When I first started exploring credit cards, I had a credit score around 600. It felt like a middle ground, neither too high to be eligible for all the best offers nor low enough to be completely shut out. If you’re in a similar situation, you’re probably wondering whether it’s possible to get a decent credit card with a 600 score. In this article, I’ll break down what a 600 credit score means, how you can improve your chances of getting approved for a credit card, and what the best options are for people with a credit score in this range.
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What is a 600 Credit Score?
A 600 credit score is considered a “fair” score by most scoring models, including FICO. While this score is not ideal, it’s not necessarily terrible either. The range for FICO scores generally falls between 300 and 850. Here’s how credit scores are typically broken down:
- 300-579: Poor
- 580-669: Fair
- 670-739: Good
- 740-799: Very Good
- 800-850: Excellent
So, a score of 600 sits within the “fair” range. This means lenders may see you as a moderate risk for credit, but they may still be willing to extend credit, albeit with higher interest rates or lower credit limits. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but there are plenty of opportunities to build or rebuild your credit with this score.
Can You Get Approved for a Credit Card with a 600 Score?
Yes, it’s possible to get approved for a credit card with a 600 score. However, the types of cards you can get approved for may not be the same as those available to someone with an excellent score. The key is to understand your options and choose a card that fits your needs.
In general, credit card issuers are likely to offer two types of cards to people with a score around 600:
- Secured Credit Cards: These cards require a deposit to act as collateral. The credit limit is typically equal to the deposit you make, but they still report your credit activity to the credit bureaus, helping you build or rebuild your credit over time.
- Unsecured Credit Cards for Fair Credit: Some credit card issuers offer unsecured cards for those with fair credit. These cards don’t require a deposit, but they may come with higher interest rates and fees.
Both options can help you improve your credit score over time as long as you make payments on time and manage your credit wisely.
How to Choose the Right Credit Card for a 600 Credit Score
Choosing the right credit card is crucial. I want to make sure that whatever card I choose has a reasonable interest rate, fees that I can manage, and features that align with my financial habits. When I was looking for a card with a 600 score, I followed these steps:
- Check the Credit Requirements: Before applying, I always checked the credit requirements for the card. Most cards for people with fair credit list the minimum score needed, which usually ranges from 580 to 650. If my score was close to the lower end of the range, I would apply for cards on the lower end of that spectrum.
- Consider the Fees: Some cards come with high annual fees or application fees. Since I wanted to minimize costs, I made sure to look for cards with no or low fees.
- Look for Reward Programs: Although I wasn’t eligible for top-tier rewards cards, I still looked for cards that offered basic rewards like cashback on everyday purchases. Many cards for people with fair credit offer rewards for groceries, gas, and dining.
- Review the Interest Rates: Interest rates on credit cards for people with fair credit can be high. I made sure to pay attention to the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and chose cards with the lowest rates possible.
- Read Customer Reviews: I found it helpful to read customer reviews about a particular card. This helped me avoid cards with poor customer service or hidden fees.
Types of Credit Cards You Can Apply for with a 600 Credit Score
Here’s a breakdown of the types of credit cards you might consider:
1. Secured Credit Cards
Secured cards are a good option when you have a 600 credit score, as they are easier to get approved for. I’ve had experience with these cards, and while the deposit can feel like a barrier, it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate responsible credit usage. These cards are ideal if you want to build or rebuild your credit.
Example:
The Capital One Secured Mastercard is a popular choice for people with fair credit. You’ll need to put down a refundable deposit (typically $49, $99, or $200) for a credit limit of $200. Over time, you can increase your credit limit by making additional deposits or showing responsible usage. This card reports to all three credit bureaus, helping you improve your score.
| Card Name | Minimum Deposit | Credit Limit | APR Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Secured Mastercard | $49-$200 | $200 or more | 26.99% | $0 |
| Discover it Secured Card | $200 | $200 or more | 24.24% | $0 |
2. Unsecured Credit Cards for Fair Credit
Unsecured credit cards do not require a deposit. While they come with higher fees and interest rates, they are still a viable option if you want to avoid the upfront cost of a secured card.
Example:
The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa offers an unsecured option for those with fair credit. It includes rewards for everyday purchases, like 1% cashback on eligible purchases, but the APR can be as high as 26.99%.
| Card Name | Credit Limit | APR Range | Annual Fee | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit One Bank Platinum Visa | $300-$1,500 | 26.99% | $0-$99 | 1% cashback |
| Capital One Platinum Credit Card | $300-$1,000 | 26.99% | $0 | No rewards |
3. Cards with Rewards
Some credit cards for people with a 600 credit score still offer rewards programs. These can be a great option if you regularly spend on certain categories like groceries or gas.
Example:
The Chase Freedom Flex card offers cashback rewards in rotating categories like groceries, gas stations, and drugstores. The introductory offer includes 5% cashback on the first $1,500 spent in bonus categories (activation required). It has no annual fee, but the APR is high at 19.24% to 27.99%.
| Card Name | Rewards | APR Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex | 5% cashback (rotating categories) | 19.24%-27.99% | $0 |
| Discover it Cash Back | 5% cashback (rotating categories) | 11.99%-22.99% | $0 |
Pros and Cons of Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score
Pros:
- Build or Rebuild Credit: Both secured and unsecured cards can help you improve your credit score if you use them responsibly.
- No Deposit Requirement: Unsecured cards don’t require a deposit, which makes them more accessible.
- Reward Programs: Some credit cards offer cashback or other rewards, making them more attractive.
Cons:
- Higher Interest Rates: The APRs for these cards are generally higher, which means carrying a balance can become expensive.
- Fees: Some cards come with annual fees or application fees that can add up over time.
- Low Credit Limits: With a 600 score, you may initially be approved for a low credit limit, which limits your purchasing power.
How to Improve Your Credit Score for Better Card Options
While having a 600 credit score gives you some options, it’s always a good idea to work towards improving your score. Here are a few strategies I used to raise my score:
- Pay Your Bills on Time: Late payments can negatively impact your score. Set up reminders or automate payments to avoid missing due dates.
- Keep Credit Utilization Low: I made sure to use less than 30% of my available credit to keep my credit utilization ratio healthy.
- Check Your Credit Report: I regularly checked my credit report for any errors or discrepancies. You can request a free report from the three major credit bureaus once a year.
- Avoid Opening Too Many Accounts: Opening multiple credit accounts in a short period can hurt your credit score. I waited before applying for additional cards.
Conclusion
A 600 credit score may not be ideal, but it certainly doesn’t close all doors to credit cards. By carefully selecting the right cards and managing them responsibly, you can build or rebuild your credit and eventually qualify for cards with better rewards and lower interest rates. Whether you choose a secured card or an unsecured option, the key is to use your card wisely and make payments on time. Over time, you’ll see your sc
