Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit (2024)

Be sure to read the most current terms and details before applying for any card.

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2024 (No Denial Guaranteed)

Searching for top credit card options for bad credit in 2024? If you have a low score or are starting over, it’s possible to get approved for a card—often with no credit check and clear, simple steps. Here’s a guide to top choices, tips to maximize your odds, and must-know info about credit cards with bad credit and true “no credit check cards.”

Top Picks: Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2024

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

• • Annual Fee: $0

  • Approval Odds: Excellent, no minimum score

  • Perks: 2% cash back at gas stations/restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), 1% elsewhere, matches all first-year cash back, reports to all bureaus.

  • Best for: No annual fee, real rewards, credit-building.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

• • Annual Fee: $0

  • Deposit: Starting at $49 for a $200 limit

  • Approval Odds: Very high for bad/limited credit

  • Perks: Refundable deposit, auto-considered for limit increases in 6 months, no hidden fees, reports to all bureaus.

  • Best for: Lowest deposit, fast improvement.

3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

• • Annual Fee: $35

  • Credit Check: None—true “no credit check” card

  • Deposit: $200 minimum

  • Perks: No bank account required, easy approval, reports to all bureaus.

  • Best for: No credit check cards—great for rebuilding or first-timers with rough credit.

4. Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card

• • Annual Fee: $0

  • Credit Check: None

  • Deposit: No upfront security deposit (you move money from Chime account)

  • Perks: No fees or interest, automatic payments, reports to all bureaus.

  • Best for: No deposit, no fee credit builder with simple setup.

5. Current Build Card

• • Annual Fee: $0

  • Credit Check: None

  • Deposit: No security deposit

  • Perks: Credit building for every swipe, no APR, access for nearly all credit scores, reports to bureaus.

  • Best for: No denial risk, easiest setup.

Other Notable Cards

• Self Visa® Secured Card: No hard check, $25 annual fee, good for rebuilding.

• First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured: Low interest, reports to all bureaus.

• Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit: Unsecured option, but higher fees and rates—use with caution.

Approval Tips for Credit Cards With Bad Credit

• Choose pre-approval or no credit check cards. Options like OpenSky, Chime, and the Current Build Card don’t require a hard pull to apply, so you can apply risk-free.

• Prefer cards that report to all credit bureaus. This is key to rebuilding your credit profile and moving up to unsecured cards.

• Be realistic about deposits. Secured cards often require a deposit, but many start at $200 or can go lower.

• Avoid high-fee, “guaranteed approval” unsecured cards if possible. Secured cards are safer, usually cost less, and provide a real path to credit improvement.

• Pay on time, every month. On-time payments are the fastest way to boost your credit, no matter which card you choose.

• Consider upgrading later. Some cards review your progress and may allow you to upgrade to unsecured versions after demonstrated good habits.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Q1. What are the your best credit cards for bad credit with the highest approval odds?

Secured credit cards and “no credit check” options offer some of the best chances for approval—even if your credit score is low or you have no credit history.

• • Recommended secured cards: Discover it® Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured
  • Top no credit check cards: OpenSky® Secured Visa®, Chime Credit Builder Visa®, and Current Build Card
  • Secured cards require a refundable deposit, which usually determines your credit limit. “No credit check” cards don’t require a credit inquiry—approval is based on your deposit, not your credit score.

Q2. Can I really get a credit card with bad credit and no credit check?

Yes. Cards like OpenSky® Secured Visa®, Chime Credit Builder Card, and Current Build Card do not require a credit check for approval.

• • As long as you can provide the security deposit, approval is generally quick and easy.
  • These options are especially helpful if you’ve been denied for other cards or want to start rebuilding your credit right away.

Q3. Will these cards help rebuild my credit?

Absolutely—as long as the card reports your paymenthistory to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).

• • Use the card regularly for small purchases.
  • Always pay at least the minimum amount by the due date to keep your payment history positive.
  • Keeping your account balances low (relative to your credit limit) will maximize your score improvement.

Q4. Should I avoid unsecured cards for bad credit?

Yes, in most cases.

• • Most unsecured cards are designed for people with bad credit have high annual or monthly fees, very low credit limits, and high interest rates.
  • Secured cards are generally less expensive and offer better terms.
  • If you can’t qualify for a secured card or don’t have the cash for a deposit, then an unsecured card might be worth considering—but be sure to read the fine print.

Q5. How soon can I qualify for unsecured cards after my score improves?

With responsible use, you may qualify for unsecured (regular) cards in as little as 6–12 months.

• • Make all payments on time.
  • Keep your card balances low.
  • Many secured cards offer pathways to “graduate” to unsecured cards after a period of good behavior.
  • As your score improves, shop around for better rates and terms, and consider upgrading once you have multiple offers to choose from.

Take control of your credit journey:

Pick the card that fits your situation best, build healthy financial habits, and watch your options grow as your credit improves. If you have more questions, drop them below—we’re here to help you build better credit!