10 Best Credit Cards for Average Credit (Score of 650 to 700)

The average credit score varies from year to year. In the most recent data released by FICO, the average score was 714. That's high based on historical standards, as the average score typically falls in a range of 650-700. Finding the best credit card for average credit can be tricky.

A score in the high 600s is good enough to avoid bad credit credit cards. At the same time, it's not quite high enough for the best credit cards.

The following cards are designed for individuals with credit scores in the 650, 660, 670, 680 or 690 ranges. For FICO scores in this range, these cards offer a good chance of approval, report payments to all three major credit bureaus, offer reasonable terms, and can help improve your credit score.

Best Credit Cards with Credit Score of 650 to 699

List of the Best Credit Cards with Average Credit

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers 5% cash back on your top spending category. You don't even have to figure out what that is–Citi does it for you. You don't have to switch categories if you don't want to–if you want to earn 5% cash back on dining every month, that's fine. This card also offers a small welcome bonus, and there's no annual fee. Credit-score-wise, we've seen an approval with a credit score as low as 670, although the limit wasn't very high. Still, this could be a good way to get your foot in the door with Citi.

Rewards:

5% cash back

Select Categories

Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.

1% cash back

On all other purchases

Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual Fee: $0

Welcome Bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

0% Intro APR: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	06/10/2021	724	Experian	$7,800
Approved	06/10/2021	728	Equifax	$7,800
Approved	12/30/2022	792	Experian	$11,600
Approved	02/06/2023	748	Experian	$3,800
Approved	12/23/2021	670	Not Provided	$500
Approved	06/10/2021	792	Experian	$8,000
Approved	06/10/2021	813	TransUnion	$6,500
Approved	08/05/2022	770	Equifax	$6,800
Approved	11/27/2022	720	Not Provided	$8,000
Approved	06/12/2021	809	Experian	$11,600
Approved	06/10/2021	809	Equifax	$6,500
Approved	06/10/2021	783	TransUnion	$3,400
Approved	06/27/2022	837	Experian	$3,500
Approved	06/14/2021	714	Experian	$3,500
Approved	06/13/2021	759	Experian	---
Approved	07/16/2022	739	Equifax	$6,900
Denied	08/24/2022	723	Equifax	---
Denied	06/10/2021	810	Equifax	---

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is an attractive choice for those seeking rewards. It carries an annual fee of $39 but offers a generous 1.5% cash back on all your purchases, without any cap on the earnings. The interest rate is still pretty high at 29.99% APR, which means cardholders should pay the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

You'll also have access to CreditWise to keep tabs on your credit score.

Rewards:

1.5% cash back

All eligible purchases

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

Annual Fee: $39

Best For: Simple cash back rewards on all purchases

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	05/03/2017	655	Equifax	$300
Approved	01/04/2017	627	TransUnion	$500
Approved	01/04/2017	636	Equifax	$500
Approved	02/04/2022	800	Not Provided	$4,000
Denied	07/06/2017	633	TransUnion	---

Read our Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Review

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is an excellent card for anyone, but particularly those with average credit. It offers excellent rewards of up to 6% cash back, a welcome bonus, and an introductory rate of 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months. There is an annual fee, but it's waived for the first year. Credit score-wise, we've seen approvals with a score as low as 673, although credit card companies take a lot of factors into consideration when granting credit, so your experience may vary.

Rewards:

6% cash back

U.S. supermarkets

6% cash back on groceries up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%

6% cash back

Streaming services

6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions

3% cash back

Gas

3% cash back at U.S. gas stations

3% cash back

Transit

3% cash back on transit, such as taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains and buses

1% cash back

On all other purchases

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Welcome Bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Pre-approval: Find out if you're approved with no impact on your credit score

0% Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR, 18.99% - 29.99%.

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	05/17/2021	675	Experian	$2,000
Approved	04/09/2022	780	Experian	$6,000
Approved	04/09/2022	787	TransUnion	$6,000
Approved	12/17/2021	680	Experian	$1,000
Approved	12/17/2021	692	TransUnion	$1,000
Approved	03/20/2022	673	Experian	$1,000
Approved	07/21/2021	681	Experian	$1,000

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a generous welcome bonus and ongoing rewards. In addition to the 5x on flights and hotels you get, you also get a $200 hotel credit, a $240 credit on select streaming, a $200 airline credit, and a $155 Walmart credit. You have to make sure this card makes sense for you, though, because the annual fee is a whopping $695. You also get access to Centurion Lounges, which are the gold standard for airport lounges, and access to 1300+ other airport lounges.

Rewards:

5x points

Airfare

5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases each calendar year

5x points

Hotels

5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com

1x points

On all other purchases

1x on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $695

Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	03/16/2021	728	Not Provided	---
Approved	06/08/2022	688	Experian	$4,000
Approved	06/09/2021	620	Experian	---
Approved	04/28/2022	650	Not Provided	$50,000
Approved	01/04/2023	696	Not Provided	---
Approved	06/08/2022	686	Equifax	$4,000

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great card for those with average credit. You get 3% cash back on gas, groceries, and online retail purchases (subject to a cap). You also get a small welcome bonus and an introductory rate of 0% APR for the first 15 months. And you get all of this for no annual fee. Credit score-wise, we've seen approvals with a score as low as 658. Bear in mind that your experience may be different.

Rewards:

3% cash back

U.S. supermarkets

3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.

3% cash back

Select Categories

3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.

3% cash back

Gas

3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.

1% cash back

On all other purchases

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Annual Fee: $0

Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Pre-approval: Find out if you're approved with no impact to your credit score (if you're approved and you accept a card, your credit score may be impacted)

0% Intro APR: Get 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a rate of 18.99% - 29.99%.

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	09/07/2022	692	Equifax	$5,000
Approved	01/05/2020	740	Not Provided	$16,000
Approved	07/26/2022	683	Experian	$2,000
Approved	02/13/2020	730	Equifax	$11,500
Approved	02/13/2020	747	TransUnion	$11,500
Approved	12/02/2019	658	TransUnion	---
Approved	12/02/2019	660	Equifax	---
Approved	11/26/2021	755	Not Provided	$3,100
Approved	09/07/2022	665	Experian	$5,000
Approved	09/07/2022	667	TransUnion	$5,000
Approved	02/09/2022	736	Experian	---

Citi^® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer

Citi^® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer is a great card whether you have average credit or even excellent credit. You get 0% on balance transfers for the first 18 months, and no annual fee. You get 1% cash back with every purchase and another 1% cash back when you pay the bill. There have been approvals for credit scores of 690, so if you haven't hit that 700 mark yet, this could be a good card to apply for.

Rewards:

2% cash back

All eligible purchases

Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Annual Fee: $0

Welcome Bonus: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

0% Intro APR: Get 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months.

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	08/15/2020	749	Equifax	$7,000
Approved	05/12/2021	690	Equifax	$6,100
Approved	07/25/2022	690	Not Provided	$2,400
Approved	08/26/2022	772	Equifax	$5,000
Approved	04/26/2020	752	Equifax	$13,800
Denied	09/02/2014	710	Experian	---
Denied	06/16/2017	752	Experian	---
Denied	09/06/2020	777	Equifax	---
Denied	06/13/2021	630	Equifax	---
Denied	04/06/2016	607	Equifax	---
Denied	09/17/2015	737	Experian	---

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a travel rewards card that offers 5x miles for travel booked through Capital One and 1.25x miles on all other purchases. There's a small welcome bonus, and 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. And Capital One miles can be transfered to Capital One's travel partners for potentially even more value. The best travel rewards card require excellent credit, but this is a good place to start until you reach that milestone.

Rewards:

5x miles

Hotels

5 Miles per dollar on hotels booked through Capital One Travel

5x miles

Rental Cars

5 Miles per dollar on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

1.25x miles

All eligible purchases

1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day

Annual Fee: $0

Welcome Bonus: 20,000 Miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

0% Intro APR: Get 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	10/29/2021	664	Equifax	$5,000
Approved	10/29/2021	682	Experian	$5,000
Approved	10/29/2021	697	TransUnion	$5,000
Approved	04/05/2018	690	Experian	$2,000
Approved	04/05/2018	701	TransUnion	$2,000
Approved	04/05/2018	711	Equifax	$2,000
Approved	09/17/2017	670	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	03/05/2018	712	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	03/05/2018	720	Experian	$10,000
Approved	06/05/2015	580	Experian	$10,000
Approved	06/08/2015	725	Equifax	$10,000
Approved	06/08/2015	729	TransUnion	$10,000
Approved	06/08/2015	744	Experian	$10,000
Denied	05/04/2016	705	Equifax	---
Denied	05/04/2016	705	TransUnion	---
Denied	05/04/2016	709	Experian	---

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a simple cash back structure, paying 1.5% on every purchase. You'll get a small welcome bonus, and 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. And there's no annual fee. Approval-wise, there have been several approvals for credit scores around 650.

Rewards:

5% cash back

Hotels

Earn 5% cash back on hotels booked through Capital One Travel

5% cash back

Rental Cars

Earn 5% cash back on car rentals booked through Capital One Travel

1.5% cash back

On all other purchases

Earn 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Welcome Bonus: One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

0% Intro APR: Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	07/08/2021	795	Equifax	$2,000
Approved	07/08/2021	796	Experian	$2,000
Approved	07/08/2021	819	TransUnion	$2,000
Approved	10/05/2021	698	Not Provided	$3,000
Approved	07/01/2021	640	Experian	$3,000
Approved	06/01/2021	653	TransUnion	$3,000
Approved	06/01/2021	656	Equifax	$3,000
Approved	10/05/2021	677	TransUnion	$3,000
Denied	04/22/2019	660	Experian	---

Chase Freedom Flex(SM)

Chase Freedom Flex(SM) has everything you might want in a credit card: a welcome bonus, up to 5% cash back, and no annual fee. This card has cash back catergories that rotate every quarter: for example, for April – June 2023 the categories are Amazon and Lowe's. You choose one of those and earn 5% cash back. You do need to remember to sign up and activate your preferred category every quarter, but this card has decent rewards if you forget to sign up: 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Rewards:

5% cash back

Rotating Categories

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate

5% cash back

Travel

5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards

3% cash back

Drugstores

3% cash back on drugstore purchases

3% cash back

Dining

3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services

1% cash back

On all other purchases

1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

0% Intro APR: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months; after that, the rate is 19.99%–28.74% variable, depending on creditworthiness

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	05/13/2022	703	Experian	$3,900
Approved	08/27/2022	611	Experian	$500
Approved	08/27/2022	632	TransUnion	$500
Approved	10/01/2022	800	Experian	$16,000
Approved	04/12/2021	715	Experian	$1,500
Approved	11/01/2022	622	Experian	$2,200
Approved	04/04/2022	750	Experian	$12,000
Approved	10/01/2020	687	Experian	$4,500

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great card for the food-obsessed. You get unlimited 3% cash back on dining and grocery stores, plus 3% cash back on entertainment and select streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases. You also get 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats. You get a welcome bonus, and 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. There have been a few approvals for credit scores in the high 500s, but of course, credit card companies base their approvals on many factors.

Rewards:

10% cash back

Select Categories

Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024

8% cash back

Entertainment

Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases

5% cash back

Travel

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

3% cash back

U.S. supermarkets

3% cash back at grocery stores excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®

3% cash back

Streaming services

3% cash back on popular streaming services

3% cash back

Dining

3% cash back on dining

3% cash back

Entertainment

3% cash back on entertainment

1% cash back

On all other purchases

1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Welcome Bonus: $200 Cash Back after you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

0% Intro APR: Get 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.

Approval Odds*

App Status	Date	Credit Score	Bureau	Credit Limit
Approved	12/05/2022	580	Not Provided	$500
Approved	12/20/2021	670	Not Provided	$500
Approved	10/15/2021	698	Not Provided	$5,000
Approved	07/25/2019	793	Experian	$30,000
Approved	02/09/2021	730	Not Provided	$1,000
Approved	10/06/2020	600	Not Provided	$1,000
Approved	10/19/2019	662	Experian	$15,000
Approved	02/10/2023	660	Not Provided	$500
Approved	07/10/2022	740	Experian	$1,000
Approved	07/20/2022	585	Experian	$3,000
Approved	07/19/2022	573	Experian	$3,000
Approved	05/12/2021	800	Not Provided	$8,000

4 Tips to Getting a Credit Card with a Score of 650 to 700

Know your credit score. Even a few points can make a difference between qualifying for a credit card or not, or perhaps getting a better card. There are plenty of ways to see your score for free.
Watch the fees. Some credit cards designed for fair credit charge exorbitant fees. Many of the cards in our list charge no annual fee, and the others offer a reasonable fee. As you compare cards, make sure you understand how the fees work.
Expect lower credit limits. While the credit limit will vary from one card to the next and one applicant to the next, expect credit limits in the hundreds of dollars, not thousands of dollars. There will be some exceptions, of course, but don't count on it.
Always pay the card on time. These cards can help improve your credit score, but only if you pay the credit card bill on time, every time. Late payments are the most significant factor in the FICO score, and they can hurt your score considerably, even with just one late payment.

FAQs

What is a fair to average credit score?

Fair credit scores range from about 580 to 669. An average credit score varies from year to year, but usually settles in the 670 to 699 range.

What's the best credit card with a score of 650 to 700?

While the best card will vary from one person to the next, the Chase Freedom Flex(SM) is arguably the best option. It doesn't charge an annual fee, offers up to 5% cash back, a 0% intro APR offer, and a welcome bonus.

Can I get a fair credit credit card if I've defaulted on a loan?

Yes, depending on how long ago the default was, your credit score, and other underwriting factors. Capital One specifically defines “fair credit” as including those who have defaulted on a loan in the past 5 years.

*The credit score data provided for some of the cards listed above came from publicly available information in a number of forums. The accuracy of the information cannot be verified. Keep in mind that credit card issuers consider more than an applicant’s credit score and that underwriting standards change over time.

List of the Best Credit Cards with Average Credit

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Approval Odds*

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Approval Odds*

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Approval Odds*

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Approval Odds*

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Approval Odds*

Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer

Approval Odds*

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Approval Odds*

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Approval Odds*

Chase Freedom Flex(SM)

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Approval Odds*

4 Tips to Getting a Credit Card with a Score of 650 to 700

FAQs

About Rob Berger

Citi^® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer