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Having a credit score of 570 can make it challenging to qualify for credit cards, but it's not impossible. You can still find credit cards that cater to fair credit options.
Some credit cards for 570 credit score and fair credit options offer rewards programs, such as cashback or travel points. These rewards can help offset the higher interest rates often associated with fair credit cards.
Credit cards for 570 credit score and fair credit options can have higher interest rates, typically ranging from 20% to 30% APR. This is significantly higher than the average credit card interest rate.
You can still make the most of a fair credit credit card by paying off your balance in full each month, avoiding interest charges altogether.
Credit Cards for 570 Credit Score
If you have a credit score of 570, you're considered to have a poor credit score. A FICO score is generated using the Fair Isaac Corporation software and breaks down your score into categories, with payment history being highly influential.
Your credit score is an essential factor in determining credit card approval, and a good score can help you get a better mortgage rate and opportunities to open new cards. A good credit score also shows lenders that you're financially responsible and will make timely payments.
There are credit cards available for those with a low credit score, such as the Fortiva Mastercard Credit Card, which offers a 3% Cash Back Reward on Gas, Groceries and Utilities. This card also has a pre-qualify feature that won't affect your credit score.
If you're looking for a credit card to help you build credit, the PREMIER Bankcard Mastercard Credit Card is a good option. This card reports monthly to the Consumer Reporting Agencies to help you build your credit, and you can even get a credit limit increase after 12 months of consistent responsible account management.
The Avant Credit Card is another option for those with a low credit score. This card reports to all three major credit bureaus and has no penalty APR or hidden fees. It also offers zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges and Mastercard ID Theft Protection.
Here are some credit card options for those with a 570 credit score:
- Fortiva Mastercard Credit Card: 3% Cash Back Reward on Gas, Groceries and Utilities
- PREMIER Bankcard Mastercard Credit Card: Reports monthly to the Consumer Reporting Agencies to help build credit
- Avant Credit Card: No penalty APR or hidden fees, reports to all three major credit bureaus
Understanding Credit Scores
A credit score of 570 is considered poor, but don't worry, it's not the end of the world. According to FICO, a poor credit score is a score from 300-579.
To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown of FICO credit score ranges: RangeDescription800-850Exceptional740-799Very good670-739Good580-669Fair579 and belowPoor
Your credit score is made up of several factors, including payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit. Payment history is the most important factor, making up 35% of your score.
VantageScore and Fico Score
VantageScore and FICO Score are the two most widely used credit scoring models. They both consider different factors to generate your credit score.
A FICO score is generated using the Fair Isaac Corporation software, breaking down your score into categories such as payment history, amounts owed, and length of credit history. FICO score ranges are: Exceptional (800-850), Very good (740-799), Good (670-739), Fair (580-669), and Poor (579 and below).
The VantageScore model, specifically Version 3.0, weighs factors differently than FICO. It considers total credit usage, credit mix and experience, payment history, age of credit history, and new credit when generating a score. VantageScore ranges are: Excellent (781-850), Good (661-780), Fair (601-660), Poor (500-600), and Very Poor (300-499).
While both models have different scoring ranges, a good credit score can be considered as any number higher than 670 for FICO and 661 for VantageScore, up to the top score of 850. Your credit score is an essential factor in determining credit card approval, and a good score can help you get a better mortgage rate, opportunities to open new cards, and the ability to get loans.
Here's a comparison of FICO and VantageScore ranges:
Remember, a good credit score can open doors for you to build an even better credit score and enhance your financial wellness.
How Your Score Affects Approval
Your credit score plays a huge role in determining your credit card approval odds. A good credit score can open doors to better credit card offers and even lower interest rates on loans.
A FICO score of 800-850 is considered exceptional, while a score of 579 and below is considered poor. This means that lenders view borrowers with poor credit scores as riskier.
Your payment history is a significant factor in determining your credit score, making up 35% of the total score. This is why paying your bills on time is crucial.
Here's a breakdown of the FICO credit score ranges:
Lenders view borrowers with poor credit scores as riskier, but there are still options available for those with low credit scores.
Balance Transfer Basics
A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one credit card to another, often to take advantage of a lower interest rate. This can be a helpful strategy, but it's not always possible, especially if you have bad credit.
If you have fair credit, you might be able to find a credit card with a relatively low APR on balance transfers, but you won't get a 0% intro APR. This can still save you money on interest charges over time.
To qualify for a balance transfer, you typically need to have a decent credit score, which is between 580 and 669. If your credit score is lower than that, you might have to consider a secured credit card, like the Discover it Secured Credit Card, which accepts applicants with limited or poor credit.
A balance transfer can help you pay off debt faster, since you'll pay less in interest, and it can even improve your credit score if you make timely payments. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
Here are some key things to keep in mind about balance transfers:
- A lower APR can help you pay off debt faster
- Paying down debt with a balance transfer can improve your credit score
- May help by consolidating multiple payments into one
- You might not qualify for a balance transfer credit card or loan
- Your new APR may not be significantly lower
- An intro APR won’t last forever
- Most balance transfers have fees
- If the debt is a result of overspending, a balance transfer won’t solve the root issue
Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards can be a great option for people with a 570 credit score. Many secured credit cards come with a higher interest rate and lower credit limit than unsecured cards.
To make the most of a secured credit card, consider one that offers rewards for eligible purchases. Discover's secured card, for example, has no annual fee and doesn't require a credit score to apply.
When reviewing secured credit cards, double-check that the credit card company reports payment history to the three major credit bureaus. This will help you rebuild your credit history with responsible credit use.
Other Credit Card Options
If you're not eligible for a regular credit card, a secured credit card can be a good alternative. Secured credit cards require a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit.
You can also consider store credit cards, which are issued by retailers and can be used only at their stores. Some store credit cards offer rewards and benefits.
A prepaid credit card is another option, which can be loaded with a specific amount of money and used to make purchases.
What to Look for in a Secure Card
Many secured credit cards come with a higher interest rate and lower credit limit than unsecured cards. However, you can still make the most of your card by considering secured cards that offer rewards for eligible purchases.
Some secured credit cards have no annual fee, such as Discover's cards, which also don't require a credit score to apply. This can be a big plus for those with poor credit history.
It's essential to double-check that the credit card company you choose reports payment history to the three major credit bureaus. This will help you rebuild your credit history with responsible credit use.
When Can You Graduate from a Secured
You can graduate from a secured credit card to an unsecured one by demonstrating responsible credit management, such as making timely payments and maintaining a low credit utilization.
Your credit history doesn't define your future creditworthiness, and a secured credit card can help you rebuild your credit over time.
A secured credit card account number, benefits, and rewards often remain the same even after you graduate to an unsecured card.
By using a secured credit card responsibly, you may qualify to transition to an unsecured card and start enjoying more benefits and rewards.
Improving Your Credit Score
Improving your credit score increases your chances of being approved for a balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR. Your payment history is the most important factor in determining your credit score, making up 35% of the calculation.
Paying your bills on time and in full each month is crucial. Aim to pay the balance in full to avoid paying interest on the unpaid balance.
A credit utilization ratio below 30% is recommended. For example, if you have a credit card limit of $1,000, you should not let your balance exceed $300.
Minimizing the number of new accounts you open is also important. Each application for a credit card or loan generates a hard inquiry on your credit report, lowering your credit score by a few points each time.
How to Improve Your Score
Improving your credit score is a crucial step in achieving financial stability. Paying your bills on time and in full each month is key, as it makes up 35% of your credit score.
This habit will help you avoid late fees and interest charges, which can quickly add up. Paying your bills on or before their due date is essential, so mark those due dates on your calendar.
Keeping your credit utilization ratio below 30% is also vital. This means if you have a credit card limit of $1,000, you should not let your balance exceed $300. This will help you maintain a healthy credit-to-debt ratio.
Opening too many new accounts can negatively impact your credit score. Each application for a credit card or loan generates a hard inquiry, which lowers your credit score by a few points and stays on your credit report for two years. Try to limit new credit inquiries to only when necessary.
Having a credit card that reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) is ideal. If you can't get an unsecured credit card, consider a secured credit card and use it for a couple of years to boost your credit score.
Negotiate Lower Apr
A good credit score can get you better loan rates and more credit card options, but a low APR can save you money on interest payments. You can try negotiating a lower APR with your credit card issuer.
According to a LendingTree study, 76% of requests to lower credit card interest rates were granted. This means it's worth asking, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
To negotiate a lower APR, you don't need to have a perfect credit score, but it helps to have a good one. A good credit score shows lenders that you're financially responsible and can make timely payments.
If you're unsure how to negotiate, you can start by calling your credit card issuer and explaining your situation. Be honest about your financial struggles and ask if they can offer a lower APR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest card to get approved?
The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card is likely the easiest card to get approved, as it doesn't require a credit check or bank account. This makes it a great option for those with limited or no credit history.
Sources
- https://www.mastercard.us/credit-type/fair-credit/
- https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/fair-and-building/
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/build-credit/what-credit-score-is-needed-for-a-credit-card
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/good-credit-cards-for-bad-credit/
- https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/articles/balance-transfer-bad-fair-credit/
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