What do you see when you look at your credit score? Are you happy with the number staring you in the face? Do you realize it’s not the worst, but that there is room for improvement? Do you have poor, good or fair credit?
Applying for a credit card with “very good” or “exceptional” credit is easy. With such a high credit score, you don’t typically have to concern yourself with being turned away.
However, if you have fair credit, the process is not nearly as straightforward. Sure, your score could be worse, but that doesn’t mean you can choose almost any offer you come across.
What is a Fair Credit Score?
According to Experian, there are five “levels” of credit score. Below is a rundown of each one, including what the score means:
- 300 to 579 is very poor
- 580 to 669 is fair
- 670 to 739 is good
- 740 to 799 is very good
- 800 to 850 is exceptional
As you can see, a fair credit score is not as bad as it gets. At the same time, there are still three levels higher than where you are right now.
Here’s the one thing you need to look at: your credit score within the “fair” range.
For example, if your credit score is 580, you’re only one point away from finding yourself in the “very poor” category.
On the flipside, if your score is 669, you only need a small boost to move into the “good” category.
With all this in mind, it’s time to implement a plan for finding the perfect credit card with fair credit:
1. Understand the Requirements
If a credit card requires a score of 740 and above, you’re not going to qualify with fair credit. Instead, you’re wasting your time, while also causing more damage as the result of an additional hard inquiry.
You should stick with credit card offers designed for consumers with fair credit.
2. Don’t Jump on a Secured Credit Card (just yet)
If you have very poor credit, there’s a good chance you’ll only qualify for a secured credit card. With this, you’ll make a security deposit to give the credit card company peace of mind.
While you may end up with a secured credit card in the end, you shouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet. Depending on how close your score is to the good range, you may qualify for an unsecured offer.
3. Boost Your Score
If you’re concerned about your fair credit score holding you back, there are things you can do to boost your score before applying:
- Pay down current credit card balances
- Never make a late payment
- Don’t max out any existing credit cards
These are simple things you can do in the months to come that could help you move from a fair credit score to a good credit score.
Conclusion
A fair credit score may not get you excited, but it’s nice to know there is room for improvement. If you’re seeking a credit card that can provide you with a variety of financial benefits, despite your score, the Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® Credit Card is a good place to start.
It offers benefits such as:
- Fast pre-qualification (60 seconds or less)
- Custom card design
- Mobile account access and online bill pay
With these types of offers out there, fair credit doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry a powerful credit card.
I was almost killed by a head on collision that a drunk driver hit me head on doing 90 miles an hour that was Oct 28th 2017. I am now down to just two more surgerys. It has been a terrible ordeal. I went through all my savings that should have gotten me though my golden years but you can see it one takes one thing like this to wipe out what you thought was going to be the best years of your like. I had no credit problems prior to that. But a man got behind a wheel of a car drunk for this fourth DUI. Of course he had no drivers license no insurance and that is the fact of it. Now I’m going to have to find work at my age (72) and try to climb out of what he has made of my life. I will take any suggestions you may have for me. My main purpose to rebuild my life and credit. I had built custom home for myself and my little family. But a son thru college. Started three companies and did very well with them and was left an inheritance by my father. All was well until that night in October 2017 an in a matter of a young man making to many bad judgement calls almost took my life and in a way he did! Can you help me in trying to put my life in some since of order? Sincerely MIss Shirley