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In this article:
- Is 600 a Good Credit Score?
- Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score
- How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for Credit Cards
- Continue to Monitor Your Credit After Approval
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A credit score of 600 puts you in the "fair" credit range, which can limit your credit card choices, especially if you're looking for a rewards card. But there are a handful of card options worth considering while you work to build your credit history.
If you're looking for a new credit card with a 600 credit score, here's what you need to know.
Is 600 a Good Credit Score?
The traditional FICO® Score☉ , which is the most widely used credit score by lenders, has a range of 300 to 850. Depending on where your credit score stands, it could fall into one of five categories. With a 600 credit score, you're firmly in the fair credit range.
Having a relatively low credit score typically results in higher interest rates on credit cards and loans. Also, many lenders have minimum credit requirements, so you could have a difficult time getting approved for certain cards.
Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score
There are many different types of credit cards available. Depending on your goals and credit situation, you may consider one of the following:
- Secured credit cards: Designed primarily for people with bad or little credit, these cards function similarly to regular credit cards, but require an upfront security deposit as collateral. While you can get a secured credit card with fair credit, you may prefer an unsecured card if you can qualify for it and if the fees and interest are better than what you can find with a secured card.
- Student credit cards: Designed for college students, these cards are often available for people with limited or fair credit.
- Store credit cards: These cards are offered by retail stores and often allow you to earn rewards and get perks when you shop with the retailer. Most store cards are available to people with low credit scores.
- Rewards credit cards: These cards offer rewards in the form of cash back, points or miles. Most rewards credit cards are reserved for consumers with good credit or better, but some are available for fair-credit borrowers.
- 0% intro APR credit cards: With one of these cards, you can enjoy no interest on purchases for an introductory period after you open an account. They're generally only available if you have good credit or better.
- Balance transfer credit cards: These cards function similarly to 0% intro APR cards, but provide an interest-free period on balances that you transfer from other credit cards. Balance transfer cards typically require that you have at least good credit.
- Low-interest credit cards: Instead of offering an introductory 0% APR period, these cards provide a low ongoing interest rate—typically under the current average credit card APR. You generally need very good or exceptional credit to get approved for one of these cards.
- Small business credit cards: If you own a small business, this type of card can help you manage your expenses and take advantage of certain business-related perks. Most of these cards target business owners with good credit or better, but there are some options if you have fair credit.
As you shop around and compare different card options, here are some credit cards for fair credit.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card charges a $39 annual fee, but also offers 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) and 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make. That's a common rewards rate for credit card users with good credit, and it's one of the best offers for fair-credit borrowers.
The card is unsecured but charges a relatively high APR, so make it a goal to pay off your balance in full every month. You may be considered for a higher credit limit in as little as six months.
What to Do if You're Denied a Credit Card
If you have a 600 credit score and apply for a card that's designed for people with good credit or better, you may have a tough time getting approved. Even applying for a fair-credit credit card doesn't guarantee approval.
If you do get denied, credit card issuers are required by law to give you an explanation as to why you were rejected. This typically comes in the form of an adverse action letter. The reasons listed in the letter will give you a better idea of which areas of your credit history you need to address.
You can also get free access to your Experian credit report if you've been denied credit. As you read through your report, look for items that could be damaging your credit score and work to address them.
One way to get approved if you've been denied for a card is to apply with a cosigner next time. Not all credit card issuers allow cosigners—Bank of America and U.S. Bank are the only major card issuers that do. But if you can get a credit card with a cosigner, it can boost your approval odds and give you another credit account that you can use to further build a positive credit history.
You can also use Experian CreditMatch™ to see what credit cards you may be matched to.
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for Credit Cards
Even if your credit score is good enough to get a credit card for fair credit, you may want to take some time to improve your credit before you apply. Depending on the current state of your credit, this process can take time, but it could make it possible for you to get approved for a better credit card.
The best place to start with improving credit is to check your credit report and credit score. These will give you a better idea of what's impacting your credit score and how you can address it.
To improve your credit before applying for a card:
- Pay your bills on time, every time.
- Get caught up on past-due payments, and pay off collection accounts.
- Pay down high credit card balances.
- Avoid closing old credit card accounts.
- Dispute inaccuracies with the credit bureaus.
- Avoid applying for new credit unless absolutely necessary.
- Use Experian Boost®ø to get credit for on-time utility and phone payments.
You can also ask a family member who has a good credit history to add you as an authorized user on one of their credit card accounts. This arrangement results in the entire history of the account being added to your credit reports, which can help improve your credit score.
Continue to Monitor Your Credit After Approval
While your goal right now may be to get a new credit card, it's important to continue to monitor your credit after you get approved. It's especially important if you expect to take on more debt in the future for major purchases like vehicles or a home.
Building and maintaining a high credit score can also allow you to save on auto and homeowners insurance, and make it easier to get into an apartment. Some employers also check your credit report, so monitoring your credit and addressing potential concerns as they come up can help keep you on the right track.
Learn More About the Different Credit Score Ranges
- How to Apply for a Credit Card With Bad Credit
It can be difficult to get a credit card with bad credit, unless you know how to look and which cards to apply for. - Which Store Cards Are Easiest to Get With Bad Credit?
In general, closed-loop store credit cards can be easier to get than general purpose cards. However, either type of credit card can help you improve your credit. - 600
- What Are the Different Credit Scoring Ranges?
Lenders use credit scoring ranges to decide whether to take a risk on a potential borrower. Understanding your score and how it fits into a scoring range will help... - Best Credit Cards for Fair Credit of 2022
Even with fair credit, you’ll be able to pick from a variety of good credit cards. Some of the top options offer rewards without charging an annual fee.
Is this the right loan for you?
Create a free Experian account now to see loan offers with your best chance of approval.
How we match you
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Our technology works directly with financial institutions to match you to the offers from our partners that are right for you, which means you are more likely to qualify for the products that are Matched for You. Our list is more personalized than other sites because we review lender requirements before showing you offers. We find your best matches using things like your credit profile and your spending habits.
Get started for free
FAQs
What is the easiest credit card to get with 600 credit score? ›
Some of the best unsecured credit cards to get with a 600 credit score: Best for Credit Line Increases: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit. Best for No Upfront Fees: Milestone® Mastercard® - Less Than Perfect Credit Considered. Best for Pre-Approval: Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit.
Can I get approved for a credit card with a 600 credit score? ›Since 600 is considered to be a fair credit score, borrowers with this score generally won't qualify for credit cards with large welcome bonuses, generous rewards and perks or low APRs. However, there are still some options available — using a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's card.
Can I get a Capital One credit card with a 600 credit score? ›According to VantageScore®, a fair score ranges between 601 and 660. Capital One credit cards for fair credit include QuicksilverOne, Quicksilver Secured, and the Platinum Mastercard. Your credit score is only one of the many factors that determine your credit approval odds.
Can I get a Walmart credit card with a 600 credit score? ›The Walmart Credit Card credit score requirement is 640 or higher. That means people with fair credit or better have a shot at getting approved for this card. The Walmart® Store Card also requires at least fair credit for approval.
Can I get an American Express card with a 600 credit score? ›The American Express credit score requirement is of at least 700, depending on the card. That means people with good to excellent credit are eligible to get approved for an American Express credit card.
What credit score do you need for Amazon credit card? ›Approval odds
Typically, you can qualify for Synchrony's Amazon store cards with a fair credit score (580 to 669). On the other hand, you'll likely need at least a good credit score (670 to 739) to qualify for one of the Amazon Visa cards from Chase.
Yes, you can get a personal loan with a 600 credit score — there are even lenders that specialize in offering fair credit personal loans. But keep in mind that if you have a credit score between 580 and 669, you'll generally be considered a “subprime” borrower — meaning lenders might see you as a more risky investment.
How much loan can I get with a 600 credit score? ›You can borrow anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $100,000+ with a 600 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.
Can I get a Lowes card with a 600 credit score? ›What credit score do I need for a Lowe's card? You'll likely need a fair, good, or excellent credit score to qualify for the Lowe's credit card. Fair credit scores typically start around 600. Good scores start around the high 600s, and excellent scores start around 800.
What credit limit will Capital One give me? ›Almost all cardholders have credit limits between $1,000 and $10,000, with over a third at $3,000 or less. Then there's the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which is aimed at consumers with fair credit or worse. Top credit limits may range from $2,000 to $5,000.
What credit score do you need to get a Capital One Visa? ›
Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. The credit score that you need for the Capital One Platinum Credit Card is at least 640.
What credit score do you need to get an Apple card? ›Apple Card uses FICO Score 9. FICO Score 9 ranges from 300 to 850, with scores above 660 considered favorable for credit approval.
What score do you need for Kohls card? ›The Kohl's Credit Card approval requirements include a credit score of 640 or higher; this means you need at least fair credit to get approved for this card.
What credit score do you need for a Lowes credit card? ›The credit score that you need for the Lowe's Store Card is 640, at a minimum. That means people with at least fair credit have a shot at getting approved for this card.
What does your credit score need to be for a TJ Maxx credit card? ›Approval Requirements & Application
The TJX Rewards Credit Card typically approves applicants with fair credit or better, which means credit scores around 620 or higher. You can apply for a new card at any TJX-branded location, including your local T.J. Maxx.
Discover it Secured Credit Card: No minimum score, applicants with bad credit are eligible for approval (below 640). Discover it® Student Cash Back: Available to applicants with limited credit (less than 3 years of credit history).
What credit score is needed for an American Express black card? ›The Mastercard® Black Card™ requires a 720 - 850 credit score. You'll want to make sure your credit score is high enough before applying to increase your chances of approval.
What credit score does PayPal credit require? ›Alternative Credit Card Option
The PayPal Cashback Credit Card requires at least good credit (a credit score of 700+) to get approved.
Affirm doesn't specify what credit score you'll need to qualify. Qualification is based on your overall credit history, your history with Affirm, and current economic conditions. Generally, the better your credit, the easier it will be to get approved for a point-of-sale installment loan.
Can I get an Amazon credit card with a 600 credit score? ›The Amazon.com Credit Card credit score requirement is 700 or better. That means people with at least good credit have a shot at getting approved for this card. The Amazon.com Store Card, on the other hand, requires a 640+ credit score (fair credit).
Can I get a credit card with a 603 credit score? ›
A 603 credit score can be a sign of past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history. Whether you're looking for a personal loan, a mortgage or a credit card, credit scores in this range can make it challenging to get approved for unsecured credit, which doesn't require collateral or a security deposit.
How long does it take to build credit from 600 to 700? ›How long does it take for credit score to go from 600 to 700? The average time someone can expect to see an improvement in their credit scores is after three to six months of proactively working to improve their credit history.
How can I raise my credit score from 600 to 800? ›- Pay Your Bills on Time – All of Them. Paying your bills on time can improve your credit score and get you closer to an 800+ credit score. ...
- Don't Hit Your Credit Limit. ...
- Only Spend What You Can Afford. ...
- Don't Apply for Every Credit Card. ...
- Have a Credit History. ...
- What an 800+ Credit Score Can Mean.
So, with that in mind, these are the interest rates you should expect to see when shopping for lenders: Poor Credit (300-629): ~27 - 32% Interest Rate. Fair Credit (630-689): ~18 - 22% Interest Rate. Good Credit (690-719): ~14 - 18% Interest Rate.
How much of a down payment do I need with a 600 credit score? ›Mortgage loans for a 600 credit score
If you have a credit score of 580 or more, you'll only need to put down 3.5% of the home's purchase price, while a score of 500 to 579 requires at least 10% down.
Ans: To increase your CIBIL score from 600 to 750+, you need to build a strong credit history, manage loan payments efficiently, not close your old credit accounts, pay EMIs on time and monitor your credit report. If you have a good CIBIL score like 750 or above, getting a loan would be a breeze.
What bank is Home Depot credit card? ›The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card can only be used on purchases at Home Depot. The card is issued by Citibank and offers different financing options.
What is the lowest credit score? ›- Very poor: 300 to 579.
- Fair: 580 to 669.
- Good: 670 to 739.
- Very good: 740 to 799.
- Excellent: 800 to 850.
What credit bureau does Home Depot use for business credit? Home Depot pulls from three major credit bureaus for all of their credit approvals: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
What is the highest credit limit for Capital One Walmart card? ›Credit limits for a Walmart credit card can range from $150 to over $5,000. Several factors go into determining your credit limit, including your annual income and credit history. Where can I use a Walmart credit card? The Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
What is the starting limit for Quicksilver one? ›
The minimum credit limit for the Quicksilver card is $1,000. Your history with the Quicksilver card will be evaluated for a higher credit limit or upgrade after 6 months of positive history.
What is Capital One Quicksilver minimum? ›The Capital One Quicksilver minimum payment is either $25 or 1% of your statement balance, whichever is greater. If your balance is less than $25, the entire amount is your minimum payment. You will find the specifics for your account listed on your monthly statement.
What is the minimum income for Capital One card? ›Issuer-specific policies
For example, according to the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card's terms and conditions, Capital One requires applicants' income to be at least $425 per month higher than a monthly mortgage or rent payment in order to be eligible for this card.
Insufficient Income
A credit card issuer has to make sure you have enough income to make the required payments for your card. If you don't have enough income to make the minimum payments, you might not be approved.
As long as you meet the credit score requirement and a few other requirements, it's not hard to get a Capital One credit card. As with all credit cards, you'll need to have a steady income and be at least 18 years old. You'll also need to have an SSN.
What credit score do you need to have for T Mobile? ›T-Mobile doesn't have a specific credit score requirement. Most carriers require a credit score of 650 or higher to qualify for postpaid plans. So, if your score is below 650, it's unlikely that you will be approved for a postpaid plan from T-Mobile.
What raises credit score? ›One of the best things you can do to improve your credit score is to pay your debts on time and in full whenever possible. Payment history makes up a significant chunk of your credit score, so it's important to avoid late payments.
Is it hard to get approved for a Apple Card? ›Yes, it is hard to get the Apple Card because it requires at least good credit for approval. Unless your credit score is 700 or higher and you have a lot of income, it will be difficult for you to get approved for the Apple Card.
What score do you need for a Macy's credit card? ›Most applicants who are approved for a Macy's Credit Card have a FICO® Score of 600 or higher. If you're aiming for the Macy's American Express® Card, you'll likely need a score of at least 670; ideally, your score should be 700 or higher.
What kind of credit card is easy to get? ›Secured credit cards will likely be the easiest cards to get for those with either poor credit or no credit. That's because they require collateral upfront in the form of a security deposit, which is typically equal to the amount of your credit line and reduces the risk to the card issuer if you fail to pay your bill.
Is it hard to get a Target card? ›
It is not hard to get the Target Credit Card, though it's not especially easy, either. The Target Credit Card is available to people with fair credit or better, which means that most people should have a shot at approval but there are also plenty of people who won't qualify.
Can you get a Home Depot card with bad credit? ›A credit score of 640 or higher is needed for a Home Depot® Credit Card; this means that you need to have a fair credit score to get it.
Should I have 3 credit cards? ›If your goal is to get or maintain a good credit score, two to three credit card accounts, in addition to other types of credit, are generally recommended. This combination may help you improve your credit mix. Lenders and creditors like to see a wide variety of credit types on your credit report.
What credit score do you need for a Home Depot or Lowes credit card? ›A FICO® Score of at least 600 is recommended to apply for the Home Depot® Credit Card -- ideally, a score of 640 or higher. Applicants who get this card usually have scores in the fair credit or good credit range.
Can I get a Macy's card with bad credit? ›You need good or excellent credit (700 or higher) to get the Macy's Amex, and at least fair credit (640 or higher) to get the Macy's Store Card.
Is it hard to get a Old Navy credit card? ›Yes, it is hard to get the Old Navy Credit Card because it requires at least good credit for approval. Unless your credit score is 700 or higher and you have a lot of income, it will be difficult for you to get approved for the Old Navy Credit Card.
Can I get a T.J. Maxx credit card with bad credit? ›You need fair credit to get approved for the TJX credit card, which means a credit score of 620 or above.
What size loan can I get with a 600 credit score? ›You can borrow anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $100,000+ with a 600 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.
Which credit card is most easy to get? ›Secured credit cards are by far the easiest type of credit card to obtain, particularly if you have a poor or limited credit history.
What credit card is easiest to get? ›Secured credit cards will likely be the easiest cards to get for those with either poor credit or no credit. That's because they require collateral upfront in the form of a security deposit, which is typically equal to the amount of your credit line and reduces the risk to the card issuer if you fail to pay your bill.
What credit score do you need to be approved for PayPal credit? ›
Alternative Credit Card Option
The PayPal Cashback Credit Card requires at least good credit (a credit score of 700+) to get approved. If you'd like to know where you stand, you can check your credit score for free, right here on WalletHub.
- Best Overall: Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
- No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
- Unsecured: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit.
- Rewards & No Annual Fee: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Aside from one secured card — the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card and prepaid cards — no credit card offers guaranteed approval for everyone.
What's the easiest credit card to get with a low credit score? ›The Discover it® Secured Credit Card may be the best credit card available for people with bad credit. Not only does it have an annual fee of $0, but it also gives rewards: 2% cash back on up to $1,000 worth of spending per quarter on restaurants and gas, and 1% on all other spending.
What credit score do you need to get approved for most credit cards? ›A credit score of about 700+ will likely qualify you for just about any credit card, including those with cash back rewards, lower annual percentage rates (APRs) and more.
Which credit card is not accepted the most? ›Consumers who have Discover and American Express credit cards are likely to run into the most trouble finding merchants who accept their cards, especially when travelling outside the United States.
Why do credit cards keep denying me? ›Your credit card application may have been denied because you have bad credit. Unpaid collections, recent delinquencies, and high credit card balances are all things that need to be fixed before you can be approved for a credit card (or a decent one at least).
How good is a 600 credit score? ›Your score falls within the range of scores, from 580 to 669, considered Fair. A 600 FICO® Score is below the average credit score. Some lenders see consumers with scores in the Fair range as having unfavorable credit, and may decline their credit applications.