Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Fair Credit

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, making it a solid choice for those with fair credit aiming to build their credit profile. It's particularly beneficial for individuals who pay off their balances in full each month. However, the card's $39 annual fee and high 29.99% variable APR should deter those still managing debt.

Rewards

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Perks & Benefits

• Enjoy $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges.
• Be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
• Use contactless payment for quick and secure transactions.

Credit Building

• Monitor your credit score for free with CreditWise from Capital One.
• Strengthen your credit with responsible card use.

The Milestone Mastercard® is a solid choice for those looking to build or rebuild their credit, especially if past financial issues have made obtaining credit challenging. It doesn't require a security deposit and offers a moderate credit limit. Its reporting to major credit bureaus is particularly valuable, aiding in credit score improvement. The card's universal acceptance and mobile account access are convenient for everyday use. However, consider its higher fees and APR to ensure you balance these against the potential credit-building benefits.

• Credit Building Features    
  • Enjoy a $700 credit limit, offering greater access to credit.    
  • Your account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S., helping you build your credit profile.  
• Accessibility and Convenience    
  • Use your Mastercard online, in-store, and in-app for versatile spending options.    
  • Access your account information 24/7, even on mobile, for convenient management.  
• Application Process  
  • Apply quickly and easily with our fast decision process.    
  • No security deposit is required, even if your credit isn't perfect

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is ideal for those looking to build or rebuild credit. Its high approval rate and lack of credit check requirements make it accessible to many individuals. Users benefit from free monthly FICO score access and the ability to establish a credit history with major credit agencies, which is vital for financial health. The card's flexibility in payment scheduling and the option to fund the security deposit over time add to its user-friendliness. While it lacks a rewards program and has an annual fee, its primary focus is on fostering responsible credit use and improvement.

• Rewards

  • Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases at over 40,000 retailers.

• Credit Building

  • Build or rebuild your credit, with 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders seeing an average score increase of 41 points in just three months.
  • Build your credit history with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

• Perks & Benefits

  • Get free monthly access to your FICO score via our mobile app.
  • Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.
  • Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule with flexible payment options.

• Application Process

  • Apply without a credit check, ensuring zero credit risk.
  • Fund your card with a low $200 refundable security deposit to get a $200 credit line.
  • Apply in less than 5 minutes with our mobile-first application.
  • Fund your security deposit over 60 days with the option to make partial payments.

• User Base

  • Over 1.4 million cardholders have used the OpenSky Secured Credit Card to improve their credit.

The Citi Double Cash is one of the best cards for straightforward cash back. It lets you earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay—without an annual fee.

• Introductory Offers
  • Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After this period, the APR will range from 18.49% to 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 20,000 ThankYou Points, equivalent to $200 cash back, after spending $1,500 within the first six months.
• Rewards
  • Earn 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you buy and an additional 1% when you pay off the purchase.
  • Earn 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal until December 31, 2025.
• APRs, Fees, and Penalties
  • Balance transfers do not earn cash back.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on purchases unless the entire balance, including transfers, is paid by the due date each month.
  • There is an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) for transfers made within the first four months. After that, the fee is 5% (minimum $5).

Ideal for students learning to manage finances, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card offers up to 5% cash back and no annual fee. High rewards in rotating categories are a highlight, but be aware of the spending cap on these bonuses.

• Introductory Offers
  • Discover matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards.
• Rewards
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating categories each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum when activated.  
  • Enjoy unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• APRS, Fees, and Penalties  
  • Benefit from a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 6 months, followed by a standard variable APR of 17.74% to 26.74%.  
  • No annual fee.
• Perks & Benefits  
  • Redeem your cash back rewards at any time.  
  • No credit score is required to apply.  
  • Discover helps reduce your personal information exposure online by removing it from select people-search sites, available for free activation via the mobile app.

The Discover it® Student Chrome is a game changer for budget-conscious students. It rewards you generously for those weekend outings and gas fill-ups without the burden of an annual fee. You also get a solid introductory offer, and there are no credit score requirements. As an added perk, at the end of your first year, Discover steps in to match all the cash back you've earned. Stay mindful of the spending limits on bonus categories, and watch out for the potential APR uptick after the introductory period. All in all, it's a card that truly understands the student lifestyle.

• Introductory Offers  
  • Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, doubling your rewards with no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
• Rewards  
  • Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, enjoy unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• APRs, Fees, and Penalties  
  • Benefit from a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 6 months. Afterward, a standard variable APR of 17.74% to 26.74% applies.  
  • Enjoy no annual fee, making it easier to manage your finances.
• Perks & Benefits  
  • Apply without needing a credit score, making it accessible for more people.  
  • Discover offers a free service to help remove your personal information from select people-search sites, enhancing your privacy.

The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® card is a reasonable choice for those with fair to good credit aiming to earn 1% cash back on gas and groceries. This cash back card does come with an annual fee of $39.

Rewards

• Earn 1% cash back on eligible gas, grocery, mobile phone, internet and cable/satellite TV purchases.

Perks and Benefits

• $0 Fraud Liability for peace of mind.
• Access your Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary.

Account Management

• Choose your payment due date for easier bill management.
• Manage your account on the go with the Credit One Bank mobile app.
• Receive customizable text and email alerts to never miss an account update.

The Credit One Bank® NASCAR® American Express® Credit Card is a unique choice for NASCAR enthusiasts, offering exclusive discounts, experiences and a chance to win VIP race tickets. It's also great for those who enjoy entertainment perks like pre-sale ticket access. With cash back on all purchases, it's functional for everyday spending. However, be mindful of the variable annual fee, which depends on creditworthiness, and its high APR. It's a specialized card, ideal if you're into NASCAR and Amex Offers, but it might not suit everyone's needs.

• Rewards

  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase.

• NASCAR Perks

  • Enjoy free access to Scanner on PC or within the NASCAR mobile app for the 2022 race season.
  • Receive discounts on select NASCAR race tickets, parking, merchant, and other race experiences.
  • Enter for a chance to win tickets to races with VIP treatment.

• Amex Offers

  • Get deals on shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment through Amex Offers.
  • Access exclusive pre-sale tickets for nationwide concerts and events.

• Travel Benefits

  • Travel with peace of mind knowing you're covered by Travel Accident Insurance.

• Military Lending Act

  • If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may receive a different offer.

The Avant Credit Card is a practical choice for those rebuilding credit. It doesn't require a deposit and reports to major bureaus, aiding in credit score improvement. The application process is straightforward, welcoming those with average credit. While it includes an annual fee and lacks a rewards program, its perks like potential credit line increases, 24/7 online payment and Mastercard ID Theft Protection add value. Its focus is more on credit building and security rather than rewards.

• Credit Building Features  
  • No deposit is needed to open this account.  
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help build your credit history.  
  • Responsible use can lead to credit line increases upon periodic review.
• Fees and Penalties  
  • No penalty APR for late payments.  
  • Late fee can be up to $39.  
  • Returned payment fee can be up to $25.  
  • Cash advance fee is 3%, with a minimum of $10.  
  • If charged interest, the minimum charge will be $1.00.  
• Application Process  
  • Fast and easy application process.  
  • Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score.  
• Security and Convenience  
  • Zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges.  
  • Mastercard ID Theft Protection included.  
  • Convenient online payment portal available 24/7.  
• Provider Information  
  • Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC.  
  • See the provider's terms for more information.

The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa is a decent option for those with fair credit looking for a credit card. For no annual fee, it offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and reports to major credit bureaus. The card's unique payment structure, which converts spending into a personal loan with fixed payments, can help with budgeting but may be cumbersome for those who prefer traditional credit card terms.

Fees

• Annual Fee: $0
• Regular APRs: 14.99% – 29.99%
• Penalty APR: None
• Balance Transfer Fees: Not specified
• Late Fees: Not specified
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Rewards

• Rewards Rate: 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases with each payment

Introductory Offers

• Introductory Offer: None
• Introductory APRs: No intro APR period available