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Credit Cards for Fair Credit: Types, Tips and How to Read the Terms

By the Express Approvals team · Updated October 27, 2026 · 6 min read

Advertiser disclosure: Express Approvals may receive compensation from some partners featured on this site when you click a link or are approved. This can influence which offers appear and where, but not our educational content. We don't feature every lender or offer available. How we make money.

Important: We are not a lender, and we don't make credit decisions. Express Approvals is an independent comparison and education site. Approval, rates and terms are set solely by each lender or card issuer, based on your application. No one can guarantee approval.

If your credit is "fair," you may have more options than you think, but terms vary widely. Here's how to choose and apply strategically.

Card types to consider

  • Unsecured cards for fair credit: no deposit, but often higher APRs and lower starting limits.
  • Secured cards: you put down a refundable deposit that usually sets your limit. Look for one that reports to all three bureaus and offers a path to graduate to an unsecured card.
  • Credit-builder products: designed to help you establish payment history.
  • Store cards: sometimes easier to get, but usually only usable at one retailer and often with high APRs.

Terms to check before you apply

  • Purchase APR (and whether it's variable)
  • Annual fee, monthly fees, or program fees
  • Security deposit requirement (secured cards)
  • Whether the issuer reports to all three credit bureaus
  • Late payment and returned-payment fees
  • Path to a credit limit increase or graduation

Using a card to build credit

  • Pay on time, every time. Set up autopay for at least the minimum.
  • Keep your balance low relative to your limit.
  • Don't apply for many cards at once.

Many issuers offer a prequalification tool on their website that uses a soft check. Use those before applying.

Compare options

Advertiser disclosure: Express Approvals may receive compensation from some partners featured on this site when you click a link or are approved. This can influence which offers appear and where, but not our educational content. We don't feature every lender or offer available. How we make money.

[CARD_ISSUER_FAIR_CREDIT LOGO]

[CARD ISSUER FAIR CREDIT NAME]
Unsecured card for fair credit

APR range
[FROM PARTNER'S CURRENT DISCLOSURE, WITH DATE]
Amounts / limits
[FROM PARTNER]
Credit check to prequalify
[SOFT PULL? CONFIRM WITH PARTNER]
Fees
[ORIGINATION / ANNUAL / LATE FEES FROM PARTNER]
Check your rate

Representative example: [REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE FROM PARTNER: e.g. amount borrowed, term, APR, monthly payment and total amount repayable, as published by the partner] Checking your rate doesn't guarantee approval; final terms depend on the lender's review of your application.

[CARD_ISSUER_SECURED LOGO]

[CARD ISSUER SECURED NAME]
Secured credit card

APR range
[FROM PARTNER'S CURRENT DISCLOSURE, WITH DATE]
Amounts / limits
[FROM PARTNER]
Credit check to prequalify
[SOFT PULL? CONFIRM WITH PARTNER]
Fees
[ORIGINATION / ANNUAL / LATE FEES FROM PARTNER]
Check your rate

Representative example: [REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE FROM PARTNER: e.g. amount borrowed, term, APR, monthly payment and total amount repayable, as published by the partner] Checking your rate doesn't guarantee approval; final terms depend on the lender's review of your application.

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