Top Credit Cards for People with Bad Credit
Top Credit Cards for People with Bad Credit | Having bad credit doesn’t mean you can’t get a credit card. There are credit cards designed specifically for people with poor or limited credit histories, helping you rebuild your credit while offering useful financial benefits.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best credit cards for people with bad credit, their key features, and tips on using them responsibly to improve your credit score.
What to Look for in a Credit Card for Bad Credit
When choosing a credit card for bad credit, consider these factors: 
Low or No Security Deposit – Some secured cards require a deposit, while others do not. Credit-Building Features – Ensure the card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). Reasonable Fees – Avoid cards with excessive annual fees, setup fees, and monthly maintenance fees. Upgrade Options – Some credit cards offer upgrades to unsecured credit lines after responsible use. Rewards or Perks – Some cards provide cashback rewards, even for bad credit.
Best Credit Cards for People with Bad Credit
1. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
No annual fee
Security deposit as low as $49, $99, or $200
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Potential credit limit increase in 6 months
Best for: People who want a low deposit secured card with a chance to upgrade.
2. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
$0 annual fee
1% – 2% cashback on purchases
Matches all cashback in the first year
Upgrades to an unsecured card after 7 months
Reports to all major credit bureaus
Best for: People who want cashback rewards while rebuilding credit.
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
No credit check required
$35 annual fee
Minimum deposit: $200
Reports to all three major credit bureaus
Good for those with no credit or bad credit
Best for: People who want to avoid a credit check when applying.
4. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
No security deposit
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Lower APR compared to other bad credit cards
Credit limit increases with responsible use
No hidden fees
Best for: People looking for an unsecured credit card to rebuild credit.
5. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
Unsecured card (no deposit required)
1% cashback on eligible purchases
Initial credit limit of $300+
Reports to all major credit bureaus
Annual fee: $39 – $99
Best for: People who want an unsecured card with cashback rewards.
6. Chime Credit Builder Visa®
No credit check to apply
No security deposit
No interest charges
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Works like a prepaid card to build credit
Best for: People who want a fee-free option to build credit.
How to Use a Credit Card to Improve Bad Credit
Pay on Time: Payment history is 35% of your credit score. Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees. Keep Utilization Low: Use less than 30% of your credit limit. If your limit is $300, keep usage under $90. Avoid Unnecessary Applications: Too many hard inquiries can hurt your credit score. Upgrade to an Unsecured Card: After 6 – 12 months of responsible use, request an unsecured card. Check Your Credit Report: Monitor your credit score regularly using free services like Credit Karma or Experian.
Alternatives to Bad Credit Credit Cards
If you don’t qualify for a credit card, consider these alternatives: Credit-Builder Loans – Some banks and credit unions offer small loans to help build credit. Become an Authorized User – A trusted person can add you to their credit card account to improve your history. Secured Loans – Using collateral (e.g., savings accounts) can increase approval odds. Rent and Utility Reporting Services – Some services report rent and utility payments to credit bureaus.
Final Thoughts
Even if you have bad credit, you can still get a credit card that helps rebuild your financial standing. Whether you choose a secured card like Capital One Platinum Secured or an unsecured option like Credit One Platinum Visa, responsible use can boost your credit score within months.
Key Takeaways: Look for cards with low fees and credit-building features. Always pay your bill on time to avoid further credit damage. Keep credit utilization below 30% for the best results. Upgrade to an unsecured card as soon as possible. Monitor your credit progress monthly.
Start rebuilding your credit today with the right credit card!
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