Having a low credit score doesn’t mean you can’t get approved for a credit card in 2025. In fact, more U.S. issuers than ever now offer secured and unsecured credit cards designed to help people rebuild their credit. Whether you’ve faced past delinquencies, have no credit history, or are trying to bounce back from bankruptcy, this guide covers the best credit cards you can realistically qualify for, how to increase your approval odds, and how to use these cards to rebuild your credit score fast.
📖 Table of Contents｜Top Cards for Low Credit Scores (2025)
- Understanding Credit Score Tiers
- What to Look for in a Credit Card if You Have Bad Credit
- Top 10 Credit Cards for Low Credit Scores in 2025
- Detailed Reviews: Secured vs. Unsecured Cards
- Best Cards with Soft Inquiry Pre-Approval
- Tips to Get Approved with Bad Credit
- How to Use These Cards to Improve Your Score
- Alternatives to Credit Cards for Building Credit
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Credit Score Tiers
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Your FICO credit score ranges from 300 to 850, with the following breakdown:
- Excellent: 740–850
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
If your score is under 670, especially under 580, you’ll likely need a secured card or a subprime unsecured card to start rebuilding. Many cards on this list are designed exactly for that purpose.
What to Look for in a Credit Card if You Have Bad Credit
When you're rebuilding your credit, the card’s rewards aren't as important as its structure and fees. Focus on these key features:
- No or low annual fee: Avoid high maintenance costs while you rebuild.
- Reports to all three bureaus: Ensure your on-time payments help build your score.
- Credit limit increase potential: Some cards upgrade you to unsecured status with responsible use.
- Soft-pull pre-approval: Avoid hard inquiries when you’re just checking eligibility.
- Clear upgrade path: Some cards automatically review your account for graduation.
Top 10 Credit Cards for Low Credit Scores in 2025
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Chime Credit Builder Visa®
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Mission Lane® Visa® Credit Card
- AvantCard® Credit Card
- Capital One QuicksilverOne® for Fair Credit
- Grow Credit Mastercard® (Build Membership)
- Self Visa® Credit Card (via credit builder loan)
- Upgrade Visa® Card with Cash Rewards
Detailed Reviews: Secured vs. Unsecured Cards
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Type: Secured | Annual Fee: $0
Features: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% on all other purchases. Free FICO score. Reviews for upgrade after 7 months.
Chime Credit Builder Visa®
Type: No annual fee, deposit-secured, not technically a credit card
Features: No interest, no credit check, no fees. Reports to all 3 bureaus. Requires Chime spending account.
Capital One Platinum Secured
Type: Secured | Annual Fee: $0
Features: Initial deposit can be as low as $49 for a $200 limit. Monthly reporting. Auto upgrade after 6 months.
OpenSky® Secured Visa®
Type: Secured | Annual Fee: $35
Features: No credit check required to apply. Good for people recently discharged from bankruptcy.
Mission Lane® Visa® Credit Card
Type: Unsecured | Annual Fee: $0–$59 (depends on credit profile)
Features: Accepts scores below 600. Fast approval process. Reports monthly.
AvantCard® Credit Card
Type: Unsecured | Annual Fee: $39
Features: Suitable for fair credit. Quick prequalification process. No deposit required.
Capital One QuicksilverOne®
Type: Unsecured | Annual Fee: $39
Features: 1.5% unlimited cash back, even for fair credit users. Reviews for limit increases.
Grow Credit Mastercard®
Type: Subscription-secured | Annual Fee: $0 for basic plan
Features: Helps build credit by paying for Netflix, Spotify, etc. No credit pull required.
Self Visa® via Credit Builder Loan
Type: Secured (after installment savings plan)
Features: Combine a savings-builder loan with a secured card. Great for people starting from zero.
Upgrade Visa® with Cash Rewards
Type: Unsecured | Annual Fee: $0
Features: 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Fixed monthly payments (hybrid between card and loan).
Best Cards with Soft Inquiry Pre-Approval
Prequalify with no impact on your credit score using these:
- Mission Lane® Visa®
- AvantCard®
- Capital One QuicksilverOne®
- Upgrade Visa®
- OpenSky® (no credit pull at all)
Tips to Get Approved with Bad Credit
Here’s how to increase your chances of getting a credit card when your score is under 600:
- Apply for cards that offer pre-approval with soft inquiry
- Keep your current credit utilization below 30%
- Settle old collections if possible
- Use accurate income reporting (include side jobs, benefits)
- Avoid applying for multiple cards at once
How to Use These Cards to Improve Your Score
These cards aren’t just for spending—they’re tools for repairing credit. Use them wisely:
- Pay on time: Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score
- Keep balances low: Use less than 30% of your limit (preferably under 10%)
- Keep your account open: Longer credit history helps improve your score
- Set up autopay: Avoid missing even one payment
Alternatives to Credit Cards for Building Credit
If you’re not yet ready for a credit card, try these tools:
- Credit-builder loans: Offered by Self, CreditStrong, and many credit unions
- Rental reporting: Services like RentReporters or Experian RentBureau can report rent to bureaus
- Authorized user status: Ask a family member with good credit to add you to their card
- Secured loans: Use your savings account or CD as collateral at a bank
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card with a 520 credit score?
Yes, but likely a secured card or a subprime unsecured card like OpenSky or Mission Lane. These cards often have higher approval rates.
What is the easiest credit card to get with bad credit?
OpenSky® Secured Visa and Chime Credit Builder Visa are among the easiest to obtain since they don’t require a credit check.
Will applying for a credit card hurt my credit?
Only if you receive a hard inquiry. Look for soft inquiry options before committing to a full application.
How fast can a credit card raise my score?
If used responsibly, you may start to see a credit score increase within 3–6 months as payments are reported monthly.
Can I upgrade from a secured to unsecured card?
Yes. Discover, Capital One, and others offer automatic reviews starting at 6–8 months of responsible use.
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