Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit (2025 Guide)
If you have a low credit score, getting approved for a credit card might seem difficult—but it’s not impossible. In fact, many credit card issuers now offer cards specifically designed to help you rebuild credit and improve your score over time.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for bad credit in 2025, how they work, what to look for, and how to choose the right one for your situation.
What is Considered “Bad Credit”?
A credit score below 580 (FICO) is generally considered “bad.” This might be due to:
- Missed or late payments
- High credit utilization
- Bankruptcy or collections
- Lack of credit history
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit (2025)
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 28.24% (variable)
- Security Deposit: $200 minimum
- Benefits:
- 2% cash back at gas stations & restaurants
- Free credit score monitoring
- Automatically reviews for upgrade to unsecured
Best for: Earning cash back while rebuilding credit
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 30.74% (variable)
- Security Deposit: $49, $99, or $200
- Benefits:
- Low refundable deposit
- Upgrade path to unsecured card
- Access to Capital One CreditWise
Best for: Low initial deposit and credit building
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $35
- APR: 25.64% (variable)
- Security Deposit: Starts at $200
- Benefits:
- No credit check required
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- High approval rates
Best for: No credit check approval
4. Chime Credit Builder Visa®
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% (no interest)
- Security Deposit: None (requires Chime account)
- Benefits:
- No fees, interest, or credit check
- Automatically reports payments
- Budget-based credit builder
Best for: No interest or fees, flexible funding
5. Mission Lane® Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0–$59
- APR: 26.99%–29.99% (variable)
- Security Deposit: None (unsecured)
- Benefits:
- Prequalification with soft check
- Credit limit increases possible
- Mobile app and alerts
Best for: Rebuilding credit without a deposit
💡 Tips for Choosing a Credit Card for Bad Credit
- Look for no or low annual fees.
- Ensure it reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
- Choose a card with a path to upgrade.
- Avoid cards with high fees and no rewards.
🧠 How to Use Your Card to Improve Your Credit
- Pay on time every month
- Keep credit utilization below 30%
- Use the card regularly for small purchases
- Monitor your score through free tools
📈 Final Thoughts
The best credit cards for bad credit can be powerful tools for repairing your financial future. Start small, use your card responsibly, and you’ll see your credit improve steadily over time.
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