Best Credit Cards for Credit Scores of 650-700
If your FICO credit score is in the fair/average 650 to 700 range, that's not a bad credit score range. But it's not great credit, either.
Let’s face it:
The financial institutions passing out credit cards consider credit scores of 740 or higher to be much stronger FICO scores today. They reserve their absolute best credit cards for those with FICO scores of 800 or more.
This doesn't mean that you can't qualify for a solid credit card even with a fair credit score.
But here’s the kicker:
Even if you have a 650 credit score, you can still qualify for a credit card that charges no annual fee and comes with reasonable interest rates. And if your score is 700?
You might even qualify for a card that comes with a few of the perks that you normally would expect from top-tier cards.
Now:
If you make your payments on time every month with whatever new card you choose, you'll steadily boost your credit score.
Don't make any late payments, and don't run up a ton of debt that you can't pay back each month, and you'll eventually have a FICO credit score that lets you qualify for even better credit cards.
Credit Score Ranges and Quality
| Credit Score Ranges | Credit Quality | Effect on Ability to Obtain Loans |
|---|---|---|
| 300-580 | Very Bad | Extremely difficult to obtain traditional loans and line of credit. Advised to use secured credit cards and loans to help rebuild credit. |
| 580-669 | Bad | May be able to qualify for some loans and lines of credit, but the interest rates are likely to be high. |
| 670-739 | Average/Fair | Eligible for many traditional loans, but the interest rates and terms may not be the best. |
| 740-799 | Good | Valuable benefits come in the form of loans and lines of credit with comprehensive perks and low interest rates. |
| 800-850 | Excellent | Qualify easily for most loans and lines of credit with low interest rates and favorable terms. |
Here’s the deal:
But before you get to that point, you'll need to apply for those cards designed for consumers with fair but not bad credit.
Best Credit Cards for Credit Scores of 650-700
Here are our recommendations for the best credit cards for 650-700 credit scores to get you started:
- Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card
- Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
1. Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card
The Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for 700 credit scores, thanks to its low introductory interest rate and generous cash-back program.
Because this is a stronger credit card, you have a better chance of qualifying with a 700 score than you do with a 650 credit score.
But if you do qualify, you'll get an introductory APR for a promotional period. After that, your rate will change to the regular APR, which varies based on your credit score.
The card also charges no annual fee and provides a decent cash bonus after you use it to charge at least $500 in purchases, as long as you hit this milestone during the first three months of opening your account.
The Chase Freedom Flex cash-back program is particularly impressive. You'll earn at least 1% cash back on every purchase you make. There is no limit on this.
Better yet:
You can earn a total of 5% cash back (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in select bonus categories each quarter). These categories will change, so you'll have to pay attention.
Chase Freedom Flex Card Pros & Cons
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Read the full editor's review of the Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card.
2. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular credit cards for a 650 credit score, and it also comes with a rewards program.
You'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make with this card, so you won't have to worry about keeping track of different purchase categories.
The card also rewards good credit behavior: Your account will be reviewed automatically for credit line increases in as little as 6 months.
On the downside, this card does charge an annual fee, though it is a low one at $39.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card Pros & Cons
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Read the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card editor's review.
3. Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
If you're a college student, you might be looking for fair credit score credit cards.
Journey Student Rewards from Capital One will give you a chance to build your credit score while also providing cash-back rewards.
The card comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (ideal for students studying abroad).
Capital One Journey Student Rewards Card Pros & Cons
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Read the Capital One Journey Student Rewards editor's review.
4. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Credit cards for 650 credit scores are often difficult to find with perks. Fortunately, there are plenty of basic vanilla cards that you can use to build your credit.
The Capital One Platinum Card is one of them.
While this card offers no rewards program, it also charges no annual fee. And, you'll be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months.
Your interest rate, depending on your credit, can be quite high, so, again, you'll need to pay your balance in full each month if you don't want your debt to grow.
Capital One Platinum Card Pros & Cons
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Read the full review of the Capital One Platinum Credit Card.
While there are some quick-fire ways to boost your credit score, the goal with a basic card such as this is to make your payments on time, not charge too much debt and steadily boost your FICO score so that you can qualify for an even better card.
