I Have So-So Credit. What Are My Credit Card Options?

Published December 17, 2015

Some people are lucky enough to stroll through life with excellent credit, while others are stuck trying to rebuild their poor credit. While these two groups enjoy plenty of credit cards designed for their needs, those whose credit falls somewhere in between are often left wondering about options. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent credit cards for those with fair credit.

What Fair Credit Means

As you've probably learned, having fair credit means you aren't likely to be approved for most high-end rewards cards that offer airline miles, hotel points and other travel benefits. Instead, it's best to focus on finding a credit card that meets other needs, such as a low interest rate, low fees or basic cash-back rewards. (If you don't know where your credit stands, you can check your credit scores for free every 14 days on Credit.com.)

Here are two credit cards for those with so-so credit.

1. Milestone Gold Mastercard


[schumerbox api_url="https://static.ccom-cdn.com/marketing-services/external/v2/offers?end_user_type=BLOG&offer_type=CREDIT_CARD&affiliate_id=32806&cardId=milestone-gold-mastercard-genesiscreditcardoffers" button_text="Apply Now" button_color="green"]

The Milestone Gold Mastercard is designed to help people build and access credit. It comes in different versions with annual fees between $35 and $99. It also offers a standard interest rate for purchases of [carddata api_url="https://static.ccom-cdn.com/credit/api/creditcard/v2/offer/milestone-gold-mastercard-genesiscreditcardoffers?af=32806" option="onGoingApr"] and a foreign transaction fee of only 1%. Benefits include identity theft resolution service, extended warranty coverage and price protection.

2. Citi Secured Mastercard


[schumerbox api_url="https://static.ccom-cdn.com/marketing-services/external/v2/offers?end_user_type=BLOG&offer_type=CREDIT_CARD&affiliate_id=32806&cardId=citi-secured-mastercard-citibankcreditcardoffers" button_text="Apply Now" button_color="green"]

The Citi Secured Mastercard is a great option for people with fair or limited credit history. With no annual fee and a competitive ongoing APR, the card can help you build or rebuild your credit through responsible use. The Citi Secured Mastercard also offers several options to help user stay on track with their financial goals: you will have free access to your FICO score; you can manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in the mobile app; you can choose your payment due dates; and you can stay on track with auto pay and account alerts.

At publishing time, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards, Capital One Platinum Credit Card, Milestone Gold Mastercard from Mid America Bank & Trust Company, and Citi Secured Mastercard credit cards are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com will be compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.

Image: iStock

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