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Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score: Your Complete Guide to Building Credit in 2025
Having a credit score around 600 puts you in the fair credit category, but don't worry – there are still plenty of credit card options available to help you build your credit while earning rewards. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best credit cards for a 600 credit score and provide expert tips on improving your creditworthiness.
What Are Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score?
Credit cards designed for people with a 600 credit score are specifically tailored to help individuals rebuild their credit history while providing essential financial tools. These cards typically report to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and often come with credit score monitoring features to help track your credit-building journey.
Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Regular reporting to all three credit bureaus
- Opportunity to build credit with responsible use
- Potential for credit line increases
- Some cards offer cash back rewards
- Credit score monitoring tools included
- Possible graduation to unsecured credit cards
Cons:
- Higher interest rates and ongoing APRs
- May require a security deposit
- Limited rewards programs
- Potential annual fees or program fees
- Lower credit limits initially
Who Are Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score For?
These credit cards are ideal for:
- Individuals looking to rebuild their credit history
- People with limited credit experience
- Those recovering from past credit challenges
- Anyone seeking to establish responsible borrowing habits
- Consumers wanting to improve their credit utilization ratio
Comparing Top Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score
Let's examine some popular options:
Secured Credit Card Options
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Security deposit: $49, $99, or $200
- No annual fee
- Access to Capital One's CreditWise tool
- Automatic credit limit review in as little as 6 months
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Cash back rewards program
- No annual fee
- Free credit score monitoring
- Possible transition to unsecured card after 7 months
Unsecured Credit Card Options
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
- No security deposit required
- Cash back rewards on eligible purchases
- Regular credit line increase reviews
- Credit score monitoring included
Grow Credit Mastercard
- No hard pull on your credit
- No security deposit
- Helps build credit through subscription payments
- Free membership tier available
Alternative Credit-Building Products
Self Credit Builder Account
- Combines a secured installment loan with a secured card
- Reports to all consumer reporting agencies
- Helps diversify your credit mix
- No hard credit check required
Consider Using Kudos to Maximize Your Rewards
While you're working on building your credit with these cards, it's essential to maximize every reward opportunity available. Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards whenever you shop online. It works with over 15,000 stores and can help you:
- Choose the best card for each purchase
- Multiply your rewards up to 5X during Flash Boost events
- Discover new credit card opportunities as your score improves
- Track your rewards across all your cards
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
While having a 600 credit score may limit your options, several quality credit cards are available to help you rebuild your credit. Focus on cards with credit bureau reporting, reasonable fees, and built-in credit monitoring tools. Combined with responsible borrowing habits and smart rewards optimization through tools like Kudos, you can steadily improve your credit while earning rewards on your purchases.
Credit Cards for 600 Credit Score FAQ
What credit scoring models do issuers use?
Most credit card issuers use FICO Score 8 or VantageScore 3.0, though some may use different versions.
How can I get pre-qualified without affecting my credit?
Many issuers offer pre-qualification tools that use a soft pull instead of a hard pull on your credit report.
What's the typical credit limit for someone with a 600 score?
Initial credit limits typically range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the card and your income.
How long does it take to improve a 600 credit score?
With responsible credit use, you can see improvements in 6-12 months, though significant changes may take longer.
Should I choose a secured or unsecured card?
Consider a secured card if you want lower fees and better approval odds, or an unsecured card if you can't afford a security deposit.
What's the average APR for these credit cards?
APRs typically range from 22.99% to 29.99%, though some cards may offer 0% intro APR periods.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
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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.
