What Credit Cards Can You Get With a 600 Credit Score?

Is 600 a Good Credit Score?

A 600 credit score falls within the fair credit range for FICO^® Scores, the credit scores used by 90% of top lenders. Fair credit covers scores ranging from 580 to 669. About 15.1% of American consumers have a fair FICO^® Score, according to Experian data from June 2026.

Here's a quick glance at the full spectrum of FICO^® Scores:

• Exceptional: 800 to 850
• Very good: 740 to 799
• Good: 670 to 739
• Fair: 580 to 669
• Poor: 300 to 579

You may have fair credit because you have a relatively thin credit file (not many credit accounts), or because you've made some credit missteps in the past. Either way, lenders tend to view you as a riskier borrower than someone with good or excellent credit.

As a result, you may have fewer credit card options, and you can also expect higher annual percentage rates (APRs), smaller credit limits and fewer rewards.

Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score

There are several types of credit cards to consider, though you'll have fewer options compared to someone with good credit. That's why it's crucial to shop around and compare several cards before deciding on the best one for you. Here's a look at your options:

Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for a 600 Credit Score

As you shop around and compare the options that are available to you, here are some factors that can help you find the right fit:

• Consider your spending habits. Some cards may offer bonus rewards on certain spending categories, so you'll want to find one that pairs well with your typical spending patterns. And if you frequently shop at a particular retailer, their store card may be a good fit.
• Prioritize no annual fee. Though some starter cards charge one, paying an annual fee is hard to justify if you're not getting much in the way of rewards and benefits. A no-fee card is also one you can keep open long after you've moved on to better cards, which can help bolster your length of credit history.
• Look for an upgrade path. If you decide to go with a secured credit card, focus on issuers that let you upgrade to an unsecured card at some point. Otherwise, you'll have to close the account to get your deposit refunded.
• Check the APRs. You can generally expect higher rates with fair credit, but it's still important to try to minimize your potential costs. Also, keep in mind that you can avoid interest entirely if you pay your balance in full each month.
• Prequalify before you apply. Many issuers let you check your approval odds with a soft credit inquiry that won't affect your score. If you don't want to go through the prequalification process with each individual lender, Experian can help you get matched with credit card offers from our partners, based on your credit profile.

What to Do if You're Denied a Credit Card

A denial can sting, but it's not necessarily the end of the line. Here are some steps you can take after being denied a credit card:

• Review the reason for your denial. Lenders are required by law to tell you why your application was rejected. This adverse action notice will detail the main reasons and provide other resources to help you move forward.
• Check your credit reports. You're entitled to a free copy of the report the lender used in its decision. You can also get free access to your Experian credit report anytime. As you review your reports, look for specific areas you can address, such as high credit card balances, past-due payments or collection accounts. If you find information you believe to be inaccurate, you have the right to file a dispute with the credit bureaus.
• Consider applying with a cosigner. Most major credit card issuers don't accept cosigners, but you may be able to apply with one through smaller banks and local credit unions.
• Apply for a different card. If you applied for a card designed for people with higher scores, consider stepping down to an unsecured starter card, a store card or even a secured card.

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How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for Credit Cards

Even if your score is high enough for a fair-credit card, taking a few months to improve your credit first can open up better terms. How long that takes depends on what's weighing your score down.

The best place to start is by checking your credit report and FICO^® Score, which can show what's affecting your score and where your attention will do the most good. From there, here are some other steps you can take to increase your credit score:

• 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 you need it.
• Use Experian Boost^®ø to get credit for on-time utility, phone and streaming payments.

You can also ask a family member with a strong credit history to add you asan authorized user on one of their credit card accounts. That arrangement adds the account's history to your credit reports, which can give your score a lift without any new debt in your name.

Continue to Monitor Your Credit After Approval

While your goal right now may be to get a new credit card, it's important to keep monitoring your credit for free after you get approved. That matters even more if you expect to take on debt in the future for major purchases like a vehicle or a home.

As you use your new credit card and other debt responsibly, credit monitoring lets you track your progress and provides further insights to help you qualify for better card options in the future.