Written by: Ashley Dull
Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewed by: Danielle Spurlin
Regardless of how your credit got to be “bad” in the first place, there are still easy credit cards to get with bad credit. And getting and using a new credit card responsibly is one of the first steps toward rebuilding credit.
Credit cards available specifically for those with subpar credit come in two forms: unsecured and secured. The difference between the two is unsecured cards do not require an initial deposit to secure a line of credit, whereas secured cards do. The deposit amount varies by card but typically equals the amount of credit you’ll have available to spend.
In the article below, we’ll take a look at credit cards that are easy to get approved for to get with bad credit. This list includes our top selections for both unsecured and secured credit cards.
Unsecured Cards (No Deposit) | Secured Cards (Deposit Required)
Easy Unsecured Cards to Get With Bad Credit
Unsecured credit cards are regular credit cards — no security deposit required — with easy application processes. All of these cards report to the credit bureaus, so if you pay on time each month and keep your balance below 30% of your available credit limit, your credit rating will begin to reflect your good behavior.
- Don’t let a low FICO score stop you from applying – we approve applications others may not.
- You don’t need good credit to apply.
- Just complete the short application and find out in 60 seconds if you’re approved.
- When you need assistance our award-winning US-based Customer Service agents are there to help.
- FICO scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any PREMIER Bankcard® product.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 minutes | See Provider Website | Yes | 9.0/10 |
The PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card will report your account to each credit bureau to help you repair your credit over time with responsible use. Your fees will vary based on the credit limit you receive, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before applying.
- You don’t need good credit to apply.
- We help people with bad credit, every day.
- Just complete the short application and find out in 60 seconds if you’re approved.
- You can build* or rebuild your credit: apply for a PREMIER Bankcard credit card, keep your balance low, and pay all your monthly bills on time.
- Don’t let a low FICO score stop you from applying – we approve applications others may not.
- FICO scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any PREMIER Bankcard® product.
- *Build credit by keeping your balance low and paying all your bills on time every month.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 minutes | See Provider Website | Yes | 9.0/10 |
The PREMIER Bankcard® Grey Credit Card is a great option from the PREMIER Bankcard® credit card line that will help repair your credit over time if used responsibly. Card fees are based on the credit limit you receive.
- Earn 3% Cash Back Rewards* on Gas, Groceries and Utility Bill Payments
- Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards* on all other eligible purchases
- Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
- Prequalify** without affecting your credit score
- No security deposit
- Free access to your VantageScore 4.0 score from TransUnion®†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 minutes | 29.99% or 36% Fixed | Yes | 8.0/10 |
The Aspire® Cash Back Reward Card accepts applications from consumers with bad, no, and fair credit. It is offered by the Bank of Missouri and may provide you with an initial credit limit higher than that of other subprime cards and lucrative cash back rewards.
- Up to $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
- All credit types welcome to apply!
- Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score From Experian* (When you sign up for e-statements)
- Initial Credit Limit of $300 – $1,000* (subject to available credit)
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- See if you’re Pre-Qualified without impacting your credit score
- Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
- Free online account access 24/7
- Checking Account Required
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 minutes | 29.99% APR (Variable) | Yes | 8.5/10 |
The Surge® Platinum Mastercard® accepts applications from consumers with bad, or even no, credit. It is offered by the Celtic Bank of Utah, and may provide you with an initial credit limit higher than other subprime cards. This card charges an annual fee.
5. Revvi Card
- Revvi active cardholders get exclusive access to free Credit Monitoring powered by TransUnion!
- Earn 1% cash back rewards^^ on payments made to your Revvi Credit Card
- Fast and easy application; response provided in seconds
- $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
- Build your credit score with on-time payments and keeping your balance below the credit limit
- Opportunity to request credit limit increase after twelve months, fee applies
- Checking account required
- Reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus
- Manageable monthly payments
- Perfect credit not required
- Easy-to-use mobile app for management on the go!
- *See rates, fees, costs & limitations, and rewards for complete offer and Revvi Rewards details^^
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 minutes | 35.99%* | Yes | 8.0/10 |
The Revvi Card offers cash back rewards on every eligible purchase you make. While the initial credit limit is modest, you have the opportunity to earn a higher credit line with on-time payments.
- Earn 3% Cash Back Rewards* on Gas, Groceries and Utility Bill Payments
- Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards* on all other eligible purchases
- Good anywhere Mastercard® is accepted
- $0 fraud liability**
- Free access to your VantageScore 4.0 credit score from TransUnion®†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
**Fraud liability subject to Mastercard® rules.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 minutes | 29.99% or 36% Fixed | Yes | 8.0/10 |
The Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card is another cash back card with a maximum credit limit of $1,000, based on your creditworthiness and income. But you don’t need good credit to apply, and you can build credit over time with responsible use.
- $400 credit limit doubles to $800! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
- All credit types welcome to apply
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Initial Credit Limit of $400.00* (Subject to available credit)
- Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
- Use your card at locations everywhere Mastercard® is accepted
- Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from Experian* (When you sign up for e-statements)
- Checking Account Required
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 29.99% | Yes | 7.5/10 |
The FIT® Platinum Mastercard® accepts applications from consumers with bad, or even no, credit. It is offered by the Bank of Missouri and charges a variable APR that varies with the market. Applying and receiving a decision takes only minutes.
- Total Visa active cardholders get exclusive access to free Credit Monitoring powered by TransUnion®!
- Checking Account Required
- Fast and easy application process; response provided in seconds
- A genuine Visa credit card accepted by merchants nationwide across the USA and online
- Manageable monthly payments
- $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
- Reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 minutes | See Terms | Yes | 8.5/10 |
The Total Visa® Card offers a decision “in as little as 60 seconds” and does not require perfect credit for approval. If approved, a program fee is required.
Easy Secured Cards to Get With Bad Credit
Secured credit cards require a deposit that is usually equal to the amount of credit you’re issued, but your deposit is fully refundable after your balance is paid off or if you close the account. These cards generally offer a more lenient application process and may not require a minimum credit score or credit history.
All of these secured cards report to at least one credit bureau, so your payment history will be documented and allow you to rebuild your credit and eventually upgrade to an unsecured card.
- No credit check to apply and find out instantly if you are approved
- OpenSky gives everyone an opportunity to improve their credit with an 85% average approval rate for the past 5 years
- Get considered for a credit line increase after 6 months, with no additional deposit required
- You could be eligible for the OpenSky Gold Unsecured Card after as few as 6 months
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus monthly, unlike a prepaid or debit card
- View your FICO® Score through your OpenSky account, an easy way to stay on top of your credit
- Nearly half of OpenSky cardholders who make on-time payments improve their FICO score 30+ points in the first 3 months
- Your refundable* deposit, as low as $200, becomes your OpenSky Visa credit limit
- Easy application, apply in less than 5 minutes right from your mobile device
- Offer flexible payment due dates which allow you to choose any available due date that fits your payment schedule
- *View the cardholder agreement
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 minutes | 22.14% (variable) | Yes | 7.0/10 |
- Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards on payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account.
- No minimum credit history or credit score required!
- Imagine being rewarded for simply paying your bill each month.
- Accepted wherever Mastercard® is accepted, online and worldwide!
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
- Manage your statements, transactions & rewards on-the-go with the First Progress Card Mobile App!
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 minutes | 18.74% (V) | Yes | 7.5/10 |
- Better than Prepaid...Go with a Secured Card! Load One Time - Keep On Using
- Absolutely No Credit Check or Minimum Credit Score Required
- Automatic Reporting to All Three National Credit Bureaus
- 9.99% Low Fixed APR - Your Rate Won’t Go Up Even if You Are Late
- Activate Today with a $200 Minimum Deposit - Maximum $1,000.
- Increase Your Credit Limit up to $5,000 by Adding Additional Deposits Anytime
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 9.99% Fixed | Yes | 7.5/10 |
- There’s no checking account required.
- When you need assistance, our award-winning, U.S.-based Customer Service representatives are there to help.
- After six months of responsible secured card use you may be eligible† to apply for an unsecured PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard®.
- †PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® available upon invitation after you’ve been with us for six months and have kept your account in good standing (on-time payments and staying within credit limit).
- If approved, make your first six monthly minimum payments on time and we may send you an offer to apply for an unsecured credit card. Some restrictions apply. ‡
- ‡ If you apply for the second account, which is unsecured, you will be approved if you can demonstrate the ability to pay your bills, meet our minimum income requirements, do not reside in New York or Wisconsin and are not covered under the Military Lending Act.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 minutes | See Provider Website | Yes | 9.0/10 |
- Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit.
- Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000.
- After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
- Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds.
- Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. We report your payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies.
- Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month.
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts.
- Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 22.20% Variable | Yes | 7.5/10 |
Do You Need Ongoing Credit or Cash?
Unsecured cards for bad credit come with notoriously low credit limits. Sure, you may be approved for up to $1,000, but that’s usually only if your credit score is near-prime, also known as fair credit (a FICO Score of about 600+).
But if you need $500 or more that you want to repay over time, a bad credit loan may be the better option. You can get approved for an installment loan of up to $5,000 or more and repay it over several months. This will also help you with building credit over the long term when you make your payments on time.
Our top-rated lending networks for bad credit loan offers are as follows:
- Short-term loans up to $5,000
- Online marketplace of lenders
- Funds available in as few as 24 hours
- Simple online form takes less than 5 minutes
- Trusted by more than 2 million customers
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $5,000 | Varies | Varies | See representative example |
- Personal loans from $500 to $35,000
- All credit types are considered and welcome
- Simple, no credit impact form
- Helping consumers since 2001
- 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot rating with 2,000+ reviews!
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $35,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 60 Days to 72 Months | See representative example |
- Loans from $500 to $10,000
- Receive a loan decision in minutes
- Get funds directly to your bank account
- Use the loan for any purpose
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 to $10,000 | 5.99% - 35.99% | 3 to 72 Months | See representative example |
A credit card is advantageous in that it is a method of payment you can use and repay as needed. If you just need a way to pay for things, choose a credit card. But if you need money to pay for something and may not qualify for a large enough credit line from a card, choose a personal loan.
Don’t Apply For Cards You’re Not Qualified For
Your credit score is one of the main factors that determine approval for credit cards. That means if you have poor credit, you’ll be denied the best credit card offers for people who have good credit. Only apply for the cards that are within your reach, and as time goes on and your credit improves, you can then go after cards with lower interest rates and the most benefits.
In the meantime, the cards reviewed above can be your gateway to improved credit and all the benefits that come along with it.
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