THE NO JOB LIFESTYLEPick by what you need
- You pay in full each month: a flat rate cash back card with no annual fee is simple and hard to misuse. Examples often include the Capital One Quicksilver, Citi Double Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash, though terms change, so check the current offer.
- You carry a balance now: a balance transfer card can give a stretch of time at 0% APR. Transfer fees are commonly 3% to 5%.
- You carry balances from time to time: credit union cards often have lower ongoing APRs than big bank rewards cards.
- You spend most in certain categories: a category card can earn more on groceries or fuel, but check the caps and rotating rules.
- You are still building: a student or starter card with reporting to all three bureaus may be a good stepping stone.
What a 680 means to issuers
A 680 is within the FICO good range of 670 to 739. Many issuers will consider you for good credit products, but it does not assure approval or the top limit. They also check your income, your existing balances, your recent inquiries and how long your file is. Someone at 680 who has several new accounts may be declined where another person at the same score is approved.
Premium travel cards with large bonuses often favor applicants with scores above 700. It is sensible to wait on those if your profile is on the edge. Each application can add a hard inquiry, and a denial means you pay that small cost with nothing to show for it.
How to compare offers
- APR: matters most if you ever carry a balance. Interest quickly outweighs rewards.
- Annual fee: at this score, there are plenty of solid options with none.
- Foreign transaction fee: important if you travel or pay in other currencies.
- Welcome bonus terms: only worthwhile if you can reach the spending level without overspending.
- Credit limit: not listed in advance, but a bigger limit helps utilization.
The important number is the total cost of owning the card for how you will use it, and not the top line rewards rate.
Apply with less risk
Use issuer preapproval tools first. Those checks are generally soft pulls, so they do not affect your score, and they tell you which cards are more likely to approve you. Prequalified does not mean final approval, but it narrows your choices and reduces the risk of a pointless inquiry.
Apply for one card at a time, and space applications at least several months apart. Avoid applying within a few months of a mortgage or car loan. Once approved, set up autopay right away and keep your statement balance low. Good habits with a new card tend to do more for your score than the choice of card itself.
Questions people ask
Can you get a rewards card with a 680 score?
Often yes. Many cash back cards are aimed at the good credit range, although approval and limit depend on your full file.
Will a new card lower your score?
It might dip a little at first from the inquiry and lower average account age, and the effect usually fades as on time history builds.
Is a secured card needed at 680?
Usually not, since unsecured options tend to be available. Secured cards fit people rebuilding from lower scores.