If I have a credit score of 560, what credit cards are available to me?

With a credit score of 560, there are limited options for credit cards, but a few secured cards and cards for bad credit can help you start building credit back up over time.  

As a 560 score is classified as “bad” credit, the cards you can qualify for will have higher APRs and less favorable terms compared to those with good credit.  

However, using them responsibly by paying on time and keeping balances low can significantly help improve your score.



Some of the best credit cards for a 560 score include:

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card:

Feature Description
Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Annual Fee No annual fee
Credit Limit Minimum security deposit of $300 required
Foreign Transaction Fees Charges foreign transaction fees on purchases made overseas
Recommended Credit Score Not specified, likely fair to poor credit
Verdict The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers a solid 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, making it a great option for those looking to build credit while earning rewards.

However, it charges foreign transaction fees and has no additional benefits. It is recommended for those with fair to poor credit who want to maximize reward leverage.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card:

Feature Description
Rewards No rewards program
Annual Fee $35 annual fee
Credit Limit Minimum security deposit of $200 required
Foreign Transaction Fees No foreign transaction fees
Additional Benefits None
Recommended Credit Score Not specified, likely fair to poor credit
Verdict The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card has a low minimum security deposit requirement of $200, but charges an annual fee of $35.

It does not offer any rewards program or additional benefits. It is recommended for those with fair to poor credit who want to establish or rebuild their credit.

It is a good option for those who do not plan to use the card for foreign transactions.

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit:

Feature Description
Rewards 1% cash back on eligible purchases, including gas, groceries, and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services
Annual Fee $75 for the first year, $99 thereafter
Credit Limit Unsecured credit line, no security deposit required
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% foreign transaction fee
Recommended Credit Score 300-670
Verdict The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit is an unsecured credit card that offers 1% cash back on eligible purchases, including gas, groceries, and mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services.

It has an annual fee of $75 for the first year, $99 thereafter, and charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. It is recommended for those with poor credit or no credit who want to establish or rebuild their credit without the need for a security deposit.

It is a good option for those who want to earn cash back on everyday purchases.

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card:

Feature Description
Rewards 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 5% cash back on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel
Annual Fee No annual fee
Credit Limit Minimum security deposit of $200 required
Foreign Transaction Fees No foreign transaction fees
Additional Benefits Emergency card services, 0 fraud liability
Recommended Credit Score Fair credit
Verdict The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good option for those with a credit score of 560 who want to earn rewards while building their credit.

It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% cash back on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel, with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

It requires a minimum security deposit of $200 to open an account, and offers additional benefits such as emergency card services and 0 fraud liability.

It is recommended for those with fair credit who want to earn cash back on everyday purchases while building their credit.

If used properly, these types of secured and bad credit cards can be valuable tools to help you rebuild credit from a 560 score.  

Here are Some key tips to improve Credit Score:

Pay on time: Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score.  Make at least the minimum on time every time.

Keep low balances: Aim for 30% or less of your credit limit.  This shows you can responsibly manage debt.

Don’t apply for too many new cards quickly: New applications can lower your score slightly.  Only apply for a new card once your score starts improving.

Check your reports: Regularly check your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion credit reports to ensure there are no errors.  Dispute them to get your score corrected.

Re-apply for better cards: Once your score improves to at least 600-650, you’ll qualify for less restrictive cards.  Re-apply and move on to unsecured options.

Bepatient through the process: Improving from a 560 score takes time and responsible credit management.  Stay committed to the process, and your score will continue rising.

Conclusion

In summary, while options are limited with a 560 score, secured and subprime credit cards can provide an opportunity to start building credit back when used properly.  

Make all payments on time, keep low balances, don’t apply for too many new cards quickly, monitor your reports for errors, and be patient.  

If you demonstrate responsible financial habits over 6-12 months, your score will improve significantly, and more mainstream credit card options will become available to you.

The road to credit recovery may not happen overnight, but with discipline, it is absolutely possible to improve your score and financial situation over time.  Keep working at it, and don’t get discouraged easily.  

Stay focused on progress, not perfection.  If you have any other questions or want more suggestions, feel free to ask.  I’m happy to provide more guidance on your credit journey.

Dhiraj Jha is a personal finance and credit card expert dedicated to providing valuable insights and advice on budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.

Read More

Leave a Comment