Average credit, defined as a FICO score between 670 and 739, sits in the FICO Good tier. At that level, you do not need a security deposit and you can finally start earning real cashback or travel rewards on a credit card. The premium tier (740+) is still a stretch, but plenty of solid no-fee cards open up.
This guide compares the best unsecured credit cards for average credit in 2026, including approval odds, rewards, and which ones offer credit limit growth without a hard pull.
What 'average credit' means in 2026
FICO defines Good credit as 670-739. About 21% of U.S. adults fall in this band per Experian's 2024 State of Credit report. Lenders see this group as approvable but not premium-rate worthy. That means you will get cards, but the absolute best rewards rates and travel benefits remain just out of reach.
The goal at this tier is to use the card responsibly for 12 to 18 months and graduate up. Most issuers will report a credit limit increase after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments.
Our top 5 unsecured cards for average credit
Capital One Quicksilver. Best overall. 1.5% flat cashback on everything, no annual fee, 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Approval typically requires 670+ FICO. Capital One offers automatic credit limit reviews every 6 months.
Discover it Cash Back. Best for category rotators. 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%), 1% on everything else. Discover doubles all cashback at the end of your first year. No annual fee. Approval generally starts at 670 FICO.
Chase Freedom Unlimited. Best for everyday earners. 1.5% cashback flat, plus 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on travel through Chase Travel. No annual fee, 0% intro APR. Approval typically requires 690+ FICO and limited recent inquiries.
Wells Fargo Active Cash. Best flat-rate card. 2% unlimited cashback on every purchase, no annual fee. The 2% rate is rare without an annual fee. Approval typically requires 700+ FICO.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards. Best for category pickers. 3% in your chosen category (gas, online shopping, dining, etc.), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (combined cap $2,500 per quarter), 1% on everything else. No annual fee. Approval typically requires 680+ FICO.
How to pick the right card
Match the card to your top spending category. If you spend $400 a month on dining, the Chase Freedom Unlimited's 3% on dining returns roughly $144 per year on dining alone.
Check the issuer's approval band. A card that requires 700+ FICO with a 690 score is a denial. Use the issuer's pre-qualification tool first (Capital One, Discover, Amex, Chase Just-for-You).
Avoid cards with annual fees at this tier. With average credit, the rewards rate on no-fee cards is high enough that paying $95 a year for a slightly better card rarely pays off until you reach 740+.
Plan for credit limit growth. Capital One and Discover have the most consistent automatic limit increases.
A note on credit-building when you already have average credit
Average credit is the awkward middle. You are good enough for unsecured cards but not yet at premium-card thresholds. The smart move is to combine an unsecured card with a credit builder product to keep score momentum:
- The Self Visa® Credit Card adds a credit-builder line that helps thicken thin files.
- A Self.Inc Credit Builder Account adds installment history.
- Keeping utilization low across all accounts is the single biggest score lever at this tier.
Many people in the 670-720 range can move into the 740+ tier in 9 to 12 months by combining a rewards card with a credit builder loan and never carrying a balance.
What a $500 limit can do for your score
A new $500 limit does two things: it adds a tradeline, and it lowers your overall utilization ratio. If your existing cards total $1,500 in limits and you carry a $400 balance, your utilization is 27%. Adding a new $500 card drops it to 20% with the same balance. That alone can move scores 10-20 points within a billing cycle.
Use the new card lightly (under 10% of the limit) so the issuer sees responsible behavior and offers credit limit increases sooner.
Red flags to avoid
Annual fees over $0. At average credit, you should not need to pay one.
Cards with 30%+ APR. Several subprime cards still target the 670-700 range with sky-high APRs. If you ever carry a balance, the interest will dwarf any rewards.
Subprime issuers like First Premier or Credit One. Both have hidden fees and limited credit limit growth. Average credit can do better.
Anything that bills itself as a 'platinum' card without listing rewards. A 'platinum' card with no listed rewards is usually a marketing gimmick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 670 considered average credit?
Yes. FICO defines 670-739 as the Good tier, which is functionally what most articles call 'average credit' in 2026. Roughly 21% of U.S. adults fall in this band. With a 670 score, you can qualify for several unsecured cards but should pre-qualify before applying to avoid hard inquiries.
Can I get an unsecured card with a 700 credit score?
Yes, easily. A 700 FICO sits comfortably in FICO's Good tier and qualifies you for most no-fee unsecured cards from Capital One, Discover, Chase, and Wells Fargo. Pre-qualification offers are usually accurate at this score.
What is the best credit card for someone with a 720 credit score?
For a 720 FICO, the best no-annual-fee unsecured cards are the Wells Fargo Active Cash (2% flat cashback), Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5% plus bonuses), and Capital One Quicksilver (1.5% flat). All three approve at 720 in most cases. Premium travel cards become accessible once you reach 740+.
How long does it take to go from average to good credit?
Moving from average (670-739) to good (740+) typically takes 9 to 12 months of on-time payments and low utilization (below 10%). Adding a credit builder loan accelerates the process by improving your credit mix. The single fastest move is paying down any high-balance card to below 10% of its limit.
