The Best 13 Credit Cards For People With Bad Credit

Are you struggling to find a credit card that fits your needs because of having a bad credit score? Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of the best 13 credit cards for people with bad credit. These credit cards can help you rebuild your credit score, provide you with financial flexibility, and offer rewards and perks that are perfect for your lifestyle. 

From secured credit cards to unsecured credit cards, we’ve covered everything in this list. So, whether you’re looking for a card with low fees or one that offers cashback rewards, you’re sure to find an option that suits you. Keep reading to discover the best credit cards for people with bad credit. 

1. Discover it® Secured

Why We Like It: Discover it® Secured is a great option for people with bad credit because it offers cashback rewards, no annual fee, and the opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card after a period of responsible use. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking to establish or rebuild their credit while earning cashback rewards. 

Pros: 

• 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter 
• 1% unlimited cashback on all other purchases 
• No annual fee 
• Potential to upgrade to an unsecured card 

Cons: 

• Requires a security deposit 
• High APR 

2. Capital One® Secured Mastercard®

Why We Like It: Capital One® Secured Mastercard® is a great choice for people with bad credit because it offers a low minimum deposit, no annual fee, and the ability to increase your credit limit with responsible use. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking to establish or rebuild their credit with a low deposit and no annual fee. 

Pros: 

• Initial credit limit of $200 with a deposit of $49, $99, or $200 
• Potential to increase your credit limit with responsible use 
• Low deposit 
• No annual fee 

Cons: 

• High APR 
• Requires a security deposit 

3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Why We Like It: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a great option for people with bad credit because it doesn’t require a credit check, has a low APR, and offers a credit limit of up to $3,000. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking to establish or rebuild their credit without a credit check and with a higher credit limit. 

• No credit check required 
• Credit limit of up to $3,000 
• Low APR 

Pros: 

• No credit check required 
• Higher credit limit 
• Low APR 

Cons:

• Annual fee of $35 
• Requires a security deposit 

4. Credit One Bank® Unsecured Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Why We Like It: Credit One Bank® Unsecured Visa® for Rebuilding Credit is a good choice for people with bad credit because it offers cashback rewards, no security deposit, and the opportunity to pre-qualify without affecting your credit score. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking for an unsecured card with cashback rewards and the opportunity to prequalify without affecting their credit score. 

Pros:

• 1% cashback on eligible purchases 
• No security deposit required 
• Opportunity to prequalify without affecting your credit score 

Cons: 

• High annual fee 
• High APR 

5. Green Dot primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit Card

Why We Like It: Green Dot primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit Card is a great option for people with bad credit because it offers a low APR, no annual fee, and the ability to establish or rebuild credit with responsible use. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking for a low APR and no annual fee while establishing or rebuilding their credit. 

Pros: 

• No annual fee 
• Low APR 
• Ability to establish or rebuild credit with responsible use 

Cons: 

• Requires a security deposit 
• Low credit limit 

6. First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card

Why We Like It: First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a good choice for people with bad credit because it offers a low APR, no annual fee, and the opportunity to increase your credit limit with responsible use. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking for a low APR and the opportunity to increase their credit limit with responsible use. 

Pros: 

• No annual fee 
• Low APR 
• Opportunity to increase your credit limit 

Cons: 

• Requires a security deposit 
• Low credit limit 

7. UNITY® Visa Secured Credit Card

Why We Like It: UNITY® Visa Secured Credit Card is a good option for people with bad credit because it offers a low APR, no annual fee, and the ability to earn rewards while establishing or rebuilding credit. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking for a low APR and rewards while establishing or rebuilding their credit. 

Pros: 

• No annual fee 
• Low APR 
• Rewards program – Ability to earn rewards while establishing or rebuilding credit 

Cons: 

• Requires a security deposit 
• Low credit limit 

8. Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®

Why We Like It: Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® is a good choice for people with bad credit scores. It offers pre-qualification without affecting your credit score. It does not necessitate any security deposit, and provides you with the ability to access your account online or through a mobile app. 

Who Should Get It: Person who wants an unsecured card with prequalification and online account access. 

Pros: 

• Prequalification without affecting your credit score 
• No security deposit required 
• Access your account online or through a mobile app 

Cons: 

• High APR 
• High annual fee 

9. Milestone® Unsecured Mastercard®

Why We Like It: Milestone® Unsecured Mastercard® is a great option for people with bad credit because it offers prequalification without affecting your credit score, no security deposit, and the opportunity to earn cashback rewards. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking for an unsecured card with prequalification and cashback rewards. 

Pros: 

• Prequalification without affecting your credit score 
• No security deposit required 
• Cashback rewards program – Earn cashback rewards on eligible purchases 

Cons: 

• High APR 
• High annual fee 

10. Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card

Why We Like It: For those with bad credit, the Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card is a good option. Prequalification is possible without affecting your credit score, there is no need for a security deposit, and you may access your account online or using a mobile app. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking for a prequalified unsecured credit card with online account access. 

Pros: 

• Prequalification without affecting your credit score 
• No security deposit required 
• Access your account online or through a mobile app 

Cons: 

• High APR 
• High annual fee 

11. First Access Visa® Credit Card

Why We Like It: People with bad credit should consider the First Access Visa® Credit Card. It offers prequalification without lowering your credit score, no security deposit, and online or mobile account access. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone seeking a prequalified unsecured credit card with internet account access. 

Pros: 

• Prequalification without affecting your credit score 
• No security deposit required 
• Access your account online or through a mobile app 

Cons: 

• High APR 
• High annual fee 

12. Surge Mastercard®

Why We Like It: Surge Mastercard® is a great option for people with bad credit because it offers prequalification without affecting your credit score, no security deposit, and the ability to access your account online or through a mobile app. 

Who Should Get It: Anyone looking for an unsecured card with prequalification and online account access. 

Pros: 

• Prequalification without affecting your credit score 
• No security deposit required 
• Access your account online or through a mobile app 

Cons: 

• High APR 
• High annual fee 

13. Reflex Mastercard®

Why We Like It: Because it allows prequalification without damaging your credit score. It requires no security deposit and allows you to access your account online or through a mobile app. The Reflex Mastercard® is a good option for persons with bad credit scores. 

Who Should Get It: Those seeking unsecured credit cards with prequalification and online account access. 

• Prequalification without affecting your credit score 
• No security deposit required 
• Access your account online or through a mobile app 

Pros: 

• Prequalification without affecting your credit score 
• No security deposit required 
• Access your account online or through a mobile app 

Cons: 

• High APR 
• High annual fee 

There are credit card options available to help you establish or rebuild your credit score. Consider your needs and preferences and choose the credit card that best fits your situation. With responsible use, you can improve your credit score and gain access to better credit card options in the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Get answers to commonly asked questions about the best 13 credit cards for people with bad credit

1. What is a credit card for bad credit? 

A credit card for bad credit is a type of credit card that is designed for people with poor or limited credit history. These cards often have higher interest rates and fees compared to other credit cards. However, they can be a useful tool for rebuilding credit and improving your credit score over time. 

Before applying for a credit card for bad credit, it’s important to research and compare your options to find the best card for your needs. Look for a card with low fees, a manageable credit limit, and perks such as cashback or rewards programs. 

2. What are the benefits of a credit card for bad credit? 

One of the main benefits of a credit card for bad credit is that it can help you rebuild your credit score. By using your card responsibly and making timely payments, you can demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower. Over time, this can lead to improved credit scores and better access to credit in the future. 

In addition, some credit cards for bad credit offer perks such as cash back or rewards programs. This can be a great way to earn rewards while improving your credit at the same time. Just be sure to read the fine print and understand any fees or limitations associated with these programs. 

3. How can I qualify for a credit card for bad credit? 

To qualify for a credit card for bad credit, you will typically need to have a credit score in the “poor” or “fair” range. You may also need to provide proof of income, employment, or other financial information to demonstrate your ability to make payments on the card. 

Keep in mind that each credit card issuer will have their own specific requirements for approval, so it’s important to review these carefully before applying. You can also use online tools and resources to pre-qualify for credit cards and compare your options. 

4. What are the downsides of a credit card for bad credit? 

One of the main downsides of a credit card for bad credit is that they often come with higher interest rates and fees compared to other credit cards. This can make it more difficult to pay off balances and can result in significant interest charges over time. 

In addition, some credit cards for bad credit may have lower credit limits or additional restrictions on usage. For example, some cards may only be accepted at certain retailers or may not allow cash advances. 

5. How can I use a credit card for bad credit responsibly? 

To use a credit card for bad credit responsibly, it’s important to make payments on time and in full each month. This will help you avoid interest charges and late fees and will also demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower. 

You should also keep your credit utilization low by only using a small portion of your available credit. Aim to use no more than 30% of your credit limit each month and avoid maxing out your card if possible. Finally, be sure to review your statements regularly and report any unauthorized charges or errors to your issuer right away. 

In conclusion, finding the best credit card for people with bad credit can be a challenging task, but with the right research and guidance, it is possible to improve your credit score and financial standing. By considering factors such as credit limits, interest rates, fees, and rewards, you can choose a credit card that fits your needs and helps you achieve your financial goals. Remember to use your credit card responsibly and make timely payments to avoid further damage to your credit score. With the right mindset and tools, you can take control of your finances and work towards a brighter financial future. Read here to gather more information!