A 600 credit score is at the lower end of the “fair” credit range. More card options are available at 600 than at 550, including some unsecured cards. Here are the best choices for this score range.
What a 600 Score Unlocks
FICO classifies 580–669 as “fair credit.” At 600, you are likely to qualify for entry-level unsecured cards like the Capital One Platinum, in addition to secured card options. Your approval is not guaranteed for all cards, but your range has expanded significantly compared to a score of 550.
Best Cards for a 600 Credit Score
1. Capital One Platinum — Best Unsecured Option
$0 annual fee. 28.99% variable APR. No deposit required. Automatic credit line review after 6 months. A 600 score falls within the eligible range for this card. Use Capital One’s pre-approval tool at capitalone.com to check your odds without a hard inquiry.
Check your approval odds for the Capital One Platinum card: See if you qualify with no impact to your credit score.
2. Discover it Secured — Best for Rewards While Building
$0 annual fee. 5%/1% cash back. Minimum $49–$200 deposit. No credit score required to apply. Even if you qualify for the Capital One Platinum, the Discover it Secured’s cash back rewards and upgrade path make it worth comparing.
Apply for the Discover it Secured card: Start building credit with cash back rewards.
3. OpenSky Secured Visa — Best if Capital One Denies
No credit check. $35 annual fee. $200 minimum deposit. 23.89% variable APR. A guaranteed fallback if the unsecured card applications do not go through.
Apply for the OpenSky Secured Visa: No credit check required — approval based on your deposit.
How to Choose at 600
Start with the Capital One Platinum pre-approval check — it is free and does not affect your score. If you get a pre-approval offer, apply for it. If not, or if you want to add a second card, the Discover it Secured is the strongest secured card option at this score level.
What to Expect After 12 Months at 600
With one year of on-time payments and low utilization, a 600 score can reach 640–660 or higher. That range opens access to basic rewards cards, better personal loan rates, and car loan rates that are meaningfully lower than subprime rates.
| Card | Annual Fee | APR | Deposit Required | Credit Check | Credit Limit Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum | $0 | 28.99% variable | None (unsecured) | Yes | Automatic review at 6 months |
| Discover it Secured | $0 | See discover.com | $49–$200 minimum (unlocks $200+ line) | No score required | Monthly reviews after 7 months |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | $35/year | 23.89% variable | $200–$3,000 | None | Request after 6+ months |
| Chime Credit Builder | $0 | None (no interest) | No minimum | None | Increase by adding funds |
Source: Issuer websites, September 18, 2026. Verify current terms before applying.
Terms verified at issuer websites on September 18, 2026. Card terms change frequently — verify current rates and fees at the issuer’s website before applying.