Last Updated: March 2026 | Advertiser Disclosure: We may earn a commission from partner links.
Having bad credit doesn't mean you can't get a credit card. Secured cards and select unsecured options can help you rebuild your credit history with responsible use. The key is finding cards with low fees, credit bureau reporting, and a path to upgrade.
Understanding Credit Score Ranges
Most credit cards for bad credit are designed for scores below 580, though some accept fair credit (580-669):
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-799
800-850
Poor → Fair → Good → Very Good → Excellent
Our Top Picks for Bad Credit
Editor's Choice
Secured
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover
$200+
Min. Deposit
$0
Annual Fee
2% / 1%
Cash Back
28.24%
Variable APR
✓ Pros
- Earns 2% at gas stations & restaurants
- Cashback Match doubles first-year rewards
- No annual fee ever
- Automatic upgrade review after 8 months
- Free FICO score monthly
✗ Cons
- Requires refundable deposit
- Discover less widely accepted
Best for: Anyone who wants to earn rewards while rebuilding credit.
Secured
Capital One Platinum Secured
Capital One
$49+
Min. Deposit
$0
Annual Fee
None
Rewards
30.74%
Variable APR
✓ Pros
- May get higher credit line than deposit
- Deposit as low as $49 for some
- Access to CreditWise monitoring free
- Automatic credit line reviews
✗ Cons
- No rewards program
- Higher APR than average
Best for: Those who want the lowest possible deposit requirement to get started on credit building.
Secured
Chime Credit Builder Visa®
Chime
No Deposit
Required
$0
Annual Fee
None
Interest
No Credit Check
To Apply
✓ Pros
- No minimum deposit required
- No credit check to apply
- No interest charges
- Reports to all three bureaus
✗ Cons
- Requires Chime checking account
- No rewards program
Best for: Those who can't afford a traditional security deposit and want zero-interest credit building.
Unsecured
Capital One Quicksilver One
Capital One
No Deposit
Required
$39
Annual Fee
1.5%
Cash Back
30.74%
Variable APR
✓ Pros
- Unsecured—no deposit needed
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on everything
- Access to higher credit limit over time
✗ Cons
- $39 annual fee
- Higher APR
- Requires fair credit (higher bar)
Best for: Those with fair credit (580-669) who want an unsecured card with rewards.
Secured
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured
Bank of America
$200-$2,500
Deposit Range
$0
Annual Fee
3% / 2% / 1%
Cash Back
28.24%
Variable APR
✓ Pros
- 3% in category of your choice
- 2% at grocery stores & wholesale clubs
- Preferred Rewards boosts available
- Path to unsecured card upgrade
✗ Cons
- $200 minimum deposit
- $2,500 quarterly cap on 3% category
Best for: Existing Bank of America customers who want a rewards-earning secured card.
Unsecured
OpenSky® Secured Visa®
Capital Bank
$200+
Min. Deposit
$35
Annual Fee
None
Rewards
24.64%
Variable APR
✓ Pros
- No credit check whatsoever
- No bank account required
- Reports to all three bureaus
- Lower APR than many competitors
✗ Cons
- $35 annual fee
- No rewards program
- No automatic upgrade path
Best for: Those with very poor credit or no bank account who can't qualify for other secured cards.
Quick Comparison
| Card | Type | Annual Fee | Min. Deposit | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it Secured | Secured | $0 | $200 | 2%/1% |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Secured | $0 | $49-$200 | None |
| Chime Credit Builder | Secured | $0 | $0 | None |
| Capital One Quicksilver One | Unsecured | $39 | N/A | 1.5% |
| BofA Customized Cash Secured | Secured | $0 | $200 | 3%/2%/1% |
| OpenSky Secured | Secured | $35 | $200 | None |
How to Rebuild Credit with Your Card
Your Credit-Building Action Plan
- Use 10-30% of your limit — Keep your balance under $60 on a $200 limit at statement close.
- Pay in full every month — Set up autopay for the full balance.
- Never miss a payment — Payment history is 35% of your score.
- Keep the account open — Account age matters. Your first credit card should stay open long-term.
- Monitor your progress — Use free tools like Credit Karma to watch improvement.
- Graduate when ready — After 8-12 months, request an upgrade to an unsecured card.
💡 Pro Tip: Make a small recurring charge to your card, set up autopay for the full balance, and put the card in a drawer. This creates perfect payment history automatically.
Secured vs. Unsecured Cards
Secured Cards (Recommended for Most)
Secured cards require a deposit that typically equals your credit limit. This makes issuers comfortable approving people with bad credit. Most secured cards graduate to unsecured cards after 6-18 months of responsible use.
Unsecured Cards for Bad Credit
Unsecured bad-credit cards don't require deposits but often come with higher fees, lower limits, and higher interest rates. They're best for those who can't afford a deposit.
⚠️ Avoid These Cards: Stay away from cards with monthly maintenance fees, application fees, or very high annual fees ($75+). These products prey on vulnerable consumers and provide little benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score is considered bad credit?
Credit scores below 580 are generally considered poor or bad credit. Scores between 580-669 are considered fair. Most mainstream credit cards require good credit (670+).
What is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card requires a cash deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. Use the card responsibly and your deposit is returned when you upgrade to an unsecured card or close the account.
How long does it take to rebuild credit with a credit card?
With consistent on-time payments and low utilization, most people see meaningful improvement within 6-12 months. Moving from bad to fair credit might take 12-18 months.
Should I get a secured or unsecured card for bad credit?
Secured cards are usually the best choice because they have higher approval rates, often lower fees, and better credit-building features. A secured card with no annual fee is typically the smarter long-term choice.
Do credit cards for bad credit report to credit bureaus?
Most credit cards for bad credit report to all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Before applying, confirm the card reports to all three bureaus—some prepaid products don't report at all.