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

Requirements to get approved for a store credit card vary between stores. Generally, store credit cards feature higher interest rates and are only rewarding if you're a regular shopper at the store.

What credit score do you need for a credit card?

Credit score requirements vary between cards and card issuers. Generally, you need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 - 850) to qualify for most rewards credit cards. There are credit cards for individuals with fair credit (FICO score of 580 to 669) or bad credit. (FICO score of 300 - 579) Secured credit cards rely on a security deposit instead of a credit check for approval, making them a popular option for individuals with limited or no credit.

What American Express card is easiest to get?

American Express credit cards are often more difficult to qualify for than other credit cards. Generally, American Express cards require good to excellent credit to receive approval.

What Citi card is easiest to get?

The Citi Secured Mastercard is the easiest Citi card to get. You can qualify for the card with little to no credit history. The card carries a $200 minimum security deposit. Citi reports card payments to the three credit bureaus, giving cardholders an opportunity to build their credit over time.

What Chase card is easiest to get?

Most Chase credit cards require at least good credit to receive approval. You will need to meet credit and other issuer requirements to qualify for a Chase credit card.

What is easy-access credit?

Easy access credit generally refers to short-term loans with higher interest rates. Payday loans and other short-term loans are often considered an option for individuals who need access to money quickly or don't qualify for other types of credit. This type of credit differs from instant approval credit cards, which typically require meeting an issuer's credit requirements. Instant approval cards often provide additional benefits for consumers, like fraud protection and credit score monitoring.

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

Card issuers rely on underwriting standards to determine an applicant's creditworthiness. If your application is denied, it could be that you don't meet the credit or other requirements for that specific card.

Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For in 2023

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

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

ON THIS PAGE:

What Are the Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved For?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?
MoneyGeek’s Tips to Get Approved for a Credit Card
Questions You May Have About Easy Approval 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.

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
Best secured card for low deposit and potentially high credit limit
- 30.49% VariableAPR
- $49Min. Security Deposit
- $0Annual Fee
- Limited – BadRecommended Credit
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a valuable tool for those starting their credit journey. This stepping stone secured card offers straightforward credit-building, with a low security deposit, no annual fee and regular reporting to major credit bureaus. However, its high APR underscores the importance of responsible spending and timely repayments. If you're just starting out with credit, or find yourself starting again, this card may be the right first step to take as you build your credit and get access to broader options.
Pros
No annual fee
Reports to three major credit bureaus
Potentially low security deposit
Potentially outsized credit limit
No penalty APR

Cons
High variable APR
Low maximum credit limit
Requires a credit check
Security deposit: $49 to $200 (based on your credit)
Credit limit: $200 to $1,000 (based on your deposit)
No annual fee
No penalty APR
Late payment fee up to $40
Access to higher credit limit after 6 months of on-time payments
No foreign transaction fees
Reports to three major credit bureaus
Access to CreditWise® credit alerts
Terms, rates and fees apply
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Unique credit-building card with no annual fee or interest
- UnspecifiedAPR
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $0Annual Fee
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
The Secured Chime® Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card offers a unique approach to credit-building with no credit checks, annual fees, or APR. You can potentially get a high credit limit on this card, tied to the funds in your associated account, which offers financial flexibility. Chime® reports to major credit bureaus with one notable exception: it doesn't report credit utilization, which is a unique approach to support your credit growth if you're working with a low credit limit. Requirements, like setting up a Chime® Checking Account with direct deposit, and lack of upgrade options or rewards, are factors to consider but not necessarily dealbreakers. Overall, it's an intriguing option for responsible credit builders.
Pros
No credit check to apply
No annual fees
No security deposit required
No foreign transaction fees
No APR
Reports everything but credit utilization to major credit bureaus

Cons
Requires checking account set up with direct deposit
Credit limit based on money you move to the account
No rewards
No introductory offer
No annual fees
No credit check required
Credit limit up to $10,000, equal to the amount deposited in your account
Application requires a Chime® Checking Account set up with a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more
No APR
Reports to major credit bureaus, except for credit utilization
No upgrade option to unsecured card
No foreign transaction fees
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated credit cards.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Best credit card for building credit with no or limited credit history
- 27.74% VariableAPR
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $0Annual Fee
- None–LimitedRecommended Credit
While this card has few bells and whistles, that's true of most secured credit cards. What makes the Citi® Secured Mastercard® stand out is the potential for a relatively high initial credit limit (equal to your deposit). Maintaining a low balance on a card with a reasonably high credit limit may help you build credit faster by allowing for a healthy credit utilization ratio. Plus, you won't have to pay an annual fee for this card.
Pros
No annual fee
Reasonable minimum security deposit
High credit limit available (equal to deposit)
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Free FICO score access

Cons
No rewards
Minimal cardholder benefits
High APR
Credit limit cannot surpass deposit amount
No annual fee
Security deposit from $200 to $2,500
Initial credit limit equal to deposit
Credit limit is equal to deposit
Regular APR 27.49% (variable)
Penalty APR up to 29.99% (variable)
Upgrade to unsecured card after 18 months of on-time payments
Foreign transaction fee of 3%
Late payment fee up to $41
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other cards that are great for people with bad to limited credit.

>> MORE: Best First Credit Cards for No 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®
A good unsecured credit card to build or rebuild credit
- NoneRewards Rate
- 24.90% VariableAPR
- $0–$99*Annual Fee
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
You may consider applying for the Indigo® Mastercard® if you have less-than-perfect credit. Making payments on time and not using too much of your available credit gives you the ability to build your credit score because this card reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus. Prequalifying for this card does not have an effect on your credit score.
The Indigo® Mastercard® comes in three variants; Plat-602, Plat-603 and Plat-604. The annual fee you need to pay depends on the version for which you qualify and varies from $0 to $99. This card finds global acceptance, although using it outside of the U.S. comes with a 1% foreign transaction fee. You get basic Mastercard benefits too.
Pros
Plat-604 comes with no annual fees
No need to provide security deposit
Apply with no/limited/poor credit history
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Prequalification does not affect credit score
Low foreign transaction fees
$0 liability and identity theft protection

Cons
First year’s annual fee of $75 for Plat-602, $99 thereafter
$59 annual fee for Plat-603
High standard APRs
Steep late/returned payment fees
High cash advance fees
Apply with no, limited or poor creditworthiness
Pay $0 to $99 as annual fees
Does not require security deposit
Reports payment history to TransUnion, Equifax and Experian
1% foreign transaction fee
Zero liability protection
Mastercard ID theft protection
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated cards from our partners.
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card
Best credit card for training good financial habits
- 22.45% VariableAPR
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $36*Annual Fee
- PoorRecommended Credit
The Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card is an accessible and rewarding secured credit card. It requires an initial deposit of at least $200. But once you make that deposit, you have the potential to double your line of credit without having to make another deposit at all.
Just make your monthly payments on time for seven months in a row without a hiccup. After the seventh billing cycle is complete, Merrick will automatically double your line of credit to $400.
Furthermore, those on-time payments will be reported directly to the three big credit bureaus, allowing you to build your credit over time. You can check your credit score regularly thanks to free FICO access, which is included with your account.
Other benefits include fraud liability protection and a host of online budgeting tools. All in all, this secured credit card is a perfect pick for folks looking to rebuild their credit and who want to build good financial discipline – there’s an attractive reward waiting at the end of seven months!
Pros
Reports to all three credit bureaus each month
Free FICO score access
$0 fraud liability protection
Lets you quickly double your credit limit

Cons
APR can be high
Foreign transaction fees
Deposit $200 initially. Following on-time payments for 7 months, credit line is doubled to $400 w/o requiring another deposit
$36 annual fee for the first year., billed at $3 dollars per month thereafter.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other secured credit cards from our partners.

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.

>>MORE: Best Credit Cards for Bad 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
Great secured card with no credit check
- 22.64% (Variable)APR
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $35Annual Fee
- None–FairRecommended Credit
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card stands out as a strong contender for individuals focused on improving their credit health. With no credit check, this card removes a major obstacle for those with low or no credit score, offering a stress-free gateway to credit improvement. With a reasonably low APR compared to other secured cards, it's a potential money-saver even with a modest annual fee. Lastly, consideration for a higher credit line after six months without additional deposits offers increased purchasing power and assists in keeping your credit utilization low. This card offers a balanced blend of flexibility, affordability, and opportunities for credit growth.
Pros
No credit check required
Wide security deposit range
Access to higher credit line after 6 months with no additional deposit
Reports to three major credit bureaus
Relatively low APR

Cons
Annual fee of $35
Foreign transaction fees
No rewards
Inactive account fee
No credit check required
Security deposit: $200 to $3,000
Credit limit equal to deposit - you can increase by adding to your deposit
Access to higher credit line after 6 months, no additional deposit required
Annual fee of $35
Reports to all credit bureaus
Late payment fee of up to $38
Foreign transaction fee of 3%
Inactive account fee of $10 after 12 months of inactivity
Terms, rates and fees apply
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
A good no-annual-fee secured card for earning cash back and building/rebuilding credit
- 28.24% VariableAPR
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $0Annual Fee
- Limited–PoorRecommended Credit
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card might work well for people who wish to build or rebuild their creditworthiness and earn cash back in the process. Not having to pay any annual fees is a plus. What also helps is Discover reviews your account after seven months to determine if you qualify for a refund of your security deposit and an upgrade to an unsecured card.
The security deposit you need to provide can be as low as $200. Discover reports your payment history to the top three credit bureaus, giving you the ability to improve your creditworthiness. All cardholders get free access to their updated credit scores each month.
This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to a combined total of $1,000 each quarter. You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. Using this card outside of the U.S. is perfect because it does away with foreign transaction fees.
Pros
No annual fees
Up to 2% cash back
Security deposit can be as low as $200
Low intro APR offer on balance transfers
Reports to the top three credit bureaus
Automatic review for converting to unsecured card after seven months

Cons
Maximum security deposit is $2,500
Balance transfer fees
No annual or foreign transaction fees
Security deposit may vary from $200 to $2,500
10.99% APR for six months on balance transfers that post to your account by August 10, 2023, then a variable APR of 27.99% after that
Earn 2% cash back on total spending of up to $1,000 at gas stations and restaurants every quarter
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
Redeem cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit into your bank account, when checking out through Amazon.com or when paying via PayPal
3% balance transfer fees
Discover automatically reviews accounts for security deposit refunds after seven months
Reports to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax
Free access to credit score
$0 fraud liability
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated credit cards.
Milestone Mastercard® - $700 Credit Limit
An ideal card for rebuilding your credit without paying a security deposit.
- NoneRewards Rate
- See terms*APR
- See terms*Annual Fee
- Fair–GoodRecommended Credit
We feel the Milestone Mastercard® - $700 Credit Limit is a great option for people who wish to rebuild their credit without paying a security deposit. As long as you use this card in the right manner, you can see its positive effect on your credit reports issued by the three major credit bureaus. Besides, pre-qualifying for the card does not affect your credit score.
Since this is a Mastercard-affiliated card, you may use it globally. Fraud protection ensures that you are not held responsible for charges you do not make.
Pros
Ideal for rebuilding credit
Does not require a security deposit
Reports to three major credit bureaus

Cons
Creditworthiness-based annual fees
Foreign transaction fees
Penalty APR may apply when you make a late payment
Applying for this card does not require a security deposit.
It reports your payment history to three major credit bureaus and helps build your creditworthiness.
Annual fees you end up paying depend on your credit score.
It comes with fraud protection.
It offers 24/7 online account management.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated cards from our partners.

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
A great no-annual-fee business card with cash back for those with fair credit.
- 1% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 30.49% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Limited – FairRecommended Credit
We love the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business because it gives small business owners with fair credit the ability to earn 1% cash back on all purchases. In addition, you earn 5% cash back when you use this card to book hotel stays and rental cars through Capital One Travel.
What makes this business card for fair credit particularly worthy of attention is it charges no annual fees. However, using this card to carry forward balances from one month to the next is not a good idea because it comes with a reasonably high APR.
Using this card outside of the U.S. is ideal because it does not charge foreign transaction fees. This applies to the primary card as well as employee cards, which you may get for free.
Pros
No annual fees
May qualify with fair/average credit
5% cash back through Capital One Travel
1% cash back on all other purchases
Free employee cards

Cons
High APR
No early spend bonus
Pay no annual and foreign transaction fees
Earn 5% cash back on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
No limit to the cash back you may earn
Choose your own due date
Get free employee cards with customized spending limits
Set up automatic payments
Receive year-end summaries
Benefit through roadside assistance
$0 fraud liability
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.

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

>>MORE: How Long Does It Take to Get a Credit Card?

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.

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.

About Kevin Payne

Kevin Payne is a personal finance writer specializing in credit cards, banking, and student loans. He is a regular contributor to Forbes Advisor, The Ascent, Investing Answers, and Student Loan Planner. Kevin is the budget and family travel expert behind FamilyMoneyAdventure.com.

*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.