Best Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score

If your credit score is around 600, it may be hard to get a regular credit card, but there are still good options for people who want to build or rebuild their credit. Even though premium credit cards may not be available right now, many banks and credit unions offer products made just for people with fair or bad credit histories. These cards usually have fair terms and features that help you build credit, which makes them useful tools for improving your financial health over time.

We look at some of the best credit cards for people with a credit score of 600. We talk about their features, possible benefits, and important things to think about before applying.

Top Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score

When selecting a credit card at this credit level, it’s important to weigh factors such as fees, rewards, and credit-building potential. Below are some of the most suitable options based on their features and accessibility.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

• No annual fee, making it an affordable option for those looking to build credit
• Does not offer rewards, but responsible use can lead to a credit limit increase after six months
• Designed for individuals with fair credit, making approval more accessible

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

• Requires a refundable security deposit, but offers a pathway to an unsecured card after consistent on-time payments
• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), plus 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Provides automatic account reviews starting at seven months to assess eligibility for a credit line upgrade

Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card

• No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or late fees, helping cardholders avoid unnecessary costs
• 1% cash back on all purchases, increasing to 1.5% after 12 months of on-time payments
• Offers credit limits ranging from $300 to $10,000, with approval based on income and banking history rather than just credit score

Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit

• Provides cash back rewards on eligible purchases, making it one of the few reward-based options for this credit tier
• Annual fee varies based on creditworthiness, ranging from $39 to $99
• Offers prequalification without a hard credit inquiry, allowing users to check eligibility without affecting their score

OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

• Does not require a credit check, making it ideal for those with a limited or damaged credit history
• Requires a refundable security deposit starting at $200, which acts as the credit limit
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping responsible cardholders improve their credit over time

Comparison

APR and terms may change; check with issuers for the most up-to-date information before applying.

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How to Increase Your Credit Score for Better Options

A credit score of 600 may limit available credit card options, but with the right approach, it is possible to improve your score and qualify for better financial products. Here are a few steps to help strengthen your credit profile:

• Make payments on time: Payment history is one of the most influential factors in credit scoring, so ensuring bills are paid by their due dates is essential for improvement.
• Manage credit utilization: Using less than 30% of available credit helps demonstrate responsible financial behavior and can positively impact credit scores.
• Limit new credit applications: Each application results in a hard inquiry, which can lower a credit score temporarily. Applying strategically can prevent unnecessary declines.
• Monitor your credit report: Checking reports for errors and disputing inaccuracies can prevent negative effects on credit standing.

By following these habits consistently, individuals can work toward qualifying for credit cards with lower interest rates, higher credit limits, and more valuable rewards.

Final Thoughts

A 600 credit score can be hard to deal with, but there are a number of credit cards that can help cardholders improve their financial situation. Choosing the right card depends on what you want to do, like avoiding fees, getting rewards, or making it easy to get approved. Cardholders can slowly improve their credit and open up better financial opportunities in the future by using credit wisely and making smart financial choices.

You should read the most recent terms and conditions on the issuer’s official website before applying for any credit card. This will help you make an informed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get approved for a credit card with a 600 credit score?

Yes, while a 600 credit score is considered fair or subprime, many credit card issuers offer products specifically designed for individuals with limited or rebuilding credit. Options include secured cards, low-fee cards, and even unsecured cards with basic features.

What type of credit card is best for a 600 credit score?

The best type depends on your goals:

• Secured cards (e.g., Discover it® Secured, OpenSky Secured) are ideal for rebuilding credit.

• Unsecured cards (e.g., Capital One Platinum) are available to some with fair credit and don’t require a deposit.

• Low-fee or no-fee cards (e.g., Petal 2) help avoid additional charges while building credit.

Will applying for a credit card hurt my credit score?

Yes, most credit card applications trigger a hard inquiry, which may lower your score slightly. To minimize the impact, check if the card issuer offers prequalification with a soft inquiry first.

What is a secured credit card, and how does it help build credit?

A secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. It reports activity to the major credit bureaus, helping you build a positive payment history when used responsibly.

How can I improve my credit score from 600 to 700?

To boost your score:

• Pay bills on time

• Keep credit utilization below 30%

• Limit new credit applications

• Monitor your credit report for errors

• Use your credit card regularly but responsibly

Is the Petal 2 card a good option for fair credit?

Yes. The Petal 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa is a strong choice because it evaluates your income and banking history, not just your credit score. It also offers up to 1.5% cash back and no fees.

How does prequalification work?

Prequalification involves a soft credit check to estimate your approval odds. It doesn’t affect your credit score and can help you avoid unnecessary denials.

Which credit card doesn’t require a credit check?

The OpenSky® Secured Visa is notable for not requiring a credit check. Approval is based on your ability to provide a security deposit, making it ideal for those with poor or no credit history.

How long does it take to improve a 600 credit score?

With consistent positive habits, such as on-time payments and low utilization, you could see improvements in 3 to 6 months, though reaching a score above 700 may take longer.

Should I close a credit card after my credit improves?

Not necessarily. Closing a card can reduce your available credit and affect your utilization ratio, potentially lowering your score. It’s often better to keep older accounts open and in good standing unless there are high annual fees or inactivity risks.

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Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

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Article Title: Best Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score

https://fangwallet.com/2025/07/19/best-credit-cards-for-600-credit-score/

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