Neither excellent nor poor, fair credit falls right in the middle. If your credit score isn’t perfect but also not too bad, you may still have good options when it comes to travel credit cards.
These cards can help you earn rewards, save on travel expenses, and even help build your credit over time.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best travel cards for people with fair credit so that you can travel smarter, even without top-tier credit.
Key Takeaway
- Fair credit is enough to qualify for some good travel credit cards with decent rewards and perks.
- Travel cards for fair credit can help you earn points or cash back on travel, gas, dining, and everyday spending.
- The Credit One Bank Wander Card is best for high travel rewards, offering up to 10x points on select bookings.
- The Capital One QuicksilverOne is a solid choice for international travel, with 1.5% cash back and no foreign transaction fees.
- Secured cards like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards and Discover it® Secured are great for building or rebuilding credit.
| Cards | Annual Fees | Rewards | Credit Score | Best for |
| Credit One Bank Wander Card | $95 | 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals. | Fair – Good | Travel Spend Bonuses |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Credit Card | $39 | 1.5% cash back on every purchase | No credit history | Cash Back Card for International Travel |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card | $0 | 2 – 3% Cashback | No credit history | Cash Back Rewards on Everyday Spending Category |
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card | $0 | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants | No credit history | Gas and Dining Purchases. |
| Citi Double Cash® Card | $0 | 2% cash back on all purchases | Fair credit | Cash Back Card for International Travel |
5 Best Travel Cards for Fair Credit
These are five of the best travel credit cards for fair credit. They offer helpful rewards, useful perks, and a chance to save on travel, even if your credit score isn’t perfect.
Credit One Bank Wander Card
The first card on the list is the Credit One Bank Wander Card. It’s designed for travelers with fair to good credit who want to earn strong rewards on travel, dining, and gas purchases.
Although it has a $95 annual fee, the card offers valuable points and travel perks that can make it worth the cost.
Best: Travel Spend Bonuses
Rewards: 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals.
Credit score needed: Fair – Good
Annual fees: $95
Pros
- Earns 5 to 10 points per dollar on travel-related purchases with no limit
- 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Credit One’s travel partner
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free online credit score tracking
- Travel perks like car rental discounts and upgrades with Avis, Hertz, and SIXT
- Points can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, travel, and more
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- High variable APR around 29.99%
- No welcome bonus offer
- Rewards are only redeemable as cash back, not transferable to airline or hotel loyalty programs
- No low introductory APR period
Source: Credit One
Capital One QuicksilverOne Credit Card
This card is a good option for people with fair credit who want simple cash-back rewards and travel perks.
It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
It has no foreign transaction fees, making it helpful for international travelers. However, it comes with a yearly fee and a high APR.
Best: Cash Back Card for International Travel.
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on every purchase
Credit score needed: No credit history.
Annual fees: $39
Pros
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Get 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rewards never expire
- Automatic credit line reviews after 6 months
- $0 fraud liability protection
- Free credit monitoring with CreditWise
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- High APR (interest rate)
- No bonus categories besides travel bookings
- No welcome bonus or introductory APR offer
- Booking through Capital One Travel may not suit everyone
Source: Capital one
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
This card offers tiered cash back rates and no annual fee. It requires a refundable security deposit starting at $200, making it easier to qualify even with poor credit.
You put down a refundable security deposit starting at $200 to open the account.
The card offers 3% cash back in one category of your choice each quarter, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases.
Best: Cash Back Rewards on Everyday Spending Categories.
Rewards: 2 – 3% Cashback
Credit score needed: No credit history
Annual fees: None
Pros
- Earn 3% cash back in one category of your choice each quarter (like gas, dining, or travel)
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- Free monthly access to your FICO credit score
- Refundable security deposit starting at $200
Cons
- No automatic credit limit increases or upgrades to an unsecured card
- Rewards cap of $2,500 combined spending per quarter for higher cash back categories
- No standout perks beyond basic protections
- 28.24% variable APR and a 3% foreign transaction fee
- Limited credit-building features compared to some competitors
Source: Bankrate
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover it® Secured Card requires a refundable security deposit and offers the chance to increase your credit score with responsible use.
The card earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 each quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, it matches all the cash back you earn in your first year, doubling your rewards automatically.
Best: Gas and Dining Purchases.
Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants
Credit score needed: No credit history
Annual fees: 0$
Pros
- Matches all cash back earned in the first year with no minimum spend
- No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no penalty APR
- Can upgrade to an unsecured card after about seven months
- Helps improve your credit score with responsible use
- Provides alerts if your Social Security number is found on the Dark Web
Cons
- Limited perks beyond cash back rewards
- Not widely accepted outside the U.S. compared to other cards
Source: Discover it
Citi Double Cash® Card
The last option is the Citi Double Cash® Card, a top choice for those with fair credit who want simple, high cash-back rewards.
It offers a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases, 1% when you buy, and another 1% when you pay your bill.
Plus, you can earn 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel® portal.
Best: Cash Back Card for International Travel.
Rewards: 2% cash back on all purchases
Credit score needed: Fair credit
Annual fees: N/A
Pros
- Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases
- $200 bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
- No annual fee
- Extra 5% cash back on select travel bookings through Citi Travel®
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee, which isn’t ideal for frequent international travelers
- Balance transfer fees apply (3% intro fee, then 5%)
- No introductory APR on purchases
- Fewer travel perks compared to other no-fee cards
Source: Citi
How to Choose a Credit Card for Fair Credit
Choosing a credit card when you have fair credit means looking closely at what each card offers and how it fits your needs. Here’s how to pick the right one:
Look at Rewards That Match Your Lifestyle
Some cards give bonus points or cash back on travel, dining, or gas. If you travel often, a card like the Credit One Bank Wander Card or Capital One QuicksilverOne might work well.
If you want everyday cash back, cards like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card or the Discover it Secured offer good rewards on daily spending.
Check Fees and Interest Rates
Many cards for fair credit have annual fees or higher interest rates. Make sure you understand these costs before applying. For example, the Credit One Bank Wander Card has a $95 annual fee, while the Citi Double Cash Card has no annual fee but charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Consider Security Deposits
Secured cards like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards and Discover it Secured require a refundable deposit. These are good if you have poor credit or no credit history and want to build or rebuild your credit.
Think About Travel Perks
Some cards offer extra travel benefits like discounts, upgrades, or extra cash back on bookings through their travel portals. If you want these perks, choose cards that offer them, like the Citi Double Cash or Credit One Bank Wander Card.
Watch for Bonus Offers and Intro APR
A welcome bonus or an introductory 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers can save you money. For example, the Citi Double Cash Card offers a $200 bonus and 0% intro APR on balance transfers, while others may not have these offers.
Look for No Foreign Transaction Fees If You Travel Abroad
If you travel internationally, pick a card with no foreign transaction fees, like the Credit One Bank Wander Card or Capital One QuicksilverOne.
What Are the Advantages of a Travel Credit Card for People with Fair Credit?
Travel credit cards for people with fair credit offer several advantages:
Earn Rewards on Travel and Everyday Spending
Even with fair credit, you can earn points or cash back on flights, hotels, dining, gas, and more. These rewards help reduce your travel costs over time.
Access to Travel Perks
Some cards offer benefits like car rental discounts, upgrades, or extra cash back when booking through their travel portals, making trips more enjoyable and affordable.
Build or Improve Your Credit
Using a travel credit card responsibly helps improve your credit score by showing good payment habits and lowering credit utilization.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Many travel cards waive foreign transaction fees, which saves money when you travel internationally.
Welcome Bonuses and Intro Offers
Some cards offer sign-up bonuses or 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers, giving you extra value when you start using the card.
Flexibility with Rewards Redemption
You can often redeem rewards as statement credits, gift cards, or travel bookings, making it easier to use your rewards how you want.
Conclusion
Having fair credit doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy good travel rewards and perks. The five cards we discussed offer different benefits to help you save money and earn rewards while traveling.
Whether you want high travel rewards, simple cash back, or help building your credit, there’s a card that fits your needs. When choosing, think about your spending habits, whether you travel abroad, and if you’re okay paying annual fees.
Remember to look for cards with no foreign transaction fees if you travel internationally, and consider secured cards if you want to build your credit history.
With the right travel credit card, you can start earning rewards, enjoying travel perks, and improving your credit score, all while making your trips more affordable and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Credit Score Is Needed for a Travel Credit Card?
Most travel credit cards require a good to excellent credit score, typically a FICO score of 670 or higher. However, some cards are designed for those with fair credit (580–669), offering fewer perks but still providing travel-related rewards.
Which Credit Card Is Best for Fair Credit?
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is often recommended for individuals with fair credit. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
What Travel Credit Card Can I Get With Fair Credit?
If you have fair credit (typically a FICO score between 580 and 669), you can consider the following travel credit cards:
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card: Provides 10X points on eligible hotels and rental cars booked through Credit One Bank’s travel partner, and 5X points on eligible travel, dining, and gas purchases.
