9 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit & No Deposit (Feb. 2024)
Written by: Brittney Mayer
Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewed by: Ashley Fricker
Despite how you get there, being stuck trying to rebuild bad credit can be a difficult situation. Unfortunately, even if you have made the decision to turn over a new financial leaf, the credit card companies are generally unwilling to take your word for it.
On the plus side, a number of credit card issuers are happy to offer credit to the credit-challenged. On the negative side, those offers typically come with strings attached that make them less desirable. For instance, secured credit cards are the easiest to obtain with poor credit, but require an upfront cash deposit to open.
At the same time, those looking to avoid an initial deposit will face other complications. Primarily, the choice will likely come down to a store card with limited usability or a universal unsecured card with high interest rates and fees. For those who can’t afford to — or simply do not wish to — make an initial cash deposit, the limitations and/or increased fees of an unsecured credit card may be worth the trade.
In this article, we’ll explore our top selections for the best credit cards for bad credit — no deposit necessary.
Mastercard (4) | Visa (4) | Store Cards (1)
The Best Mastercard Cards for Bad Credit with No Deposit
The Mastercard credit card network was established more than 50 years ago in a response to the success of Visa. Processing credit card transactions in more than 210 countries and territories and boasting more than 1 billion worldwide cardholders, Mastercard is the second-largest credit card network in the world, just behind Visa.
Mastercard credit cards are issued by hundreds of organizations, from large institutions to independent banks and credit unions, providing cards for every consumer type and credit range.
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- PREMIER Bankcard credit cards are for building credit.
- Start building credit by keeping your balance low and paying all your bills on time each month.
- When you need assistance our award-winning US-based Customer Service agents are there to help.
- Credit Limit Increase Eligible after 12 months of consistent responsible account management.
- We report monthly to the Consumer Reporting Agencies to help you build your credit.
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | See Provider Website |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 4 minutes |
| Reputation Score | 9.0/10 |
The PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card is our first option for those with bad credit. It’s reported that applicants with scores as low as 500+ may be approved, but it charges a high APR and an annual fee for the privilege (See Provider Website for full Terms & Conditions).
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- You don’t need good credit to apply.
- We help people with bad credit, every day.
- Just complete the short application and receive a response in 60 seconds.
- 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.
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | See Provider Website |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 4 minutes |
| Reputation Score | 9.0/10 |
The PREMIER Bankcard® Grey Credit Card is just like the card above — a great pick for those with bad credit and expensive. But if you have really bad credit and have your heart set on an unsecured credit card — a card from the PREMIER Bankcard® credit card line may be just what you’re looking for.
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- 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!
- Monthly Credit Score – Sign up for electronic statements, and get your Vantage 3.0 Score Credit Score From Experian
- 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
- Online account access 24/7
- Checking Account Required
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | 29.99% APR (Variable) |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 9 minutes |
| Reputation Score | 8.5/10 |
The Surge® Platinum Mastercard® offers a lower interest rate than the cards above, and you can see whether you prequalify on the issuer’s website before you apply. Simply click the “Apply Now” button to be transferred.
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- 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.
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | 29.99% or 36% Fixed |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 7 minutes |
| Reputation Score | 8.0/10 |
The Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card will let you prequalify for a credit limit of up to $1,000. It also pays up to 3% cash back rewards on select purchases. Watch for a high APR and annual fee, though.
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- Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit
- Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app
- Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
- $0 liability* for unauthorized use
- Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7
- *Fraud protection provided by Mastercard Zero Liability Protection. If approved, you'll receive the Mastercard Guide to Benefits that details the complete terms with your card.
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | See terms |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 8 minutes |
| Reputation Score | 9.0/10 |
The Milestone® Mastercard® has a fair interest rate (for someone with poor credit) and reports to all three credit bureaus, making it a solid choice for rebuilding credit. As a note, annual fees vary, depending on creditworthiness.
The Best Visa Cards for Bad Credit with No Deposit
The original credit card network, Visa has more than 3.9 billion credit cards in the pockets of cardholders across the globe, meaning that Visa is the largest credit card network in the world. Accepted by more than 80 million merchants around the world, Visa is also the most widely used card, making it perfect for those who shop in a variety of locations, either at home or on the go.
In addition to being widely accepted, Visa credit cards are widely issued, offered by a wide range of banks and credit unions for people of all credit types, including a variety of issuers specializing in subprime consumers. When comparing these cards, look for the lowest interest rates and fees in addition to available credit limits.
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- Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your Total Credit Card
- Checking Account Required
- $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
- No security deposit, simply pay a one-time $95 program fee to open your account.*
- User friendly Mobile App.
- *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details
- See Total Card Visa Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | 35.99%* |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 9 minutes |
| Reputation Score | 8.5/10 |
The Total Visa® Card has an easy online application that offers a decision in minutes. Once approved applicants pay the one-time program fee, Total Visa® Card cardholders will receive an initial credit limit of up to $300 (regardless of creditworthiness). You’ll also be charged an annual fee each year you own the card.
7. Revvi Card
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- Earn 1% cash back rewards^^ on payments made to your Revvi Credit Card
- Perfect credit not required
- $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
- Checking account required
- Opportunity to request credit limit increase after twelve months, fee applies
- *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details
- ^^See Revvi Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | 35.99%* |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 8 minutes |
| Reputation Score | 8.0/10 |
The Revvi Card offers an initial credit limit of up to $300, subject to available credit, with the opportunity to request a credit limit increase after your first year. The application is fast and easy, and you can even earn cash back rewards on payments made to your Revvi Card.
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- Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card
- Checking Account Required
- $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
- No security deposit, simply pay a one-time $95 program fee to open your account.*
- User friendly Mobile App.
- *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details
- See First Access Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | 35.99%* |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 10 minutes |
| Reputation Score | 8.0/10 |
The First Access Visa® Card also has a program and annual fee. Keep in mind that the annual fee will be charged before you begin using your card, lowering your initial available credit. Both cards will also charge a monthly service fee after the first year.
The Best Store Cards for Bad Credit with No Deposit
Although the ideal way to increase your credit card approval odds is to improve your credit, thus reducing your apparent credit risk, you may find success approaching the problem from the other end. Specifically, you can reduce your potential credit risk by choosing a credit card that is inherently less risky.
For instance, store credit cards, such as Fingerhut’s unsecured credit account, can be much easier to obtain than other types of credit cards. This is due to the fact that you can only use them with the issuing store, which limits your apparent ability to accrue so much debt that you’d be unable to repay it, thus making it less risky for the issuer.
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- Easy application! Get a credit decision in seconds.
- Build your credit history – Fingerhut reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
- Use your line of credit to shop thousands of items from great brands like Samsung, KitchenAid, and DeWalt
- Not an access card
- See official site, terms, and details »
| Interest Rate | See issuer website |
| Reports Monthly | Yes |
| Application Length | 5 Minutes |
| Reputation Score | 9.0/10 |
That said, in the case of a Fingerhut credit account, the limitations are likely less noticeable than with other store cards. Originally a mail-order catalog company, the modern digital version of Fingerhut has literally thousands of popular items from which to make purchases, including categories ranging from bath and bedding to tires and tools.
Of course, as with most other credit accounts, a Fingerhut account or other store credit card will report your payment behavior to the three major credit bureaus, helping you rebuild your credit with responsible credit behavior.
Also like many other credit accounts, your Fingerhut account will charge you interest on balances carried from month to month, so be sure to pay your balance in full to avoid interest fees. (See complete WebBank/Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account Terms and Conditions.)
Rebuild Your Credit, No Deposit Required
No matter what circumstances led to your damaged credit, rebuilding it can be a long process, one requiring significant dedication. Luckily, consumers have a few options for getting back on track, even ones that won’t require a form of security or collateral.
One popular way to begin the process of rebuilding credit is to obtain a credit card you can use — responsibly — to establish a positive payment history, while also enjoying the perks and convenience afforded by purchasing with plastic. Make sure you research the associated costs, of course, and know all the potential fees ahead of time.
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