Having a bad credit score doesn’t mean you can’t get a credit card. In fact, some credit cards for bad credit can actually help improve your score over time, and give you the opportunity to build a solid financial foundation. Whether you are trying to rebuild your credit or need a secured credit card, this guide will walk you through the best options available in 2025.
✅ What is a Bad Credit Score?
A bad credit score is generally considered to be anything below 600. If your score falls into this range, it can be difficult to get approved for loans, mortgages, or credit cards. However, many card issuers offer secured credit cards and unsecured credit cards that can help you rebuild your credit score over time.
🏦 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit (2025)
Here are the top credit cards for bad credit in 2025, each offering a unique set of benefits:
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 22.99% variable
- Key Features:
- 2% cashback on up to $1,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter
- 1% on all other purchases
- Free FICO Score access to track your credit score
- $200 minimum deposit required for security
Why It’s Great:
The Discover it® Secured card is one of the top choices for people with bad credit, especially because of its cashback rewards. It offers no annual fee, making it an affordable option. Plus, you can earn 2% cashback on common spending categories like gas and dining, which is an excellent way to start earning while rebuilding your credit.
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 26.99% variable
- Key Features:
- Initial credit limit of $200 (or higher with a larger deposit)
- No annual fee
- Regular credit line reviews to increase your limit
- You can get access to a higher credit limit by depositing more money.
Why It’s Great:
This is a secured card that gives you access to a low minimum deposit and offers the possibility of credit limit increases with responsible use. Capital One regularly reviews your credit line and may increase it after making consistent payments on time.
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $35
- APR: 21.89% variable
- Key Features:
- No credit check required during application
- Minimum deposit of $200 required
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Fixed credit limit based on your deposit
Why It’s Great:
One of the few secured credit cards that doesn’t require a credit check to apply. This is a great option for someone who has no credit history or bad credit. OpenSky is a great option if you’re looking for a card with no hidden fees and a straightforward credit-building process.
4. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 23.99% variable
- Key Features:
- Credit-building opportunities with responsible usage
- Low starting credit limits but the possibility to increase with good payments
- Reports to all 3 bureaus
- No hidden fees
Why It’s Great:
This card has a simple structure and is good for beginners looking to establish their credit. The Mission Lane Visa® credit card provides you with the opportunity to build your credit without having to worry about hidden fees, annual fees, or hidden charges.
5. Secured Visa® from First Progress
- Annual Fee: $29
- APR: 19.99% variable
- Key Features:
- Credit limit from $200 to $2,000
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- No credit score requirement
- Quick application process
Why It’s Great:
If you’re trying to rebuild credit and need a low-fee card, the First Progress Secured Visa card is a great choice. With its relatively low annual fee, it’s a cost-effective way to rebuild your credit.
💡 How to Improve Your Credit with Secured Credit Cards
- Pay on time: Make sure to always make on-time payments, as your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score.
- Keep usage low: Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit to maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio.
- Upgrade to unsecured: After using your secured card for 6 to 12 months, consider upgrading to an unsecured card for better benefits.
🏆 Why These Cards Are Great for Bad Credit
These cards are specifically designed for people with bad credit or limited credit history. They allow you to improve your credit score through responsible use. Plus, most of these cards come with features such as cashback rewards, credit limit increases, and no annual fees, making them affordable options for rebuilding credit.
📈 How to Choose the Best Card for Your Needs:
When choosing the right credit card for bad credit, consider:
- Annual Fees: Look for cards with no or low annual fees.
- Credit Limit: Choose cards with limits that suit your needs, but ensure you can pay them back.
- Cashback/Rewards: Some cards offer rewards for purchases, which can be a great bonus while rebuilding your credit.
- APR Rates: Pay attention to APR to ensure you aren’t paying high interest charges.
