What credit cards work at a 600 credit score
At a 600 credit score, you have options beyond secured cards, though secured cards remain the easiest path. Some issuers offer unsecured cards to borrowers in this range — cards that don't require a cash deposit. The catch is that unsecured cards at 600 typically come with higher interest rates, annual fees, or both. Secured cards are still worth comparing because some have lower fees and better paths to upgrading later.
The real difference between a 600 score and a lower one is that you're no longer locked into a single category. You can look at both secured and unsecured options and pick based on what you actually need: a lower interest rate, no annual fee, a faster upgrade timeline, or a higher credit limit from day one.
Key Takeaways
- Unsecured cards at 600 exist but typically charge annual fees between $39 and $99 and interest rates between 24% and 36%.
- Secured cards at 600 often have no annual fee or a fee under $25, making them cheaper if you carry a balance.
- Some issuers let you convert a secured card to unsecured after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, returning your deposit.
- The card you choose matters less than making every payment on time — payment history is what moves your score above 650.
Unsecured cards available at 600
A few issuers market unsecured cards directly to borrowers with scores around 600. Capital One Platinum and Discover it Secured (which is technically secured but often approved for 600 scores without a deposit) are the most common names you'll see. Others include the OpenSky Secured Visa and the Chime Credit Builder card, though these vary in whether they actually require a deposit.
The cost of an unsecured card at 600 is usually the annual fee. Most charge between $39 and $99 per year. Your interest rate will be high — typically 24% to 36% — but that only matters if you carry a balance. If you pay the full statement balance every month, the interest rate is irrelevant.
The advantage of an unsecured card is that you don't tie up cash. You get a credit line without depositing money into an account. The disadvantage is the annual fee and the higher interest rate if you do need to carry a balance for a month or two.
Secured cards at 600 and when they're the better choice
Secured cards require a cash deposit, typically between $200 and $2,500. That deposit becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other card, and the deposit sits in a savings account at the bank — it's not spent unless you stop paying.
At a 600 score, secured cards often have no annual fee or a fee under $25. If you're comparing a $50 annual fee unsecured card to a $0 fee secured card, the secured card is cheaper even though you have to deposit cash. The deposit is yours to reclaim once you upgrade or close the account responsibly.
Secured cards also tend to have lower interest rates than unsecured cards at the same score — often 18% to 24% instead of 24% to 36%. Again, this only matters if you carry a balance, but it's worth noting if you know you might need to.
How to upgrade from secured to unsecured
Many issuers will convert your secured card to an unsecured card after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments. When this happens, your deposit is returned to you. Capital One, Discover, and Chase all offer this path on at least one product.
The timeline varies. Some issuers review your account automatically after six months; others wait 12 months or require you to request the review. Check the cardholder agreement or call the issuer to confirm their specific timeline. The key requirement is always the same: no missed or late payments during the review period.
If you upgrade, your credit limit may increase, stay the same, or even decrease — it depends on the issuer and your credit score at the time of review. The important thing is that you get your deposit back and stop paying an annual fee (if there was one).
Interest rates, fees, and what they mean for your wallet
At 600, expect to see annual percentage rates (APRs) between 18% and 36%, depending on whether the card is secured or unsecured. A 24% APR on a $1,000 balance costs you $20 per month in interest alone if you make no payments. Over a year, that's $240 in interest on top of the principal.
Annual fees range from $0 to $99. Some cards charge both an annual fee and a higher APR; others charge one or the other. A card with no annual fee and a 24% APR is usually better than a card with a $75 annual fee and a 20% APR, because you only pay interest if you carry a balance, but you always pay the annual fee.
Foreign transaction fees are common at this credit tier — often 3% to 4% of any purchase made outside the United States. If you travel or shop internationally, factor this in. Rewards programs are rare at 600; most cards offer no cash back or points.
Building your score from 600 to 650 and beyond
Your credit score moves when your payment history improves. A single card used responsibly — paid in full every month or kept below 30% of your limit — will raise your score over time. Most people see movement within 3 to 6 months of consistent on-time payments.
The fastest path is to keep your utilization low (use less than 10% of your available credit), make every payment on time, and avoid explore for multiple cards in a short period. Each process triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Space out applications by at least six months.
Once you reach 650 to 670, you'll see better unsecured card offers with lower fees and interest rates. At 700 and above, you'll have access to cards with rewards, 0% introductory APR offers, and no annual fees. The card you choose at 600 is a stepping stone, not a permanent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to choose between secured and unsecured, or can I get both?
You can have both, but it's usually not necessary at 600. Having two cards can help your score by lowering your overall utilization, but it also means two annual fees (if applicable) and two payments to track. Start with one card, use it responsibly for 6 to 12 months, then consider a second card if you want to build credit faster.
What happens if I miss a payment on a secured card?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus just like any other card. Your score will drop, and the issuer may use your deposit to cover the missed payment. You'll still owe the full amount, and the account may be closed. The deposit doesn't protect you from the consequences of non-payment — it only protects the issuer.
Can I use a secured card to build credit if I already have other cards?
Yes. Adding a secured card won't hurt your score, and it can help if your other cards have high balances. The key is to keep all cards in good standing — no missed payments and low utilization across all of them. Your score is based on your entire credit profile, not just one card.
How long does it take to go from 600 to 700?
It depends on your starting point and what else is on your credit report. If 600 is your score because of recent late payments or high balances, expect 12 to 24 months of on-time payments to reach 700. If 600 is your score because you have limited credit history, it may take 6 to 12 months. Negative items like collections or charge-offs take longer to recover from.
Should I explore for a card with a higher credit limit?
A higher credit limit is only useful if you don't use it. If you're approved for a $2,500 limit but spend $2,000 on it, your utilization is 80% — high enough to hurt your score. A lower limit that you keep under 30% is better for your credit than a high limit you max out. Start with what you can afford to keep low.