Top 5 Credit Cards for Bad Credit
If your credit score is low or damaged, getting approved for a credit card can feel impossible. But in the USA, several banks offer credit cards specially designed for people with bad credit — no perfect score required.
These cards help you rebuild your credit score, report your payments to the three major bureaus, and give you a second chance at financial stability.
This guide covers the top 5 credit cards for bad credit in 2025, including fees, deposit amounts, approval rules, and who each card is best for.
Discover it® Secured
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card — Best Overall
Why it's best:
This is the #1 secured card in the USA for rebuilding credit because it offers cash-back rewards — something most bad-credit cards don’t provide.
Key Benefits:
No annual fee
Reports to Experian, Equifax & TransUnion
Cashback rewards on every purchase
Free FICO® score updates
Path to upgrade to an unsecured card
Deposit Required: $200 minimum
Best For: People who want rewards while improving credit
Capital One Platinum Secured
2. Capital One Platinum Secured — Lowest Deposit Option
Why it's great:
Unlike most cards, Capital One lets you start with as little as $49, even if your credit score is low.
Key Benefits
No annual fee
Refundable deposit options: $49 / $99 / $200
Credit line review after 6 on-time payments
Reports to the 3 major bureaus
Best For: Applicants who have bad credit but limited cash for deposit
OpenSky Secured Visa
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® — No Credit Check Approval
Why it stands out:
Most credit cards check your credit score before approval, but OpenSky does not. That makes it the easiest card to get if your score is under 550.
Key Benefits:
No credit check required
Online approval in minutes
Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
$35 annual fee
Best For: People with very low scores or past denials
4. Self Credit Builder + Visa Card — Builds Savings + Credit
Unique Feature:
Instead of requiring a deposit upfront, Self lets you save money month-to-month, and after a few payments, you can unlock a secured credit card using your savings.
Key Benefits:
No hard credit check
Low monthly payments (starting $25)
Helps build both credit and savings
Reports to major credit bureaus
Ideal for beginners with bad credit
Best For: People who want credit improvement + money discipline
Petal® 1 Visa Credit Card
5. Petal® 1 Visa Credit Card — No Deposit Required
Why it's included:
Petal uses cash-flow underwriting, which means it checks your banking habits — not your credit score.
Key Benefits:
No annual fee
No security deposit
Designed for people with bad or no credit
Cashback rewards available
Best For: People wanting no deposit + easy approval
Comparison Chart
Which Card Should You Choose?
User Type Best Card
Want rewards while rebuilding Discover it® Secured
Have low savings for deposit Capital One Platinum Secured
Very poor credit / past denials OpenSky® Secured Visa®
Want discipline + savings Self Credit Builder
Don’t want to pay any deposit Petal® 1 Visa
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How to Use These Cards to Improve Your Score Fast
✔ Pay on time every month
✔ Keep balance below 10%
✔ Don’t apply for too many cards
✔ Monitor your credit report
✔ Increase credit limit after 6 months
Following these steps can boost your credit score 60–120 points in 2025.
FAQ + CTA
FAQs
Q: Can I get a card with a 500 credit score?
Yes. OpenSky and Petal approve users with very low credit.
Q: How fast will my score improve?
Usually within 3–6 months of responsible use.
Q: Do secured cards really work?
Yes — they are the most reliable way to rebuild credit in the USA.
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Final Verdict
Bad credit is not the end — it’s a beginning.
If you pick the right secured card and pay responsibly, you can:
Rebuild trust with lenders
Qualify for premium cards later
Access low-interest loans
Gain financial freedom in the USA
Start today, stay consistent, and your credit score will follow.
