Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score in 2026

If your credit score is around 600, you may still be able to qualify for a credit card. The key is choosing a card that fits your current credit profile rather than applying for cards designed primarily for excellent credit.

For many people with a 600 score, a secured credit card can be one of the more realistic starting points. Some applicants may also qualify for an unsecured credit card for fair or rebuilding credit, depending on their complete credit profile, income, existing debts, recent applications, and the issuer’s underwriting criteria.

There is no universal “600 credit score card” that guarantees approval. Credit-card issuers make their own decisions, and your score is only one part of the application.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau‘s current framework uses FICO Score 8 ranges and places scores from 580 to 619 in the subprime category and scores from 620 to 659 in the near-prime category. That means a 600 FICO Score is technically in the subprime range under this framework. Other scoring models may classify scores differently.

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Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score: Our 2026 Shortlist

Because card terms can change, the products below were checked against issuer information on August 13, 2026. Rates, fees, rewards, eligibility requirements and other terms can change, so readers should confirm the issuer’s current terms before applying.

1. Discover it® Secured Cash Back

Checked August 13, 2026

The Discover it Secured Cash Back card is worth considering if you want a secured card that combines credit building with rewards.

Discover currently states that the card can require a refundable security deposit as low as $49 for a $200 starting credit line. Discover also advertises cash-back rewards, including 5% cash back in rotating categories when activated, up to applicable quarterly limits, and 1% cash back on other purchases. Discover currently advertises an unlimited dollar-for-dollar Cashback Match at the end of the first cardmember year, subject to its terms.

Discover says the card reports account activity to the three major credit bureaus. That matters because the goal of a secured card is not simply to give you a way to make purchases; responsible use can help establish or rebuild credit history.

A 600-score applicant should still understand that approval is not guaranteed. Discover explicitly says an applicant can be declined.

Best suited for: Someone who wants a secured card with rewards while working on credit building.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured

Checked August 13, 2026

The Capital One Platinum Secured card is another option for people rebuilding credit.

Capital One currently lists a $0 annual fee and refundable security-deposit options of $49, $99 or $200, depending on the application outcome. Capital One says an approved account starts with at least a $200 credit line and that customers can increase the initial credit line by providing additional deposit funds, subject to the issuer’s stated limits and approval conditions.

Capital One also says it reports the card to the three major credit bureaus. The issuer states that responsible use may lead to opportunities for credit-line increases and potentially an upgrade to an unsecured card, but neither outcome is guaranteed.

Best suited for: Someone who wants a secured card with a potentially lower required deposit and a path that may eventually lead to an unsecured account.

3. BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card

Checked August 13, 2026

The BankAmericard Secured Credit Card is designed specifically for people who want to establish, strengthen or rebuild credit.

Bank of America currently lists a $0 annual fee and a required security deposit between $200 and $5,000. The issuer says the credit line is determined using the deposit along with factors such as income and ability to pay. Bank of America also says it periodically reviews accounts and some customers may qualify to have the security deposit returned.

This can be an attractive choice if your priority is straightforward credit building rather than maximizing rewards.

Best suited for: Someone looking for a relatively simple secured credit card and who is comfortable providing a larger security deposit.

4. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Checked August 13, 2026

If rewards matter to you, Bank of America‘s Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is another product worth comparing.

The issuer currently lists a $0 annual fee, a $200–$5,000 security deposit, and cash-back rewards. Bank of America currently advertises 2% cash back for the first year and 1.5% thereafter, subject to the card’s terms.

The important point is that this is still a secured credit card. Rewards should not distract you from the fundamental purpose of the account: using credit responsibly and building a stronger credit profile.

Best suited for: Someone who wants a secured card with a straightforward cash-back structure.

Can You Get a Credit Card With a 600 Credit Score?

Yes, it is possible to get a credit card with a 600 credit score, but approval depends on the lender and your complete financial profile.

A credit score is not the same thing as an approval requirement. There is also no single credit score used by every lender. Consumers can have multiple credit scores because lenders may use different scoring formulas, credit-reporting sources and scoring versions.

For example, two people could both have a 600 score but have very different credit reports.

One person might have several years of credit history, no recent late payments, moderate credit-card balances, stable income and few recent applications.

Another person might have recent missed payments, high credit utilization, several recent applications, collections or other negative information and a short credit history.

An issuer could view these applicants differently even though their headline credit scores are identical.

FICO also explains that lenders may consider information beyond the score itself, including factors such as income, employment history and the type of credit being requested.

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Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards for a 600 Score

The biggest decision for many people with a 600 score is whether to apply for a secured or unsecured card.

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card requires a refundable cash deposit that acts as collateral for the account.

For example, suppose an issuer approves you for a secured card requiring a $200 deposit. The deposit generally supports the account’s credit line according to that issuer’s rules.

A secured card is still a credit card. It is not the same thing as a prepaid card.

The important question is whether the issuer reports the account to the major credit bureaus. If it does, responsible account management can contribute to your credit history.

What Is an Unsecured Credit Card?

An unsecured credit card does not require a security deposit.

Instead, the issuer provides a credit line based on its underwriting decision.

Some unsecured cards are marketed toward consumers with fair credit or rebuilding credit profiles. However, a 600 score does not automatically qualify you for an unsecured card.

If an issuer offers a prequalification process, checking eligibility may be preferable to submitting multiple full applications because prequalification may use a soft inquiry. You should always read the issuer’s disclosure to determine whether the check is soft or hard.

Can I Get an Unsecured Credit Card With a 600 Credit Score?

Possibly.

There is no universal minimum score that applies to every unsecured credit card.

Some issuers market cards toward people with fair credit or rebuilding credit. But approval can depend on information that isn’t captured by your score alone.

Before applying, look at:

Your recent payment history

Credit utilization

Existing credit-card balances

Recent hard inquiries

Age of your credit accounts

Income information requested by the issuer

Existing accounts with the issuer

Collections, charge-offs or bankruptcies

Whether the issuer offers prequalification

An unsecured card may be attractive because there is no deposit tying up your cash. However, you should not choose an unsecured card simply because it doesn’t require a deposit.

A card with a high annual fee, expensive terms or unsuitable features could be worse for you than a straightforward secured card.

Is a Secured Credit Card Better for a 600 Credit Score?

Not necessarily—but it can be a more practical starting point.

A secured card may make sense when your credit profile makes unsecured approval difficult. The deposit gives the issuer collateral while still allowing you to use the account as a credit card.

The best secured cards for a 600 credit score are not necessarily the ones with the biggest rewards. Look for:

Reasonable or no annual fee

A refundable deposit

Reporting to the major credit bureaus

A manageable credit limit

Clear upgrade or deposit-return policies

Reasonable fees

Terms you can comfortably manage

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What Should You Look for in Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score?

Annual Fee

A $0 annual fee can be valuable when you’re primarily using the card for credit building.

If a card charges an annual fee, calculate whether its benefits justify the cost.

APR

APR matters most if you carry a balance.

Credit cards can have relatively high interest rates, especially products aimed at consumers with weaker credit. If possible, pay the statement balance in full by the due date rather than carrying debt from month to month.

Credit cards can have different APRs for purchases, cash advances and other transaction types, so read the pricing disclosures carefully.

Security Deposit

With a secured card, find out:

Minimum deposit

Maximum deposit

Whether the deposit is refundable

How the deposit affects your credit limit

When the deposit can be returned

Whether an upgrade to an unsecured card is possible

Never assume a secured card will automatically graduate to an unsecured card.

Credit Limit

A low credit limit can make utilization rise quickly.

For example, a $200 balance on a $500 credit limit represents 40% utilization. The same $200 balance on a $2,000 limit represents 10%.

FICO says amounts owed account for about 30% of a typical FICO Score calculation and that utilization is an important part of that category.

Rewards

Rewards are useful only if the card’s overall terms make sense.

There is little value in earning cash back if you regularly pay interest because you carry a balance.

Foreign Transaction Fees

If you travel internationally, check whether the card charges foreign transaction fees.

A card that looks attractive for domestic purchases may not be the right choice for frequent international travel.

Prequalification

If an issuer provides a prequalification tool, it can help you understand whether you may fit a card’s criteria before submitting a full application.

Prequalification is not approval. The issuer may still perform a hard inquiry and make a different decision when you formally apply.

Why a 600 Score Doesn’t Automatically Determine Approval

Credit-card underwriting is more complicated than a single number.

Consider two applicants with identical 600 scores.

Applicant A has $500 in credit-card debt against $5,000 of available credit and no recent late payments.

Applicant B has $4,500 against $5,000 of available credit and recently missed payments.

Their scores might be the same at a particular moment, but their applications can present different levels of risk.

FICO identifies payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit and credit mix as the five major categories used in its scoring methodology.

The issuer’s own underwriting model can also include information outside the FICO score.

That’s why articles claiming that a specific score guarantees approval should be treated skeptically.

Hard Inquiries: Don’t Apply for Every Card at Once

One of the biggest mistakes someone with a 600 score can make is applying for multiple cards simply because each application appears to be a possible match.

A formal credit-card application can trigger a hard inquiry.

Hard inquiries can temporarily affect your credit score, while multiple applications in a short period can also affect the way lenders view your recent credit-seeking activity.

Instead of applying everywhere:

Check your credit reports.

Review the card’s eligibility criteria and current terms.

Use prequalification when available.

Choose the card that best fits your situation.

Submit a full application only when you’re comfortable with the terms.

This approach won’t guarantee approval, but it can help you avoid unnecessary applications.

How Payment History Affects Your Credit

Payment history is one of the most important parts of a FICO Score.

FICO says payment history represents approximately 35% of a typical FICO Score calculation.

That makes consistent on-time payments one of the most important habits for someone rebuilding credit.

A simple strategy is to set up automatic payments for at least the minimum payment and then pay the remaining statement balance manually if your budget allows.

The goal is to avoid late payments while also avoiding spending more than you can afford.

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How Credit Utilization Can Affect a 600 Score

Credit utilization is the percentage of available revolving credit you’re using.

The basic calculation is:

Credit utilization = credit-card balances ÷ total credit limits × 100

Suppose you have two cards:

Card A: $300 balance / $1,000 limit

Card B: $200 balance / $1,000 limit

Your combined utilization is:

$500 ÷ $2,000 = 25%

Lower utilization is generally better for your FICO scores, although there is no single percentage that guarantees a particular score increase.

MyFICO notes that keeping utilization low can help, and that some people aim for below 30% or even below 10%.

You do not need to carry a balance and pay interest to build credit.

In fact, carrying interest-bearing debt solely for the purpose of building credit can be an expensive mistake.

How to Improve a 600 Credit Score

Pay Every Bill on Time

Payment history is a major component of your score. Make your minimum payment by the due date every month.

Reduce Credit-Card Balances

If your cards are heavily utilized, paying down revolving balances can help improve your credit profile.

Avoid Maxing Out Cards

A card that is frequently close to its limit can produce high utilization even if you eventually pay the balance in full.

Limit New Applications

Don’t open several new credit accounts simply because you’re trying to raise your score quickly.

Check Your Credit Reports

Look for inaccurate information, unfamiliar accounts or incorrect payment histories.

You can obtain your official credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Keep Older Accounts Open When Appropriate

The age of your credit accounts can matter to your credit profile. Closing an account can also change your available credit and therefore affect utilization.

That doesn’t mean you should keep an expensive card forever. Consider the costs and benefits before closing an account.

Give the Process Time

Credit improvement is usually a process rather than a one-week fix.

Responsible payment behavior, lower balances and a stable credit history can gradually create a stronger profile.

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have With a 600 Credit Score?

There is no magic number.

You don’t need three, five or ten cards simply because someone online says that number is optimal.

For someone with a 600 score, one well-managed credit card can be more useful than several poorly managed accounts.

If you already have a card, first ask whether you actually need another one.

If you don’t have an active revolving account that is helping establish positive history, one appropriate secured or unsecured card may be enough to start.

Adding more cards can increase your total available credit, but it can also mean more applications, more accounts to manage and more opportunities to overspend.

Focus on responsible account management rather than hitting a specific number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for Too Many Cards

More applications do not necessarily mean a greater chance of approval.

Choosing a Card Only for Rewards

A 3% or 5% reward rate means little if you pay substantial interest every month.

Ignoring the Annual Fee

Always calculate the annual cost before applying.

Using Most of Your Credit Limit

High utilization can hurt your credit profile even when you eventually pay the bill.

Paying Only the Minimum

The minimum keeps the account current, but carrying balances can result in significant interest costs.

Assuming Secured Means Guaranteed Approval

A secured card can be easier for some applicants to qualify for, but approval is still subject to the issuer’s criteria.

Assuming a Secured Card Will Automatically Graduate

Some issuers may review accounts for an upgrade or deposit return, but policies differ and an upgrade is not guaranteed.

Ignoring the Fine Print

Always review the issuer’s pricing, fees, APRs, deposit requirements, rewards terms and eligibility information before applying.

A Practical Strategy for Someone With a 600 Score

If your score is around 600 and you’re deciding what to do next, keep the process simple.

First, check your credit reports and identify why your score is where it is.

If high utilization is the problem, paying down existing balances may be more important than opening another card.

If you have limited or damaged revolving credit history, compare secured credit cards.

If your profile has improved and you’re considering an unsecured card, look for cards designed for fair or rebuilding credit and check for prequalification where available.

Once you have a card, use it for purchases you could already afford, keep balances manageable and pay on time.

The purpose of a credit-building card is not to give you permission to spend more money. It is to demonstrate that you can manage borrowed money responsibly.

What Happens After Your Credit Improves?

A 600 score does not have to be your permanent credit profile.

As your payment history becomes stronger and revolving utilization decreases, your score can change over time.

Once your credit profile improves, you can reassess whether your existing card is still appropriate.

You may eventually qualify for cards with better rewards, higher limits or lower costs. But there is no need to rush the process.

The strongest strategy is usually to make each new credit decision based on your actual financial situation rather than chasing a particular score milestone.

Bottom Line: What Are the Best Credit Cards for a 600 Credit Score?

The best credit cards for a 600 credit score are usually the cards that give you a realistic opportunity to establish or rebuild credit without creating unnecessary costs.

For many applicants, secured cards such as the Discover it Secured Cash Back, Capital One Platinum Secured, BankAmericard Secured, or Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured can be worth comparing based on the issuer terms checked on August 13, 2026.

An unsecured card may also be possible for some people with a 600 score, but approval depends on the applicant’s complete credit profile and the issuer’s underwriting process.

If you’re choosing between cards, don’t focus only on rewards. Compare the annual fee, APR, deposit requirement, credit limit, foreign transaction fees, credit-building features and prequalification options.

Most importantly, remember that a credit card is a tool—not a shortcut.

Use it responsibly, pay on time, keep balances low and avoid applying for cards you don’t need. Those habits can matter far more to your long-term credit health than finding a card with the most impressive marketing headline.

FAQ

Can I get a credit card with a 600 credit score?

Yes, you may be able to qualify for a credit card with a 600 score. Secured cards may be one option, while some applicants may qualify for unsecured cards designed for fair or rebuilding credit. Approval is never guaranteed.

What is the best credit card for a 600 credit score?

There is no single best card for everyone. Secured options such as Discover it Secured Cash Back, Capital One Platinum Secured and certain Bank of America secured cards are worth comparing based on current terms, fees, deposit requirements and your financial situation.

Are secured credit cards good for a 600 credit score?

They can be. A secured card requires a refundable deposit and can provide an opportunity to establish or rebuild credit when the issuer reports the account to the major credit bureaus.

Can I get an unsecured credit card with a 600 credit score?

Possibly. Some issuers offer unsecured cards for consumers with fair or rebuilding credit, but a 600 score does not guarantee approval. Your credit history, utilization, income and other factors may also matter.

Will a secured credit card improve my credit score?

Responsible use of a secured card can help establish positive credit history when the issuer reports the account to the credit bureaus. Paying on time and keeping balances manageable are important.

How much should I use on a credit card with a 600 score?

There is no universal required percentage. Lower credit utilization is generally better for FICO scoring. Many consumers aim to keep utilization below 30%, while lower levels can be beneficial.

Does applying for a credit card hurt my credit?

A full credit-card application can result in a hard inquiry, which may temporarily affect your credit score. This is one reason to compare cards carefully and avoid unnecessary applications.

How many credit cards should I have with a 600 score?

There is no ideal number. One responsibly managed card can be enough for credit building. The right number depends on your financial situation, existing accounts and ability to manage payments.

Should I pay my credit card balance in full every month?

If you can afford to do so, paying the statement balance in full can help you avoid interest on purchases when the card’s terms provide a grace period. You should still make at least the required minimum payment by the due date.

How quickly can I improve a 600 credit score?

There is no guaranteed timeline. Improvement depends on what’s causing the lower score and how your credit reports change over time. Consistent on-time payments, lower revolving balances and avoiding unnecessary new applications can support healthier credit management.

Editorial and Financial Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute individualized financial, legal or credit advice. Credit-card approval decisions are made by individual issuers and depend on each applicant’s complete credit profile and the issuer’s current underwriting criteria.

Credit-card APRs, annual fees, rewards, deposit requirements, credit limits, eligibility criteria, introductory offers and other terms can change. The products discussed in this article were checked against issuer information on August 13, 2026, but readers should verify the current issuer terms before applying. No card mentioned in this article guarantees approval.

Money Mind World may receive compensation from some financial-product providers if applicable. Any such relationship should not determine editorial conclusions or imply that a product is appropriate for every reader.