Best Cards for Bad Credit Get Approved

Having bad credit doesn’t mean you can’t get a credit card. In fact, many issuers now offer cards designed specifically to help rebuild your credit score and regain financial stability. These cards focus on responsible use — making on-time payments and keeping balances low. Here’s a guide to the best cards for bad credit and how to get approved even with a low score.

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured is one of the few secured cards that also earns rewards. You’ll pay a refundable security deposit (starting at $200) that becomes your credit limit, and you’ll earn cash back on every purchase while building credit responsibly.

• Credit needed: Bad or limited credit
• Annual fee: $0
• Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), 1% on other purchases
• Why it stands out: Discover matches all your cash back at the end of your first year — a rare perk for a secured card.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

This card is ideal if you want to build credit without paying annual fees. Depending on your credit profile, you may qualify for a smaller deposit than your credit limit — for example, a $49 deposit for a $200 limit.

• Credit needed: Bad credit or no credit
• Annual fee: $0
• Deposit: $49, $99, or $200 refundable
• Why it stands out: Potential automatic upgrade to an unsecured card after six months of on-time payments.

3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

The OpenSky® card doesn’t require a credit check, making it an excellent choice if your credit score is very low. Approval is based on your ability to fund the refundable security deposit.

• Credit needed: Poor or no credit
• Annual fee: $35
• Deposit: Minimum $200, up to $3,000
• Why it stands out: No credit inquiry required — approval is based on deposit and income, not past credit history.

4. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

Mission Lane specializes in cards for people rebuilding credit. It’s an unsecured option — meaning no deposit required — and reports to all three major credit bureaus to help improve your score over time.

• Credit needed: Fair or rebuilding credit
• Annual fee: $0–$59 (varies by applicant)
• Deposit: None required
• Why it stands out: Fast online approval process and automatic credit limit reviews after consistent payments.

5. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Credit One offers a straightforward path to rebuilding credit with automatic reporting to all bureaus. Some versions include cash back on everyday purchases, though fees and APR can be higher than average.

• Credit needed: Poor or rebuilding
• Annual fee: $39–$99
• Rewards: 1% cash back on eligible purchases
• Why it stands out: Available to applicants with recent delinquencies or thin credit files.

How to Get Approved for a Credit Card With Bad Credit

Getting approved with bad credit requires showing stability and reliability. Focus on the basics: steady income, low existing debt, and paying all current bills on time. Consider starting with a secured card and upgrading later.

• 1. Choose the right type: Secured cards are easiest to qualify for — deposit equals your limit.
• 2. Keep balances low: Aim to use less than 30% of your limit each month.
• 3. Pay on time: Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score.
• 4. Check your credit reports: Dispute any errors and track your progress monthly.

Final Thoughts

The best cards for bad credit are tools for progress, not punishment. Whether you start with a secured or unsecured card, the key is managing it wisely — pay in full, keep balances low, and stay patient. Over time, responsible use turns a “bad credit” card into a stepping stone toward better financial opportunities.