7 Easiest Unsecured Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score
You can apply for an unsecured credit card with a credit score of 600 and may qualify for it too. However, the interest rates you get may be higher. This blog suggests top recommendations for credit cards for 600 credit score and no deposit to choose from.
There are many unsecured credit cards available for a 600 credit score like the Chase Freedom Rise™ Credit Card. The Freedom Rise™ Credit Card is also one of the easiest no-deposit cards to get as it approves applicants with any level of credit. You can apply for such credit-builder cards even with no credit at all.
Apart from credit-builder cards, student credit cards also do not require a high credit score for approval. In fact, some of them do not have any minimum credit score requirement and everyone is welcome to apply as long as they are a college student and they meet the minimum age requirement.
However, it may be hard to access top-tier cards with credit scores that are around 600. Moreover, most credit cards for lower credit scores come with higher-than-average interest rates that may be above 24%.
We’ve rounded up a list of the best credit cards for 600 credit score with no deposit and have included their best features, pros, cons, and eligibility requirements. Most of these cards also come with rewards and benefits like cashback offers, travel benefits, and welcome bonuses.
What's the Easiest Credit Card to Get with a 600 Credit Score?
It is hard to get high rewards unsecured cards with a credit score of around 600. Therefore, those with a lower credit score, under 700, will find it easiest to qualify for a secured credit card as they charge a security deposit as collateral. Getting a secured card first can also help in building credit and one of the many easiest options to consider is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. Once, the credit score is up to par, individuals can apply for other unsecured top-tier cards with higher rewards and more benefits.
However, for people looking for no-deposit cards with a FICO score of 600, there are a few limited options available that are easy to get. These cards are credit-builder cards specifically targeted towards those with lower credit scores.
Best Unsecured Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score
Lender | Scholaroo rating | Regular APR | Credit Score |
---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Rise™ Credit Card Best for rewards without an annual fee Visit website | 26.74% | N/A | |
Capital One® Platinum Mastercard® The best secured card with low deposit Visit website | 29.99% | 580+ | |
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Best for overall rewards Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | 580+ | |
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Best for cashback rewards Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | 580+ | |
Discover It® Student Cash Back Best for cash back rewards Visit website | 17.99% - 26.99% | N/A | |
Surge® Platinum Mastercard® Good for building credit Visit website | 29.99% | 300+ | |
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® Best for poor credit Visit website | 29.99% | 300+ |
Chase Freedom Rise™ Credit Card
Best for rewards without an annual fee
Capital One® Platinum Mastercard®
The best secured card with low deposit
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards
Best for overall rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Best for cashback rewards
Discover It® Student Cash Back
Best for cash back rewards
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
Good for building credit
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
Best for poor credit
1. Chase Freedom Rise™ Credit Card
2. Capital One® Platinum Mastercard®
3. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards
4. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
5. Discover It® Student Cash Back
6. Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
7. Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
Can You Get a Credit Card With a 600 Credit Score?
A credit score of 600 is generally considered to be in the “fair” range. With this score, you may be able to qualify for a credit card, but likely not those with premium rewards or low-interest rates.
Your best option may be a secured credit card. These cards require a cash deposit that serves as collateral and usually becomes your credit limit. They are designed to help individuals with lower credit scores build or rebuild their credit.
With a 600 credit score, you may face higher interest rates and annual fees. These terms reflect the lender’s perception of a higher risk associated with lending to someone with a fair credit score. Generally, applicants with such a level of credit score are offered interest rates above 24%. Those with excellent credit scores that are above 740 enjoy lower interest rates which are around 16% to 18%.
If you have a low credit score, you should carefully research and select a card that is designed for individuals in your credit range. Secured credit cards can be a good choice as they often have more lenient approval criteria.
Focus on building your credit by making timely payments and keeping balances low. Once your credit improves, you may qualify for cards with better terms and benefits.
What’s the Difference Between a Secured Card and an Unsecured Credit Card?
There are a few key differences between secured and unsecured credit cards. Let’s break it down into categories:
Collateral Requirement
- Secured Credit Card: Requires a cash deposit that serves as collateral. This deposit typically determines the credit limit.
- Unsecured Credit Card: Does not require a cash deposit or collateral. The credit limit is determined by factors like income, credit score, and credit history.
Credit Score Requirements
- Secured Credit Card: Often available to those with lower or no credit scores, making it a suitable option for building or rebuilding credit.
- Unsecured Credit Card: Generally requires a higher credit score. Those with a 600 credit score may qualify, but likely with higher interest rates and fees.
Interest Rates and Fees
- Secured Credit Card: May have higher interest rates and annual fees, reflecting the target audience of those with lower credit scores.
- Unsecured Credit Card: Interest rates and fees vary widely based on the issuer and the applicant’s creditworthiness. Those with higher credit scores may receive better terms.
Credit Building Potential
- Secured Credit Card: Excellent tool for credit building. Responsible usage is reported to credit bureaus, helping to improve credit scores over time.
- Unsecured Credit Card: Also reports to credit bureaus and aids in credit building, but may be less accessible to those with lower credit scores.
Access to Rewards and Benefits
- Secured Credit Card: Typically offers fewer rewards or benefits compared to unsecured cards.
- Unsecured Credit Card: May offer rewards, cash back, or other benefits, especially for those with good to excellent credit scores.
FAQs
Can I get an unsecured credit card with a 600 credit score?
Yes, there are unsecured credit cards available for individuals with a 600 credit score. However, they may come with less favorable terms such as higher interest rates or annual fees. Some credit card companies specialize in offering cards to those with fair or rebuilding credit.
One of the best credit cards for a 600 credit score that does not require a deposit is the Chase Freedom Rise™ Credit Card. This card can help to build or rebuild credit and does not require a credit history to apply.
Why can't I get approved for a credit card with a 600 credit score?
Most credit cards with high rewards and better terms require a FICO credit score of at least 700 for approval. Therefore, they deny applications with lower scores.
To get approved for a credit card with a 600 credit score, your best bet would be to apply for a secured credit card. They charge a refundable security deposit and have credit requirements. They might not come with the best rewards but they can help in building credit and accessing better cards in the future.
There are also a few limited options for cards that do not require a deposit but are easier to get approved for with a 600 credit score like the Chase Freedom Rise™ Credit Card or Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®. These, however, may come with higher interest rates and lower rewards. Students with such low credit scores can access student credit cards instead as these cards also do not require a minimum credit score for approval.
Can I get a Discover card with a 600 credit score?
Those with a 600 credit score can access the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. This card does not have any credit requirements and applicants can get approved for it easily as long as they meet the minimum age and residency requirements and pay the refundable security deposit. Discover it® Secured does not charge any annual fee and also offers various cash-back rewards to its users also.