6 best credit cards for bad credit in June 2023

Written by
Ashley Parks
Edited by
Courtney Mihocik
Reviewed by
Sally Herigstad
Edited by
Courtney Mihocik
Reviewed by
Sally Herigstad
Updated June 05, 2023

People with bad credit scores (in the 300 to 579 FICO score range) can benefit from using a card designed specifically for them. Building or repairing your credit opens your options for financial products with better terms and rates. To make it easier to find a card that fits your needs, we’ve compiled the best credit cards for bad credit available from our partners.
Image of Secured Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

Best for flexible deposit

Secured Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Apply now Lock
on Chime's secure site
4.2 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

Image of Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for rebuilding credit

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
4.1 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

Recommended credit

No Credit History
Info
Image of Self - Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best for building credit with savings

Self - Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply now Lock
on Self's secure site
3.1 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

Recommended credit

No Credit History
Info
Image of Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Best secured card with rewards

Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
5.0 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

Info

Annual fee

Recommended credit

No Credit History
Info
Image of Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

BEST UNSECURED CARD FOR BAD CREDIT

Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Apply now Lock
on Mission Lane's secure site
3.4 Bankrate review
Info

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

Recommended credit

Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
Info
Image of Zolve Azpire Credit Builder Card + Checking Account

Best for building credit with no interest

Zolve Azpire Credit Builder Card + Checking Account
Apply now Lock
on Zolve's secure site
4.0 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

N/A

Annual fee

Recommended credit

No Credit History
Info
On This Page

Compare Bankrate’s best cards for bad credit

Card Name Our pick for Recommended Credit Score Bankrate Review Score
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card Flexible deposit No credit history

4.2 / 5
(Read full card review)
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Rebuilding credit No credit history 4.1 / 5
(Read full card review)
Self – Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa Credit Card Building credit with savings No credit history 3.1 / 5
(Read full card review)
Discover it® Secured Credit Card Secured card with rewards No credit history 5 / 5
(Read full card review)
Mission Lane Visa Credit Card Unsecured card for bad credit Bad to fair (300–670) 3.4 / 5
(Read full card review)
Zolve Azpire Credit Builder Card + Checking Account Building credit with no interest No credit history 4.0 / 5 
(Read full card review)

A closer look at top credit cards for bad credit

Image of

Best for flexible deposit

Secured Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

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It’s a low-cost way to build credit, since it doesn’t pose an annual fee or require a security deposit. 

People new to credit who want to avoid common credit card pitfalls like interest and over-limit charges. 

The Zolve Azpire Credit Builder Card + Checking Account works similarly to the Secured Chime Credit Builder.  However, the Zolve will automatically deduct purchases you make with the Azpire card from the account with your funds, making it easier to stay on track with paying your credit card.

Image of

Best for rebuilding credit

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

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With its automatic credit line review after six months of responsible use and a relatively low security deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured is a cost-efficient credit-building tool.
Simplicity-lovers building their credit scores. There’s not a lot of fluff that comes with this card — you won’t earn cash back or points.
If you’re not willing to tie up money in a security deposit, you may be eligible for an unsecured credit card like the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card
Image of

Best for building credit with savings

Self - Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa® Credit Card

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When you’re approved for the Self Visa card, you’re granted a loan that’s placed into an interest-bearing account. Repayments of that loan are reported to the credit bureaus, helping you boost your credit score. Once you’ve repaid the loan, the principal and interest can be used as a security deposit for your credit card.
People who want to build their credit and their savings simultaneously.
If you’re looking for access to a line of credit immediately, a secured card like the Citi® Secured Mastercard® could be the right choice. The $200 minimum security deposit could be refunded after 18 months of using the card responsibly.
Image of

Best secured card with rewards

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

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It’s rare to find a secured credit card with features and benefits that mimic those of a top rewards card. This card not only earns rewards but also touts notable features like Cashback Match™ and no annual fee.
Credit-builders who want to avoid annual fees, earn rewards and lay the foundation for responsible credit use. Its minimal fees and rewards structure gives it a leg up over other secured cards.
If paying a security deposit isn’t an option for you, there are unsecured credit cards that are open to people with low credit scores. The Mission Lane Visa Credit Card is a relatively low-cost — if bare-bones — option for people who have bad credit.
Image of

Best unsecured card for bad credit

Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

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This card is a straightforward credit-building tool. It doesn’t come with a lot of the bells and whistles of traditional credit cards, but it makes up for it by being an accessible, inexpensive option for building credit.
People who want an unsecured card to start their credit-building journey. The annual fee is reasonable, and there is no need to tie up your funds in a security deposit.
If you’re looking for a card that will give you a higher credit limit to work with, it may be worth it to consider other options. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card matches your credit limit with your security deposit, so your credit limit can be as high or low as you’d like.
Image of

Best for building credit with no interest

Zolve Azpire Credit Builder Card + Checking Account

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It doesn’t require any credit history or credit check to apply, making it a low-barrier option for people who need to start building credit. The Azpire also accepts alternate identification, like a passport or ITIN to apply.
People who don’t want — or can’t qualify for — a traditional card for bad credit, as it uses a deposit account to fund purchases with the card.
It’s hard to find a true alternative, but the Self - Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa helps people improve their credit mix by including a credit-builder loan. The loan account acts as the security deposit and credit limit for the Visa card.
Jump back to offer details.

What is a bad credit score?

A bad credit score — a FICO score under 579 — can happen for a number of reasons and negatively impact your finances. Defaulting on loans, missing credit card payments or even opening too many credit lines can negatively impact your credit score. If you’re a victim of credit card fraud or identity theft, your credit score could also take a hit, making it more difficult to qualify for the financial products and services you need. Renting an apartment, getting a credit card or applying for a mortgage all become more difficult with poor credit. You can build your credit with a credit card when you use it responsibly. 

Learn more: How does a bad credit score affect you?

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Bankrate Insight

Checking your credit score regularly is a good financial practice that can help you spot inaccuracies. Spotting inaccuracies on your credit report can help you keep your credit report tidy, making it easier to get and keep your credit score where it needs to be. Luckily “cleaning” your credit report is a fairly easy five-step process.

When to use a credit card for bad credit

Even with bad credit, a credit card can still be a useful tool. You can use a card to help you establish credit, boost your credit file or begin fixing past credit mistakes. Here’s when it’s smart to use a credit card for bad credit: 

When your credit score is under 579

It goes without saying that if you have bad credit, your chances of getting many of the best credit cards are slim. If you’re set on getting a credit card, getting one made for people with bad credit is one of your best options. 

When you’re ready to repair your credit

If you’ve made mistakes in the past and are ready to give credit-building another try, using a credit card for bad credit can help get you back on track. As long as you’re ready to make on-time payments, keep your credit utilization ratio under 30 percent and practice other responsible credit habits, then you can get on the right path to a good or excellent credit score and better card options. 

When you’re getting your first credit card

While you may not necessarily have bad credit, not having any credit can be just as limiting. Many credit cards for bad credit are also some of the best for no credit history. People who are new to credit can try starter credit cards and first-generation credit users can find cards that meet their needs in many of our featured cards.

Secured vs. unsecured credit cards for bad credit

Before choosing a credit card for bad credit, you must first decide whether you’d prefer a secured or unsecured credit card. 

How to build your credit score

Responsible credit card use is one of the best ways to build a positive credit history and move on to the next stage of your credit journey: Finding a credit card for fair credit. Here are five tips to follow to help you improve a bad credit score:

  1. Apply for a card that best fits your needs

    Once you’ve established a budget and you know where you spend the most, apply for a credit card that aligns best with your financial needs and lifestyle. Opening a card, especially if it's your first credit account, will establish your credit and get the ball rolling on building a good score.

  2. Pay on time, in full or over the minimum due

    Your payment history is one of the most significant contributing factors to your credit score. To build a high score and maintain it, you should work to pay your bills on time and in full whenever possible. If you’re unable to pay your balance in full, try to pay more than the minimum payment to help eliminate some of your balance quicker.

  3. Keep your credit utilization low

    Another best practice for building up your credit score with a credit card is to keep a healthy amount of available credit and maintain low balances when possible. Consider treating your credit card as primarily something to use in an emergency and do not spend beyond your means.

  4. Maintain older accounts

    As time goes on, you may outgrow your starter credit card. While it may make sense to close a secured credit card or an unused card with an annual fee, there are consequences to closing a credit card. To protect your credit score, you should consider keeping your accounts open. The longer your accounts are open, the more available credit you have, and you’ll maintain the length of your credit history. Both of these factors greatly affect your credit score. However, if you feel enticed to overspend on a card or there’s too many fees, it’s best to close the account to avoid undoing any hard work.

How long will it take to improve my credit score?

It will take at least a few months to see changes in your credit score, but the total time will depend on your credit history. Many factors go into calculating your credit score, and some credit dings last longer than others. If you want a clearer gauge on how long it takes to raise your credit score, start by taking a close look at your credit report and note the types of delinquencies you have and how long they stay on your credit profile.

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Bankrate Insight

While your first priority should be building up your credit if you have a low score, having bad credit won’t necessarily stop you from getting a rewards credit card. Travel rewards credit cards are some of the most popular, and there are travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit available, though approval is not guaranteed. 

Credit card features to avoid

Many credit cards aimed at people with low scores are predatory in nature. These cards often are way more expensive than an unsecured credit card for bad credit or even a good secured credit card (in spite of the security deposit).

Here are some characteristics of these kinds of cards why we wouldn't recommend them:

Excessive fees 

A few cards for bad credit go well beyond charging standard annual fees or security deposits. These cards may also come with an overwhelming amount of hidden fees. Some examples of excess fees include membership fees, application fees, activation fees, processing fees or monthly maintenance fees. All of these fees could quickly make the card cost more than it’s actually worth, and the credit card debt cycle can be hard to break. To save your wallet, look at the card’s Schumer Box and read the terms and conditions. If there are too many fees, don’t apply for it.

Confusing or vague terms and conditions

Some cards for bad credit have terms and conditions that are hard to understand — even for some credit card experts. Cards that seem intentionally vague about the type of card you’ll receive or what the annual fee or ongoing APR will be (until you go through with an application and a hard pull on your credit), are best left alone.

Limited spending power

While some store credit cards are worth it, a few are anything but. Niche stores with few locations or small online presences tend to offer the kinds of store credit cards you should avoid. Many of these cards are very limiting, since you’re often only able to use the card at the issuing store. In addition to having higher-than-average APRs, several of these kinds of credit cards will fall into the same categories mentioned above: they come with confusing terms or charge excessive fees.

How to build credit without a credit card

  • Loan

    Get a credit-builder loan

    A credit-builder loan is a great tool for someone who doesn’t have strong enough credit to be approved for a credit card, but still hopes to build their credit score. With a credit-builder loan, you’ll receive the loan amount (usually between $200 to $2,000) in a secure account that you won’t have access to right away. You’ll make a fixed monthly payment until you’ve paid off the entire amount of the loan and then get the amount back, minus any fees. The lender reports all of your payments to the three credit bureaus, which can boost your credit score over time.

  • Calendar
    Pay existing loans on time

    Repaying an existing loan — like a car or student loan — can help you improve your credit score if you pay your monthly payment on time and in full each month. The lender reports your loan payments to the credit bureaus, which establishes a positive payment history. Conversely, defaulting on a loan, or not making payments in a timely manner can negatively affect your credit score.

  • Credit Fair
    Use Experian Boost™

    A tool like Experian Boost can help you build your credit score quickly by adding alternative data to your credit report. The Experian Boost service lets users add rent payments, cell phone bills, cable and internet bills, gas bills, electric bills and stream subscriptions to their credit reports. Traditionally, these types of bills had no impact on your credit report because utility companies, landlords, and subscription services don’t report payments to the credit bureaus. Other services similar to Experian Boost are Experian Go, UltraFICO and eCredable Lift. Experian Go, in particular, doesn’t require an existing credit score to use.

Further reading on bad credit credit cards

Having bad credit is an uphill battle, but being informed and armed with research is the best tool in your arsenal. Here’s more information on credit cards and bad credit:

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply. 

Frequently asked questions about credit cards for bad credit

Ashley Parks Arrow Right Editor, Credit cards
As a Bankrate credit cards editor, Ashley Parks is fascinated by the ways people can make credit cards work for them when armed with the right knowledge.
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Courtney Mihocik Arrow Right Senior Editor, Credit Cards
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at…

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.