Best Credit Card For 600 Credit Score in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

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How to Choose a Credit Card for 600 Credit Score

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If your credit score is hovering around the 600 mark, you're in what's known as the 'fair' credit range, and picking the right credit card is a key step toward building a healthier credit profile.

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Navigating the options can be tricky; be wary of cards with exorbitant annual fees or predatory interest rates that target this credit range. Another common misstep is applying for several cards at once, as each application can create a hard inquiry on your report and ding your score further.

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Key Factors

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• Fees: Keep a sharp eye on the annual fee, as some cards aimed at this credit range come with hefty charges that can outweigh the benefits.
• Interest Rate (APR): Understand the card's Annual Percentage Rate (APR), because carrying a balance on a high-interest card can become expensive very quickly.
• Credit Bureau Reporting: Confirm that the issuer reports to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—as this is essential for building your credit history.
• Secured vs. Unsecured: Consider whether a secured card, which requires a cash deposit as collateral, is a more accessible starting point for you than an unsecured card.
• Prequalification Options: See if the card issuer lets you check for prequalification, which can give you an idea of your approval odds without affecting your credit score.
• Rewards and Benefits: While building credit is the main goal, compare any rewards programs or small perks that might offer extra value on your spending.

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What to Watch Out For

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Be cautious of offers that promise "guaranteed approval," as these often come with a catch, like steep hidden fees or predatory interest rates designed to trap unwary applicants. It's also wise to avoid applying for too many cards in a short period, as each application can trigger a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your score. Always read the fine print carefully to understand the full cost and terms before you commit.

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Decision Flow

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Making the right choice depends on your personal financial situation and goals. Use this decision flow to find the card that best fits your needs:

• If your top priority is building credit with the highest chance of approval... then a secured credit card is your most reliable path. You'll need to provide a cash deposit, but this significantly increases your approval odds and ensures your payment history is reported to the credit bureaus.
• If you want to build credit but don't have cash for a deposit... then focus your search on unsecured cards designed for fair credit. Approval isn't guaranteed, so look for prequalification options to check your odds without impacting your score.
• If you anticipate carrying a balance from time to time... then the card's APR should be your main focus. A lower interest rate will save you significant money over time, making it more important than any rewards program.
• If you always pay your balance in full... then you can largely ignore the APR and prioritize cards with no annual fee. If you find one that also offers simple cash back rewards, consider it a bonus.
• If your spending is concentrated in specific areas like gas or groceries... then look for a card that offers modest bonus rewards in those categories. While less common in this credit tier, some cards offer 2% back on certain purchases. For most, a simple flat-rate rewards card will be more practical.

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Maximize Your Return with 600 Credit Score

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Getting the most value from your credit card rewards involves more than just swiping your card. Here are a few key strategies to help you maximize your earnings and redemptions:

• Know your bonus categories: Use the right card for the right purchase by familiarizing yourself with which spending categories, like dining or groceries, earn the highest rewards.
• Stack your rewards: Combine credit card rewards with other loyalty programs or shopping portals to earn multiple times on a single purchase.
• Redeem wisely: Understand the value of your points, as transferring them to airline or hotel partners often provides a better return than redeeming for cash back or merchandise.
• Pay your balance in full: Avoid letting interest charges eat into your rewards by paying off your statement balance every month.
• Leverage welcome offers: Take advantage of introductory bonuses, which can provide a significant boost to your points balance, but be sure you can meet the spending requirement without overextending your budget.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your best card at checkout, helping you maximize rewards and unlock an average of $624 in forgotten benefits each year.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond the card's features, take a look at your own financial landscape. A store-specific credit card could be a smart move if you're a regular at a certain retailer, as they're often easier to qualify for and come with special perks. No matter which card you get, the most important factor for building credit is how you manage it; strive to pay off your balance every month to sidestep costly interest charges. It's also crucial to balance your credit usage with cash for everyday spending and to treat Buy Now, Pay Later services with caution, as they represent another form of debt to track. This holistic approach will help you stay in control of your finances.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I get a credit card with a 600 credit score?

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Yes, it is possible to get a credit card with a 600 credit score, which falls into the "fair" credit range. Your options will likely include secured credit cards or unsecured cards specifically designed for building credit.

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Will applying for a new credit card hurt my 600 credit score?

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Applying for a new credit card typically results in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. However, the long-term benefits of responsible card use, like an improved payment history, usually outweigh this small dip.

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How can a new credit card help improve my 600 credit score?

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Using a new credit card responsibly by making on-time payments and keeping your balance low can help improve your credit score over time. These positive actions demonstrate creditworthiness to lenders and contribute to a healthier credit history.

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