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If you have a 560 credit score, you're likely looking for a credit card with fair terms that won't break the bank. A 560 credit score is considered fair, but it's still possible to find a credit card that meets your needs.
The good news is that there are many credit cards available for people with a 560 credit score. For example, the Discover it Balance Transfer credit card offers 0% intro APR for 18 months, which can help you save money on interest charges.
One of the best credit cards for a 560 credit score is the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards credit card. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card is another great option, with 0% intro APR for 15 months and 3% cash back on all purchases in your first year up to $20,000 spent.
Best Credit Cards for 560 Credit Score
If you have a 560 credit score, you're not alone - there are plenty of credit cards designed for people with lower credit scores. Cash back credit cards are usually only available to those with good or excellent credit scores, but there are credit card offers for people with poor credit.
To earn cash back, you'll need to meet a required spending amount, and the rewards will be in the form of cash that you can redeem through a check, direct deposit, or a statement credit. A statement credit is a reduction in your credit card balance, which can be a great perk.
There's a slight loophole in how cash back credit cards work: bonus cash back rates are awarded based on purchase location, not the items purchased. So, if you earn a high cash back rate at gas stations, all items bought at a gas station will be eligible for that rate.
Best for Everyday Cash Back
The Discover it Secured card is a great option for everyday cash back. It offers 2% cash back on purchases made at restaurants and gas stations, up to $1,000 spent per quarter.
You'll also get 1% cash back on everything else, making it a versatile choice for daily spending. And the best part? No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or penalty APRs for late payments.
The security deposit for this card can range from $200-$2,500, giving you some flexibility to choose your deposit amount. This card is a great way to earn rewards without losing earnings to excessive fees.
One thing to note is that you can watch your FICO score improve as you use your card over time, thanks to the free access to your FICO score, updated monthly.
What Are Credit Cards
Credit cards are essentially revolving credit accounts that allow you to borrow money from the card issuer to make purchases or pay for services.
You can use credit cards to buy things online or in-store, pay bills, or even get cash advances at an ATM.
The credit limit on a credit card is the maximum amount of money you can borrow at any given time.
A credit card's interest rate is the percentage of the outstanding balance that's charged as interest if you don't pay your bill in full each month.
Most credit cards require you to make at least the minimum payment each month to avoid late fees and negative marks on your credit report.
Credit card issuers often use credit scores to determine your creditworthiness and set your interest rate accordingly.
Having a good credit score, like 560, can help you qualify for better credit card offers with lower interest rates and more favorable terms.
What a 560 Gets You
With a 560 credit score, you'll have some options for credit cards, but be prepared for less-than-ideal terms. You'll qualify for a secured credit card with no problem.
Here are some specifics on what a 560 credit score gets you:
- Secured credit cards are definitely available to you, and you can expect to be approved.
- FHA home loans are also within reach, giving you a chance to become a homeowner.
- Unsecured credit cards are a bit more of a long shot, but you may be able to qualify in some cases.
- Auto loans and personal loans are likely out of the question, unless you're willing to accept less-than-ideal terms.
Here's a summary of your credit options with a 560 credit score:
Credit Card Benefits and Features
With a 560 credit score, you're eligible for a range of credit card benefits and features that can help you manage your finances and earn rewards.
You can set up Autopay for your account to make payments automatically every month, ensuring you never miss a payment.
Capital One offers helpful customer service representatives available 24 hours a day to assist you with any questions or concerns.
If your card is lost or stolen, you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges, and you can get an emergency replacement card and a cash advance.
You can pay for online purchases with virtual card numbers, keeping your actual card number private.
CreditWise is a free service that allows you to monitor your credit with no impact on your score, and it's available to everyone, regardless of credit card status.
With Card Lock, you can lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost, or stolen, although some activity may continue.
You won't pay a transaction fee when making a purchase outside of the United States, making international travel more affordable.
You can get automatic insurance for a covered loss at no extra charge when you use your credit card to purchase your fare, providing peace of mind during travel.
Understanding Credit Scores and APR
Your credit score is made up of five key factors, each with a specific weight: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), and new credit (10%). This means that your history of making payments on time has a significant impact on your score.
A bad credit score, like a 560, can limit your borrowing options, but it's not the end of the world. You can still qualify for certain credit cards or personal loans, but be prepared for high interest rates.
To improve your credit score, focus on your payment history by applying for a secured credit card and paying the bill on time every month. This simple habit can make a big difference over time.
Fico Factors and Percentages
Your FICO credit score is determined by five key factors, and each one carries a different weight. The exact formula is a trade secret, but we do know the factors and their percentages.
Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, making it the most important factor. This is your track record of making payments on time.
Amounts owed make up 30% of your credit score. This is determined by dividing your total debt by your total credit limits. Think of it like a credit utilization ratio.
Length of credit history is worth 15% of your credit score. The longer you've had active credit lines, the better your score will be. This shows lenders you're responsible with credit.
Credit mix accounts for 10% of your credit score. This is the variety of credit types you have, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages.
New credit also accounts for 10% of your credit score. New credit applications can temporarily lower your score, so be cautious when applying for new lines of credit.
Here's a summary of the FICO credit score factors and their percentages:
What Is APR
APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is the interest rate charged on a loan or credit card over a year.
It's calculated based on the amount borrowed, the interest rate, and the number of days in the year. For example, if you borrow $1,000 at a 20% APR, you'll pay $200 in interest over a year.
APR is usually expressed as a percentage and can be fixed or variable. A fixed APR stays the same over the life of the loan, while a variable APR can change over time.
In the US, credit card APRs can range from around 15% to over 30%.
Key Things to Know
You can access your credit report for free three times a year, which is a great way to track your progress and catch any errors or fraud. This can help you stay on top of your credit health and make informed decisions about your financial situation.
A credit score of 560 is considered bad credit, which can limit your borrowing options and make it harder to get approved for loans or credit cards. Most borrowing options are available, but the terms are unlikely to be attractive.
You can check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com, and it's a good idea to do so every few months to stay on top of your credit health. This will give you a chance to make sure your report is accurate and catch any errors or fraud before they can cause damage.
Applying for a secured credit card and paying the bill on time every month is a great way to improve a 560 credit score. This can help you establish a positive credit history and improve your credit score over time.
Here's a quick rundown of what a 560 credit score can get you:
- Most borrowing options are available, but the terms are unlikely to be attractive.
- You might be able to borrow a small amount with certain unsecured credit cards or a personal loan with no credit check.
- The interest rate is likely to be high.
Credit Card Options and Availability
If you have a 560 credit score, you're likely looking for credit card options that can help you rebuild your credit. The OpenSky secured credit cards are a great place to start, as there's no credit check when you apply. This means you can easily qualify, as long as you have a U.S. address, valid ID, and income.
One secured credit card option is the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card, which is the best choice if you're looking for no annual fee. Another option is the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, which is partially secured.
If you're looking for an unsecured credit card, one of the easiest to get is the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit. Here are some credit card options to consider:
- No Credit Check:OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
- Best for No Annual Fee:OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card
- Best Unsecured:Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit
- Best for Cash Rewards:Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Custom Rewards:U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card
- Best Partially-Secured Card:Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
No Annual Fee
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card has no annual fee, a rare feature for credit cards designed for people with bad credit.
This card is specifically created for individuals with bad credit, making it a great option for those who need to establish or rebuild their credit.
In fact, after six months of on-time payments, Capital One will offer you access to a higher credit line, which can significantly boost your credit score.
This card is often more affordable than others for people with bad credit, as it doesn't come with the common annual fee of around $30.
What's Easiest to Get
If you're looking for a credit card with no credit check, the OpenSky secured credit cards are the easiest to get, as long as you have a U.S. address, valid ID, and income.
There are several options for credit cards that don't require a credit check, including the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card.
Here are some of the easiest credit cards to get with bad credit:
- No Credit Check: OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
- Best for No Annual Fee: OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card
- Best Unsecured: Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit
- Best for Cash Rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Custom Rewards: U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card
- Best Partially-Secured Card: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Improve Your Credit Score
Your credit score is important, and the higher it is, the better your chances of being approved for a credit card with a decent interest rate.
A credit score of 560 is considered fair, but it's not ideal.
The higher your credit score, the better your chances of being approved for a credit card with a decent interest rate.
To improve your credit score, focus on making on-time payments, as this accounts for 35% of your credit score.
Paying your bills on time is crucial, as a single missed payment can significantly lower your credit score.
By paying your bills on time, you'll not only improve your credit score but also reduce the risk of being charged late fees.
Additionally, keeping old accounts open can help your credit utilization ratio, which accounts for 30% of your credit score.
Closing old accounts can actually harm your credit score, so it's best to keep them open and use them sparingly.
Sources
- https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/fair-and-building/
- https://www.mybanktracker.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-for-poor-credit
- https://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/credit-cards/guides/bad-credit.html
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/560-credit-score-credit-card-1000373-2140769094/
- https://wallethub.com/credit-score-range/560-credit-score
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