Easy Approved Credit Cards With Low Credit Lines

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 10 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.

Scroll for more

Oakstone Platinum Secured Mastercard
Navy Federal Credit Union nRewards Secured
Oakstone Gold Secured Mastercard
Merrick Bank Secured Visa

^{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.}

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.

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card

A good secured credit card with no annual fees and interest
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- Unspecified APR
- $0 Annual Fee
- $200 Min. Security Deposit
We recommend the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card for people who wish to build their credit histories without paying any annual fees. However, you need to open a Chime checking account and ensure that it has at least one qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 in order to apply for this card.

Any amount you transfer from your Chime checking account into your Credit Builder account becomes your card's credit limit. While you pay no annual fees or interest, you need to pay off your balances in full each month. Using this card outside of the U.S. is perfect because it charges no foreign transaction fees.

This card reports your payments to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. As a result, making payments on time might help build your credit score. Besides, since this card does not come with a predetermined credit limit, it does not factor in the calculation of your credit utilization ratio.
Pros
- No credit needed
- No annual fees
- No international fees
- No maintenance fees
- No interest
Cons

Checking account needed

Credit limit is based on money you move to the account

No rewards and introductory offers
- $0 annual fee
- No APR
- 0% foreign transaction fee
- Mobile app
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.
Oakstone Platinum Secured Mastercard

An excellent secured credit card with no credit score requirement
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- $49 Annual Fee
- $200 Min. Security Deposit
- 3 # of Reporting Bureaus
- 9.99% APR
We recommend the Oakstone Platinum Secured Mastercard for people who wish to build their creditworthiness because it reports cardholders' payment histories to the nation's top three credit bureaus. This card comes with a competitive APR on purchases and has no penalty rate. However, you need to pay an annual fee of $49. If you use this card outside of the U.S., you'll need to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee.

You may choose to get a credit line of $200 to $5,000, provided you're able to pay the corresponding amount as a security deposit.

You may apply for this card even if you have a discharged bankruptcy listed in your credit bureau file. In addition, it comes with no minimum credit score requirement.
Pros
- Security deposit and corresponding credit line may vary from $200 to $5,000
- Competitive APR on purchases
- Reports to top three credit bureaus
- No minimum credit score requirement
- Lets you apply even if you have a discharged bankruptcy
Cons

Annual fees

Foreign transaction fees

Late and returned payment fees
- Comes with a credit limit of $200 to $5,000, which you need to provide as a security deposit
- Apply with no credit history or if you have a discharged bankruptcy ruling in your credit report
- Low variable APR on purchases
- Annual fee of $49
- 3% foreign transaction fees
- Reports payment history to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax
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.
Navy Federal Credit Union nRewards Secured

A good secured card for building credit and earning rewards
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- $0 Annual Fee
- 18.00% APR
- $200 Min. Security Deposit
- 1 Point per $1 Rewards Rate
We like the Navy Federal Credit Union nRewards Secured 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.
Oakstone Gold Secured Mastercard

A secured credit card meant for people with poor or no credit histories
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- $39 Annual Fee
- $200 Min. Security Deposit
- 3 # of Reporting Bureaus
- 13.99% APR
You may benefit by getting the OakStone Gold Secured Mastercard if you wish to build or rebuild your credit because it accepts applications from people who have poor or no credit histories. Applying for this card does not involve a credit inquiry. Instead, OakStone looks at your income and ability to make payments to arrive at a decision.

You may provide a security deposit of $200 to $5,000 and the same serves as your card's credit limit. This card reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus, so using it in the right manner helps improve your credit score.

This card comes with a $39 annual fee. Using it outside of the U.S. is not a good idea as it charges a foreign transaction fee. While you might request expedited processing of your application, this service comes with an added fee.
Pros
- Apply with poor or no credit history
- Reports to all three credit bureaus
- Credit limit of $200 to $5,000
- No credit inquiry when you apply
Cons

Requires a security deposit

Annual fee of $39

Foreign transaction fee of 3%

High late payment fees

Expedited processing service fee of $19.95
- $39 annual fee
- Apply with poor or no credit history
- Reports to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
- Credit limit varies from $200 to $5,000
- 3% foreign transaction fee
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.
Best credit card for building credit with no or limited credit history
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- $0 Annual Fee
- $200 Min. Security Deposit
- 3 # of Reporting Bureaus
- 22.49% APR
If you're looking to build up credit for the first time but are having trouble getting approved for other cards, Citi's Secured Mastercard could be your ticket to building a worthwhile credit score fast.

It features no annual or other incessant fees, and it allows you to access up to $2,500 of credit. Your credit limit is based on your initial deposit. As a secured credit card, this requires a $200 minimum deposit within 14 days of creating your account.

Once you open your account and make your deposit, you'll benefit from a plethora of tools to help you build a quality credit score in no time. These include an auto-pay function and other financial planning tools, as well as free access to your FICO score.

Most importantly, this card reports to all three major credit bureaus. So with several months of responsible use, you'll start to see improvements to your credit score across the board. You can also use the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, so it's not difficult to make purchases throughout the month and see that score improve when you pay on time.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Can use the card anywhere
- Multiple management options
- Additional financial tools, auto-pay, etc.
- Monthly reports to all three credit bureaus and free FICO score access
Cons

No major rewards

High APR
- Requires $200 security deposit minimum. Must pay the deposit within 14 days of opening account
- $2,500 maximum deposit
- Credit limit is equal to deposit
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.
Assent Platinum 0% Intro Rate Mastercard Secured Credit Card

Best for those looking for a credit-boosting card with a 0% intro APR
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- $49 Annual Fee
- $200 Min. Security Deposit
- 3 # of Reporting Bureaus
- 12.99% APR
We recommend the Assent Platinum 0% Intro Rate Mastercard Secured Credit Card issued by Synovus Bank to individuals who wish to build or rebuild their credit. You may provide any amount between $200 and $2,000 as your refundable security deposit, and the same will serve as your credit limit.

Getting this card might work well for you if you wish to make a purchase that you plan to pay off within a few months. This is because it comes with an intro 0% APR offer on purchases for the first six months.

Making your payments on time and using a small percentage of your credit limit can help improve your credit score as this card reports your payment history to the top three credit bureaus. You need to pay a $49 annual fee for as long as your account remains active. You also have to pay foreign transaction fees if you use your card outside of the U.S.
Pros
- Low credit requirement
- 0% intro APR for 6 months
- Low APR after the intro period
- High credit line
Cons

Annual fee of $49

High security deposit

3% foreign transaction fee
- Requires a refundable security deposit of at least $200
- Regular credit reports to all three bureaus
- Credit line of up to $2,000
- Cash advance of $10 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Up to $40 late payment fee
- Credit score requirement: 300+
- 24/7 online access to your account
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.
Merrick Bank Secured Visa

A good secured credit card for people who wish to build their credit
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- $36* Annual Fee
- $200 Min. Security Deposit
- 3 # of Reporting Bureaus
- 17.45% APR
We feel that the Classic Secured Visa Credit Card from Merrick Bank 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.
Capital One Platinum Secured Card

Best secured card for building credit on a budget
- Limited-Poor Credit Needed
- $0 Annual Fee
- $49–$200* Min. Security Deposit
- 3 # of Reporting Bureaus
- 26.99% APR
There's a lot to like about the Platinum Secured Card from Capital One, starting with the budget-friendly lack of annual, monthly or foreign transaction fees and a 25-day grace period if you forget to pay your bill.

While the Capital One Platinum Secured Card does require a refundable security deposit, Capital One generously allows you to get a $200 line of credit with as little as a $49 deposit if you qualify. If you make more than that minimum deposit, you could instantly get a credit limit of up to $1,000.

Perhaps most importantly of all, the Platinum Secured Card from Capital One allows you to access a higher credit limit in just six months if you make your payments on time. Do that, and this card will serve as a great way to boost your credit score by reducing credit utilization.
Pros
- Great if you have limited or bad credit
- No annual fee
- 25-day grace period
- Good for building credit
- Easy to get a higher credit limit
- Online access for easy managing/monitoring
- Millions of acceptable card locations worldwide
Cons

APR is a bit high

No extra rewards

Credit check required
- Requires an initial security deposit of at least $49
- Regular credit reports to all three bureaus
- Initial credit lines start at $200
- Cash advance of $10 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Up to $40 late payment fee
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.

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 Unsecured Mastercard

A good unsecured credit card to build or rebuild credit
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- $0–$99* Annual Fee
- 3 # of Reporting Bureaus
- 24.90% APR
You may consider applying for the Indigo Unsecured 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 Unsecured 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.
Milestone Unsecured Mastercard

A good unsecured credit card for people with poor or no credit history
- None-Poor Credit Needed
- $35 – $99 Annual Fee
- 3 # of Reporting Bureaus
- 24.90% APR
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.

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.}

Sorry. We were not able to load data for table...

Other Cards to Consider

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

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 Visa,
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 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.

>>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:

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.
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.
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.
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

*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.
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.

lopezcates1999.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.moneygeek.com/credit-cards/bad-credit/