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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace. | Advertising Disclosure LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). | American Express Disclosure Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace. LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. On This PageDiscover it® Secured Credit CardThe Discover it® Secured Credit Card is our top overall pick for best credit card for bad credit. Along with reporting your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), the card provides the opportunity to get your security deposit back after demonstrating responsible card usage. The card also charges a $0 annual fee and earns cash back rewards.
If you have bad credit (typically a credit score less than 580), you may feel limited as to which credit cards you can qualify for. But while credit cards designed for those with bad credit often have less favorable terms than credit cards intended for those with good or excellent credit – including higher APRs, more fees and less benefits – there are cards available with solid rewards rates, reasonable APRs and $0 annual fees. In fact, some of the best credit cards for bad credit are secured cards, which require a security deposit as collateral for your card’s credit line. Based on our research of cards available through LendingTree, as well as top cards offered by major issuers and credit unions, we compiled a list of the best unsecured and secured credit cards for individuals with bad credit for the following categories: Discover it® Secured Credit CardDiscover it® Secured Credit CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $0 Regular Purchase APR 25.99% Variable APR
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 to $2,500 Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a $0 annual fee secured card that reports your credit activity to the three major credit bureaus. The card requires a refundable deposit, which will serve as your line of credit. After seven months, Discover will begin monthly reviews of your account to see if you qualify to get your deposit back and graduate to an unsecured card. It even provides a solid cash back rewards program, and will match all the cash back you earn in your first year of card membership. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the top cards around if you need to rebuild your credit. It’s accessible with a $200 minimum deposit, and Discover is clear on when your account will be reviewed for the chance to upgrade to an unsecured card. Plus, it earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. And Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 to $2,500 Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a $0 annual fee secured card that reports your credit activity to the three major credit bureaus. The card requires a refundable deposit, which will serve as your line of credit. After seven months, Discover will begin monthly reviews of your account to see if you qualify to get your deposit back and graduate to an unsecured card. It even provides a solid cash back rewards program, and will match all the cash back you earn in your first year of card membership. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the top cards around if you need to rebuild your credit. It’s accessible with a $200 minimum deposit, and Discover is clear on when your account will be reviewed for the chance to upgrade to an unsecured card. Plus, it earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. And Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit CardOpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $35 Regular Purchase APR 20.39% (variable)
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 to $3,000 Why we picked this card: Unlike the majority of credit cards and secured cards, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card does not pull your credit when you apply. Additionally, the card reports your credit usage to the major credit bureaus. Since the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check when you apply, it’s a solid option for those whose credit is too bad to get approved for a traditional card or even a secured card. Additionally, the card does not require a bank account for approval. You will, however, have to provide some personal financial information, such as your annual income, monthly housing payment and housing payment type. The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card charges a $35 annual fee and has a regular APR of 20.39% (variable). The card also requires a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $3,000.
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 to $3,000 Why we picked this card: Unlike the majority of credit cards and secured cards, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card does not pull your credit when you apply. Additionally, the card reports your credit usage to the major credit bureaus. Since the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check when you apply, it’s a solid option for those whose credit is too bad to get approved for a traditional card or even a secured card. Additionally, the card does not require a bank account for approval. You will, however, have to provide some personal financial information, such as your annual income, monthly housing payment and housing payment type. The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card charges a $35 annual fee and has a regular APR of 20.39% (variable). The card also requires a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $3,000.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit CardCapital One Platinum Secured Credit CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $0 Regular Purchase APR 28.49% (Variable)
Minimum deposit: $49, $99 or $200 Credit limit: $200 to $1,000 Why we picked this card: Typically, when you get a secured credit card, you must submit a deposit in the amount of your desired credit limit. But the $0 annual fee Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers the chance to get a $200 starting credit limit with a $49, $99 or $200 deposit. Just know, you aren’t guaranteed to get the lower deposit amounts. If you want to use a secured card to help build your credit without submitting a large deposit upfront, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card could be a good fit — as long as you qualify for the lower deposit amount. Additionally, after six months of demonstrating responsible card usage, Capital One will review your eligibility for an increased credit limit. The card does, however, come with a relatively high purchase APR of 28.49% (Variable), and there is no rewards program.
Minimum deposit: $49, $99 or $200 Credit limit: $200 to $1,000 Why we picked this card: Typically, when you get a secured credit card, you must submit a deposit in the amount of your desired credit limit. But the $0 annual fee Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers the chance to get a $200 starting credit limit with a $49, $99 or $200 deposit. Just know, you aren’t guaranteed to get the lower deposit amounts. If you want to use a secured card to help build your credit without submitting a large deposit upfront, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card could be a good fit — as long as you qualify for the lower deposit amount. Additionally, after six months of demonstrating responsible card usage, Capital One will review your eligibility for an increased credit limit. The card does, however, come with a relatively high purchase APR of 28.49% (Variable), and there is no rewards program.
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit CardFirst Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $49 Regular Purchase APR 13.74% (V)
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 to $2,000 Why we picked this card: While cards intended for those with bad credit often have very high APRs – sometimes upwards of 30% (variable) – the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card has a low ongoing APR of 13.74% (V) on purchases. Additionally, the card does not require a minimum credit score or credit history for approval. While we recommend paying your balance in full each month, that may not always be possible. So if you find yourself needing to carry a balance on your card month over month, a card with a low APR, like the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card could be ideal. The card requires a refundable security deposit of $200 to $2,000 and charges a $49 annual fee.
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 to $2,000 Why we picked this card: While cards intended for those with bad credit often have very high APRs – sometimes upwards of 30% (variable) – the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card has a low ongoing APR of 13.74% (V) on purchases. Additionally, the card does not require a minimum credit score or credit history for approval. While we recommend paying your balance in full each month, that may not always be possible. So if you find yourself needing to carry a balance on your card month over month, a card with a low APR, like the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card could be ideal. The card requires a refundable security deposit of $200 to $2,000 and charges a $49 annual fee.
AvantCard Credit CardAvantCard Credit CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $59 Regular Purchase APR 28.74% Variable Credit Score Needed 550 659 Fair/Poor/Limited
Minimum deposit: No deposit Credit limit: $300 to $3,000 Why we picked this card: The AvantCard Credit Card is a rare unsecured card intended for people with fair/poor/limited. The card does charge a $59 annual fee, but you may find that worthwhile if you want to build credit without submitting a security deposit. If you don’t want to tie up money in a security deposit, and you’re willing to pay a $59 annual fee, the AvantCard Credit Card is an unsecured card worth considering. However, the card does come with a high APR of 28.74% Variable . Additionally, the card is not available to residents of Colorado, Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia or Wisconsin.
Minimum deposit: No deposit Credit limit: $300 to $3,000 Why we picked this card: The AvantCard Credit Card is a rare unsecured card intended for people with fair/poor/limited. The card does charge a $59 annual fee, but you may find that worthwhile if you want to build credit without submitting a security deposit. If you don’t want to tie up money in a security deposit, and you’re willing to pay a $59 annual fee, the AvantCard Credit Card is an unsecured card worth considering. However, the card does come with a high APR of 28.74% Variable . Additionally, the card is not available to residents of Colorado, Iowa, Vermont, West Virginia or Wisconsin.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit CardCapital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $0 Regular Purchase APR 28.49% (Variable)
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 to $3,000 Why we picked this card: The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a solid cash back rate on everyday purchases. Cardholder 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). If you want to build credit while earning cash back at a competitive rate on every purchase, you may like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. Cardholders earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). Additionally, the $0 annual fee card offers automatic credit line reviews starting at six months to determine if you qualify for a higher credit line.
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 to $3,000 Why we picked this card: The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a solid cash back rate on everyday purchases. Cardholder 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). If you want to build credit while earning cash back at a competitive rate on every purchase, you may like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. Cardholders earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). Additionally, the $0 annual fee card offers automatic credit line reviews starting at six months to determine if you qualify for a higher credit line.
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured CardReview Coming Soon U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $0 Regular Purchase APR 28.99% variable
Minimum deposit: $300 Credit limit: $300 to $5,000 Why we picked this card: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card offers a generous rewards program for foodies: 4X points on dining and takeout, 2X at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services, 1X on all other purchases. Plus, get a $15 annual streaming credit after you’ve made 11 consecutive months of eligible streaming purchases. If you’re looking to build credit and you often spend on restaurant dining, takeout or delivery, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card is a good card to consider. Rewards can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, cash back or gift cards. You can also redeem points instantly for nearly any purchase with Real-Time Rewards.
Minimum deposit: $300 Credit limit: $300 to $5,000 Why we picked this card: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card offers a generous rewards program for foodies: 4X points on dining and takeout, 2X at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services, 1X on all other purchases. Plus, get a $15 annual streaming credit after you’ve made 11 consecutive months of eligible streaming purchases. If you’re looking to build credit and you often spend on restaurant dining, takeout or delivery, the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card is a good card to consider. Rewards can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, cash back or gift cards. You can also redeem points instantly for nearly any purchase with Real-Time Rewards.
The information related to the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply. Amazon Secured CardReview Coming Soon Amazon Secured CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $0 Regular Purchase APR 10.00% non-variable
Minimum deposit: $100 Credit limit: $100 to $1,000 Why we picked this card: The Amazon Secured Card has a lower minimum deposit than many secured cards, making it easier for consumers who might struggle to put together a $200 or $300 deposit to start building credit. Plus, Amazon may allow you to graduate to an unsecured card after using the Amazon Secured Card responsibly for 12 months. Finally, Amazon Prime members can earn cash back. If you shop frequently at Amazon.com and want to build credit, the Amazon Secured Card might be what you’re looking for. Plus, for consumers who want to avoid the $200 minimum deposit many secured cards require, the Amazon Secured Card is accessible with a deposit as low as $100. Lastly, the card also offers an opportunity to earn 2% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and more, with an eligible Prime membership.
Minimum deposit: $100 Credit limit: $100 to $1,000 Why we picked this card: The Amazon Secured Card has a lower minimum deposit than many secured cards, making it easier for consumers who might struggle to put together a $200 or $300 deposit to start building credit. Plus, Amazon may allow you to graduate to an unsecured card after using the Amazon Secured Card responsibly for 12 months. Finally, Amazon Prime members can earn cash back. If you shop frequently at Amazon.com and want to build credit, the Amazon Secured Card might be what you’re looking for. Plus, for consumers who want to avoid the $200 minimum deposit many secured cards require, the Amazon Secured Card is accessible with a deposit as low as $100. Lastly, the card also offers an opportunity to earn 2% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and more, with an eligible Prime membership.
The information related to the Amazon Secured Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply. Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit CardReview Coming Soon Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit CardIntroductory APR N/A Annual Fee $0 Regular Purchase APR 18.00% variable
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 minimum, no set maximum Why we picked this card: After six months with the Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card, the issuer will begin monthly reviews of your account to see if you qualify to graduate to an unsecured card. Plus, cardholders earn 1X points per dollar spent. The Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card is an excellent credit-building tool if you qualify for Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) membership. Membership is open to United States military members and veterans, family members and Department of Defense civilians. The Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee, a 0% balance transfer fee and a $0 cash advance fee. As for foreign transaction fees, there are $0. Additionally, there is an 18.00% variable APR.
Minimum deposit: $200 Credit limit: $200 minimum, no set maximum Why we picked this card: After six months with the Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card, the issuer will begin monthly reviews of your account to see if you qualify to graduate to an unsecured card. Plus, cardholders earn 1X points per dollar spent. The Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card is an excellent credit-building tool if you qualify for Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) membership. Membership is open to United States military members and veterans, family members and Department of Defense civilians. The Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee, a 0% balance transfer fee and a $0 cash advance fee. As for foreign transaction fees, there are $0. Additionally, there is an 18.00% variable APR.
The information related to the Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply. Side-by-side comparison of best credit cards for bad credit
When you have a bad credit score, using a credit card responsibly is one way to help rebuild your credit. And since your credit is not in the best shape, getting a credit card to rebuild your credit is one of the few affordable options you have since lenders will likely not consider you for a loan until your credit score rebounds. Lenders want to see that if they extend you credit, you’ll pay back what you borrow, and payment history is the most important factor affecting your credit score. To build a solid payment history, put a small recurring charge on your credit card (a Netflix or Spotify subscription, for example) and pay it off in full as soon as it posts to your account each month. No credit card has a guaranteed approval. However, the recommended cards in this guide can help people with bad credit rebuild their credit. Most are secured cards, which require a deposit, and one is an unsecured card with an annual fee. Other cards that may be easier to qualify for are store cards, which often come with high APRs and low credit limits, but if used responsibly, can help build your credit score. Credit cards are a useful tool that can help you rebuild from bad credit. However, if you don’t want a credit card — or can’t get a credit card — another option to consider is a credit builder loan. You may be able to apply for a credit builder loan from credit unions, smaller banks and online lenders. Though it’s called a “loan,” you don’t get money upfront. You’ll make payments of a set amount over a certain period of time, and when you’ve paid in full you’ll get your money back (minus any fees the financial institution charges). Your payment history gets reported to the credit bureaus, which helps you build credit. If you’ve been denied when applying for an unsecured credit card, you might consider applying for a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you generally put down a refundable security deposit that serves as your initial credit limit. Many lenders are willing to issue secured credit cards to those with fair or poor credit since your deposit serves as collateral. It is possible to get an unsecured credit card with no credit history, depending on your overall financial situation. While each credit card issuer has its own criteria for approvals, there are many credit cards (even unsecured ones) that are marketed towards students and those with no or limited credit history. If you’ve been denied an unsecured credit card, you can always consider one of the secured credit cards in this list. Most credit cards do not ask for detailed bank account information on the application itself. This means that it is possible to get a credit card without having a bank account. However, it may be difficult to regularly pay your credit card account each month without a bank account. You may consider a card like the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, which does not do a credit check when you apply and allows you to fund your card via Western Union. The biggest factor in determining whether a particular credit card can help you build credit is whether or not it reports transaction and payment information to the major credit bureaus. Most store credit cards do report this information to the credit bureaus, so they can help build credit if you use them responsibly. However, if you don’t use your store credit card responsibly, it can also harm your credit profile. Glen Luke Flanagan
Glen Luke Flanagan is a senior credit card writer for LendingTree. He joined the team in June 2019, and covers topics including new credit cards, how your credit score works and what you need to know about credit card interest. Before joining LendingTree, Glen worked in journalism and government communications. As a journalist at newspapers in North Carolina and South Carolina, his reporting won awards from the North Carolina Press Association and the South Carolina Press Association, respectively. Glen earned his bachelor’s degree in media studies with a concentration in journalism from Radford University, graduating summa cum laude in May 2014. He also earned a master’s degree in English with a concentration in technical and professional communication, as well as a graduate certificate in marketing, from East Carolina University in May 2022. Read More The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details. Recommended ArticlesWhat is the easiest card to get with bad credit?Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card. Best Overall. ... . Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card. ... . Tomo Credit Card. ... . OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. ... . Discover it® Secured Credit Card. ... . Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit. ... . Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card.. Can U Get a credit card with bad credit?There are two types of credit card options for bad credit, secured and unsecured. A secured credit card requires a deposit of a certain amount of money into a savings account, and the credit limit is often based on a percentage of the deposited amount.
How can I get a $500 credit card with bad credit?The best way to get a $500 credit card limit with bad credit is to open a secured credit card account and put down a $500 security deposit. A secured card's credit limit is generally equal to the amount of the deposit. Most secured cards require a refundable deposit of at least $200-$300.
How do I get another credit card with bad credit?Apply for a secured credit card
Secured credit cards are one of the best ways to get a credit card with bad credit. That said, these cards come with a caveat: You have to put down a security deposit before you'll be able to use the card. In many cases, your line of credit will be equal to the deposit you put down.
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