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Best Credit Cards for Fair and Average Credit for March 2024

If you’re building your credit, focus on practicing good credit habits. That starts with finding a card with low fees and transparent terms.

  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    9.5/10
    Annual Fee $0
    Rewards Rate
    1% - 5% Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
    Intro offer available Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    5.5/10
    Annual Fee $0
    Rewards Rate
    N/A This card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or points
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    5/10
    Annual Fee $39
    Rewards Rate
    1.5% - 5% Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply; Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
    4.5/10
    Annual Fee $59
    Rewards Rate
    N/A This card doesn't offer cash back, miles, or points
    Apply Now with Avant

Having a fair credit score, defined as a score between 580 and 669 on the FICO scoring system, can sometimes feel like being in limbo. On one hand, your credit might be good enough that you don’t need a secured card or starter credit card. On the other hand, you’re unlikely to qualify for top-tier rewards cards or travel cards, most of which require good to excellent credit.

But don’t be discouraged. As time passes, and you continue to practice good credit habits -- like always paying your bills on time and in full and using only a small percentage of your total available credit -- your credit score should grow. These credit cards could help you do just that.

Best credit cards for fair and average credit

9.5/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Intro Offer
Cashback Match™ Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% – 5% Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
No Credit History
APR
18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR

With no annual fee and multiple ways to earn cash back, the Discover it® Student Cash Back* is our top contender in the student credit card category. Students who are building their credit can check their FICO scores for free. Plus, Discover does look beyond credit scores for those applying for student credit cards.

The Discover it Student Cash Back offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories upon activation (on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, for the first 12 months after opening an account, cardholders get a dollar-for-dollar match on all cash-back rewards, a benefit that can essentially double your cash-back rewards at the end of the first year in the form of a statement credit.

Read our Discover It Student Cash Back review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
10.99% for 6 months
Intro Purchase APR
0% for 6 months
Regular APR
18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

With no annual fee and multiple ways to earn cash back, the Discover it® Student Cash Back* is our top contender in the student credit card category. Students who are building their credit can check their FICO scores for free. Plus, Discover does look beyond credit scores for those applying for student credit cards.

The Discover it Student Cash Back offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories upon activation (on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, for the first 12 months after opening an account, cardholders get a dollar-for-dollar match on all cash-back rewards, a benefit that can essentially double your cash-back rewards at the end of the first year in the form of a statement credit.

Read our Discover It Student Cash Back review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
10.99% for 6 months
Intro Purchase APR
0% for 6 months
Regular APR
18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Earn rewards with no annual fee -- with a heavy caveat

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card

9/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Petal® 2
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% – 1.5% Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.; 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
No Credit History
APR
18.24% – 32.24% (Variable)

The Petal 2 Visa Card, issued by WebBank, has no annual fee, no late fees, no returned payment fees and no foreign transaction fees. Credit limits run from $300 to $10,000, based on creditworthiness. The card also offers the ability to earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments, plus bonus cash back at select merchants. And it’s a good pick for anyone worried about eligibility, because Petal may use its own proprietary Cash Score -- which analyzes your income and expenses -- in addition to weighing your credit score. (Yes, you’ll have to provide some financial data.)

However, there have been recent reports of Petal unexpectedly downgrading existing users of the Petal 2 card and Petal®️ 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa®️ Credit Card to a version of the Petal 1 Rise card, which carries an $8 monthly fee for a total annual cost of $96 (Note: This is different from the version of the Petal 1 Rise available to new applicants, which currently carries a $59 annual fee.)

Not all users have been downgraded, and the no-annual-fee Petal 2 is still available to new applicants and remains an excellent card in its own right. But given the troubling trend of Petal suddenly changing terms for certain users after promising a “no-annual-fee” card, we would recommend that new users proceed with caution before applying for this card.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.24% – 32.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
1.5%
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1%
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.

The Petal 2 Visa Card, issued by WebBank, has no annual fee, no late fees, no returned payment fees and no foreign transaction fees. Credit limits run from $300 to $10,000, based on creditworthiness. The card also offers the ability to earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments, plus bonus cash back at select merchants. And it’s a good pick for anyone worried about eligibility, because Petal may use its own proprietary Cash Score -- which analyzes your income and expenses -- in addition to weighing your credit score. (Yes, you’ll have to provide some financial data.)

However, there have been recent reports of Petal unexpectedly downgrading existing users of the Petal 2 card and Petal®️ 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa®️ Credit Card to a version of the Petal 1 Rise card, which carries an $8 monthly fee for a total annual cost of $96 (Note: This is different from the version of the Petal 1 Rise available to new applicants, which currently carries a $59 annual fee.)

Not all users have been downgraded, and the no-annual-fee Petal 2 is still available to new applicants and remains an excellent card in its own right. But given the troubling trend of Petal suddenly changing terms for certain users after promising a “no-annual-fee” card, we would recommend that new users proceed with caution before applying for this card.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.24% – 32.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
1.5%
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1%
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.
5.5/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
N/A This card doesn’t offer cash back, miles, or points
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
580 – 669 Fair
APR
30.74% (Variable)

If you’re less interested in cash-back rewards and looking for specific travel incentives, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card* is a solid option. Those with a fair credit score are eligible and you may get an automatic credit line increase after six months if you make on-time payments.

While there are no rewards or introductory bonuses, the card’s appeal lies in its travel benefits. Card holders won’t get dinged with a foreign transaction fee when traveling internationally, plus they can receive emergency card replacement if their card is lost or stolen.

Check out our full review of the Capital One Platinum Credit Card for more details.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
30.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
N/A

If you’re less interested in cash-back rewards and looking for specific travel incentives, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card* is a solid option. Those with a fair credit score are eligible and you may get an automatic credit line increase after six months if you make on-time payments.

While there are no rewards or introductory bonuses, the card’s appeal lies in its travel benefits. Card holders won’t get dinged with a foreign transaction fee when traveling internationally, plus they can receive emergency card replacement if their card is lost or stolen.

Check out our full review of the Capital One Platinum Credit Card for more details.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
30.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
N/A
5/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee
$39
Rewards Rate
1.5% – 5% Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply; Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
580 – 669 Fair
APR
30.74% (Variable)

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card* offers a competitive cash-back rate of 1.5%, which is especially noteworthy if you have some blemishes in your credit file. This cash-back rate is on par with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which is targeted to those with good to excellent credit. Also, if you make on-time payments for six months, you may be eligible for a higher credit line.

There is a $39 annual fee and there are no frills such as an intro APR or welcome bonus, but you don’t have to reach a minimum amount to redeem your rewards points, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn in a given year.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
30.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card* offers a competitive cash-back rate of 1.5%, which is especially noteworthy if you have some blemishes in your credit file. This cash-back rate is on par with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which is targeted to those with good to excellent credit. Also, if you make on-time payments for six months, you may be eligible for a higher credit line.

There is a $39 annual fee and there are no frills such as an intro APR or welcome bonus, but you don’t have to reach a minimum amount to redeem your rewards points, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn in a given year.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
30.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
4.5/10
CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Apply Now
with Avant
Annual Fee
$59
Rewards Rate
N/A This card doesn’t offer cash back, miles, or points
Rec. Credit Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
580 – 669 Fair
APR
35.99% Variable

Issued by WebBank, the Avant Credit Card is a no-frills card that doesn’t offer many perks. There are no rewards, no welcome bonus and no option to make a balance transfer. However, you can get prequalified online without impacting your credit score. It’s an option worth considering if you’re looking for a bare-bones card for making headway toward improving your credit.

With a credit limit of $300, this card won’t give you access to a large line of credit -- but that might be a benefit if you’re worried about racking up credit card debt. If you fall behind on payments, a penalty APR -- which is higher than your standard APR -- won’t kick in. But you will get dinged with up to a $39 late payment charge.

If you don’t want to pay for a secured card -- which requires an initial deposit -- and you don’t mind paying an annual fee of $59, this card is a worthy one to consider.

See our full review of the Avant Credit Card for more details.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
35.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
N/A

Issued by WebBank, the Avant Credit Card is a no-frills card that doesn’t offer many perks. There are no rewards, no welcome bonus and no option to make a balance transfer. However, you can get prequalified online without impacting your credit score. It’s an option worth considering if you’re looking for a bare-bones card for making headway toward improving your credit.

With a credit limit of $300, this card won’t give you access to a large line of credit -- but that might be a benefit if you’re worried about racking up credit card debt. If you fall behind on payments, a penalty APR -- which is higher than your standard APR -- won’t kick in. But you will get dinged with up to a $39 late payment charge.

If you don’t want to pay for a secured card -- which requires an initial deposit -- and you don’t mind paying an annual fee of $59, this card is a worthy one to consider.

See our full review of the Avant Credit Card for more details.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
35.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
N/A

What is a credit card for fair and average credit?

Certain credit cards require varying levels of credit to reach. Credit cards with a recommended credit score of 580 for FICO and 601 for VantageScore are credit cards for fair and average credit. They won’t have as impressive perks as a credit card for good or excellent credit, but they can help improve your credit score so you can get approved for better cards.

Pros

  • Build credit by paying your credit card bill on time

  • Earn rewards for certain purchases

Cons

  • Can damage credit by missing payments

  • Overspending could lead to credit card debt

How to find the best credit card for fair and average credit

Though you can find credit cards with competitive rewards and welcome bonuses for fair or average credit, if your credit falls in this spectrum, it’s more important to find a credit card that will help you build responsible credit habits. But if you’re interested in earning rewards, look for a credit card that will work well with your regular spending -- and avoid cards that might encourage you to overspend.

To increase your credit score and gain access to some of the best credit cards, focus on making regular, on-time payments and avoid charging up to your credit limit to keep your credit utilization low.

How do you know if you have fair or average credit?

The easiest way to know if you have fair or average credit is to check your credit score and credit report. You might have access to your credit report and credit score through a free service such as CreditWise from Capital One. Or if you already have a credit card, check to see if your issuer offers the ability to monitor your credit score. American Express, Discover and Bank of America all let cardholders check their credit score.

Depending on the service you use to check your credit score and the credit bureau you pull your report from, it might use either the FICO scoring model or the VantageScore model. Here’s how to tell where your score falls:

FICOVantageScore
Poor: 300 to 579Very Poor: 300 to 499
Fair: 580 to 669Poor: 500 to 600
Good: 670 to 739Fair: 601 to 660
Very good: 740 to 799Good: 661 to 780
Exceptional: 800 to 850Excellent: 781 to 850

In addition to checking your credit score, you should also review your credit report in detail. Through the end of 2023, you can get a free copy of your credit profile from each of the three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, TransUnion and Experian -- through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Once you have your credit report, check it for discrepancies. If you find incorrect information on your report, you can dispute it with the credit agencies to have it removed. If your report looks correct, you can begin working to build your credit.

How to improve your credit score

There are a number of ways to increase your credit score. The simplest and easiest is to pay your credit card bill -- and any other loan you may have -- on time each month. However, you could also improve your score by eliminating credit card debt with an intro APR offerincreasing your credit limit or utilizing a credit builder loan or secured credit card. There are also programs like Experian Boost that can help increase your credit score free of charge.

Your credit utilization -- how much of your credit you’re using -- contributes to your credit score. Credit bureaus like to see your utilization under 30%. So if you have high credit card debt, you can use a balance transfer credit card to eliminate some of it. Once you’ve paid some of it off, your credit utilization should drop. But keep in mind, you’ll likely have to pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the transferred balance first. Adding another credit card would also increase your overall credit, lowering your utilization.

A credit builder loan works in the reverse way as a personal loan. Rather than getting a lump sum of cash up front, instead, you pay a fixed payment each month and get the funds at the end of the loan term. Each on-time payment will contribute to a positive credit history.

secured credit card works in a similar way. It’s designed to help improve your credit by building a positive payment history. A secured credit card requires a one-time security deposit upon approval, but it’s refundable following responsible use.

The security deposit will typically form your initial credit limit, so if you can, deposit as much as possible to give yourself a solid credit limit -- so long as it won’t entice you into spending money you can’t immediately pay back. Use the card responsibly and your credit should start to improve in about six months.

How to maximize your credit card benefits and build credit

Use the card responsibly to avoid expensive pitfalls and properly take advantage of the benefits. Don’t spend above your means and pay off the card on time and in full to avoid a revolving balance. Your credit should begin to improve once you have a solid credit history of on-time payments.

Redeem any rewards you earn in the most lucrative way. For example, for statement credits on a rewards credit card. If there are any additional card perks, be sure you’re using them whenever possible, especially if your card carries an annual fee.

Alternatives to credit cards for fair and average credit

Using a credit card responsibly is the easiest way to improve your credit score. If you’re stuck at the fair or average level, building a history of on-time payments is your best bet. However, if you’d rather build credit another way, you can do so by paying other loans on time. Any credit product -- from personal loans, mortgages and auto loans -- will help build your credit by paying online.

You can also try a credit-building loan. It works like a reverse personal loan. Rather than receiving the money you borrowed up front, you pay the loan down and get the cash at the end. The primary function is to help improve your credit.

How to apply for a credit card for fair and average credit

To apply for a credit card, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a credit card that matches your needs.
  2. Apply securely on the credit card issuer’s website, providing the necessary personal and financial information. This will include your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and monthly rent or mortgage payment.
  3. You should hear back instantly with the credit card company’s decision. If not, it may reach out for clarification or more information.

FAQs

According to Equifax, the average VantageScore credit score in the US is 698.

Travel credit cards typically require good to excellent credit. However, some general credit cards may offer minor travel protections and not charge foreign transaction fees, which you could use while working to improve your credit.

Having strong credit that falls in the good-to-exceptional range (670 to 850 FICO) comes with a number of advantages: more favorable rates and terms, better and more lucrative rewards, higher credit limits, more perks and more options. You’ll also have an easier time finding a credit card that’s best suited to your needs and preferences.

You can get the most of the same types of cards that people with good or excellent credit can get: cash-back rewards cards, secured credit cards, student cards and simple ones with no annual fees, to name a few. However, the APRs might be higher if you have fair or average credit, or the credit limits may be modest.

Typically, the minimum credit score needed to get approved for a credit card depends on the particular credit card and the type of card. Each card has different lending criteria. However, if you have a credit score below 600, you might have a tough time getting approved for a credit card. In this case, you’ll want to search for credit cards that either don’t require a FICO score or look at other factors to determine creditworthiness or secured cards.

Retail store cards and subprime cards are the easiest to get because they’re structured for people who are considered a higher risk for lenders, says Ulzheimer.

“These aren’t really the cards you want to rely on for any extended period of time because the rates are punitive,” he adds.

A secured credit card might also be easier to get and is designed for people who are rebuilding their credit. With a secured credit card, you need to offer an initial security deposit that usually gets refunded. Credit limits tend to be low and usually match the amount of your security deposit.

Our methodology

CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card. 

For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the “welcome bonus” and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card’s respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.

Cards researched

  • Aspire Platinum Mastercard®
  • Avant Credit Card
  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students
  • Capital One Platinum Credit Card
  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card 
  • Citi Simplicity® Card
  • Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
  • Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students 
  • Discover it® Student Cash Back 
  • Discover it® Student Chrome 
  • Indigo® Mastercard®
  • Jasper® Cash Back Mastercard® 
  • Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
  • OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
  • Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card 
  • Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
  • Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

More credit card recommendations

*All information about the Discover it Student Cash Back, Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, and Capital One Platinum Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

Jackie Lam is a contributor for CNET Money. A personal finance writer for over 8 years, she covers money management, insurance, investing, banking and personal stories. An AFC® accredited financial coach, she is passionate about helping freelance creatives design money systems on irregular income, gain greater awareness of their money narratives and overcome mental and emotional blocks. She is the 2022 recipient of Money Management International's Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award and a two-time Plutus Awards nominee for Best Freelancer in Personal Finance Media. She lives in Los Angeles where she spends her free time swimming, drumming and daydreaming about stickers.
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.