Selected for higher approval odds with poor to fair credit. See details below for full requirements.
Easiest Credit Cards to Get with Bad Credit
The easiest credit cards to get with bad credit are not determined by credit score alone. While your credit score plays a major role, issuers also evaluate income, recent credit behavior, and overall repayment ability when making approval decisions.
The easiest credit cards to get are typically secured credit cards. However, they require a refundable deposit, which many people prefer to avoid—so unsecured options are often the more popular choice.
Below are unsecured credit cards that are generally considered the easiest credit cards to get approved for with poor (bad) to fair credit (500-669).
Important: Different credit card issuers use different credit scoring models. The FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® uses VantageScore® 3.0, while most other cards listed on this page use FICO® scores.
What Credit Card Issuers Look At
When reviewing applications from borrowers with bad credit, issuers focus on risk indicators beyond just your score.
- Recent delinquencies, charge-offs, or collections
- Steady monthly income and ability to make minimum payments
- Existing credit utilization and account activity
- Identity verification and application consistency
In many cases, a stable income and clean recent payment history can matter just as much as your credit score.
➤ Learn more: Why Credit Scores Are Not the Only Factor in Approval →
Income Expectations for Bad Credit Credit Cards
As a general benchmark, many subprime credit card applicants report monthly incomes in the range of roughly $1,200 to $1,300 or higher, depending on the issuer and overall credit profile.
Income is not the only factor, but it helps demonstrate your ability to make minimum payments and maintain the account.
Before You Apply: Setting Clear Expectations
We built this site around transparency and straightforward information so you can make informed decisions before applying.
Many people who visit this page are looking for credit card options, but approval is not guaranteed. If you currently have past-due accounts, recent missed payments, or moderate to severe delinquencies, approval for unsecured credit cards listed below is unlikely.
If that applies to you, these are typically better starting options:
- Secured Credit Cards (requires a refundable deposit): If you're serious about rebuilding your credit, this is usually the most effective place to start.
- Prepaid Debit Cards / Online Banking Accounts: These provide a debit card with a routing and account number, which can help if you need basic banking access without approval requirements.
- Catalog / Merchandise Credit Accounts: In some cases, these offer easier approval with higher limits, but they can typically only be used with specific online stores and are not as flexible as traditional credit cards.
If you're in a stronger credit position, you can explore the card options listed below.
Tip: If you find this page helpful, consider bookmarking or saving it so you can return later as your credit profile improves.
1. Credit Score 500–579: Poor Credit
If your credit score is in this range, approval is still possible if you meet income requirements and have no recent serious delinquencies.
Easiest Card Options (500–579)
The FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® is generally considered one of the easiest to qualify for compared to most other unsecured credit cards in this range (VantageScore® 3.0: 500–579). However, the card does come with a one-time fee of $95 before the account is open.
While the FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® is considered one of the easiest unsecured credit cards to get with bad credit, it does not offer pre-qualification. It’s best to apply only if you have steady income and meet basic approval factors.
Additional Info:
- Minimum credit limit: $400
NOTICE: Some of these set-up and maintenance fees will be assessed before you begin using your card and will reduce the amount of credit you initially have available. For example, if you are assigned a credit limit of $400, your initial available credit will be $301 after the $99 annual fee is deducted. - Annual fee: $99 first year; $125 thereafter
- Monthly fee: $0 first year; $150 annually thereafter ($12.50/month)
- terms and conditions
- Credit evaluation: uses VantageScore® 3.0
- Checking account required
If you don’t have one, some users use online banking options like GO2bank™ or Walmart MoneyCard®. - US Domestic only. This offer is NOT available to residents of CO, WV, WA, MN
The OneMain Financial BrightWay® Card is a newer unsecured credit card option designed for individuals with fair to poor credit. Unlike many subprime cards, this option allows you to check for pre-approval with no impact to your credit score, making it a lower-risk starting point before submitting a full application.
This card may be a better fit for applicants who want to avoid upfront processing fees and prefer to see potential approval terms before committing.
Additional Info:
- Pre-qualification available (no impact to your credit score)
- Rewards: Earn unlimited 1% cash back on purchases
- Potential account upgrades: Credit limit increase or APR reduction after 6 months (subject to approval)
- Annual fee: $0 – $89 (varies based on creditworthiness)
- Regular APR: 35.99%*
- Reports to major credit bureaus
- Mobile account access: Manage payments through the BrightWay app
- Coverage restrictions: Not available in AK, CT, DC, MA, ME, MD, NC, NV, NY, RI, VT; excludes U.S. territories
- Credit recommended: Fair / Poor / Bad
- terms and conditions
2. Credit Score 500–669: Poor to Fair Credit
If your credit score falls within this range, you’ll typically have more unsecured options available compared to lower score ranges. Approval is still not guaranteed, but steady income, no current delinquencies, and recent positive payment activity can improve your chances.
Easiest Card Options (500–669)
The Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit, Destiny Mastercard®, and Milestone® Mastercard® are generally considered some of the easiest unsecured credit cards to qualify for in this range (FICO® score: 500–669). While “poor credit” technically begins around a 500 score, these specific cards typically begin approving applicants closer to the 520+ range, with approval odds generally improving further in the 580–669 range. All three cards include fees.
The cards below offer pre-qualification, allowing you to check your eligibility without impacting your credit score.
Additional Info:
- Minimum credit limit: $700
NOTICE: Some of these set up and maintenance fees will be assessed before you begin using your card and will reduce the amount of credit you initially have available. Based on your initial credit limit of $700, your initial available credit will be only about $525 after the $175 annual fee is deducted. - Annual fee: $175 the first year; $49 thereafter
- Monthly fee: $0 first year; $150 annually thereafter ($12.50/month)
- Rates & Fees
-
No current delinquencies
If you are currently behind on payments, we recommend bringing accounts current before applying. - Credit Recommended: Poor to Fair (520–669)
Instant Use Option (After Approval)
If you’re looking for a credit card you can begin using immediately after approval, there is an option designed for faster access through mobile wallet activation.
The Destiny® Mastercard® with Instant Credit is built for applicants who want quicker access to their credit line after approval, including mobile wallet use.
This option is best suited for users specifically focused on instant usability rather than traditional card delivery timelines.
Not seeing the right option?
➤ See all credit cards for bad to fair credit
Before applying, we recommend checking if you pre-qualify for select credit card offers where this option is available.
If you are not approved or are unable to pre-qualify, you may still have options depending on your credit profile. Applicants who do not qualify for unsecured credit cards may want to consider secured credit cards as a credit-building alternative.
Unlike most credit card affiliate sites, our focus is not just to promote offers—we aim to help you make the most appropriate decision based on your credit profile. We would rather you not apply than have you apply for something you’re unlikely to be approved for.
Save this guide for later.
Credit card offers, fees, and approval criteria change frequently, and this page is designed as a reference point to compare your options anytime.
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Why Some Credit Cards Are Easier to Get
Subprime credit cards are designed for higher-risk applicants. Because of this, they often include higher fees, higher APRs, or lower starting credit limits in exchange for easier approval requirements.
These cards are commonly used as short-term credit-building tools rather than long-term credit solutions.
Final Thoughts
The easiest credit cards to get with bad credit typically depend on your overall financial profile, not just your score. If you have stable income, manageable credit history, and meet basic identity requirements, you may still qualify even with a low credit score.
The key is choosing a card that matches your current situation and using it responsibly to build credit over time.
FICO® Credit Scores
A FICO® Score is a proprietary credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). About 90% of top U.S. lenders use it to make lending decisions.
FICO® Score Ranges:
- Exceptional: 800–850
- Very Good: 740–799
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
FICO categorizes scores as Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Exceptional.
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number (300–850) predicting your creditworthiness. Lenders use it to evaluate risk and determine rates and terms for credit.
Why it matters: A higher score can help you qualify for loans and lower interest rates. A lower score can lead to higher borrowing costs or application denials.
FICO® Credit Score Facts
- Three-Digit Number: Summarizes your credit risk.
- Range: 300–850; higher scores = lower risk.
- Data Source: Uses your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Industry Standard: Lenders rely on FICO for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
Note: Credit scores reflect your creditworthiness but do not guarantee approval for any credit product.
Security Notice: All participating issuers use secure application systems protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption to help protect your information.
*See the online credit card applications for details about terms and conditions of credit card offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the " Apply Now " button you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card issuer's web site.
Advertiser Disclosure: The card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Gettingacreditcard.com may receive compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Gettingacreditcard.com does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.