Having bad credit can make it difficult to get approved for a credit card, but it’s not impossible. Some credit cards are designed specifically for people with bad credit to help them rebuild their credit score over time.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What is a bad credit score?
✅ Best credit cards for bad credit (secured & unsecured options)
✅ How to increase your approval odds
✅ Tips to improve your credit score
Let’s get started!
1️⃣ What is a Bad Credit Score?
A credit score is a 3-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness. The FICO score range is:
| Credit Score Range | Credit Rating |
|---|---|
| 300 – 579 | Bad Credit |
| 580 – 669 | Fair Credit |
| 670 – 739 | Good Credit |
| 740 – 799 | Very Good Credit |
| 800 – 850 | Excellent Credit |
📌 If your credit score is below 580, you have “bad credit” and may struggle to qualify for most traditional credit cards.
🔗 How to Build Credit the Right Way
2️⃣ Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Here are some of the best credit cards for bad credit that offer easy approval and a chance to rebuild your score.
🔹 Best Secured Credit Cards (Easier Approval)
Secured credit cards require a deposit, making them easier to get approved for.
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
✅ Credit Score Needed: 300+ (Bad Credit OK)
✅ Deposit: $200 – $2,500 (Refundable)
✅ Rewards: 2% cashback at restaurants & gas stations
✅ No Annual Fee
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
✅ Credit Score Needed: 300+ (Bad Credit OK)
✅ Deposit: As low as $49
✅ Upgrade to an Unsecured Card: Possible after 6 months
✅ No Annual Fee
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
✅ Credit Score Needed: No Credit Check
✅ Deposit: $200 – $3,000 (Refundable)
✅ No Bank Account Required
✅ Annual Fee: $35
🔹 Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit (No Deposit Required)
These credit cards don’t require a security deposit, but they usually have higher fees.
4. Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit
✅ Credit Score Needed: 300+
✅ No Deposit Required
✅ Pre-Qualify Without Impacting Your Credit Score
✅ Annual Fee: $0 – $99
5. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
✅ Credit Score Needed: 550+
✅ Rewards: 1% cashback on eligible purchases
✅ Credit Limit Increases Possible
✅ Annual Fee: $75 for the first year, then $99
3️⃣ How to Get Approved for a Credit Card with Bad Credit
📌 Follow these tips to increase your chances of approval:
✅ Apply for credit cards designed for bad credit (like the ones listed above).
✅ Check for pre-qualification to see if you’re eligible before applying.
✅ Make a refundable deposit for secured cards to guarantee approval.
✅ Pay down existing debts to lower your credit utilization ratio.
✅ Avoid applying for multiple cards at once to prevent multiple hard inquiries.
🔗 Compare the Best Secured Credit Cards
4️⃣ How to Rebuild Your Credit Score with a Credit Card
✔ Make On-Time Payments – Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score.
✔ Keep Credit Utilization Low – Try to stay under 30% of your credit limit.
✔ Avoid Unnecessary Applications – Too many hard inquiries lower your score.
✔ Use a Credit-Building Loan – Some banks offer small loans to improve credit.
✔ Ask for a Credit Limit Increase – After 6 months of responsible use, request a higher limit.
🔗 How to Improve Your Credit Score
5️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Can I get a credit card with a 500 credit score?
✔ Yes! Secured credit cards like Discover it® Secured or OpenSky® Visa are designed for people with low or no credit.
2️⃣ How long does it take to rebuild bad credit?
✔ It usually takes 6-12 months of on-time payments to see improvement.
3️⃣ What’s the fastest way to raise my credit score?
✔ Pay your credit card bills on time, reduce debt, and avoid new hard inquiries.
4️⃣ Should I get a secured or unsecured credit card?
✔ If you want easier approval, go with a secured card.
✔ If you don’t want to pay a deposit, consider unsecured cards (but expect higher fees).
🚀 Final Thoughts – Get a Credit Card & Rebuild Your Credit Today
📌 Having bad credit doesn’t mean you can’t get a credit card. Choosing the right card and using it responsibly can help you improve your credit score over time.
🚀 “Ready to start rebuilding your credit? Compare the top credit cards for bad credit today!”
🔗 Compare the Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit