Wondering how to get the best credit card for a fair credit score? Read our guide to learn what an average score is and how to find the right card for you.
Your Experian Credit Score is fair if it’s between 641-680. A good score is between 681-1000 and anything over 1121 is considered an excellent score.
It’s important to know you don’t have just one score. The Experian Credit Score runs from 0 to 1250. It gives you an idea of how lenders see you. Lenders and other credit reference agencies have their own ways of calculating your score. They may have a different definition of a fair credit score.
The lowest possible Experian Credit Score is 0. Your score can’t be a negative number. Other companies calculate your score differently and may have a different range. It’s worth knowing what affects your score so you can avoid things that lower it.
One way to see if you have fair credit is by checking your free Experian Credit Score. Don’t worry — viewing your score won’t affect it. Remember, your score isn’t set in stone as your financial behaviour can impact it. Your Experian Credit Score updates every 30 days if you log in.
Your score can mean the difference between getting accepted or turned down for:
Credit. It’s possible to get credit with a low score, but you’ll have fewer options.
Lower interest rates. Lenders generally give their best rates to people with higher scores.
Rewards. Some credit cards allow you to earn rewards for using them, such as air miles, cashback or points. They’re typically only available to people with good and excellent credit scores.
Rented housing. Some letting agents and landlords do a credit check as part of the application process. You may be turned down or asked for a larger deposit or guarantor if you have a low score.
Cheaper insurance. Some insurers look at your credit score when deciding how much to charge for your home or car insurance premium.
Phone and energy contracts. A low score may mean you aren’t eligible for a monthly contract. You may be offered a prepayment plan instead.
Employment. Some companies may check your credit before offering you a job, especially if it involves handling money.
There are several ways you may be able to improve your score.
Here’s what you can do:
Register to vote. Your electoral details are recorded on your report, which helps lenders confirm your name and address. Your score will increase as a result.
Sign up to Experian Boost. Your score may get an instant lift when you share information about your phone, utility, insurance, and streaming payments.
Make payments on time. This can make a considerable impact on your score over time. Consider setting up a direct debit to avoid late payments.
Pay down your credit cards. Try to use no more than 25% of your available credit. If you can afford it, pay off your card in full each month — you’ll improve your score and save on interest.
Avoid applying for credit too often. Your score dips each time you apply for credit. Lenders may think you’re struggling for money if they see you’ve made lots of applications over a short period.
Try CreditExpert. You’ll get personalised tips to improve your score and lots more. New customers get a 30-day trial, after that it’s £14.99 a month. You can cancel anytime.
Big improvements take time, but you should start seeing more offers as your score goes up. A higher score is always better, even if it’s still within the fair credit range.
Yes, it’s possible to get a credit card if you have fair credit — although you may have fewer options than someone with a good or excellent score. You’re less likely to get approved for the best rewards and 0% cards for example.
Before you apply for a credit card, it’s worth checking your chances of acceptance. We calculate your eligibility using your unique data when you search cards with us.
It depends on what you’re looking for and what lenders are currently offering. Experian helps you compare credit cards from a range of UK lenders to find the right one for you. Here are some things to consider if you have fair credit:
Credit builder cards
A credit builder card can be a good credit card for fair credit as it’s often easier to get approved for. This is because the interest rate on these cards may be higher than on other credit cards and the credit limits are often lower. Paying off your balance in full and on time each month will improve your score over time.
Purchase cards and balance transfer cards
You may find it harder to get approved for these cards, especially ones with a 0% introductory offer. If you are eligible, a purchase card may help you spread the cost of a large purchase. A balance transfer card allows you to group existing card balances (there’s usually a fee for each transfer).
Eligibility
Eligibility means your chances of getting approved for credit. Lenders won’t share their criteria with you or give you a reason if you’re refused credit. But Experian shows you credit cards you’re eligible for. Look out for the pre-approval label — this means you should get accepted at the rate shown if you apply.
Annual percentage rate (APR)
APR can be useful when comparing the cost of different credit cards. It takes both interest and mandatory fees into account. It’s expressed as a percentage of what you owe.
A credit limit on a card is the amount you can borrow up to. If you have an average credit score, the limit you are offered may not be as high as someone with a good or excellent score. Lenders typically decide on your credit limit by considering things like:
It’s possible, although lenders often save their best reward cards for people with good and excellent credit scores. Reward cards may have high interest rates and some charge an annual fee. Make sure the benefits outweigh the costs before you apply.
Credit cards can be a convenient way to manage everyday expenses, build credit and protect purchases. But they shouldn’t be taken out lightly. Here are some things to consider before getting and using a credit card:
Credit score. Your score dips when you make a credit application, although it should recover in time if you take care of it. Carrying a balance will also lower your score. This may hurt your chances of being accepted for other credit, such as a mortgage.
Fees. Read over your card’s terms and conditions to learn about the fees. Your lender may charge for things like setup, cash advances, international transactions, balance transfers and more.
Payments. Missed payments lower your score and may lead to fines, defaults and legal action. You must meet the minimum payment on your card each month. After this, you can pay off any outstanding amount or carry it to the next month. You’ll pay interest on a carried balance. Cards typically have high rates, so try and pay it off as soon as possible. Only borrow as much as you can afford.
Rewards. Cards with rewards may seem attractive, but make sure to read the fine print. There may be limitations on how and where you can use your rewards. Avoid spending more than usual just to earn rewards.
Alternatives. If you’re looking to borrow over the long-term, consider a personal loan or credit union loan instead. Loans have a more structured repayment schedule which may help you stay on track. Credit union loans are typically smaller but may be easier to get approved for if you have fair credit.
Looking for credit cards you can get with fair credit? Experian helps you find the right card for you. Compare cards from over 25 leading brands and see your chances of approval.
Searching cards is free, takes less than 2 minutes and won’t affect your score.