Written by: Adam West
Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewed by: Ashley Fricker
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Although weight gain is often the most prominent symptom of unhealthy eating habits, it isn’t the only negative side effect. Fatigue, hair loss, digestive issues, skin problems, and a whole host of other problems can all result from a bad diet.
Similarly, while being frequently rejected for new credit can be the most obvious symptom of unhealthy credit habits, it isn’t the only one. High interest rates, copious fees, low credit limits, and a variety of other problems can all result from a bad credit score.
This being the case, finding a high-limit credit card that will accept bad-credit applicants can be a challenge. If you don’t qualify for an unsecured credit card with a high enough limit for your needs, you may need to look into secured credit cards or personal loans. In the article below, we’ll take a look at some of our top choices for high limit credit cards for bad credit as well as some personal loan alternatives.
Unsecured Cards | Secured Cards | Card Alternatives
Best High-Limit Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Most unsecured credit cards that regularly approve applicants with poor credit are offered by subprime credit card issuers or banks that specialize in high-risk applicants. To make up for the higher risk of loss inherent in the subprime demographic, these cards tend to charge higher interest rates than prime credit cards, as well as provide lower credit limits.
Specifically, many subprime credit cards will cap the credit limit you can reach to the mid-three-digits, with initial subprime credit card limits above $1,000 uncommon. That said, you may earn occasional credit limit increases with responsible card use, though some issuers charge a fee for credit limit increases. Start your search by comparing our expert-rated options below.
- 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.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 minutes | See Provider Website | Yes | 9.0/10 |
- Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
- See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
- Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Surge Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
- Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
- Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
- Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
- Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 35.90% Fixed | Yes | 8.5/10 |
- Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
- See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
- Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Reflex Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
- Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
- Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
- Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
- Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 minutes | 35.90% Fixed | Yes | 8.0/10 |
+See More Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit
A key thing to keep in mind with unsecured credit cards is that many — particularly those from subprime issuers — will charge annual fees, as well as program or processing fees. These fees are usually charged at the time you open your account, reducing the amount of credit you have available when you first get your card until the fees have been paid.
Additionally, always remember that your credit limit isn’t set in stone; the issuer has the right to change your credit limit at any time. And just as you may receive credit limit increases for responsible card use, your credit limit may be reduced if you show signs of risky card use or your credit score shows a sudden drop.
Since your credit utilization is based on the ratio of used credit to available credit, a sudden decrease in your credit limit can cause your credit score to drop. The best way to protect against credit score damage from a fluctuating credit limit is to maintain low credit card balances (which is usually a good idea anyway).
Best High-Limit Secured Credit Cards for Bad Credit
While secured credit cards require an initial deposit to open, if you are unable to find an unsecured credit card with a large enough limit for your needs, a secured card may prove to be a good solution. For most secured credit cards, your credit limit is directly determined by the size of your deposit, with your limit equal to 90% to 100% of your deposit amount (depending on the card).
Despite the fact that secured credit cards typically have credit limit caps like any other card, these caps tend to be significantly higher than those for subprime unsecured credit cards. This is generally thanks to the fact that secured credit cards present less risk to the card issuer because the debt is secured by the deposit. Our list of top-rated secured credit cards includes options offering limits up to a whopping $5,000.
- Credit Builder is a secured credit card
- Using Credit Builder can build your credit history
- Limit risk of overspending by setting your own limit with money you move into the secured deposit account.
- Chime Checking Account required to apply for the Credit Builder Card
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | N/A | Yes | 9.5 |
- New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases
- No credit check to apply. Zero credit risk to apply!
- Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders increase their credit score by an average of 41 points in just 3 months
- Get free monthly access to your FICO score in our mobile application
- Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
- Fund your card with a low $200 refundable security deposit to get a $200 credit line
- Apply in less than 5 minutes with our mobile first application
- Choose the due date that fits your schedule with flexible payment dates
- Fund your security deposit over 60 days with the option to make partial payments
- Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
- *See Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 minutes | 24.64% (variable) | Yes | 7.0/10 |
- Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards with First Progress Prestige!
- Apply now and fund your security deposit over 90 days with the option to make partial payments.
- You Can’t Rebuild credit with a Debit Card. Try First Progress Today! ¹
- Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.¹
- All credit types welcome to apply!
- ¹Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
| Application Length | Interest Rate | Reports Monthly | Reputation Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 minutes | 14.24% (V) | Yes | 7.5/10 |
+See More Secured Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Although secured credit cards can have relatively high limits if you can afford the equally high deposit, don’t assume you need to put down a huge deposit up front to reach a high credit limit. The majority of secured credit cards will allow you to add to your deposit over time, increasing your credit limit with each additional deposit (up to the credit limit maximum for the specific card).
Plus, unlike unsecured credit card fees, your deposit doesn’t just disappear into the pocketbooks of your issuer. Provided you don’t default on your credit card debt, your deposit will be returned to you, in full, when you close your secured credit card account. As an added perk, since your deposit rests in a secured savings account, you may actually accrue interest on your deposit, to boot.
Best High-Limit Personal Loans for Bad Credit
In the event that you need more credit than any credit card issuers are willing to extend to you, a personal loan may be your best option (other than improving your credit). Personal installment loans are specifically designed to help consumers finance large purchases over time, and will often charge lower interest rates than revolving credit lines.
While your credit score will still play a very important role in whether you are approved for a personal installment loan, most lenders will also look for other factors, including if you meet the minimum income requirement, to determine the size of the loan you can obtain. Our top personal loan lenders for bad credit include options for loans up to $35,000.
7. Avant
- Personal loans of $2,000 to $35,000
- Compare rates in 2 minutes without affecting your credit
- Best for low origination fees for bad credit
- 550 minimum credit score required
- Powered by Credible
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 to $35,000 | 9.95% - 35.99% | 12 to 60 Months | See representative example |
8. Upstart
- Personal loans starting at $1,000
- Find loans you prequalify for, complete your application, and close your loan
- Loans for 300+ FICO Scores
- Checking rates doesn't impact your credit score
- Powered by Credible
- See official site, terms, and details.
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Loan Term | Loan Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 to $50,000 | 6.40% - 35.99% | 3 or 5 Years | 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 |
+See More Personal Loans for Bad Credit
One way to increase the amount of loan you can qualify for is to put down an initial deposit on the loan. Not only can this improve your chances of being approved, but it can also reduce your monthly payment and/or the amount of time it will take you to pay off the loan by decreasing the size of your principal balance.
Of course, while the structure of personal installment loans makes them a good way to finance a large purchase, especially if you need to repay it over time, there are a few key differences between loans and credit cards that may impact your choice. For one thing, loans aren’t reusable like revolving credit lines; where you can pay off your credit card balance and use the card again, loans are one-time deals that dissolve after being completely paid off.
Moreover, installment loans will generally require monthly payments, and each monthly payment will be the same amount as the other months. So, while you can pay down your credit card balance to reduce your monthly payment and interest charges, your loan payment amount will remain the same from month to month. (That being said, you can reduce your total number of loans payments by paying more than is required each month).
High Credit Scores Earn the Highest Credit Limits
If you are faced with low-limit credit cards that simply don’t meet your needs, chances are that your low credit score is to blame. But just as the only surefire way to cure the symptoms of an unhealthy diet is to change your eating habits, the only way to improve your credit card options is to adopt healthier credit habits.
Positive credit behaviors, such as paying debts on time and maintaining low credit card balances, can help improve your credit over time. As you build a healthier credit profile, you’ll start to receive the benefits of a good credit score, including better rates and higher credit limits.
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