Struggling with bad credit? You’re not alone. In fact, millions of Americans have a FICO score below 580, which makes getting approved for traditional credit cards difficult. But here’s the good news: currently, there are more options than ever to help people with poor or limited credit rebuild their financial lives.
The right credit card doesn’t just give you access to credit — it can also help you rebuild your score, earn rewards, and avoid unnecessary fees.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 10 best credit cards for bad credit, so you can find the one that fits your needs and start working toward a stronger financial future.
Quick Tip: Each option below includes a direct “Apply Now” link so you can check your eligibility instantly.
💡 Pro Tip: Before applying for a new card, it’s smart to boost your score a little. Check out our guide on How to Improve Your Credit Score Fast for quick tips that actually work.
What Counts as “Bad Credit”?
Most lenders use the FICO score range:
-
Excellent: 800–850
-
Very Good: 740–799
-
Good: 670–739
-
Fair: 580–669
-
Poor (Bad Credit): 300–579
If your score falls in the poor range, you may struggle with approval, but secured and subprime cards exist to help you rebuild responsibly.
How We Chose These Cards
When selecting the best credit cards for bad credit in 2025, we looked at:
-
Approval requirements (secured vs. unsecured)
-
Annual fees & APRs
-
Deposit requirements
-
Rewards programs (if available)
-
Credit bureau reporting
Top 10 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2025
1. Capital One Platinum Secured Mastercard
-
Annual Fee: $0
-
Deposit: $49, $99, or $200 (refundable)
-
APR: 29.99% variable
-
Best For: Building credit with a low deposit
✅ Why We Like It: Low deposit requirements + reports to all 3 major bureaus.
👉 [Apply Now]
2. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
-
Annual Fee: $0
-
Deposit: Minimum $200
-
APR: 28.99% variable
-
Best For: Rewards while rebuilding credit
✅ Why We Like It: Earns 2% cashback at restaurants and gas stations.
👉 [Apply Now]
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa Credit Card
-
Annual Fee: $35
-
Deposit: $200+
-
APR: 25.99% variable
-
Best For: Easy approval, no credit check
✅ Why We Like It: No credit history or bank account required.
👉 [Apply Now]
4. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card
-
Annual Fee: $0
-
Deposit: Linked to Chime account
-
APR: 0%
-
Best For: No fees + flexible spending
✅ Why We Like It: No interest or fees, helps build credit smartly.
👉 [Apply Now]
5. Indigo® Platinum Mastercard
-
Annual Fee: $0–$99 (varies)
-
Deposit: None (unsecured)
-
APR: 24.90% variable
-
Best For: Rebuilding without a deposit
✅ Why We Like It: Unsecured option, available for bad credit.
👉 [Apply Now]
6. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa
-
Annual Fee: $75–$99 (varies)
-
Deposit: None (unsecured)
-
APR: 29.74% variable
-
Best For: Cashback rewards
✅ Why We Like It: Earn 1% cashback while repairing your credit.
👉 [Apply Now]
7. AvantCard Credit Card
-
Annual Fee: $59
-
Deposit: None (unsecured)
-
APR: 29.99% variable
-
Best For: Simple unsecured card
✅ Why We Like It: Straightforward approval process, no deposit.
👉 [Apply Now]
8. Milestone® Gold Mastercard
-
Annual Fee: $35–$99
-
Deposit: None (unsecured)
-
APR: 24.90% variable
-
Best For: Fast approval with poor credit
✅ Why We Like It: Designed for bad credit applicants, with monthly bureau reporting.
👉 [Apply Now]
9. First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured
-
Annual Fee: $49
-
Deposit: $200–$2,000
-
APR: 15.24% (lowest APR on this list)
-
Best For: Low-interest secured card
✅ Why We Like It: Lower interest rate than most bad credit cards.
👉 [Apply Now]
10. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa Credit Card
-
Annual Fee: $0
-
Deposit: None (unsecured)
-
APR: 24.99%–34.74% variable
-
Best For: Beginners with limited credit
✅ Why We Like It: No fees + potential for higher credit limits over time.
👉 [Apply Now]
Secured vs. Unsecured Cards: Which is Better for Bad Credit?
-
Secured cards require a refundable deposit (usually $200–$500). They’re easier to qualify for and are best if you’re just starting to rebuild.
-
Unsecured cards don’t require a deposit, but may come with higher fees and stricter approval.
👉 If you can afford a deposit, secured cards are usually the safest way to rebuild credit fast.
Tips to Rebuild Your Credit Faster
-
Always pay at least the minimum balance on time.
-
Keep your credit utilization below 30%.
-
Don’t apply for too many cards at once.
-
Check your score monthly through free tools like Credit Karma.
FAQs
Can I get approved for a credit card with a 500 score?
Yes, secured cards and some unsecured cards (like Indigo and Milestone) are designed for this range.
Do I need a deposit for every bad credit card?
Not all unsecured cards exist, but they often have higher fees.
How long before my score improves?
Most people see improvement within 6–12 months of responsible use.
Conclusion
Having bad credit doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The cards above are specifically designed to help Americans rebuild their credit in 2025. Whether you choose a secured card like Capital One Platinum Secured, a rewards card like Discover it Secured, or an unsecured option like Indigo Platinum, you can take control of your financial future starting today.
👉 Ready to start rebuilding?
Check your eligibility and apply for the best bad credit card today: [Compare and Apply Now]
Or check out our Related Guide on how to apply for Small Business Loans in 2025: Best Options & How to Apply
