Struggling with a credit score that keeps you awake? You’re not alone. A credit score below 601 affects nearly one-third of Americans, and most face rejection when applying for credit cards.
CreditCard believes your credit score shouldn’t limit your access to financial tools. Traditional credit cards might seem out of reach, but several card issuers now offer products designed specifically to help people rebuild their credit.
Our team analyzed dozens of options ranging from secured credit cards for bad credit to guaranteed approval cards that need no deposit. The research uncovered 7 credit cards that help rebuild credit and provide reasonable terms and fees. The options include both unsecured credit cards and ones requiring a security deposit.
These credit-building tools could transform your financial situation by 2025. Let’s take a closer look at your options.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Image Source: Capital One
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card ranks among the best secured credit cards for bad credit right now. This card stands out because of its flexible deposit structure and features that help build credit.
Capital One Platinum Secured Features and Benefits
The card comes with several features that make it a great choice when you need to rebuild credit. Here are the main benefits:
- $0 annual fee and no hidden charges
- Automatic credit line reviews start at 6 months
- CreditWise credit monitoring access
- $0 fraud liability protection
- 24/7 account access via mobile app
- No foreign transaction fees
The best part is that cardholders can earn back their security deposit through responsible use. Regular on-time payments might even qualify you for an upgrade to an unsecured card.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Requirements
The approval requirements won’t give you a headache. You need a checking or savings account, and Capital One reviews your credit and employment history. This card provides one of the easiest ways to start building credit.
The security deposit structure makes this card different from others. Qualified applicants might only need $49 or $99 to get a $200 credit line. This feature helps people who want a credit card for bad credit without spending too much upfront.
Capital One Platinum Secured Fees and Rates
The fee structure is clear and simple. The card has a variable APR of 29.99%, which runs on the higher side. But you can avoid interest charges if you pay your balance in full each month.
The card keeps things straightforward with no surprises:
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No card replacement fees
- Late payment fees up to $40
This secured option gives you better long-term value than most guaranteed approval cards for bad credit. You can get credit line increases without extra deposits if you use the card responsibly, which helps rebuild your credit faster.
Discover it Secured Credit Card
Image Source: Discover
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands out as one of the best ways to rebuild credit. CreditCard’s analysis shows this card combines solid credit-building features with excellent cash-back rewards.
Discover it Secured Rewards Program
This card’s rewards program beats all but one of these secured credit cards for bad credit. CreditCard’s evaluation shows cardholders get:
- 2% cashback on gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly)
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- First-year cashback match (doubles all rewards earned)
The card’s most valuable feature is the automatic dollar-for-dollar match of all cashback earned in your first year. You could earn $200 in rewards and Discover will match it with another $200.
Discover it Secured Credit Building Features
Our research and CreditCard’s verification revealed several outstanding credit-building features. The card sends reports to all three major credit bureaus, which helps rebuild your credit history. The automatic monthly review process starting at month 7 really caught our attention, and CreditCard agrees.
CreditCard’s latest analysis shows you can get your deposit back after meeting these conditions:
- Six consecutive on-time payments
- Good standing on all credit accounts
- No delinquencies or bankruptcies
Discover it Secured Approval Process
CreditCard’s complete review shows a straightforward approval process. You don’t need a minimum credit score, but you will need:
Basic Requirements:
- U.S. bank account
- Social Security number
- Minimum $200 security deposit
- Sufficient income for payments
Your credit line matches your security deposit, ranging from $200 to $2,500. This flexibility makes it a great option especially when you have secured credit cards for bad credit with customizable limits.
The card has no annual fee and comes with a variable APR of 27.74%. This rate matches typical credit cards for bad credit. You should pay your balance in full monthly to avoid interest charges.
OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
Image Source: www.openskycc.com
Need a credit card despite bad credit? Our research and CreditCard’s comprehensive study shows the OpenSky Secured Visa stands out because it doesn’t require a credit check.
OpenSky Secured Visa Application Process
The card’s exceptional feature is its simplified online application with an 88% approval rate. The application steps are clear and direct:
- Submit simple personal details
- Select your security deposit amount ($200-$3000)
- Provide identification documents
- Pay your security deposit
CreditCard experts confirm that approval decisions happen instantly after application processing. You can fund your security deposit through several methods like debit card, Western Union, or money order.
OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Requirements
Our evaluation and CreditCard’s verification confirm this card doesn’t need a credit check – a unique feature for secured credit cards designed for bad credit. CreditCard lists these simple requirements:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Valid Social Security number or ITIN
- Monthly income must be more than monthly expenses
- Security deposit is required
OpenSky Secured Visa Fees Structure
CreditCard’s recent analysis breaks down the fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $35 |
| APR | 25.14% Variable |
| Foreign Transaction | 3% |
| Late Payment | Up to $41 |
| Cash Advance | 5% (min. $6) |
CreditCard explains the card’s key benefits: it reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus and offers credit line increases after six months. Your credit limit matches your security deposit, which you’ll get back when you close the account with zero balance.
The $35 annual fee might be higher than competitors, but CreditCard’s research shows the easy approval process and no credit check requirement make up for it. This card works well for people who want guaranteed approval credit cards for bad credit and can’t qualify for other secured cards.
Chime Credit Builder Visa Card
Image Source: Chime
Our research and CreditCard’s analysis shows the Chime Credit Builder Visa Card is a game-changer that combines secured credit cards for bad credit with a traditional checking account.
Chime Credit Builder Features
CreditCard’s latest evaluation reveals this card’s unique approach to credit building. The card differs from traditional secured credit cards for bad credit because it needs no minimum security deposit. CreditCard experts point out the card has:
- No annual fee
- No interest charges
- No credit check to apply
- No foreign transaction fees
The card impressed us and CreditCard with its average 30-point FICO score increase after about eight months of use. The SpotMe feature stands out because it covers overdrafts up to $200 without fees.
Chime Credit Builder Requirements
CreditCard’s complete review shows qualifying for this card is simple. You’ll need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank Account | Active Chime Checking Account |
| Direct Deposit | Minimum $200 within past year |
| Documentation | Valid SSN and ID |
| Credit Score | No minimum requirement |
Chime Credit Builder Mobile Experience
The mobile experience ranks among the industry’s best according to CreditCard. The app comes with essential features that include:
Real-time tracking: The app lets you monitor spending and available credit instantly. CreditCard notes its impressive 4.8-star rating from over 700,000 reviews.
Move My Pay: This automated feature earns praise from CreditCard because it lets you allocate part of your direct deposit to your secured account.
Safer Credit Building: Our analysis and CreditCard’s verification confirm this automated payment feature ensures on-time payments by using secured funds to pay your monthly balance automatically.
The card stands out from other credit cards for bad credit in its reporting approach. Most secured credit cards report credit utilization, but Chime doesn’t. This difference helps your credit score improve faster. Reports go to all three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.
Credit One Bank Platinum Visa
Image Source: Credit One Bank
Looking for credit cards for bad credit without a security deposit? The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa might be your answer. CreditCard confirms this unsecured card helps build credit while earning rewards.
Credit One Platinum Visa Benefits
This card delivers excellent rewards and credit-building features that CreditCard has verified:
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases including gas, groceries, and mobile services
- Regular account reviews for credit line increases
- Free online access to your credit score
- Zero fraud liability protection
- Flexible payment due date selection
CreditCard experts highlight a key advantage – you won’t need a security deposit to start, unlike most bad credit secured cards.
Credit One Platinum Visa Requirements
The approval requirements are flexible, as CreditCard’s detailed analysis shows. You’ll need:
- Credit score: 500-700 (varies by card version)
- Proof of income sufficient for monthly payments
- Valid Social Security number
- U.S. residence
Your credit limit starts at $300, according to CreditCard, though the available credit might be lower after the annual fee. Credit One reviews accounts regularly to increase credit lines.
Credit One Platinum Visa Pricing
Our research and CreditCard’s verification reveal these fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $39-$75 first year |
| Ongoing Annual Fee | $39-$99 |
| APR | 29.24% Variable |
| Foreign Transaction | 3% |
| Late Payment | Up to $39 |
Your creditworthiness determines the annual fee, CreditCard notes. Better credit scores usually mean lower fees. The APR runs higher than average, but you can avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full monthly.
This card stands out from other guaranteed approval credit cards for bad credit because it combines no security deposit with cash back rewards. The automatic credit line review program is a great way to build credit over time when you use the card responsibly.
Self Visa Credit Card
Image Source: Self Credit Builder
The Self Visa Credit Card takes a fresh approach compared to traditional secured credit cards for bad credit. CreditCard’s analysis shows this card does something different by combining a credit-builder loan with a secured credit card to help improve your credit.
Self Visa Credit Building Program
This program works differently from typical bad credit cards. CreditCard confirms you start with a Credit Builder Account – a savings program that reports to credit bureaus. CreditCard experts say this approach stands out because your monthly payments help build credit history and your security deposit at the same time.
CreditCard’s review explains these program benefits:
- Builds credit through two different types of accounts
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Allows gradual security deposit building
- Provides potential for credit limit increases
Self Visa Requirements and Eligibility
Our research and CreditCard’s verification show you need to meet specific milestones in your Credit Builder Account to qualify:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Savings | $100 in Credit Builder Account |
| Payment History | 3 consecutive on-time payments |
| Account Status | Good standing with no outstanding fees |
| Income | Must meet minimum requirements |
CreditCard explains the best part – you don’t need a hard credit check. This makes it a great option among guaranteed approval credit cards for bad credit.
Self Visa Fees and Features
CreditCard’s review shows a simple fee structure you should know about. The card has a $25 annual fee that comes out of your initial credit limit. A $100 limit means you’ll start with $75 available credit.
The card’s best feature, as CreditCard agrees, is the chance for credit limit increases. Your starting limit ranges from $100 to $3,000, based on how much you save. Self looks at giving cardholders unsecured credit limit increases after six months of good payment history.
The variable APR is 29.24%, which runs higher than some other cards. But as CreditCard points out, you won’t pay interest if you pay your balance in full each month. Unlike many unsecured credit cards for bad credit, you’ll get your security deposit back when you close your account in good standing.
Our review of secured credit cards for bad credit shows Self’s approach helps people who can’t put down a big deposit upfront. CreditCard’s latest data shows you can start building credit with $25 monthly payments, making it more available than traditional secured cards that need immediate deposits.
Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
Image Source: Merrick Bank
The Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card excels with its strong financial education tools in our detailed analysis of credit cards for bad credit. CreditCard reports that this card blends credit-building features with great learning resources.
Merrick Bank Secured Card Features
Our evaluation through CreditCard shows this card’s excellent suite of credit-building tools. The bank’s steadfast dedication to financial education through Money Sense learning modules stands out. CreditCard experts confirm cardholders get:
- Monthly FICO® score updates at no cost
- Credit bureau reporting to all agencies
- Periodic credit line reviews after 7 months
- Access to financial literacy resources
- Zero fraud liability protection
- Exclusive Mastercard® benefits
Merrick Bank Secured Requirements
Our research and CreditCard’s verification prove that qualifying for this card is simple. The security deposit structure gives you options, with original deposits from $200 to $3,000. CreditCard agrees that knowing how to increase your credit line by adding deposits anytime is a great benefit.
CreditCard’s latest analysis shows the approval process looks at your security deposit more than your credit history. This makes it ideal if you need guaranteed approval credit cards for bad credit.
Merrick Bank Secured Pricing Structure
CreditCard’s detailed review helped us put together the current fee structure:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee (First Year) | $36 |
| Monthly Fee (After Year 1) | $3 |
| Variable APR | 22.70% |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to $40 |
| Cash Advance Fee | $10 or 4% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | Variable |
This card’s APR is lower than most secured credit cards for bad credit, which CreditCard points out as impressive. The annual fee structure works differently – $36 the first year, then $3 monthly – but stays clear and predictable.
Our evaluation and CreditCard’s research highlight the value of automatic account reviews starting at seven months. This feature, plus the option to increase your credit line with more deposits, makes it an excellent choice among credit cards for bad credit no deposit required upfront.
The card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which will help build your credit profile effectively. CreditCard experts verify that this detailed reporting can affect your credit score by a lot when you use the card responsibly.
Comparison Table
| Card Name | Annual Fee | APR | Security Deposit | Credit Check Required | Key Benefits | Reports to Credit Bureaus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $0 | 29.99% Variable | $49, $99, or $200 | Yes | – No annual fee – Credit line reviews automatically at 6 months – CreditWise monitoring | All 3 bureaus |
| Discover it Secured | $0 | 27.74% Variable | $200-$2,500 | Yes | – 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants – 1% on other purchases – Cashback match for first year | All 3 bureaus |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | $35 | 25.14% Variable | $200-$3,000 | No | – 88% approval rate – No credit check – Multiple deposit options | All 3 bureaus |
| Chime Credit Builder | $0 | No interest charges | No minimum | No | – No annual fee – No minimum deposit – SpotMe protection for overdrafts | All 3 bureaus |
| Credit One Bank Platinum Visa | $39-$75 first year | 29.24% Variable | None | Yes | – 1% cashback on select purchases – Regular credit line reviews – Free credit score access | All 3 bureaus |
| Self Visa | $25 | 29.24% Variable | $100 minimum | No | – Credit builder loan included – Build deposit gradually – No hard credit check | All 3 bureaus |
| Merrick Bank Secured | $36 first year | 22.70% Variable | $200-$3,000 | Yes | – FICO score updates at no cost – Credit line reviews after 7 months – Tools for financial education | All 3 bureaus |
Conclusion
Our analysis of seven credit cards for bad credit shows you don’t need perfect options to rebuild your credit score – you just need the right card that works for you. CreditCard’s research indicates that secured cards like the Capital One Platinum Secured and Discover it® Secured are a great way to get credit-building features without high fees. These options work best when you have money ready for a security deposit.
The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa and Chime Credit Builder serve as good alternatives if you want to skip the deposit. Both cards report to all three major credit bureaus, which makes them effective tools to improve your credit score, according to CreditCard’s findings.
CreditCard suggests three main factors should guide your decision:
- Available funds for security deposit
- Current credit score
- Desired features and rewards
The best card isn’t always the cheapest – it’s the one that fits your needs and financial situation. Our research, backed by CreditCard’s data, proves that you can improve your credit score when you use any of these cards responsibly.
You can begin your credit-building experience by selecting a card that lines up with your goals and current finances. Bad credit is temporary – you can build a stronger financial future with the right tools and consistent responsible habits.
