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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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How to earn points and miles with a low credit score
Emily Thompson specializes in beginner content as a credit cards editor. She taps into her prior experience as a high school English teacher to help others demystify credit scores and unlock experiences that credit card rewards can make possible.
also contributed to this story
March 3, 2024 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
Travel rewards cards are accessible even for those with less-than-excellent credit, with options available for building or rebuilding credit.
Understanding how credit scores are calculated is crucial, as factors like payment history and credit utilization play significant roles.
Secured cards and select debit cards can offer rewards opportunities while helping improve credit profiles.
Using shopping portals can help earn additional rewards, even if you're not eligible for premium travel cards.
What to consider
Eligibility for certain rewards products depends on your credit score, with premium options typically requiring higher scores.
Secured cards require a deposit that usually sets your initial credit limit, and not all secured cards offer rewards.
Consistently paying bills on time and keeping credit utilization low are essential for improving your credit score.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed strategies for choosing the right rewards products and maximizing points or miles while building or repairing credit.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Travel rewards cards can be incredibly lucrative. Although the best sign-up bonuses or welcome offers often require high credit scores and unblemished borrowing histories, you can still get into the game even if your credit record isn’t sparkling. Whether you’re building credit for the first time or looking to rebuild, you have options.
Today, we will look at how your credit score is calculated and discuss strategies for earning points and miles while you build or repair your credit.
Credit score basics
Credit scores affect everything from interest rates on auto loans and your monthly mortgage payment to insurance rates and employee background checks when looking for a new job.
The Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) produces the most well-known personal credit rating, and lenders commonly use this number as the first metric to analyze your risk as a borrower. As such, your credit score is the biggest factor in whether you're approved for a credit card.
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What is a good credit score?
The FICO score ranges from 300 (bad) to 850 (excellent).* Generally speaking, having a higher score makes you a more attractive candidate for a loan. “Good” credit includes scores of 670 or above, and “poor” credit includes scores of around 600 and below. Top-tier or “excellent” credit starts around 740-750 and gives you a good chance of being approved for credit cards and other loans.
Your credit score is comprised of several different factors, as shown in this chart:
You can check your credit score for free in several places. If you already have a credit card, your issuer likely lets you check your credit score from within your account. Additionally, you can check your score through third-party sites, such as Credit Karma.
How can I improve my credit score?
The most critical credit score factors are late or missed payments and your credit utilization (the ratio of credit you’re using to how much credit is available to you).
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As such, the most important thing you can do to improve your credit score is to make your payments on time each month. Additionally, you can improve your score by opening an additional line of credit. It may seem counterintuitive, but increasing your available credit will decrease your credit utilization and increase your credit score.
Just remember that it will only help if you use it responsibly and pay it off each month. Late payments and accruing interest will do more harm than good.
Rewards strategies for those with a low credit score
Consider cards in the same family
While you need an excellent credit score to be approved for most of the top travel rewards cards, plenty of rewards credit cards only require a good or fair credit score.
For example, you'll need an excellent credit score (740 and above) to be approved for the premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), but the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) only require a good credit score (670 and above). And if you're just starting out and have limited credit, the Chase Freedom Rise can be a good option.
Similarly, Capital One offers products in the same card family geared toward different credit levels. For instance, TPG recommends at least a good, if not excellent credit score to be eligible for the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, but they also offer the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit and Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which caters to those with fair credit (580 and above).
Get a secured credit card
A secured credit card can be a great option if you're building or repairing your credit. With a secured credit card, you'll put down a deposit when you open the account, and that deposit usually serves as your credit limit at the beginning.
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Not all secured credit cards earn rewards, but getting one that does is a way to earn rewards while working to improve your credit score. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, for example, is the secured card in the Quicksilver family and earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Another option is the Discover it Secured, which earns 2% cash back on the first $1,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants each quarter.
The information for the Discover it Secured card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
We recommend that everyone use a shopping portal to earn bonus rewards when shopping online — but they're especially valuable for those who aren't eligible for a top travel rewards credit card.
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You can shop through our favorite portal, Rakuten, and earn rewards in the form of cash back or American Express Membership Rewards points. Plus, many rewards programs offer their own shopping portals, so you can choose one that earns your favorite type of rewards.
The travel rewards game isn’t just for those with high credit scores. You can earn rewards while building or repairing your credit by getting a credit card or rewards debit card that you are eligible for, as well as taking advantage of shopping portals when you're shopping online.
Regardless of the route you choose, ensure you're boosting your credit score by paying off all your bills in full and on time each month. By practicing good credit habits, you'll be ready to get some top travel rewards cards in no time. And when you get there, you can use your points from a new welcome bonus to celebrate with a trip you've booked courtesy of the rewards you've earned.
*The Points Guy credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
