With a 600 credit score, you have access to several credit card options across different categories. Your approval odds are highest with cards specifically designed for fair credit profiles:
- Secured Cards (Highest Approval Odds)
- Discover it® Secured – Rare secured card with rewards (2% cash back at gas stations/restaurants up to $1,000 quarterly, 1% elsewhere), no annual fee, and automatic account reviews for upgrade to unsecured after 7 months
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured – 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, minimum $200 deposit
- Unsecured Cards for Fair Credit (Good Approval Odds)
- Capital One QuicksilverOne – 1.5% cash back on all purchases with $39 annual fee, potential credit line increases after 6 months of on-time payments
- Mission Lane Visa – No annual fee for many applicants, credit limits from $300-$1,500, regular account reviews for credit line increases
- Petal® 1 Visa® – No annual fee, cash back rewards between 2-10% at select merchants, credit limits from $500-$5,000
- Store Credit Cards (Good Approval Odds)
- Amazon Prime Store Card – 5% back for Prime members on Amazon purchases, special financing options
- Target RedCard – 5% discount on Target purchases, no annual fee
When applying with a 600 score, improve your approval odds by:
- Checking for pre-qualification options that use soft pulls before applying
- Ensuring your income is sufficient relative to existing debt obligations
- Applying when you have no recent credit inquiries in the last 3-6 months
- Being prepared to start with a secured card if unsecured applications are denied
Most cards approved with a 600 score will have lower initial credit limits ($300-$1,000), but many offer automatic reviews for credit line increases after several months of responsible use.