If you’re struggling with bad credit, you’re not alone—and the good news is, rebuilding your credit is absolutely possible. Whether your credit score took a hit from missed payments or high debt, a credit card designed for bad credit can be your first step toward financial recovery.
In this 2025 update, we’ll review the 10 best credit cards for people with bad or limited credit in the U.S. These cards can help you rebuild your score, manage spending, and improve your financial health over time.
📝 What is Considered a Bad Credit Score?
In the U.S., credit scores are usually measured using the FICO score range:
- 300–579 = Poor
- 580–669 = Fair
- 670–739 = Good
- 740+ = Excellent
If your score is below 580, lenders often consider you a high-risk borrower. That’s where these cards can help.
🔝 Top 10 Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2025
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Why it’s great: Cash back rewards + no annual fee
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Check: Yes
- Reports to Bureaus: Yes
- Rewards: 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants
- Security Deposit: Starts at $200
Best for: People who want to earn rewards while building credit.
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Why it’s great: Low refundable deposit options
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Check: Yes
- Security Deposit: As low as $49
- Reports to: All 3 major credit bureaus
Best for: Those who want flexibility in their deposit.
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great: No credit check required
- Annual Fee: $35
- Credit Check: No
- Security Deposit: $200 minimum
- Reports to: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
Best for: People with no credit or a damaged history.
4. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card
Why it’s great: No fees and no interest
- Annual Fee: $0
- Security Deposit: Linked to your Chime account
- Credit Check: No
- Reports to: All major bureaus
Best for: Chime users who want a simple way to build credit.
5. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Why it’s great: Offers 1% cashback and pre-qualification
- Annual Fee: $75–$99 (varies)
- Credit Check: Yes (soft pull for pre-qualification)
- Rewards: 1% cashback on eligible purchases
- Reports to: All credit bureaus
Best for: Those who want a card with rewards and rebuilding support.
6. Self Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great: Helps build savings and credit
- Annual Fee: $25
- Security Deposit: From your Self Credit Builder account
- Credit Check: No hard inquiry
- Reports to: All three major bureaus
Best for: People who want to build both savings and credit.
7. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great: Transparent fees and upgrade path
- Annual Fee: $0–$59
- Credit Check: Yes
- Reports to: All major credit bureaus
- Pre-qualification: Available with soft pull
Best for: Transparent terms and future upgrades.
8. Reflex Mastercard®
Why it’s great: High initial credit limit available
- Annual Fee: $75–$125 (varies)
- Credit Limit: Up to $1,000
- Reports to: All three bureaus
- APR: 29.99% (high)
Best for: Getting a higher limit while rebuilding credit.
9. First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured
Why it’s great: Lower APR among secured cards
- Annual Fee: $49
- APR: 15.24% (variable)
- Security Deposit: $200–$2,000
- Credit Check: No hard pull
Best for: Carrying small balances at a lower interest rate.
10. Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit
Why it’s great: Pre-qualification without a hard inquiry
- Annual Fee: $0–$99
- Credit Check: Soft pull for pre-approval
- Reports to: All major bureaus
- Bonus: Accepted nationwide
Best for: Easy application and nationwide use.
🛠️ How to Choose the Right Card
Here are 5 tips to help you choose the best credit card for bad credit:
- No or Low Annual Fees: Start with minimal financial commitment.
- Reports to All Bureaus: Ensure your credit activity improves your score.
- No Hard Credit Check: Especially helpful if you’ve been denied before.
- Rewards Options: Even basic cashback helps.
- Upgrade Path: Some cards let you move to unsecured after timely payments.
✅ How These Cards Help You Rebuild Credit
By using a secured or credit-builder card wisely—keeping utilization below 30% and making on-time payments—you can improve your credit score within 6 to 12 months. These cards are designed to prove to lenders that you can handle debt responsibly.