Visa Credit Cards for Bad Credit: Secured & Unsecured
We found 23 current Visa credit cards that may be worth considering if you have bad credit or are rebuilding your credit. The list includes unsecured cards such as the Imagine® Visa®, Total Visa® Card, First Access Visa®, Revvi Visa®, Mission Lane Silver Line Visa®, Credit One Bank Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit, and Credit One Bank American Express® for Rebuilding Credit, as well as secured Visa cards from Self, opensky®, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, PNC, Regions, Commerce Bank, Varo, GO2bank, and Credit One Bank.
We separated the unsecured cards from the secured cards below because the difference is important. An unsecured card does not require a security deposit to establish the credit line, while a secured card requires money to be deposited as security for the account.
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What Are the Unsecured Visa Credit Cards for Bad Credit?
Unsecured Visa credit cards do not require a security deposit to establish the credit line. The following cards are among the current Visa options for consumers with bad, less-than-perfect, or rebuilding credit.
Imagine® Visa® Credit Card
The Imagine® Visa® Credit Card is an unsecured card issued by WebBank. It does not require a security deposit and offers cash back on eligible purchases. The credit limit can be up to $1,000, subject to approval.
➤ Check for an Imagine Visa Offer
Total Visa® Card
The Total Visa® Card is an unsecured Visa card marketed to consumers with fair, bad, or rebuilding credit. It has an initial credit limit of up to $500, subject to the terms of the offer.
➤ Check for a Total Visa Offer
First Access Visa® Card
The First Access Visa® Card is an unsecured Visa card for people who do not have perfect credit. The current First Access site describes it as a true Visa credit card and allows applicants to begin the application online.
➤ Check for a First Access Visa Offer
Revvi Visa® Card
The Revvi Visa® Card is an unsecured Visa card with an initial credit limit of up to $500, subject to the terms of the offer. Revvi reports account activity to all three major credit bureaus.
➤ Check for a Revvi Visa Offer
Mission Lane Silver Line Visa®
The Mission Lane Silver Line Visa® is an unsecured Visa card with no security deposit and no annual fee. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back and a starting credit line of up to $3,000. Mission Lane allows you to check whether you qualify before submitting a formal application.
➤ Check for a Mission Lane Visa Offer
Credit One Bank Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit is an unsecured Visa card for consumers rebuilding their credit. It offers 1% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and for internet, cable, satellite TV, and mobile phone services. The card also provides regular reviews for potential credit line increases and allows you to choose your payment due date.
The annual fee is $75 for the first year and $99 annually thereafter, and you can check to see if you pre-qualify before submitting an application.
➤ Check for a Credit One Platinum Visa Offer
Credit One Bank American Express® for Rebuilding Credit
The Credit One Bank American Express® for Rebuilding Credit is an unsecured card for consumers rebuilding their credit. It offers 1% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and for internet, cable, satellite TV, and mobile phone services. The card also includes Retail Protection and access to Amex Offers.
The annual fee is $75 for the first year and $99 annually thereafter, and you can check to see if you pre-qualify before submitting an application.
➤ Check for a Credit One American Express Offer
What Are the Secured Visa Credit Cards for Bad Credit?
Secured Visa credit cards require a refundable security deposit that is used to establish or support the credit line. The amount of the deposit varies substantially from one card to another.
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card does not require a credit check or prior credit history. The minimum security deposit is $100, and the starting credit line is equal to the deposit amount. The account reports to all three major credit bureaus.
➤ Check for a Secured Self Visa Offer
opensky® Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card
The opensky® Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit starting at $150. No credit check is required, and the credit line can range from $150 to $1,000 at application.
➤ Check for an opensky Launch Secured Visa Offer
opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card does not require a credit check and has no annual fee. A refundable security deposit starting at $300 establishes the credit line, with a credit line of up to $3,000 available at application.
➤ Check for an opensky Plus Secured Visa Offer
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
The opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit starting at $200. No credit check is required, and the card reports account activity to all three major credit bureaus.
➤ Check for an opensky Secured Visa Offer
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is a secured Visa with a refundable security deposit of $200 to $5,000 and no annual fee. It also offers cash back rewards.
➤ Check for the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit of $200 to $5,000 and has no annual fee. It earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases.
➤ Check for the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Card
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit of $200 to $5,000. It has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and earns 1.5 points per $1 on everyday purchases.
➤ Check for the Bank of America Travel Rewards Secured Card
U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card
The U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card requires a refundable security deposit of $300 to $5,000, with the credit limit generally matching the deposit. It has no annual fee and is designed for building or rebuilding credit.
➤ Check for the U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card requires a refundable security deposit of $300 to $5,000 and has no annual fee. It combines credit-building features with cash back rewards.
➤ Check for the U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured Visa Card
U.S. Bank Altitude Go® Secured Visa® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude Go® Secured Visa® Card requires a refundable security deposit of $300 to $5,000 and has no annual fee. It earns additional rewards in categories including dining, groceries, gas, and streaming.
➤ Check for the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured Visa Card
PNC Secured Visa® Credit Card
The PNC Secured Visa® Credit Card is a secured Visa designed for building or rebuilding credit. The security deposit establishes the secured credit line.
➤ Check for the PNC Secured Visa Card
Regions Explore Visa® Credit Card
The Regions Explore Visa® Credit Card is a secured card with a minimum opening security deposit of $250. Regions says responsible use can help build positive credit history.
➤ Check for the Regions Explore Visa
Commerce Bank Secured Visa® Credit Card
The Commerce Bank Secured Visa® Credit Card is designed to help consumers build or rebuild credit. It requires a refundable security deposit of at least $400, with the credit line based on the deposit and other factors. Commerce Bank currently says applications are made in a branch.
Varo Believe Secured Visa® Credit Card
The Varo Believe Secured Visa® Credit Card is a secured credit-building card with no minimum security deposit and no credit check to apply. It reports account activity to all three major credit bureaus. You must have a Varo Bank account to qualify.
➤ Check for the Varo Believe Visa
GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card
The GO2bank Secured Visa® Credit Card is designed to help build credit and does not require a traditional credit check. The credit limit can start as low as $100.
GO2bank requires eligible customers to have a GO2bank account with qualifying direct deposits before they can apply. The application is available after logging into the GO2bank account.
Credit One Bank Secured Card
The Credit One Bank Secured Card is a secured credit card specifically marketed for building or rebuilding credit. It has no annual fee and offers cash back on eligible purchases.
➤ Check for the Credit One Bank Secured Card
What Is the Difference Between a Secured and Unsecured Visa Card?
The main difference is whether you have to provide a security deposit. An unsecured Visa card does not require a deposit to establish the credit line, while a secured Visa card requires money to be deposited as security for the account.
A secured card can be an option when your credit history makes it difficult to qualify for an unsecured card. The deposit also gives you control over the amount of your starting credit line on many secured cards.
With either type of card, approval is not guaranteed simply because the card is marketed to people with bad credit. Issuers can consider your overall credit profile and other information when reviewing an application.
Can You Get a Visa Credit Card With Bad Credit Without a Security Deposit?
Yes. Several unsecured Visa cards are marketed to consumers with bad, less-than-perfect, or rebuilding credit. These include the Imagine Visa, Total Visa, First Access Visa, Revvi Visa, and Mission Lane Silver Line Visa.
These cards do not require a refundable security deposit to establish the credit line, although they can have other fees or qualification requirements. Review the specific terms of the offer before submitting an application.
Can a Secured Visa Credit Card Help Rebuild Your Credit?
Yes. A secured Visa can help establish or rebuild credit when the issuer reports the account to the credit bureaus. You use the card like a regular credit card, receive statements, and make payments on the balance.
Because secured cards are often used specifically for credit building, check whether the issuer reports the account to all three major credit bureaus and look at the complete fee structure before opening the account.
What Should You Look for in a Visa Credit Card for Bad Credit?
Look at the complete cost and structure of the card, not just whether you can get approved. Compare the annual fee, security deposit, starting credit limit, rewards, credit-bureau reporting, and other account fees.
Also pay attention to the difference between a credit limit and the amount of credit actually available when the account opens. With some unsecured cards, fees can be charged against the initial credit line, reducing the amount available for purchases.
The 22 cards above give you a range of unsecured and secured Visa options to investigate, but the terms and availability can change. Always review the current offer before submitting an application.
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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.
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