Are there any credit cards for 400 credit scores?

Yes, there are numerous credit cards to choose from, even with a 400 FICO score. Many of the cards featured on this page and our <a href="https://www.moneygeek.com/credit-cards/secured/">top secured credit card page</a> accept applicants with little to no credit.

Can you get a credit card with a 500 credit score?

Yes, a FICO 500 credit score can get you approved for a new credit card. Based on your score, you may have to apply for a secured credit card, such as the Platinum Secured Mastercard from Capital One .

Are there any good credit cards for 600 credit scores?

Yes, with a FICO 600, you fall into the fair credit score category . These cards begin to offer good benefits and lower fees, such as the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card , which offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back with a $39 annual fee.

What can I do if I’m not approved for any credit cards?

Not everyone who applies for a credit card will be approved. When this happens, you can build your credit score in alternative ways, such as being added as an authorized user on someone else's card or taking out a credit builder loan.

Can store credit cards like those from Best Buy and Home Depot improve your credit score?

Yes, retail credit cards can improve your credit score as long as they report to the three major credit bureaus. Retail cards can only be used at that brand's locations, but they show your ability to make payments on time and stay within your credit limit, which are important factors in your credit score.

Are there rewards cards for people with bad credit?

Yes, many banks offer credit cards designed for people with bad credit. Often, a security deposit will be required to cover your charges in case you do not pay your bill. Some cards will automatically increase your credit line or convert to an unsecured card if you've handled your card responsibly.

How does bankruptcy affect your credit score?

Bankruptcy drops your score immediately into the "very poor" (FICO 300 to 579) category because you are defaulting on your accounts. The bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. Over time, with responsible use of credit, your score will improve.

Can you get a credit card after bankruptcy?

Yes. While bankruptcy does have a profoundly negative effect on your credit score, it is not a financial death sentence. Some banks will approve you for a credit card shortly after your case has been discharged.

Are pre-approved or by-mail credit cards a good idea?

Pre-approved offers can be a good idea because they indicate that you have a good chance of approval for that credit card. Before applying, research other offers because you may find a card that earns more rewards, offers better benefits or has a lower fee.

Do pre-approved credit card offers hurt your credit score?

No. When you receive a pre-approved offer, the bank has used a soft inquiry on your credit, which does not affect your credit score . Only when you submit your application for the offer will a hard inquiry post to your credit report and impact your score.

Can I lie about income on a credit card application?

Most banks do not request verification of the income that is listed on a credit card application. However, if you knowingly report inaccurate data on your application, you are committing fraud. No credit card is worth being convicted of a crime.

Do credit checks look at your bank account?

No, your bank account is not normally listed on your credit report.

Do you need a bank account to get a credit card?

Most banks do not require a bank account to approve you for a credit card. However, having an active bank account at the bank you're applying to can improve your odds of approval. Additionally, having an open bank account makes it easier to pay your credit card bill each month.

Can you actually improve your credit score in 30 days?

Yes. Lowering your utilization ratio (the amount owed versus your credit limit) is one of the quickest ways to improve your credit score . You can do this by paying down your balances or by increasing your credit limits.

What bills help build credit?

Most lenders report to the three major credit bureaus when you borrow money, such as when you take out a car loan, credit card or line of credit. Experian Boost gives consumers credit for other bills, such as phone bills, utilities and popular streaming services.

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit (300-579) in 2023

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

When you have bad credit or are trying to rebuild your credit, getting approved for a credit card can be challenging. About 1 out of every 6 people in the U.S. have a very poor FICO score (300 to 579), so you're not alone. There are many reasons people have poor credit, such as job loss, emergency bills, divorce and economic hardship.

MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 7 Credit Cards for Bad Credit

We’ve selected the top credit cards for bad credit based on multiple factors. For instance, the Citi® Secured Mastercard® charges no annual fee, whereas the Credit One Bank Unsecured Platinum Visa Card for Rebuilding Credit lets you earn cash back on eligible purchases. We’ve also taken other factors such as APRs and added perks into account.

	Card Name	Annual Fee	Security Deposit
1.	Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card	$0	$200
2.	Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card	$0	$200
3.	Citi® Secured Mastercard®	$0	$200
4.	Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card	$36*	$200
5.	Indigo Mastercard	$0–$99*	Not Required
6.	Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card	$0	$49
7.	Milestone® Unsecured Mastercard®	$35 – $99	Not Required

^{Some of the links in the above table will take you to one of our partner's sites where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card.}

ON THIS PAGE:

Best Credit Card Offers for Bad Credit
How to Compare Credit Cards for Bad Credit
How to Build Credit without a Credit Card
Expert Advice & FAQs

Best Credit Card Offers for Bad Credit

We've separated the best credit card offers for bad credit into two types — those that require a deposit and those that do not. Our MoneyGeek experts prepare detailed reviews of every card and include their opinion on the pros and cons of each card's offer and key details of fees and benefits.

Best Secured Credit Cards to Build Credit

The best secured credit cards for bad credit require a refundable security deposit to get approved for the card. In most cases, you can receive a higher credit limit by depositing more money, and your deposit will be refunded when it is converted to an unsecured card or if you close your account.

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.
Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card
A good secured card for building credit and earning rewards
- 18% VariableAPR
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $0Annual Fee
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
We like the Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card because it comes with no annual fees and lets you earn rewards. You earn 1 reward point per dollar spent on purchases. You may redeem your points for cash or statement credit, or to purchase merchandise or gift cards. You reward points remain valid for four years.
Applying for this card requires that you deposit a minimum of $200 in your Navy Federal savings account. If Navy Federal approves your application, it holds the deposited amount in your account to serve as your card’s credit limit. You might qualify for a credit limit increase without needing to pay an additional deposit after the first three months. Navy Federal considers your account for an upgrade to the cashRewards unsecured card after six months from account opening.
Using this card outside of the U.S. does not come with foreign transaction fees. This card also does away with cash advance and balance transfer fees. Additional benefits include free access to your credit score, the ability to freeze/unfreeze your card and rental car coverage.
Pros
Charges no annual fee
Low minimum security deposit
Earn 1 point per dollar on purchases
Redeem reward points in different ways
No foreign transaction fees
Review of account for upgrade to unsecured card after six months

Cons
Cash advance fee at non-Navy Federal branch or ATM
Late/returned payment fee
No annual fees
Earn 1 reward point per dollar
Credit limit increase possible after three months
Possibility of graduating to a secured card after six months
Rental car coverage
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 at CardRatings.com.
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.
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
A good secured credit card for people who wish to build their credit
- 22.45% VariableAPR
- $200Min. Security Deposit
- $36*Annual Fee
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
We feel that the Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card may work well for people who have poor or average credit scores and wish to build their credit. It accepts initial security deposits of $200 to $3,000, making it well within reach of most people. The security deposit you provide doubles up as your credit limit. You may increase your credit limit at anytime by adding more money to your security deposit.
You need to pay a nominal annual fee of $36 for the first year, and you’re billed at $3 per month thereafter. This card reports account activity to the top three credit bureaus each month. It also gives you free access to your FICO Score every month.
Using this card outside of the U.S. might not be in your best interest as it charges a foreign transaction fee.
Pros
Can qualify with poor credit
Accepts $200 to $3,000 as security deposit
Low annual fee
Competitive APR
Reports to the major credit bureaus
Lets you view your FICO Score for free
Regular account reviews to determine if you’re eligible for a credit line increase

Cons
Foreign transaction fee
Cash advance fee
No possibility of upgrading to an unsecured card
First year’s annual fee is $36, and you pay $3 per month thereafter
Pay any amount between $200 and $3,000 as security deposit
Possibility to get a higher credit limit without paying extra security deposit
Choose from five card designs while applying
2% foreign transaction fee
Reports to Equifax, TransUnion and Experian each month
Lets you view your FICO Score for free
$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 cards from our partners.
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

MONEYGEEK QUICK TIP

Secured credit cards are great options for people with limited credit because they only allow for so much spending. Unsecured credit cards, while they have a credit limit, the card will not limit your spending which could cause issues if the cardholder spends beyond their means. Compare the top secured credit cards at our partner site, CardRatings.com.

Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit (No Deposit)

Our choices for the best unsecured credit cards for bad credit allow you to get approved for a new credit card without having to deposit any money. These cards are an excellent choice for people who don't have the ability or desire to make a security deposit.

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.
Milestone® Unsecured Mastercard®
A good unsecured credit card for people with poor or no credit history
- NoneRewards Rate
- 24.90% VariableAPR
- $35 – $99Annual Fee
- None–PoorRecommended Credit
We recommend the Milestone® Unsecured Mastercard® from The Bank of Missouri to people who wish to establish or rebuild their credit without paying a security deposit. Getting prequalified for this card does not affect your credit score in any way. It reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus, so making payments on time may help improve your credit score.
Depending on your specific situation, you may qualify for one of three Milestone cards. These include Gold 300, Gold 301 and Gold 322. The APRs these cards come with remains the same across all three variants, although there is a difference in annual fees. For example, Gold 300 charges $35 as annual fees, whereas you need to pay $59 per year if you get Gold 322.
If you use this card outside of the U.S., you need to pay 1% as foreign transaction fees. Additional benefits come in the form of identity theft protection and $0 liability protection.
Pros
Requires no security deposit
You may apply with no, limited or poor credit
Reports to all three credit bureaus
Low foreign transaction fees
Fraud protection

Cons
Annual fee varies from $35 to $99
High standard APRs on purchases and cash advances
High late and returned payment fees
Apply with poor or no credit history
Need to pay $35 to $99 as annual fees
No security deposit required
Reports to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
Foreign transaction fee of 1%
Mastercard ID theft protection
Zero liability 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.

The Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit at a Glance

_{The links in the table below and the following component will take you to one of our partner's sites where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card.}

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Other Cards to Consider

Secured Credit Cards

Best Cards for No Credit

Credit Cards for Bad Credit

HOW WE RANK CREDIT CARDS APPROVED FOR LOWER CREDIT SCORES

Our experts analyze 57 data points they collect from issuer websites, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and details provided by our partners to make sure we give you the most accurate information possible. They subject all new and existing cards from this segment to our unique ranking methodology that takes multiple parameters into account to arrive at the best of the lot.

Average APR: 20%
Annual Fee: 20%
Credit Needed to Apply: 20%
Cash Back/Rewards Rate: 5%
Late Fees: 2%

How to Compare Credit Cards for Bad Credit

There are many good credit cards available for those with bad credit. If you're looking to build or repair your credit history, it's important to choose a card that best fits your needs and financial situation. So to cut through the noise, you'll want to pay close attention to certain features and criteria that will help you decide which card is right for you. Below are 10 things you should look out for when comparing credit cards:

Application fees

Is there a fee to apply for the credit card or to open your account?

Annual or monthly fees

Does the credit card charge any fees to keep the account open?

Interest rates

What is the interest rate on purchases and balance transfers? Is the card issuer offering a promotional rate for new cardholders? If so, what are the terms?

Security deposit amount

How much does the credit card require as a security deposit, and is it refundable?

Earn rewards on purchases

Does the card earn rewards on your purchases? If so, does it earn cash back, miles or points? Are there any bonus categories or limits on how much you can earn, and do your rewards expire?

Initial credit limit

What is the minimum credit limit, and can you get a higher limit by increasing your security deposit?

Credit limit increases

Does the bank automatically increase your credit limit after you've used the card responsibly? If so, how long until that happens?

Conversion to an unsecured card

Will your secured credit card convert to an unsecured card after you've built good credit habits?

Free credit score

Does the card provide free access to your credit score so that you can monitor your progress towards building your credit history?

Additional benefits

Are there any other benefits when using the card, such as no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection or zero liability for unauthorized purchases?

Types of Credit Cards for Subprime Credit

There are a variety of credit cards available for people who are building their credit. While some require a security deposit, many do not.

Card Type	Description
Secured credit cards	These cards require a deposit to open your account, and the credit limit is equal to your deposit. Many cards, like the Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card, have a minimum security deposit amount but also allow you to deposit more money to receive a higher limit.
Partially secured credit cards	Customers have to provide a security deposit, but the credit limit is more than the security deposit. The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 to receive an initial credit line of $200. Your account may receive a credit limit increase in as little as six months without requiring a larger security deposit.
Unsecured credit cards	Unsecured credit cards do not require a security deposit for approval. The Petal 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa Credit Card has no annual fee and does not require a security deposit.
Store cards	These cards help build your credit by reporting your payments to the credit bureau, but the card can only be used for purchases at that store. For example, the Home Depot card cannot be used to make purchases at Lowe's, Target or a gas station.

OTHER TOPICS ABOUT CREDIT CARDS FOR BAD CREDIT:

>>MORE: STORE CREDIT CARDS VS. TRADITIONAL CREDIT: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

What to Look for in a Card to Help Build Credit More Easily

When looking for a credit card to build your credit, it pays to look at the basic features of each card. Ideally, you'll find a credit card with no annual fee and a low APR on purchases that earns attractive rewards and offers useful benefits, like free access to your credit score.

Good credit cards for bad credit usually have no annual fee, but it is OK to pay a fee if the card earns rewards or includes benefits that make paying the fee worthwhile. You should try to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, but that may not always be possible. If you have to carry a balance over to the next month, having a card with a low APR means that you'll pay less interest than you would on other credit cards that charge a higher interest rate.

Beyond these standard features, you also want to dig deeper into the credit card's details to avoid unfriendly terms and fees.

What to Be on the Lookout For

Hidden fees. While some credit cards do not charge an annual fee, they may charge an application fee or monthly fees.
Grace period. The grace period is the number of days after the statement closes that you have to pay the balance without being charged interest. Longer is better for this feature, and the best credit cards provide a grace period of up to 25 days.
Foreign transaction fees. When you travel internationally or buy something online from another country, banks can charge up to 3% of the transaction amount as a fee. The best credit cards waive this fee completely.

Penalty APR. Paying late or having a payment returned by your bank for insufficient funds can increase your interest rate. But there are some secured credit cards that do not raise your APR if you pay late.
Late fees. How much does the credit card charge if you pay late? Late fees can vary, but most charge about $40 for late payments, but there are a few issuers that waive late fees.
Over-the-limit fees. Because many subprime credit cards have low limits initially, it can be easy for consumers to go over the limit. Pay attention to the fees that the credit card charges and use your credit card sparingly to avoid going over the limit.

4 Tips for Improving Your Credit with Your New Card

Getting a new credit card is the starting point for improving your credit. Now that you've been approved, you must use it responsibly to increase your credit score. Build your score by following these tips:

Make all payments on time
Be sure to make your minimum monthly payment before the due date. Setting up an automatic payment of the minimum due from your bank account ensures you will never miss a payment.
Use the credit card regularly
By making a few small purchases each month and then paying them off quickly, you're showing the bank that you can use the card responsibly. This behavior is usually rewarded with an increased credit limit or upgrading your secured card into one that is unsecured.
Keep your balances low
When the amount you owe is low compared to your credit limit, that can increase your credit score. Consider limiting your purchases to only the amount that you can pay in full each month.
Avoid fees and penalties
Whenever the bank charges a fee or penalty, it is that much harder to keep your balances low and pay off your balance each month. Avoid late payment fees, over-the-limit fees and other fees to keep your money in your pocket.

Other Ways to Build/Rebuild Credit Without Getting A Credit Card

While getting approved for a new credit card is a popular way to build credit, it is not the only way to do so. There are several alternatives available that will help you build your credit history so that you can get a new card in the future.

Alternatives to Building Credit without a Card

Use a credit builder loan. Credit builder loans are similar to a traditional loan, but the payout is at the end. You pay monthly payments for a period of time. Then, when the term is over, you receive a check for the loan amount. These lenders charge a small fee for the service and report to the credit bureaus to show your positive payment history.
Rent payment services. While most landlords do not report rent payments to the credit bureaus, some companies do so for a fee. When you sign up for one of these services, your positive rent payment history can help you build your credit.

Get added as an authorized user. By adding your name as an authorized user on someone else's credit card, you'll benefit from their payment history and responsible use of the card. Because you can make purchases against their credit limit and the account owner is responsible for your charges, this can be a risky decision for them.
Turn on Experian Boost. Experian Boost allows payments to telephone companies, utilities and select streaming services to report to your credit report. There is no fee for this service, but it only affects your Experian credit history.

Continue Learning

About Lee Huffman

Lee Huffman spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager before quitting his corporate job to write full-time in 2018. Lee has been writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance, and other personal finance topics since 2012. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less, and live better through the power of travel rewards. When Lee is not getting his passport stamped around the world, he's researching methods to earn more miles and points towards his next vacation.

Lee's writing can be found on many popular travel and credit card websites such as The Points Guy, Investopedia and NerdWallet. You can follow Lee's travels at BaldThoughts.com or listen to his weekly travel podcast at WeTravelThere.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.