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Fact Checked
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Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!

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Special Offer:

2024's Best Credit Cards For Average Credit Scores

August 30, 2024

Small Kudos square logoAn upside down carrot icon

Navigating the world of credit cards with an average credit score doesn't mean you have to miss out on great benefits. The right card can offer not only the chance to improve your credit rating but also provide valuable rewards that make everyday spending more rewarding.

Below, we explore the best options for those with average credit scores.

[[ CARD_LIST * {"ids": ["509", "438", "428", "497", "3041", "261"]} ]]

More:

Best for: Versatile Rewards

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Versatile Rewards", "headerHint" : "Trusted by 15k Kudos members" } ]]

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a range of benefits that are rare to find in cards available to those with average credit. It provides 3X at restaurants, including takeout & delivery, 3X on online grocery purchases, 3X on streaming services, and 1X on all other purchases. This card is an excellent choice for those looking to step up their credit card game without stepping into premium card price point.

ENDING SOON: you'll earn 60,000 bonus points and a $300 Chase Travel℠ credit for the first year after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. That's worth at least $1,050 when redeemed for travel, making it one of the most lucrative introductory bonuses available.

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More:

Best for: Travel Enthusiasts

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "47", "bestForText": "Travel Enthusiasts", "headerHint" : "EARN EVERYWHERE" } ]]

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is accessible to those with average credit and offers a straightforward 2X miles on every purchase. It's ideal for those who travel occasionally but consistently, as it simplifies earning and redeeming travel rewards without any complex rotating categories (see rates & fees).

More:

Best for: Flat-Rate Cash Back

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "428", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "48", "bestForText": "Flat-Rate Cash Back", "headerHint" : "SIMPLE SAVINGS" } ]]

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card provides a steady 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a reliable option for those who prefer simplicity in their reward structure. This card is perfect for everyday use, from grocery shopping to fueling up, ensuring you get rewarded for every dollar spent (see rates & fees).

Best for: Flexible Spending

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "49", "bestForText": "Flexible Spending", "headerHint" : "MAXIMIZE EVERY PURCHASE" } ]]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® not only offers a good return on general purchases with a 1.5% cash back rate but also steps it up with additional categories. You can earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% on dining, including takeout and delivery, and 3% at drugstores, making it versatile for a variety of spending habits.

Best for: Dining and Entertainment

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3041", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "50", "bestForText": "Dining and Entertainment", "headerHint" : "ENJOY MORE, SPEND LESS" } ]]

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card excels in rewarding social spenders, offering 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery store purchases. This card is ideal for those who enjoy a night out or ordering in, making every entertainment expense more rewarding (see rates & fees).

Best for: Grocery Rewards

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "261", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "51", "bestForText": "Grocery Rewards", "headerHint" : "SAVE ON ESSENTIALS" } ]]

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out in the grocery category, offering a significant 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%). Additionally, it earns 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, 1% Cash Back on other purchases. This card is great for families or anyone who spends a substantial amount on groceries and other essential purchases, turning regular shopping trips into opportunities for impressive cash back.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Comparing Top Credit Cards for Average Credit Scores

When deciding among the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Freedom Unlimited, it's important to consider how each card aligns with your spending habits and credit improvement goals. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a higher rewards rate on travel and dining, making it ideal for those who regularly spend in these categories and wish to leverage rewards for travel. The Cap One Venture Rewards simplifies earning with 2X miles on all purchases, perfect for those who want a straightforward, hassle-free approach to accumulating travel rewards. Meanwhile, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers exceptional flexibility with added bonuses for travel booked through Chase, dining, and drugstore purchases, which can benefit a broader range of spending patterns, especially if you diversify your purchases across multiple categories.

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "438", "497"], "bestCategoryIds":["46", "47", "49"], "bestForTexts":["Versatile Rewards", "Travel Enthusiasts", "Flexible Spending"]} ]]

Conclusion

For those with average credit scores, these credit cards offer an excellent opportunity to not only improve your credit status but also maximize rewards on everyday spending. By selecting a card that aligns well with your spending patterns, you can enhance your financial flexibility while steadily working towards a better credit rating.

Supercharge Your Credit Cards

Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.

Get Started

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

In this article

Best of 2024
Best of 2024
Kudos, featured on:
200,000 members and counting
Advertiser Disclosure
A blue checkmark icon
Fact Checked
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Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!

Got it
Special Offer:

2024's Best Credit Cards For Average Credit Scores

August 30, 2024

Small Kudos square logoAn upside down carrot icon

Navigating the world of credit cards with an average credit score doesn't mean you have to miss out on great benefits. The right card can offer not only the chance to improve your credit rating but also provide valuable rewards that make everyday spending more rewarding.

Below, we explore the best options for those with average credit scores.

[[ CARD_LIST * {"ids": ["509", "438", "428", "497", "3041", "261"]} ]]

More:

Best for: Versatile Rewards

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Versatile Rewards", "headerHint" : "Trusted by 15k Kudos members" } ]]

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a range of benefits that are rare to find in cards available to those with average credit. It provides 3X at restaurants, including takeout & delivery, 3X on online grocery purchases, 3X on streaming services, and 1X on all other purchases. This card is an excellent choice for those looking to step up their credit card game without stepping into premium card price point.

ENDING SOON: you'll earn 60,000 bonus points and a $300 Chase Travel℠ credit for the first year after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. That's worth at least $1,050 when redeemed for travel, making it one of the most lucrative introductory bonuses available.

An icon of a lightbulb
Kudos Tip
More:

Best for: Travel Enthusiasts

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "47", "bestForText": "Travel Enthusiasts", "headerHint" : "EARN EVERYWHERE" } ]]

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is accessible to those with average credit and offers a straightforward 2X miles on every purchase. It's ideal for those who travel occasionally but consistently, as it simplifies earning and redeeming travel rewards without any complex rotating categories (see rates & fees).

More:

Best for: Flat-Rate Cash Back

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "428", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "48", "bestForText": "Flat-Rate Cash Back", "headerHint" : "SIMPLE SAVINGS" } ]]

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card provides a steady 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a reliable option for those who prefer simplicity in their reward structure. This card is perfect for everyday use, from grocery shopping to fueling up, ensuring you get rewarded for every dollar spent (see rates & fees).

Best for: Flexible Spending

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "49", "bestForText": "Flexible Spending", "headerHint" : "MAXIMIZE EVERY PURCHASE" } ]]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® not only offers a good return on general purchases with a 1.5% cash back rate but also steps it up with additional categories. You can earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% on dining, including takeout and delivery, and 3% at drugstores, making it versatile for a variety of spending habits.

Best for: Dining and Entertainment

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3041", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "50", "bestForText": "Dining and Entertainment", "headerHint" : "ENJOY MORE, SPEND LESS" } ]]

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card excels in rewarding social spenders, offering 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery store purchases. This card is ideal for those who enjoy a night out or ordering in, making every entertainment expense more rewarding (see rates & fees).

Best for: Grocery Rewards

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "261", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "51", "bestForText": "Grocery Rewards", "headerHint" : "SAVE ON ESSENTIALS" } ]]

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out in the grocery category, offering a significant 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%). Additionally, it earns 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, 1% Cash Back on other purchases. This card is great for families or anyone who spends a substantial amount on groceries and other essential purchases, turning regular shopping trips into opportunities for impressive cash back.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Comparing Top Credit Cards for Average Credit Scores

When deciding among the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Freedom Unlimited, it's important to consider how each card aligns with your spending habits and credit improvement goals. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a higher rewards rate on travel and dining, making it ideal for those who regularly spend in these categories and wish to leverage rewards for travel. The Cap One Venture Rewards simplifies earning with 2X miles on all purchases, perfect for those who want a straightforward, hassle-free approach to accumulating travel rewards. Meanwhile, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers exceptional flexibility with added bonuses for travel booked through Chase, dining, and drugstore purchases, which can benefit a broader range of spending patterns, especially if you diversify your purchases across multiple categories.

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "438", "497"], "bestCategoryIds":["46", "47", "49"], "bestForTexts":["Versatile Rewards", "Travel Enthusiasts", "Flexible Spending"]} ]]

Conclusion

For those with average credit scores, these credit cards offer an excellent opportunity to not only improve your credit status but also maximize rewards on everyday spending. By selecting a card that aligns well with your spending patterns, you can enhance your financial flexibility while steadily working towards a better credit rating.

Supercharge Your Credit Cards

Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.

Get Started

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

In this article

Best of 2024
Best of 2024
Advertiser Disclosure
A blue checkmark icon
Fact Checked
A black x icon

Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!

Got it
Special Offer:

2024's Best Credit Cards For Average Credit Scores

August 30, 2024

Small Kudos square logoAn upside down carrot icon

Navigating the world of credit cards with an average credit score doesn't mean you have to miss out on great benefits. The right card can offer not only the chance to improve your credit rating but also provide valuable rewards that make everyday spending more rewarding.

Below, we explore the best options for those with average credit scores.

[[ CARD_LIST * {"ids": ["509", "438", "428", "497", "3041", "261"]} ]]

More:

Best for: Versatile Rewards

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Versatile Rewards", "headerHint" : "Trusted by 15k Kudos members" } ]]

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a range of benefits that are rare to find in cards available to those with average credit. It provides 3X at restaurants, including takeout & delivery, 3X on online grocery purchases, 3X on streaming services, and 1X on all other purchases. This card is an excellent choice for those looking to step up their credit card game without stepping into premium card price point.

ENDING SOON: you'll earn 60,000 bonus points and a $300 Chase Travel℠ credit for the first year after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. That's worth at least $1,050 when redeemed for travel, making it one of the most lucrative introductory bonuses available.

An icon of a lightbulb
Kudos Tip
More:

Best for: Travel Enthusiasts

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "47", "bestForText": "Travel Enthusiasts", "headerHint" : "EARN EVERYWHERE" } ]]

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is accessible to those with average credit and offers a straightforward 2X miles on every purchase. It's ideal for those who travel occasionally but consistently, as it simplifies earning and redeeming travel rewards without any complex rotating categories (see rates & fees).

More:

Best for: Flat-Rate Cash Back

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "428", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "48", "bestForText": "Flat-Rate Cash Back", "headerHint" : "SIMPLE SAVINGS" } ]]

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card provides a steady 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a reliable option for those who prefer simplicity in their reward structure. This card is perfect for everyday use, from grocery shopping to fueling up, ensuring you get rewarded for every dollar spent (see rates & fees).

Best for: Flexible Spending

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "49", "bestForText": "Flexible Spending", "headerHint" : "MAXIMIZE EVERY PURCHASE" } ]]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® not only offers a good return on general purchases with a 1.5% cash back rate but also steps it up with additional categories. You can earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% on dining, including takeout and delivery, and 3% at drugstores, making it versatile for a variety of spending habits.

Best for: Dining and Entertainment

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3041", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "50", "bestForText": "Dining and Entertainment", "headerHint" : "ENJOY MORE, SPEND LESS" } ]]

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card excels in rewarding social spenders, offering 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery store purchases. This card is ideal for those who enjoy a night out or ordering in, making every entertainment expense more rewarding (see rates & fees).

Best for: Grocery Rewards

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "261", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "51", "bestForText": "Grocery Rewards", "headerHint" : "SAVE ON ESSENTIALS" } ]]

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out in the grocery category, offering a significant 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%). Additionally, it earns 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, 1% Cash Back on other purchases. This card is great for families or anyone who spends a substantial amount on groceries and other essential purchases, turning regular shopping trips into opportunities for impressive cash back.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Comparing Top Credit Cards for Average Credit Scores

When deciding among the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Freedom Unlimited, it's important to consider how each card aligns with your spending habits and credit improvement goals. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a higher rewards rate on travel and dining, making it ideal for those who regularly spend in these categories and wish to leverage rewards for travel. The Cap One Venture Rewards simplifies earning with 2X miles on all purchases, perfect for those who want a straightforward, hassle-free approach to accumulating travel rewards. Meanwhile, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers exceptional flexibility with added bonuses for travel booked through Chase, dining, and drugstore purchases, which can benefit a broader range of spending patterns, especially if you diversify your purchases across multiple categories.

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "438", "497"], "bestCategoryIds":["46", "47", "49"], "bestForTexts":["Versatile Rewards", "Travel Enthusiasts", "Flexible Spending"]} ]]

Conclusion

For those with average credit scores, these credit cards offer an excellent opportunity to not only improve your credit status but also maximize rewards on everyday spending. By selecting a card that aligns well with your spending patterns, you can enhance your financial flexibility while steadily working towards a better credit rating.

Supercharge Your Credit Cards

Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.

Get Started

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

In this article

Best of 2024
Best of 2024