What credit card can I get with a 500 or 600 credit score?

A 500-600 credit score falls in the “fair” FICO® Score range. This means your credit score is neither good nor bad. There are several credit cards specifically meant for people with bad or fair credit. However the terms of the credit cards may not be so favorable. Your credit limit could be low and interest rates could be higher.

The best type of credit card you can get for fair credit is a secured credit card. Secured credit cards are designed as credit-building tools for those who may have lost some credit score points or are beginning their credit journey.

These cards require a security deposit that acts as the credit limit (anywhere between $200-$600, or higher, depending on the credit card company). As you pay the card on time, your credit score improves.

The other way to use a credit card with a score between 500-600 is to become an authorized user on a trusted family member, friend, or relative’s credit card. Your credit score improves as the primary cardholder makes on-time payments. This is a good option for someone starting their credit journey who does not want to apply for a new credit card. As long as good credit behavior is shown, your score will continue to improve.