Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For in 2024

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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 Secured Credit Card, are open to people with no credit history and may be easier to qualify for than cards with specific credit requirements.

Secured Credit Cards

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.

fairCredit icon
FICO CREDIT SCORES

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 Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
On Issuer's Site

APR
29.99% variable
Min. Security Deposit
$49
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

APR
N/A
Min. Security Deposit
$200
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)
Citi® Secured Mastercard®

APR
27.74% variable
Min. Security Deposit
$200
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)

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®

Rewards Rate
N/A
APR
24.90% variable
Annual Fee
$0-$99
Recommended Credit
300 – 670 Bad to Fair
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card

APR
22.70% variable
Min. Security Deposit
$200
Annual Fee
$36 the first year. Billed $3 dollars per month th...
Recommended Credit
N/A
creditCards icon
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

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 Limited or Fair Credit

As your credit score increases, so too do your options. Here are some cards that have slightly higher credit score expectations but are still fairly accessible to those with less-than-stellar credit.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

APR
25.14% variable
Min. Security Deposit
$200
Annual Fee
$35
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)
Discover it® Secured Credit Card

APR
27.74% variable
Min. Security Deposit
$200
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
(No Credit History)
Milestone Mastercard® - $700 Credit Limit

APR
See terms*
Rewards Rate
N/A
Annual Fee
See terms*
Recommended Credit
300 – 670 (Bad to Fair)

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
Credit Card logo for Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on e...
APR
29.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
580 – 740 (Fair to Good)

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.

    creditApproved icon

    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.

    checkList icon

    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.

    excellentCredit icon

    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.

  1. 1
    Check your credit

    Knowing where your credit score stands will guide you toward cards you're most likely to get approved for when applying.

  2. 2
    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.

  3. 3
    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.

  4. 4
    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.

  5. 5
    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.

FAQs 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.

What store credit cards are easy to get with bad credit?

What credit score do you need for a credit card?

What American Express card is easiest to get?

What Citi card is easiest to get?

What Chase card is easiest to get?

What is easy-access credit?

Why can't I get approved for a credit card?

About Kevin Payne


Kevin Payne headshot

Kevin Payne is an award-winning finance writer and the founder of FamilyMoneyAdventure.com, specializing in credit cards, banking and student loans. His works have been published on Forbes Advisor, The Ascent and Investing Answers. He also writes personal finance content for MoneyGeek.

Payne is in the process of completing his Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.