Best Credit Cards for People with Bad Credit
Introduction
Struggling to get approved for a credit card because of bad credit? Frustrated by high interest rates and low credit limits? You’re not alone. According to Experian’s 2024 Consumer Credit Review, 16% of Americans have a credit score below 580, which is considered poor. Many financial institutions, however, offer credit cards specifically designed to help rebuild credit.
The good news is: Even if you have bad credit, there are credit cards designed to help you rebuild your score while giving you access to the financial flexibility you need.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best credit cards for bad credit, how to improve your odds of approval, and the best strategies for quickly improving your credit score with a new card.
Why Having a Credit Card Matters (Even with Bad Credit)
Some people think avoiding credit cards is the best option when they have a low credit score. In reality, using the right credit card responsibly is one of the fastest ways to rebuild your credit.
✅ Rebuild your credit score – Making on-time payments and keeping your balances low helps improve your score over time. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score.
✅ More financial flexibility – Stop relying on cash or payday loans. A credit card gives you more secure and convenient payment options.
✅ Access better financial products – As your credit improves, you can qualify for better credit cards, lower interest rates, and even bigger loans.
A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that individuals who successfully rebuild their credit scores through responsible credit card use are more likely to qualify for better financial products within two years. Don’t let bad credit hold you back. The key is finding the right credit card and using it wisely!
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
After researching, here are the top credit cards that are easiest to get approved and will help you rebuild your credit fast.
1. Discover it® Secured Card (High Approval Odds + Cash Back Rewards)
👉Why it’s a great choice:
- 87% of cardholders who use it responsibly upgrade to an unsecured card within 8 months, according to Discover.
- Earn 1-2% cash back on purchases—even with bad credit.
- No annual fee and reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Card (Low Deposit + Higher Credit Limit)
👉Why it’s a great choice:
- Only $49 deposit gets you a $200 credit limit, based on Capital One’s eligibility criteria.
- No annual fee and eligible for credit limit increases with responsible use.
- Reports to all three credit bureaus, helping you improve your score.
3. Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card (No Deposit + High Limit)
👉Why it’s a great choice:
- No security deposit required—just apply and get approved based on cash flow underwriting.
- Credit limits up to $5,000, even for people with limited credit history.
- No annual fees and a simple, transparent fee structure.
A report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) highlights that alternative underwriting methods, such as cash flow analysis, can be effective in expanding credit access for individuals with limited or poor credit histories.
4. Credit One Bank Platinum Visa (Best for Frequent Shoppers)
👉Why it’s a great choice:
- Earn 1% cash back on every purchase.
- Get regular credit limit increases with on-time payments.
- Designed specifically for people with fair or bad credit.
👉 Apply for the best credit card for you now:
How to Increase Your Approval Odds
Want to maximize your chances of getting approved? Follow these simple steps:
✅ Apply for the right credit card – Don’t waste time applying for cards meant for people with good credit. Stick to credit-building options.
✅ Provide accurate information – Make sure your personal details are correct to avoid application delays or rejections.
✅ Keep your credit utilization low – The Federal Reserve recommends using less than 30% of your available credit to maintain a healthy credit score.
✅ Check your credit report regularly – You can get a credit report from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Final Thoughts
Bad credit doesn’t mean you can’t get a credit card. In fact, using the right card is one of the best ways to rebuild your credit and regain financial stability. Whether you prefer a secured credit card with a low deposit or a no-annual-fee credit card, there’s an option for you.
A 2024 report from FICO found that 60% of consumers who actively manage their credit with secured or subprime credit cards see score improvements within 12 months. This means that taking action now can help you unlock better financial opportunities in the near future.
Don’t wait—take control of your credit today.