Best Credit Cards for People with Low Credit Score: A Complete Guide to Rebuilding Your Credit in 2025

18 July 2025•7 minute read

Having a low credit score can make it challenging to qualify for a credit card, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are plenty of credit cards specifically designed to help individuals with poor or no credit history. Whether you’re looking to rebuild your credit or simply need a card for everyday purchases, the right card can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll dive into the best credit cards for people with low credit scores, and help you understand how to use these cards to improve your financial standing. We’ll cover everything from secured credit cards for bad credit to instant approval credit cards for poor credit and more!

Table of Contents

What Are the Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit?

If you’re wondering, what are the best credit cards for bad credit? — you’re not alone. The good news is, there are several options available for individuals with low credit scores. These credit cards are often easier to get approved for and can help you rebuild your credit history if used responsibly.

Types of Credit Cards for Low Credit Scores

Here are the most common types of credit cards designed for people with low credit scores:

Secured Credit Cards: Require a deposit that acts as collateral. They are typically the easiest to get for someone with bad credit.
Unsecured Credit Cards: These don’t require a deposit but often come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits.
Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards: These cards offer near-instant approval, often with little or no credit check.
Starter Credit Cards: These are basic credit cards designed for beginners or those looking to re-enter the credit market.

Let’s dive deeper into the best options within each category.

Secured Credit Cards for Bad Credit: Your Gateway to Rebuilding Credit

Secured credit cards are one of the best ways to rebuild your credit when you have a low credit score. These cards require you to make a deposit, which becomes your credit limit. This deposit reduces the lender’s risk, making it easier for you to get approved.

Best Secured Credit Cards for Rebuilding Credit in 2025

Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 22.99% (Variable)
- Features:
  - 2% cashback at restaurants and gas stations (on the first $1,000 spent each quarter)
  - 1% cashback on all other purchases
  - Automatic review of your account after 8 months to potentially graduate to an unsecured card.
Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 26.99% (Variable)
- Features:
  - Flexible deposit options starting at $49, $99, or $200
  - Access to a higher credit limit after making your first 5 monthly payments on time.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 24.74% (Variable)
- Features:
  - No rewards, but this card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which is essential for building your credit.

Using a secured credit card responsibly can help you improve your credit score over time. Remember to make your payments on time and keep your credit utilization low (ideally under 30%).

Instant Approval Credit Cards for Poor Credit

If you need a credit card but don’t want to wait around for weeks to find out if you’ve been approved, instant approval credit cards can be a great option. While these cards typically come with lower credit limits and higher interest rates, they can help you access credit quickly.

Top Instant Approval Credit Cards for Poor Credit

Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $0–$99
- APR: 24.90% (Variable)
- Features:
  - Instant approval decision
  - Credit limit up to $300 (depending on approval).
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $35
- APR: 21.89% (Variable)
- Features:
  - No credit check for approval
  - Reports to all three major credit bureaus.

Though instant approval doesn’t always mean you’ll get the best terms, it offers the convenience of a quick response and immediate access to a credit line.

Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards for Low Credit Score

If you’re looking for guaranteed approval credit cards, these cards are marketed to people with poor credit and often offer no credit check at all. However, be cautious, as some of these cards charge high fees and interest rates.

Best Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards for Bad Credit

First Access Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $75 (First Year)
- APR: 24.99% (Variable)
- Features:
  - Guaranteed approval (even with bad credit)
  - Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
The Surge® Mastercard® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $75–$125 (depending on creditworthiness)
- APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Features:
  - Low credit score requirements
  - Reports to all three major credit bureaus.

Starter Credit Cards for Poor Credit

If you’re new to credit or rebuilding after a financial setback, starter credit cards are often a good place to begin. These cards are designed for those with limited credit history or low credit scores and offer easy approval options.

Top Starter Credit Cards for Poor Credit

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 17.24%–30.24% (Variable)
- Features:
  - No fees (no late fee, no foreign transaction fee)
  - 1% cashback on purchases, which increases to 1.5% after 6 months of on-time payments.
  - No credit history required to apply.
AvantCard Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0–$59
- APR: 26.99% (Variable)
- Features:
  - Simple, no-frills credit card for rebuilding your credit.
  - Reports to all three credit bureaus.

How to Get a Credit Card with a Poor Credit Score

Getting approved for a credit card with a poor credit score may feel daunting, but it’s entirely possible if you follow these tips:

Steps to Get Approved

Check Your Credit Report: Before applying for any card, review your credit report to understand your score and identify any issues.
Consider Secured or Starter Cards: If your credit score is too low for traditional credit cards, consider applying for a secured or starter card.
Apply for Guaranteed Approval Cards: Some cards have more lenient approval criteria, such as the First Access Visa® Credit Card.
Make Timely Payments: Make sure to pay your bills on time to avoid any penalties or further damage to your credit.
Start Small: Start with a low credit limit and gradually increase it by keeping your balance low and making timely payments.

How to Rebuild Credit with Credit Cards

Rebuilding credit takes time, but with the right credit card and a responsible payment strategy, you can see improvements in your credit score. Here’s how:

Pay On Time: Timely payments are the most significant factor in improving your credit score.
Keep Your Credit Utilization Low: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit to show you’re not overextending yourself.
Monitor Your Credit Regularly: Keep track of your progress and make adjustments to your spending habits as needed.

FAQs About Credit Cards for Low Credit Score

1. What are the best credit cards for bad credit?

The best credit cards for bad credit include secured cards like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and Capital One® Secured Mastercard®. These cards help you build credit through responsible use.

2. What’s the difference between secured and unsecured credit cards for bad credit?

Secured credit cards require a deposit, which acts as collateral. Unsecured cards don’t require a deposit but may come with higher interest rates and fees.

3. How to get a credit card with a poor credit score?

Start by checking your credit score, then apply for secured or starter credit cards, or consider guaranteed approval credit cards. Make sure to make timely payments to improve your credit over time.

4. Which credit cards help improve bad credit fast?

Secured cards like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can help rebuild credit quickly by reporting to the credit bureaus.

5. Can I get a credit card with no annual fee if I have poor credit?

Yes, some credit cards, like the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card, offer no annual fees even if you have a low credit score.

6. How long does it take to rebuild credit with a secured credit card?

Rebuilding credit can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on how diligently you manage your account and make payments on time.