Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit: Rebuild Your Score Without Breaking the Bank

Having bad credit doesn’t mean you’re stuck without options. Whether you’re recovering from financial setbacks or just starting to build credit, the right credit card can help you move forward. There are plenty of solid choices—both secured and unsecured—that can help you rebuild your credit while keeping fees and risks low.

Secured vs. Unsecured: What’s the Difference?

Secured credit cards require a refundable deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. These cards are designed for people who are new to credit or need to rebuild it after some damage. Because the risk to the lender is lower, they’re easier to qualify for.

Unsecured credit cards, on the other hand, do not require a deposit but are harder to get with poor credit. They often come with higher interest rates and may have annual fees. However, they still offer a way to demonstrate creditworthiness if managed responsibly.

Top Secured Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases.
• Deposit: Minimum $200
• Highlights: Reports to all three major credit bureaus, and after several months of responsible use, you may be eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured version.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Deposit: As low as $49, $99, or $200, depending on your credit profile.
• Highlights: Access a higher credit limit after five on-time monthly payments. A solid option if you want flexibility and a low entry cost.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $35
• Deposit: Minimum $200
• Highlights: No credit check required to apply, making it ideal if your credit score is very low or you have no history at all. Reports to all three credit bureaus.

Top Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit

OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card

• Annual Fee: $0–$89
• Credit Limit: Starts at $300
• Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases
• Highlights: Transparent fees and a flat cash-back rate make this a decent unsecured option for those rebuilding credit.

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

• Annual Fee: $75 first year, then $99 annually
• Rewards: 1% cash back on eligible purchases like groceries and gas
• Highlights: Offers pre-qualification with no hard credit inquiry. You can track your credit score for free and get automatic reviews for credit line increases.

Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0–$59, depending on credit
• Rewards: None
• Highlights: Simple terms and fast prequalification process. Reports to all three credit bureaus and offers credit line increases after six months of on-time payments.

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Card Name	Type	Annual Fee	Rewards	Credit Check	Min. Deposit
Discover it® Secured	Secured	$0	2% gas/dining, 1% all others	Yes	$200
Capital One Platinum Secured	Secured	$0	None	Yes	$49–$200
OpenSky® Secured Visa®	Secured	$35	None	No	$200
OneMain Financial BrightWay®	Unsecured	$0–$89	1% cash back	Yes	N/A
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®	Unsecured	$75–$99	1% on select categories	Yes	N/A
Mission Lane Visa®	Unsecured	$0–$59	None	Yes	N/A

Tips for Using Credit Cards to Rebuild Credit

Make Timely Payments Every Month

Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score—accounting for about 35%. Even one late payment can cause a significant drop in your score. Set up autopay or calendar reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Try to use less than 30% of your available credit. This shows lenders that you’re managing your credit responsibly. For example, if your credit limit is $300, keep your balance under $90.

Don’t Apply for Multiple Cards at Once

Each credit card application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. Too many inquiries can lower your score temporarily and signal to lenders that you’re in financial distress.

Monitor Your Credit Progress

Use free tools from your card issuer or third-party apps to keep tabs on your credit score. Watching your progress can help you stay motivated and catch errors early.

Upgrade or Transition When Ready

Some secured cards offer the chance to graduate to an unsecured version after demonstrating responsible use. This can open up better terms, higher credit limits, and even rewards programs.

Start Rebuilding with Confidence

There’s no quick fix for bad credit, but with the right card and smart habits, you can start building a stronger financial future. Whether you go with a low-deposit secured card or a forgiving unsecured option, consistent, responsible use is your ticket to better credit—and better opportunities.