on all other eligible purchases.
  • Credit Line: Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
  • Regular APR: 29.99% or 36% Fixed
  • Annual Fee: $85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter
  • Credit Recommended: Fair
  • Card Brand: Mastercard®
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 29.99% or 36% Fixed
Annual Fee $85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter
Credit Recommended Fair
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee n/a
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee n/a
Foreign Transaction Fee 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars
Balance Transfer Fee 3% of the amount of each transfer

Upgrade Select Visa®

See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score

Intro Purchase APR N/A

Intro Balance Transfer APR N/A

Annual Fee $39.00

Credit Recommended Fair

Regular Purchase APR 21.96% -29.99% APR

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • Combine the fl exibility of a card with the predictability of a personal loan
  • Up to 10% cash back from your favorite brands with Upgrade Shopping
  • See if you qualify in seconds with no impact to your credit score
  • No touch payments with contactless technology built in
  • Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
  • Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted
  • Relax knowing that you are protected in case of unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy

Welcome Bonus Disclosure: *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus off er. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus off ers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions. This one-time bonus is available through this Upgrade Card off er and may not be available for other Upgrade Card offers.

State Exclusions: DC, IA, WV, WI, CT, GA, MA

Link to Rates and Terms: https://upgrade.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/20415490542747-Upgrade-Select-Card-details

Additional Info

  • Annual Fee: $39
  • Purchase APR: N/A
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.96% -29.99%
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: NA
  • Cash Advance APR: NA
  • Cash Advance FEE: NA
  • Late Fee: $0
  • Penalty APR: NA
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.96% -29.99%
  • Balance Transfer Fee: Up to 5%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
  • Visa’s Zero Liability Policy: Yes
  • Return Payment Fee: $0
  • Welcome Bonus: $200*

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 14.99% - 29.99% APR
Annual Fee 0.00
Credit Recommended Fair
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee n/a
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee 0.00
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee 0.00
Foreign Transaction Fee Up to 3%
Balance Transfer Fee Up to 5%

Card Spotlight : Extra Card

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to build your credit with a debit card? While it may have been impossible in the past, Extra has changed this forever.  With the Extra Card, you can build your credit and earn rewards points just as you would with a traditional credit card. The only difference is...

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Card Spotlight: Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card

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Card Spotlight : Destiny Mastercard®

Do you have less than perfect credit and have been rejected for credit cards in the past? Are you hoping to improve your credit score in the future? If you answered yes to these questions, you might want to consider the Destiny Mastercard®. Apply Now This credit card provides all the advantages of a Mastercard...

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Fair Credit

With fair credit, it’s not always easy to qualify for a credit card. Even though you may run into some challenges, there are hundreds of credit card offers for consumers with fair credit.

From the First Access Visa to the Surge Mastercard, we’ll help you find the credit card that best suits your current financial situation and future goals.

How to Increase Your Fair Credit Score

Is a fair credit score holding you back from securing a loan? Is it making it difficult to make a big purchase? Your score may be hovering between 580 and 669 right now, but there are steps you can take to reach the next level.

Here are five ways to increase your fair credit score:

1. Inspect Your Credit Report

What’s the reason for your fair credit score? Is there anything you can immediately clear up? For example, you may be surprised to find that you have several credit cards that are maxed out. By paying down your balances, you’re freeing up credit. And when that happens, it has a positive impact on your credit score.

Tip: when reviewing your credit report, keep an eye open for errors.

2. Pay Off or Pay Down Balances

It’s easy (and fun) to spend money, but much more difficult to manage debt. High balances can drag down your credit score. Even if you’re unable to pay off all your debts in a reasonable time frame, you can at least pay your balances down.

3. Know Your Bills and Pay On Time

You know you have bills, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you always pay them on time. By creating a budget and setting reminders, you can prevent a situation in which you make a late payment or no payment at all.

Once you begin to pay your bills on time, one month after the next, you’ll feel confident in your ability to better manage your money. This confidence will eventually lead you to a higher credit score.

4. Diversify Your Credit

Did you know that diversifying your credit could boost your score? This doesn’t mean you should apply for new loans and credit cards for this sole purpose, but it could work in your favor. For example, if you’re interested in borrowing money, consider a personal loan instead of a credit card.

5. Wait it Out

It would be nice if you could change your financial approach today, and watch your credit score grow tomorrow. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work this way. It takes time to reach your goals, so you must exercise patience. Doing the right things, month after month, will pay off in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Even though a fair credit score leaves a lot to be desired, a few changes can have a positive impact. When you stay the course for an extended period of time, you’ll eventually find your fair score reaching good (or even excellent) territory.

With the following credit cards, excellent credit is not required. Even if other credit card issuers have denied you, these offers put you in position to receive an immediate approval.

Advertiser Disclosure * Advertisements which display guaranteed credit lines or credit limits of $500.00-$750.00 are exclusively for usage through online retail stores, online marketplace websites and/or online auction websites. Credit limit offers displayed on advertisements are contingent on getting approved by the credit institution issuing the credit card or issuing the line of credit. When searching for the best credit card for you, there are several factors that you ought to consider. Some cards have APR rates that you need to review before you sign on with a bank or lender. Financing costs will influence your decision if you anticipate using the card for single purchases or if you intend to carry a monthly balance. If you don’t make your timely required payments by the due date, financing costs increase and you’ll have to pay the credit issuer those fees plus your current balance. Please review the credit card applications for specifics into the terms and conditions. We strive to display current and up-to-date information. Nonetheless, all credit card offers are displayed without guarantee. To affirm terms and conditions, tap the "Apply Now" to learn more about the credit offer on a secure page provided by the card issuer(s). Please review full terms and conditions prior to applying for any credit card.

General Disclaimer Please review the credit card applications for specifics into the terms and conditions. We strive to display current and up-to-date information. Nonetheless, all credit card offers are displayed without guarantee. To affirm terms and conditions, tap the "Apply Now" to learn more about the credit offer on a secure page provided by the card issuer(s)

Editorial Note Our team of editors rate credit card offers unbiasedly in light of the components the credit card offers purchasers, expenses, financing costs, and how a credit card is related by category. The evaluations are the master supposition of our editors, and not affected by any compensation this site gets from the credit card issuer(s).