Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit (or No Credit)

If your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, credit cards for bad credit can help you build it up over time. Credit scores can change, and with some steady habits and the right tools, you can make good progress.

Credit cards designed for people with bad or limited credit can help you establish a positive payment history. This shows lenders you can manage credit well. To get started, you need to find a card that fits your situation and make a plan to use it responsibly. 

Here’s how credit cards can help you build a stronger credit profile and make it easier to qualify for lower rates and better terms in the future.

Can I get a credit card with bad credit?

Yes, you can get a credit card even with a bad credit score or no credit history. Some cards designed for people who are rebuilding their credit or starting from scratch. Lenders that offer these types of credit cards often understand that past financial challenges shouldn’t define your future.

Your approval odds depend on several factors beyond your credit score. Lenders also look at your income, employment stability and existing debt to determine your creditworthiness. Even if you have a low credit score, you can improve your chances of approval by showing that you have a steady income and manageable debt. The best approach is to research cards designed for your credit level before applying.

What’s a bad credit score?

Credit scores generally range from 300 to 850. Lenders may use slightly different criteria for how they categorize score, but on the low end, 300–579 is usually considered “poor.” A “fair” score is usually 580–669. As of April 2025, the average FICO® Score is 715, which falls in the “good” score range of 670–739.

Having a higher score makes it easier to qualify for credit, premium rewards cards and low interest rates. If your score is in the lower range, don’t worry. Many credit cards are designed specifically to help you rebuild. 

What types of credit cards are good for people with bad credit?

There are 2 main types of credit cards for bad credit that can help you build or rebuild your credit. Each serves a different purpose, depending on your situation.

Secured credit cards

Secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit as collateral. The amount of your security deposit is usually your credit limit. The minimum security deposit is typically around $200. If you put down a larger security deposit, you often can get a higher limit, or credit line. As an example, if you put down $300 on a secured credit card, you’d get a $300 credit limit. Secured credit cards often have lower credit limits compared with unsecured credit cards.

You can use a secured credit card like any other credit card, like making purchases and paying your bill each month. Some credit cards report to the major credit bureaus—Experian®, Equifax® and TransUnion®. When you close the account in good standing or upgrade to an unsecured card, you should get your deposit back. 

Cardholders with 12–18 months of responsible usage—avoiding overspending and other harmful activities—on a secured card may have the option to upgrade to an unsecured card.

Unsecured cards

Unsecured credit cards for fair or poor credit don’t require a deposit. This means you can access credit without tying up cash in the form of a deposit. The tradeoff is that these cards tend to come with lower credit limits and higher interest rates if you don’t have a good credit score.

The approval process for unsecured cards is stricter than secured cards because the lender takes on more risk. You’ll need to show that you have stable income and a manageable amount of debt.

These types of credit cards work best if you don’t have cash available for a deposit but you have steady income.

10 top tips on how to get a credit card with bad credit

Getting approved for a credit card when your credit needs work requires a solid strategy. These tips can help you improve your approval odds and get set up for credit-rebuilding success.

1. Check your credit report and score.

Know where you stand before you apply. Get a free copy of your credit report from all 3 major bureaus—Experian®, Equifax® and TransUnion®. Review your credit score to understand which cards you’re most likely to qualify for.

2. Fix credit report errors before applying. 

Mistakes on your credit report can lower your score. Check your credit reports for incorrect late payments, accounts that aren’t yours or incorrect balances. Dispute any errors you find with the credit bureau. Even small corrections can boost your score and improve your odds of getting approved for credit.

3. Show stable income and housing. 

Lenders want to see you can afford your credit card payments. Having steady employment and a stable living situation can help show that you’re reliable. Be prepared to provide proof of your income when you apply.

4. Pay down existing debt. 

Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio when reviewing credit applications. You can improve your ratio by lowering your current debt. Focus on paying down credit card balances and other revolving debt first. This shows you’re managing your finances responsibly and gives you more room in your budget for a new card.

5. Explore prequalification offers. 

Many card issuers let you check if you’re prequalified without affecting your credit score. These soft credit inquiries give you a good idea of your approval odds before you officially apply. Prequalification doesn’t guarantee approval, but it helps you be a smarter credit shopper.

6. Look for a secured card. 

Secured cards offer the highest approval odds when you’re rebuilding credit. The required deposit reduces the lender’s risk, so they’re often more willing to approve your application. If you have cash available for a deposit, a secured credit card is often your best bet for getting approved and building credit.

7. Check out specialized “credit-builder” options.

Some financial institutions offer credit-builder programs specifically designed for people establishing or rebuilding credit. These might include starter credit cards with lower barriers to entry or programs that help you build savings while improving your credit. 

8. Consider becoming an authorized user.

If a family member or trusted friend has good credit and strong financial habits, ask them if you could be an authorized user on their account. Their positive payment history can help lift your credit score and you don’t need to use the card to benefit. 

9. Pick an option with an upgrade path.

Choose a card that will let you graduate to a higher credit limit over time. Many secured cards offer pathways to unsecured cards after you build a history of managing your account responsibly. Some issuers automatically review secured accounts for upgrades, while others require the cardholder to request a review. 

10. Make sure the card reports to all 3 credit bureaus.

Your card helps build credit only if it reports your payments to Experian®, Equifax® and TransUnion®. Before you apply, see if the issuer reports to all 3 companies. Some subprime lenders report to only 1 or 2, which limits how much your credit score can be improved when you use your card responsibly.

How a starter credit card helps build credit from scratch

Your credit card is more than a payment tool. It’s actively working to help improve your credit profile every month you use it responsibly. There are 3 key factors of credit card usage that work to strengthen your score over time:

On-time payments

The single biggest factor is payment history, which makes up 35% of your FICO® Score. Every time you pay your credit card bill on time, you add a positive mark to your credit report. Credit cards report to the bureaus monthly, so you get 12 opportunities each year to show how reliable you are. Even 1 late payment can hurt your score, so set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to make sure you never miss a due date.

Low utilization

Credit utilization measures how much of your available credit you’re using, and it accounts for 30% of your FICO® Score. Aim to use less than 30% of your credit limit. As an example, if your limit is $500, try to keep your balance below $150. You don’t need to carry a balance to build credit. Paying in full each month is better for improving your credit score and also saves you money on interest.

Keeping accounts open

The length of your credit history is also an important factor in your credit score. Don’t close your first credit card as soon as you qualify for better options. Keep that account active with small, regular purchases that you pay off immediately. That will help you maintain your credit history length and keep your total available credit higher.

More FAQs about credit cards if you have bad or no credit

Here’s what you need to know about some common questions that people who want to rebuild their credit often have.

What is the easiest credit card to get with poor credit?

Secured credit cards are typically the easiest to get approved for because your cash deposit reduces the lender’s risk. 

What’s the best credit card to rebuild credit?

The best card for rebuilding credit is one that reports to all 3 credit bureaus, has affordable fees and offers a path to upgrade. Secured cards from reputable issuers often are best for this, but the specific “best” credit card depends on your financial situation.

How should I decide which credit card to get if I have bad or no credit?

Start by checking what you can afford. If you have $200 to $500 available for a security deposit, you might have a good chance at getting approved for a secured card. Compare annual fees, interest rates and whether the card reports to all 3 bureaus before choosing a credit card.

What should I do if I’m denied for a credit card?

Request the denial letter from the credit card issuer. They’re required to tell you why you were denied for a credit card. Address those specific issues before applying again. If your application was denied for an unsecured card, consider applying for a secured card instead.

Will applying for multiple cards hurt my credit score?

Yes, each credit card application creates a hard inquiry on your credit report. Those types of inquiries can lower your score by a few points. Focus on applying for one card at a time and use prequalification tools when available since they won’t negatively affect your credit score.

Start rebuilding your credit with Navy Federal Credit Union

Building credit takes time, but with the right tools and consistent effort, you can improve your score. That should make it easier for you to qualify for lower rates and better terms in the future. Navy Federal offers credit card options designed to support Servicemembers, Veterans and their families at every stage of their credit journey. 

Whether you’re rebuilding credit or building it from scratch, we offer helpful tools like secured credit cards, prequalification before you apply for a credit card, free credit score tracking and personalized financial guidance. Explore your options today and take the next step toward reaching your credit goals.