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Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit 2024

Build or rebuild your credit with these top six credit cards for bad credit. Some require a deposit, while others are unsecured with rewards. Use them responsibly to improve your credit score.

Written by
Luke Daugherty
Last Update on Jan 10, 2024

If you’ve gone through a rough patch with credit cards — or simply haven’t been able to build a credit history — it may seem like you don’t have any options for getting a credit card. But whether you have a bad credit score or no credit score at all, it’s not a permanent black eye. Quite a few credit cards, especially the best credit cards for poor credit, will grant you some spending power and help you start building or rebuilding your credit.

Many of these cards are secured, which means they require an upfront deposit to use them. However, some are unsecured (or offer the option to convert after a certain time), and many even offer rewards to help you take advantage of everyday credit card perks. Whichever one you choose, you can use the best credit card for a low credit score to slowly improve your credit score by keeping your balance low and making payments on time.

Here’s a look at our six top credit cards for bad credit, which are also suitable for people with poor credit, so you can see which one is right for you.

Comparing the 6 Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit

CardOpenSky® Secured Visa®Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®Discover it® Secured Credit CardBank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit CardNavy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit CardTomo Credit Card
Credit RatingNo credit check0–649No score requiredNo score required0–649No credit check
Annual fee$35$99 ($75 first year)$0$0$0$2.99/mo.
Rewards rateN/A1% on select purchases1% to 2% 1% to 3%1 point per dollarN/A
Rewards bonusN/AN/AFirst-year cashback match N/AN/AN/A
APR22.14%, variable28.74%, variable27.74%, variable27.74%, variable18%, variableN/A
Minimum Deposit$200None$200$200$200 into savings accountNone
Maximum Limit$200, expand after 6 monthsAutomatic reviews to expandUp to deposited amount$5,000 (up to deposited amount)Based on deposit, eligible for expansion after 3 monthsVaries
Upgrade to unsecured cardEligible after 6 monthsNoEligible after 7 monthsYesEligible after six monthsNo
Best Card for No Credit Check

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Minimum deposit
$200
Maximum credit limit
Starts at $200, eligible for expansion after six months
Standard APR
22.14%, variable
Credit Rating
No credit check
Annual fee
$35
Rewards Rate
N/A
Rewards bonus
N/A
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The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card offers a straightforward, no-frills approach for rebuilding your credit. There’s no credit check or bank account required, and you can get started with a $200 deposit. Two-thirds of cardholders report a credit-score boost of 48 points or more after three on-time payments.

Pros

  • No credit check required
  • Low APR for this type of card
  • Eligible to convert to unsecured card after six months

Cons

  • Annual fee
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • No rewards
Additional Details
  • No credit check means no credit impact to apply
  • Free monthly access to your FICO score
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help you build your score across the board
  • Choose your own due date
  • Option to fund your initial deposit over 60 days
Best Card for Rebuilding Credit

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Minimum deposit
None
Maximum credit limit
Automatic reviews to expand
Standard APR
28.74%, variable
Credit Rating
Bad (0–649)
Annual fee
$75 first year, then $99
Rewards Rate
1% back on some purchases
Rewards bonus
N/A
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If you’re looking for a more traditional credit card to start rebuilding your credit, the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® is a great place to start. There’s no deposit required, it’s open to applicants with bad credit, and it offers 1% cash back on select purchases. Plus, you’ll get an automatic review to see if you’re eligible for credit line increases.

Pros

  • No deposit required
  • 1% cash back on eligible spending on gas, groceries, mobile phone, internet, cable, and satellite TV services
  • Prequalify with no harm to your credit score

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • High APR
  • Low credit limits
Additional Details
  • Free access to your Experian credit report
  • Choose your own due date
  • Rewards are limited and require some work
Best Card for a First-Year Bonus

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Minimum deposit
$200
Maximum credit limit
Up to the amount you deposit
Standard APR
27.74%, variable
Credit Rating
No score required
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% to 2%, depending on category
Rewards bonus
First-year cashback match
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For a secured card with a rewards punch, it’s tough to beat the Discover it® Secured card. Not only do you earn 2% back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, but you’ll also get unlimited 1% cash back on everything else and a full cash-back match on all rewards earned in your first year. Your credit line will match your deposit, and you’ll be eligible to convert to an unsecured card after seven months if you pay on time.

Pros

  • Strong cash-back rewards rate, especially in the first year
  • No annual fee
  • Eligible to convert to unsecured after seven months

Cons

  • Cap on top rewards categories
  • Deposit required
  • Must provide bank account information

 

Additional Details
  • Free monthly access to your FICO score
  • Access to Discover’s extra account and identity theft security features
  • No annual fee and low APR, uncommon for a secured card with such high rewards
Best Card for Rewards

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Minimum deposit
$200
Maximum credit limit
The amount you deposit, up to $5,000
Standard APR
27.74%, variable
Credit Rating
No credit score required
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% to 3%, depending on category
Rewards bonus
N/A
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Looking for more flexibility in a secured rewards card? Check out the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card. This unique card allows you to choose a bonus category for 3% rewards, on top of 1% to 2% on other purchases. With no annual fee, you can rebuild your credit and stack up benefits without the extra costs.

Pros

  • Choose 3% cash back on one of the following categories: gas, dining, online shopping, travel, home improvement and furnishings, or drug stores
  • No annual fee
  • May be able to upgrade to an unsecured card

Cons

  • Deposit required
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Complicated reward structure

 

Additional Details
  • In addition to your 3% rewards category, earn 2% on purchases at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on a combined limit of $2,500 per quarter
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases and any category purchases above the limit
  • Balance transfer fee of either $10 or 5% per transaction, whichever is greater
  • Deposit up to $5,000 for maximum credit limit
Best Credit Union Card for Bad Credit

Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card

Minimum deposit
$200 into your Navy FCU savings account
Maximum credit limit
Based on your deposit initially, eligible for expansion (without additional deposit) after three months and upgrade to unsecured card after six months
Standard APR
18%, variable
Credit Rating
Bad (0–649)
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Unlimited 1 point per dollar
Rewards bonus
N/A
Show More Details

If you’re eligible for Navy Federal Credit Union membership, you can access one of the lowest-interest credit cards for bad credit. With the Navy FCU nRewards® Secured card, you’ll have a low 18% APR, no annual fees or balance transfer fees, and unlimited rewards of 1 point on every dollar you spend. That gives you a great bang for your buck while you work to rebuild your credit.

Pros

  • Unlimited 1X points per dollar in rewards
  • Low APR for a secured card
  • No annual fees, cash advance fees, or balance transfer fees

Cons

  • Navy FCU membership required, so you, a parent, grandparent or grandchild must be a veteran or active duty service member
  • Deposit required (into Navy FCU savings account)

 

Additional Details
  • Cell phone protection available when you use the card to pay your cell phone bill
  • Easily redeem points for cash, gift cards, statement credit and merchandise
  • Unlimited rewards make this a great everyday spending card for those rebuilding their credit
Best Card if You’re New to the U.S.

Tomo Credit Card

Minimum deposit
None
Maximum credit limit
Varies
Standard APR
No interest charges (you can’t carry a balance)
Credit Rating
No credit check
Annual fee
$2.99 per month
Rewards Rate
N/A
Rewards bonus
N/A
Show More Details

The Tomo card is unique among these credit cards for bad credit, as it doesn’t function like a normal credit card. You can’t carry a balance, so you’ll automatically pay off your balance at regular intervals and you won’t accrue any interest. Think of it more like a debit card that helps you build credit. There’s no deposit required, and Tomo will determine your credit limit based on your bank accounts and other financial indicators.

Pros

  • Acts like a debit card but helps you build credit
  • Report to all three major credit bureaus so you get the credit boost across the board
  • Low-risk card since you can’t carry a balance or accrue interest

Cons

  • $2.99 monthly fee
  • No rewards
  • Doesn’t offer the full benefits of having a credit card

 

Additional Details

Up to $10,000 limit based on an evaluation of your finances

  • Set up autopay on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule
  • No security deposit
  • Non-U.S. citizens can apply

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s The Easiest Credit Card To Get If I Have Bad Credit?

That depends on whether you want to avoid a credit check or a security deposit. The Tomo Credit card requires neither, so it may be one of the easiest cards to get with bad credit and a strong option for the best credit card for poor credit.

Where Can I Find A Credit Card Suitable For Bad Credit?

Many banking institutions and credit card companies offer secured and unsecured cards that work for borrowers with bad credit. Check out the six options here for a good place to start. You can expand your search by looking for credit cards that don’t require a credit check or allow scores below 650, which may include the best credit card for low credit.

Is It Possible To Get A High-Limit Credit Card With Bad Credit?

Most credit cards for bad credit offer fairly low limits, and these are often tied to how much you deposit to secure the card. However, you’ll usually be able to apply for credit limit increases or convert your card to an unsecured card with a higher limit after you use the card responsibly for six months or more.

What Should I Consider When Choosing A Credit Card For Bad Credit?

Before you apply for any cards, it’s a good idea to check your credit score and determine what cards you’ll be eligible for. Once you know that, look for cards that offer a credit limit you can manage responsibly by keeping your balance under 30% of the limit. Many cards offer spending rewards, too, so consider whether you want those extra perks.

Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager. He covers personal finance, operations, marketing, and sustainable business, as well as many of his personal passions. His work, bylined and ghostwritten, has appeared in The Balance, CNET, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, and more.