Best Credit Cards for 680 Credit Score [2024 Review]

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Not qualifying for better cash-back cards because of a “not-excellent” credit score is depressing. I, too, used to swoon over the high-rewarding cards when I jumped from average to a “good” score. Nonetheless, it seemed as if those cards were not for me.

Undaunted, I launched an investigation and found out a few gems. I am sharing my results for the best credit cards for a 680 credit score with you here. (CreditCards.com ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.)

Our Top 680 Credit Score Credit Cards Recommendations 

Although several issuers reserve high-perk cards for “very good” and above scores, a good score can also get you some decent options. 

You can quickly get cards that maintain your score status and offer opportunities to build it. I have compiled a list of the best credit cards for 680 credit scores for you to choose from.

• Best Overall: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for Students: Discover it® Student Chrome
• Best for Unlimited Cash-Back: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best for Travel Categories: Citi Double Cash® Card

Best Card for 680 Credit Score Overall: Chase Freedom Unlimited

With this card, you get more earning opportunities for a “good” score than with several other cards. Chase Freedom Unlimited offers cash returns on categories that everyone uses regularly, like drugstores and restaurants. You can pile up cash quickly here because you get a 3% return on these categories.

I like the 5% cash-back on travel booked through this card. It relates favorably to other high-tiered cards that offer the same reward percentage. You can build your cash pool with this category if you are a frequent traveler. Moreover, you get 5% cash-back on purchasing Lyft services until March 31, 2025. You can earn in-cab every day!

Other Perks

Freedom Unlimited offers the most lucrative welcome bonus among all the cards in this list. No APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months (after the introductory period, there is a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%) — along with an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy in the first year up to $20,000, for up to a $300 value — can kickstart your earning journey.

However, you have to pay a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24% after the introductory period. An interest rate of up to 29.24% can drain your earnings if you decide to carry a statement-to-statement balance. It would help if you planned your expenses to maximize your benefits while staying within budget.

Pros

• You get an unlimited 1.5% cash-back match for the first year.
• You get a 5% return on travel, which is equivalent to some top-tiered cards for an excellent score. It is highly beneficial if you are a frequent traveler.
• You get a 3% return on drugstores and restaurant purchases. Since these are regular-use categories for most customers, your earning opportunities increase here.
• You pay a $0 annual fee, which minimizes your extra expenses.
• You pay no APR for the first 15 months. You can use this period to bring your spending structure on track.

Cons

• You have to pay a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24% if you don’t pay all your monthly dues.
• You incur a 3% foreign transaction fee, making international purchases expensive.

Best 680 Score Credit Card for Students: Discover It Student Chrome

You get cash rewards on quarterly bonus categories, which is a generous offer for student cards. You get 2% cash-back by spending up to $1,000 on gas stations and restaurants. This allows you to earn while spending on a night out. You can choose these two categories all year round because they are constant for each quarter, which is rare for other such cards.

The 1% return for all other purchases is as average as any other card. One good thing about Discover It Student Chrome is that it is an unsecured card. You do not have to block a certain amount to get this card. 

Although you do not incur a foreign transaction fee, you cannot take this card as your primary choice abroad. Discover’s cards have limited acceptance outside the US. Also, you have to pay a high variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24% and balance transfer fee. This can thin your earning pile quickly if you don’t pay your monthly dues.

Other Perks

I was overwhelmed by its introductory bonus offer! You don’t have to pay interest on purchases for six months. Moreover, you get an unlimited dollar-by-dollar match on all the cash returns you earn throughout your first year as a card member.

Although you get enough room to pay off large purchases in the intro period, like a laptop or a course you should plan. Remember that you pay up to a 10.99% APR on balance transfers in the intro period. You should manage your finances to avoid this charge.

Pros

• You get an unlimited cash-back match at the end of your first year. You can double your $50 return to $100.
• You don’t incur APR for the first six months, which can help you get on track even within a tight budget.
• You pay less APR on balance transfers in the intro period. You can pay installments on big purchases during this time.
• You get gas stations and restaurants as constant bonus categories. You do not have to spend a single quarter throughout the year without earning 2% back from these categories.

Cons

• Choose another card if you study abroad because Discover’s cards are not accepted outside the US.
• You have to pay a variable APR of 18.24% – 27.24% on balance transfers after the intro period, which can be expensive.

Best 680 Score Card for Unlimited Cash-Back: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards

You will love this card’s cash-back simplicity, just like I do. You can avoid the head-spinning rotating categories and get an above-average flat-rate cash-back. The 1.5% return on all purchases correlates to other cards for excellent credit scores.

Additionally, you get a whopping 5% cash-back on booking travel categories through the Capital One Travel portal. Again, you get this perk on top-tier cards. You can earn a lot with Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards if you are a regular traveler.

However, you have to pay a $39 annual fee. Although it is not much, you may still find it expensive if you do not maximize this card’s benefits. Also, you do not get a welcome bonus or introductory offer, so you don’t have a stabilizing edge to plan.

Other Perks

One feature I like the most about this card is that it is an unsecured card, unlike several other cards for average score. You don’t have to set money aside to keep it. 

If you display responsible financial behavior, you are also considered for a higher credit line as early as six months. If you pay off your monthly charges and stay within your credit limit, your score can increase. You can get more room to earn and build your savings and credibility.

Pros

• You get an above-average return on every purchase with this card, i.e., 1.5%. You can up your earnings significantly with this 0.5% increase.
• You earn a 5% cash-back if you travel often. It compares positively to other cards for high scores.
• You don’t incur a foreign transaction fee, making global travel cheaper.

Cons

• You pay a $39 annual fee, which can be a lot if you use the reward offers only a little.
• You incur a high variable 29.99% APR if you don’t clear your monthly balance. It can chip away at your earnings.

Best  680 Score Card for Travel Categories: Citi Double Cash Card

I am seriously considering reactivating my Citi Double Cash in 2024. You earn a reward-piling 5% cash return on hotels and car rentals booked through the Citi Travel portal until December 31, 2024!

On top of it, this card is already a hit because of its 1% cash return at the time of all purchases, plus an additional 1% when you pay for those purchases. This offer is something even the “excellent” scoring cards rarely offer. You can redeem your unique credit card rewards through direct deposit, statement credit, or check. That said, 1% will be deducted from your earnings if you redeem through statement credit.

Other Perks

You get a $200 cash-back on spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months. This welcome offer can give you a headstart on your rewards pathway. Also, you pay only a 3% foreign transaction fee within the first four months. You can make global purchases for lower rates this way.

Furthermore, you pay 0% APR on credit card balance transfers for the first 18 months, with a variable 19.24% – 29.24% APR thereafter. Although it is a reasonable offer, it clashes with paying full APR on purchases. Your earnings may mean nothing unless you pay off all monthly charges.

Pros

• You get $200 back on spending $1,500 on purchases. It is a perk several “excellent” cards offer.
• You earn 2% cash back on all purchases, a high return on this list.
• You get 5% back on booking travel throughout 2024. A rare earning opportunity just like Freedom Unlimited!

Cons

• No intro APR on purchases. You must pay off your statement balance to avoid accruing a high interest each month.
• No bonus categories reduce this card’s earning potential.

Features to Consider for Credit Cards for 680 Credit Score

	Annual Fee	Welcome Bonus	Credit Limit
Chase Freedom Unlimited	$0	Unlimited 1.5% cash-back match at the end of your first year. 0% APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers	$500 – $30,000
Discover It Student Chrome	$0	Unlimited cash-back match at the end of your first year. 0% APR for 6 months on purchases. 10.99% for 6 months on balance transfers.	$500 – $3,000
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards	$39	No bonus offers.	$300 – $5,000
Citi Double Cash Card	$0	$200 on spending $1,500 within the first six months.0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers.	$500 – $5,000

It would be best if you had a criterion for a card that suits all your needs, or you will find it challenging to make a sound decision. Here are some features you can consider before getting a card for a 680 credit score. (CreditCards.com ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.)

Credit Limit

You should have room to wiggle around planning your expenses. Go for a card with the highest credit limit for an average to a good score, like Freedom Unlimited. However, you can use a low-limit card, like Citi Double Cash, if you want to be strict with yourself.

Extra Payments

Avoid cards that accrue high fees. Discover It Student Chrome is best for you if you are a student. You might find Capital One QuicksilverOne quite expensive because of its annual fee. 

Go for a card that has the lowest APR, too. Also, an unsecured card is better than a secured one. Your score will ultimately increase, so you don’t need a secured card at this point.

Reward Opportunities

Look for the perfect blend of maximum cash-back categories and a profitable welcome offer. Freedom Unlimited and Student Chrome both have such offers. However, Freedom Unlimited has a more attractive intro offer.

Related Questions

Conclusion

I recommend Chase Freedom Unlimited, the best card for a 680 credit score, because of its abundant earning opportunities. (CreditCards.com ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.)

Its welcome bonus is lucrative, and the 0% APR period is generous. Along with its travel perks and $0 annual fee, this card is the whole package. You can build your score while earning with it.

Editorial Disclosure

The opinions expressed in this article are the opinions of our editorial team and no one else. Please consult your financial advisor before making any major financial decisions. This content is not reviewed or endorsed by any partner or external entity. Our editorial team spends hours of time researching and developing each article with the goal of providing helpful guidance but still, errors may remain.