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Our top picks for the easiest cards to get can help you access a credit line and boost your credit score. The easiest credit cards to get, especially with bad credit or no credit, are secured credit cards.
Secured cards like the Discover it Secured Credit Card use a security deposit instead of a hard credit inquiry for approval, making them easier to get if your credit is subpar. Other cards, like the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, only require fair credit and may be easier to qualify for than cards with higher credit requirements.
Secured Credit Cards
Credit Card | Best For | Credit Needed |
---|---|---|
Capital One Platinum | No credit | Fair (FICO credit score of 580-669) |
Indigo Mastercard | Bad credit | Fair |
OpenSky® Secured Visa® | No income | None–poor (FICO score of 300-579) |
Capital One Spark Classic | Business owners | None–poor |
Capital One QuicksilverOne | Cash back | Fair |
What Are the Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For?
Not all credit cards are created equal. Each card offers its own set of unique benefits, rewards and perks and, with that, its own set of requirements for approval. Some credit cards, like secured credit cards, are easier to get approved for, while others require meeting more stringent credit requirements and other criteria.
If you have poor credit or no credit, a secured credit card allows you to build credit and, in some cases, still earn rewards. Your creditworthiness is based on a FICO score. Your FICO credit score is important to know because this helps lenders decide what you can qualify for and which credit cards you can get.
Poor: 300 - 579
Fair: 580 - 669
Good: 670 - 739
Very Good: 740 - 799
Excellent: 800 - 850
For People With No Credit History
Getting approved for a credit card when you have no credit history is a challenge. Most card issuers rely on credit scores and history to determine whether applicants are worth the risk. Luckily, there are still some quality credit cards specifically geared toward individuals with little to no credit history. These cards serve as credit-building tools to help you eventually qualify for other credit cards and financing opportunities.
Capital One Platinum Secured Card - Best for credit monitoring
The Capital One Platinum card carries no annual fee and provides free credit score access and other digital tools, including a mobile app, virtual card assistant, account alerts and more.
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card - Best for no security deposit
There's no credit check required to apply for the Chime Credit Builder card, although it requires opening a checking account with the bank and making a $200 qualifying direct deposit. The secured credit card carries no minimum security deposit or annual fee and reports payments to all three major credit bureaus.
Citi Secured Mastercard - Best for identity theft protection
The Citi Secured card is a no-frills credit card with no annual fee. The security deposit acts as the credit limit, with a $200 minimum required for up to $2,500. Citi Secured comes with access to Mastercard's ID Theft program, account alerts and the ability to choose your payment date.
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Best secured card for building credit on a budget
- $49Min. Security Deposit
- $0Annual Fee
- 29.99% VariableAPR
- Limited – BadRecommended Credit
- Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
A good secured credit card with no annual fees and interest
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $0Annual Fee
- UnspecifiedAPR
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
- Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Best credit card for building credit with no or limited credit history
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $0Annual Fee
- 27.24% VariableAPR
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
There's no such thing as guaranteed approval with credit cards. Some card issuers allow you to get pre-approved for a card through a soft credit check, which doesn't negatively affect your credit score. Going through the pre-approval step gives you an idea of what types of cards you may qualify for based on your credit.
For People With Poor or Bad Credit
Past credit mistakes won't keep you from getting a card even if your score is poor (FICO score of 300 - 579), but they will shorten the list of cards available. Your best options may be secured credit cards which rely on a security deposit instead of a credit check. Although, you may still qualify for an unsecured card depending on your credit score and other factors.
Indigo Mastercard - Best for pre-qualification
The Indigo Mastercard doesn't offer many perks, but it's an excellent tool for building credit. Monthly payments get reported to the three major credit bureaus. You can also pre-qualify for the card without hurting your credit.
OakStone Gold Secured Mastercard - Best for bankruptcy
The OakStone Gold Secured Mastercard is a secured credit card with credit limits from $200 to $5,000. There is no minimum credit score requirement, and a discharged bankruptcy on your credit report won't disqualify you from card approval.
Merrick Bank Double Your Line Secured Credit Card - Best for increased credit line
One of two secured cards offered by the bank, the Merrick Bank Double Your Line Secured card allows cardholders to double their credit limit after making minimum on-time payments for the first seven months from card opening. Merrick Bank also provides free monthly credit score access with the card.
- Indigo® Mastercard®
A good unsecured credit card to build or rebuild credit
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
- $0–$99*Annual Fee
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- 24.90% VariableAPR
- OakStone Gold Secured Mastercard®
A secured credit card meant for people with poor or no credit histories
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $39Annual Fee
- 14.74% VariableAPR
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
- Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card
Best credit card for training good financial habits
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $36*Annual Fee
- 21.70% VariableAPR
- PoorRecommended Credit
The Surge Mastercard provides an initial credit limit of $300 to $1,000, with an opportunity to double it by making on-time minimum payments for the first six months. No security deposit is needed to obtain a card.
>>MORE: Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Credit Cards With No Employment Check
Besides credit, some card issuers look at an applicant's income or employment history to determine creditworthiness. You can still qualify for a credit card without employment, but your options are limited.
OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card - Best for low annual fee
The OpenSky Secured card only requires a $200 minimum deposit and no credit or employment check. It also features a low annual fee and additional benefits in partnership with Visa.
Discover it Secured Credit Card - Best for no annual fee
Discover doesn't charge an annual fee for its secured card. There's also no credit or employment check during the application process. The security deposit starts at just $200. Discover automatically reviews your account after seven months to see if you qualify for conversion to an unsecured card.
Milestone Mastercard - Best for no security deposit
The Milestone Mastercard doesn't require a security deposit, allowing you to keep money in your pocket and build credit. There's no credit or employment check to pre-qualify for the card.
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
A good secured card for those who have poor credit
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $35Annual Fee
- 22.39% (Variable)APR
- None–FairRecommended Credit
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
A good no-annual-fee secured card for earning cash back and building/rebuilding credit
- Limited–PoorRecommended Credit
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- 1%–2% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 2xRewards Rate on Gas
- 2xRewards Rate on Dining
- Milestone Mastercard® - $700 Credit Limit
An ideal card for rebuilding your credit without paying a security deposit.
- Fair–GoodRecommended Credit
- See terms*Annual Fee
- 3# of Reporting Bureaus
- See terms*APR
For Business Owners
Business credit cards can help you earn valuable rewards for business expenses and extend your spending power. They are also a great tool for establishing business credit. Some card issuers offer business credit cards geared toward individuals whose credit isn't up to par.
Capital One Spark Classic for Business - Best for cash back rewards
Capital One Spark Classic offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases regardless of spending category. It comes with no annual fee, offers free employee cards and integrates with popular accounting software.
First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition Secured Visa Card - Best for a higher credit limit
FNBO's secured business card features credit limits from $2,000 to $100,000 (subject to approval). The card carries a $39 annual fee and comes with access to several digital tools for managing your account and spending.
- Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
A great no-annual-fee business card with cash back for those with fair credit.
- Limited – FairRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 1.00%Cash Back Rate (Avg Value)
With Cash Back Rewards
Having bad credit (FICO score of 300 - 579) or no credit doesn't mean you can’t get approved for a credit card or earn valuable rewards for card spending. You may qualify for unsecured or secured credit cards that earn rewards.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card - Best for unlimited cash back
The QuicksilverOne card earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The card also comes with free credit score access and automatic credit line reviews after just six months.
Petal 2 Visa - Best for no annual fee
The Petal 2 Visa card earns 1% cash back on purchases with the potential to earn more by paying your bill on time. You can also earn up to 10% bonus cash back with purchases at select merchants. The card carries a $300 minimum credit limit and no annual fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?
Getting approved for a credit card can happen instantly, although some card issuers can take up to a week or longer to make a determination. Check with the card issuer to see how long it might take to get approved for a credit card.
Processing Time for Different Credit Cards
Card Issuers | Process Time |
---|---|
American Express | Instant card numbers upon approval |
Apple Card | Instant access upon approval |
Bank of America | Instant access to card information for existing customers who apply through targeted promotional offers |
Capital One | Instant access to cards for existing customers |
Chase | Instant access to most Visa cards |
Citi | Does not offer instant access with most cards |
Discover | Does not offer instant access |
Wells Fargo | Does not offer instant access |
Instant Approval Credit Cards
You can sometimes qualify for instant approval for a credit card. This usually requires you to have good to excellent credit and provide enough information for the card issuer to determine quickly.
Apple Card - Credit needed: Good (FICO score of 670 -739)
Apple lets you apply and find out in a few minutes whether you're approved for the Apple Card without affecting your credit score. A hard inquiry is only performed if you accept a pre-qualifying offer. There are multiple ways to earn cash back, and you can track it easily with an iPhone. The card carries no annual fee.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card - Credit needed: No score required
The Discover it Secured card offers instant pre-qualification without hurting your credit score. The no-fee secured card earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to the first $1,000 combined purchases quarterly. It also earns unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases and features an automatic cash back match on all cash back earned your first year.
Total Card Visa - Credit needed: None–Fair (FICO score of 0 - 669)
The Total Card Visa is issued by the Bank of Missouri. It requires an active checking account and an $89 program fee. You can get approved for the Total card within seconds of filling out an online application. The card also comes with free TransUnion credit monitoring.
MoneyGeek’s Tips to Get Approved for a Credit Card
No matter your credit score, there are steps you can take to get approved for a credit card more quickly. Follow our tips below to speed up the credit card approval process the next time you apply.
Pre-qualify
Check pre-qualifying offers to see which cards you may qualify for before applying for a card. Pre-qualification only requires a soft credit check, which won't affect your credit score.
Provide accurate information
Providing up-to-date and complete information makes the card issuer's job easier when approving applications. Make sure to update your income if it's changed since the last time you applied for a card.
Improve your credit
If your credit isn't good enough to qualify for the card you want, work to build your credit score first and then apply. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time and paying down existing card debt.
How to Compare Credit Cards
There are hundreds of credit cards to choose from, and finding the right one isn't always easy. Follow the tips below to determine the best card for your situation.
Check your credit
Knowing where your credit score stands will guide you toward cards you're most likely to get approved for when applying.
Determine your needs
You want a card that lines up with your goals. Figure out why you want a card and search for cards that match your needs.
Pay attention to fees
Card issuers often charge fees for access to a credit card. Look for annual fees and other charges — like foreign transaction fees and late fees — that can increase the cost of having a credit card. Only choose cards with fees you're willing and able to pay.
Check the interest rate
Some credit issuers charge high interest rates on cards, especially if you have less than stellar credit. Check the card's terms and conditions to view the rate range to help you determine whether you may be awarded a good APR. Paying your balance in full each month will help you avoid costly interest charges.
Pre-qualify when possible
Look for cards that allow you to pre-qualify before applying. Even if you don't qualify for that specific card, the card issuer may direct you to cards that are a better fit.
Questions You May Have About Easy Approval Credit Cards
Knowing which cards are the easiest to get can be a huge benefit if you're considering applying for a credit card. You still have options even if you have poor credit or no credit history. A peek at the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions will help you understand those options and which steps to take next.
Learn More About Credit Cards
About Kevin Payne

sources
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- Chime. "Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card." Accessed October 9, 2022.
- Citi. "Citi Secured Mastercard." Accessed May 17, 2023.
- Capital One. "Preapproval." Accessed October 9, 2022.
- Discover. "Discover Credit Card Pre-Approval Form." Accessed October 9, 2022.
- Indigo Card. "Indigo." Accessed October 9, 2022.
- Oakstone. "Oakstone Gold Secured Mastercard." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Merrick Bank. "Merrick Secure Cards." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Continental Finance. "Surge Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- OpenSky. "Secured Credit Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Discover. "Discover Secured Credit Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Milestone Card. "Milestone Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Capital One. "Spark 1% Classic." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- FNBO. "Business Edition Secured Mastercard." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Capital One. "QuicksilverOne from Capital One." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Petal. "Petal 2 Visa." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Apple. "Apple Card." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Total. "Total Card Visa." Accessed October 10, 2022.
- Discover. "Apply for a credit card online." Accessed October 10, 2022.
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