Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The best credit card for a 650 credit score is the Upgrade Cash Rewards Card, which has a $0 annual fee and offers 1.5% cash back on purchases. The Upgrade Cash Rewards Card also reports to the major credit bureaus every month, so it can help you improve your credit history if used responsibly.
Best Credit Cards for a 650 Credit Score
A 650 credit score is considered fair credit, which means you should have no problem qualifying for a credit card, but you should keep in mind that you need a good credit or better to get the best credit cards overall. You can check out WalletHub’s step-by-step guide on how to improve your credit score, as well as check your latest credit score for free.
Keep in mind that the credit score we present is only a recommendation, and the issuer might use a different score. Also, when the issuer decides whether you are approved, there are other factors considered.
Ryan Adams, Member
@radams_sports
I got Citi Double Cash with a similar score and have really liked it.
Ella Morgan, Member
@ella_morgan
I agree with the recommendations above. Secured cards are safest, but you should see if you can get preapproved for a decent card with no deposit first. Preapproval is risk-free.
Jason Watson, Member
@jwatson_consult
Discover it Secured: easy to get, great rewards, no annual fee, and could graduate to unsecured. But you could see if you’re preapproved for Discover it Chrome first.
Charlotte Lewis, Member
@char_lewis
A 650 credit score puts you in the "fair" range, which means you’ve got options - but probably not premium cards yet. I’d focus on starter cards like the Discover It Secured (even the unsecured version if you pre-qualify) or the Capital One Platinum. Both are great for building credit, and Capital One is known for being friendly to mid-range scores. Avoid annual fees if you can - this card might stick around as your oldest account, and you don’t want to feel trapped paying a fee forever.
Daniel Wright, Member
@dwright_dev
Ooh, I just researched this! With a 650 score, you’ve got some solid options to start building credit and earn rewards:
- Discover it® Secured: My top pick! 2% cashback at gas/restaurants (up to $1K/quarter) + cashback match your first year. Requires a $200 deposit, but can graduate to unsecured in 7-12 months.
- Capital One Platinum: No annual fee/easy approval/potential for credit limit increases after 6 months.
- Capital One QuicksilverOne: 1.5% cashback on everything (but has a $39 annual fee).
- Citi Double Cash: 2% back on everything/no annual fee.
Some people suggest the Apple Card with 650, but dunno what to say. Always check pre-approval tools first (it’s just a soft pull)!
People also ask
Did we answer your question?
Important Disclosures
Ad Disclosure: Certain offers that appear on this site originate from paying advertisers. For full transparency, here is a list of our current advertisers.
Advertisers compensate WalletHub when you click on a link, or your application is approved, or your account is opened. Advertising impacts how and where offers appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear and their prevalence). At WalletHub we try to present a wide array of offers, but our offers do not represent all financial services companies or products.
Advertising enables WalletHub to provide you proprietary tools, services, and content at no charge. Advertising does not impact WalletHub's editorial content including our best picks, reviews, ratings and opinions. Those are completely independent and not provided, commissioned, or endorsed by any company, as our editors follow a strict editorial policy.