Bad Credit Credit Cards | Easy Approval Options
Finding a bad credit credit card with easy approval can be challenging, but many issuers now offer soft pull pre-qualification. This allows you to check your eligibility without a hard inquiry, helping you protect your credit score while exploring your options.
These cards include both secured and unsecured options, and while they may have higher fees or lower limits than traditional cards, they are a practical starting point for rebuilding credit.
For more details on how these cards work, see our comprehensive guide: The Hard Truth About Bad Credit Credit Cards.
Understanding Bad Credit Credit Cards
Bad credit credit cards are designed for applicants with low or poor credit scores, typically below 670 FICO. Issuers offer these cards to help you rebuild credit, but they also mitigate risk through higher fees, lower limits, or other restrictions.
- Secured cards: Require a security deposit that usually sets your credit limit. Ideal if you need guaranteed approval and are ready to manage your deposit responsibly.
- Unsecured cards: Do not require a deposit, but approval is less guaranteed. They often come with higher APRs and fees, and lower starting limits.
- Soft pull pre-qualification: Lets you see which cards you may qualify for without affecting your credit score.
- Credit reporting: Most cards report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so consistent, on-time payments help rebuild your credit.
🔴 Important Warning:
Bad credit credit cards are not low-cost solutions.
Expect:
Bad credit credit cards are not low-cost solutions.
Expect:
- High APRs (often 25–35% or more)
- Annual or monthly fees
- Lower starting credit limits
Are Bad Credit Credit Cards Worth It?
These cards can be valuable tools if your goal is to improve your credit profile. They allow you to:
- Establish a positive payment history
- Access a small line of credit without deposits (unsecured cards)
- Transition to better cards over time
However, if your goal is low-cost credit or rewards, these cards may not be ideal. Always compare fees, APRs, and limits before applying.
Tips for Applying and Using Bad Credit Credit Cards
- Pre-qualify first: Use soft pull options to reduce unnecessary hard inquiries.
- Start small: Keep credit utilization under 30% to help boost your score.
- Pay on time: Late payments harm your credit and negate progress.
- Monitor fees: Avoid cards with high annual or monthly charges if possible.
- Plan your path: Treat these cards as temporary tools to transition to better products later.
FAQ: About Bad Credit Credit Cards
Can I get a credit card with bad credit and easy approval?
Yes, some issuers offer bad credit credit cards with easy approval. Look for cards with soft pull pre-qualification to check eligibility without affecting your credit score.
What is the difference between secured and unsecured bad credit cards?
Secured cards require a deposit that typically sets your credit limit, making approval easier. Unsecured cards don’t require a deposit but may have higher APRs and fees. Both types report to credit bureaus to help rebuild your credit.
How can I rebuild my credit using a bad credit credit card?
Pay your balance on time and keep utilization low (under 30%). Regular, responsible use helps you establish a positive payment history, which can improve your credit score over time and qualify you for better cards.
Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit
- Now with higher credit limits
- Increase your access to available credit
- Higher limit than before, still no security deposit required!
- Greater access to credit than before
- Less than perfect credit is okay
- Mobile account access at any time
- Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Indigo® Mastercard® - $1,000 Credit Limit
- Get the credit limit you deserve—$1,000 guaranteed if approved
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
- Trusted by more than a million customers with reporting to all three major credit bureaus so you get credit for all of your hard work.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Don't Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
- No security deposit, just purchasing power.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Destiny® Mastercard® - Up to 3% Cashback Rewards
- A rewards card for people with less-than-perfect credit!
- Fuel your savings! Get 3% Cashback Rewards on your first $5,000 in gas, grocery, restaurant, & mobile phone service purchases!
- A guaranteed $700 credit limit to help you build access to credit, if approved.
- With Cashback Rewards, you get to live like an A-lister.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Join over a million consumers who use the Destiny Mastercard to help build their access to credit.
- No security deposit required—get started today!
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Milestone® Mastercard® - $1,000 Credit Limit
- Guaranteed $1,000 credit limit if approved.
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- Don't Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
- Join over a million consumers who are working on building their access to credit.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
- No security deposit, and a path to better credit.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Milestone® Mastercard® 1.5% Cashback Rewards
- Turn everyday purchases into 1.5% Cashback Rewards!
- A guaranteed $700 credit limit to help get your financial goals on track, if approved.
- Apply with Confidence! No Impact to your credit score if you cannot be approved. See terms.
- No upfront security deposit required so you can keep more money in your pocket.
- Join over a million consumers who are working on building their access to credit.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- A rewards card for people with less than perfect credit!
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Milestone® Mastercard® with Cashback Rewards
- Guaranteed $1,000 credit limit if approved.
- Fuel your savings: Earn 5% Cashback Rewards on your first $5,000 in gas purchases! See Terms.
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Don't Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
- No security deposit required—get started today!
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- $0 Annual Fee. Clear terms and transparent pricing.
- See if you qualify instantly without harming your credit score.
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as few as 7 months.
- Free, online credit score access for cardholders.
- No interest on purchases when you pay in full and on time each month.
- No security deposit required – get started today!
- Enjoy coverage from Visa®.
- Access your account anytime, anywhere with our mobile app.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*Subject to terms and conditions
Aspire® Protect Mastercard
- Cell Phone Protection* – Receive up to $800 of replacement or repair costs if eligible cell phone is stolen or damaged.
- 24-hour Roadside Assistance*
- Up to $25,000 Identity Theft Expense Reimbursement Coverage*
- Up to $1,000 Credit Limit Subject to Credit Approval
- No Security Deposit
- $0 Fraud Liability*
- Prequalify** without affecting your Credit Score
- *Terms and Conditions apply. Click Apply Now for details.
- ** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry into your credit history (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Destiny Mastercard®
- A guaranteed $700 credit limit to help get your financial goals on track, if approved.
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- No security deposit, and a path to better credit.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
- An unsecured card great for everyday purchases
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Milestone® Mastercard®
- Guaranteed $700 credit limit if approved.
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- Don't Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
- Join over a million consumers who are working on building their access to credit.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
- No security deposit, and a path to better credit.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
- 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
- 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)
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See Card Terms and Conditions
Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
- 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
- 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)
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See Card Terms and Conditions
FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®
- $400 Initial Credit Limit
- Less than perfect credit? We understand. The FIT 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
- 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)
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See Card Terms and Conditions
Atlas Rewards Credit Card
- Cash back on gas, subscriptions and more
- Safe spending limits that grow with you
- No credit history required
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Avant Card
- Fast and easy application process
- We may periodically review your account for Credit Line Increases
- May help strengthen your credit history with responsible use
- No Hidden Fees^
- $0 Foreign Transaction Fees
- Conveniently pay your card through our online portal, 24/7
- Zero Fraud Liability for Unauthorized Charges
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Cash Advance Fee - The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
- Late Fee up to $39
- Returned Payment Fee : Up to $25
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See application for additional details
Avant Cash Back Rewards Card
- 1% Unlimited Cash Back on Every Purchase†, Everywhere Mastercard is accepted
- No Limit On The Monthly Rewards You Can Earn†
- Cash back will be awarded as points redeemable for a statement credit†
- $0 Foreign Transaction Fees
- Cash Advance Fee - The greater of $10 or 3% of the amount of the cash advance
- Fast and Easy Application Process
- Zero Fraud Liability for Unauthorized Charges
- Conveniently Pay Your Card Through Our Online Portal, 24/7
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
- Minimum Finance Charge - If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Help Strengthen Your Credit History With Responsible Use
- We May Periodically Review Your Account For Credit Line Increases
- Returned Payment Fee : Up to $25
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
- † See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See application for additional details
Imagine® Visa® Credit Card
- Earn Cash Back Rewards* – 3% on Eligible Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
- Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
- $0 fraud liability**
- No Security Deposit
- The Imagine Card is issued by WebBank
- Review Cardholder Agreement for rate and fee information
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
**Zero liability subject to Visa’s Zero Liability Policy. - CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with just $200—secure your credit line with a refundable deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
opensky® Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Start building credit with just $150 – secure your line with a low, refundable security deposit
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Annual fee billed in monthly installments of $2 per month in year 1 and $3 per month thereafter
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- Affordable payments – minimum payment as low as $10
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
- No annual fee – keep more money in your pocket!
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with as little as $300 – Secure your line with a refundable security deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
- Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit.
- Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000.
- After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
- Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds.
- Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. We report your payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies.
- Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month.
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts.
- Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
*See Terms and Conditions
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card
- Start building credit with all three credit bureaus with the secured Self Visa® Credit Card.
- Apply Now: Intro No Annual Fee with the secured Self Visa® Credit Card^
- No credit check
- No hard inquiry
- $100 minimum security deposit*
*Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria Subject to change.
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
^$0 annual fee for the first year only, $25 annual fee thereafter. Variable APR of 27.49%. Offer valid for new customers only. - CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
A soft pull, also known as a soft credit inquiry or soft credit check, is a way for a company or a person to look at your credit report without it affecting your credit score.
This is fundamentally different from a hard pull, which is a formal credit check that happens when you apply for a new loan or credit card.
Here’s a breakdown of how a soft pull works and why it's so important for people with bad credit:
How a Soft Pull Works
Access to Information: When a lender performs a soft pull, they are accessing a snapshot of your credit file from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This snapshot gives them information about your credit history, such as your credit score range, existing debts, and payment history.Purpose: The main purpose of a soft pull is for informational purposes, not for making a final lending decision on an application.
No Impact on Score: Because a soft pull is not a formal application for new credit, it does not get factored into the credit score calculation. You can have dozens of soft pulls on your report, and your credit score will not change.
Limited Visibility: A soft pull is visible on your own credit report, but it is not visible to other lenders. This is another key difference from a hard pull, which other lenders can see.
Found this guide helpful? Bookmark it for future reference as you continue your financial journey!
Experian Boost: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Your Free Credit Score
FICO® Credit Scores
A FICO® Score is a specific, proprietary type of credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). It is the most widely used credit scoring model, with approximately 90% of top U.S. lenders using a FICO® Score to make lending decisions.
FICO® Score Ranges:
FICO® Score Ranges:
- Exceptional: 800–850
- Very Good: 740–799
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that predicts your creditworthiness—how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending to you and to determine the interest rates and terms of any credit you might receive.
Why is a Credit Score Important?
A credit score is important because it acts as your financial reputation. Lenders, landlords, insurers, and employers use this single number to quickly judge how reliable you are with money. A higher score helps you qualify for loans and credit cards, often securing lower interest rates that can save you significant money. Conversely, a poor credit score can lead to application denials or much higher costs for borrowing, making it a key factor in your overall financial opportunities.
FICO® Credit Score Facts
Key Characteristics of FICO® Scores
- Three-Digit Number: Like other credit scores, FICO® Scores are a three-digit number that summarizes a consumer's credit risk.
- Range: Most standard FICO® Scores range from 300 to 850. Higher scores indicate lower credit risk.
- Data Source: FICO® Scores are calculated using data from your credit reports maintained by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Your score may vary slightly depending on which bureau's data is used.
- Industry Standard: Lenders rely on FICO® Scores for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards because they provide a consistent, statistically sound assessment of the likelihood that a borrower will repay their debt.
Note: Credit scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any credit card product.
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