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Our best cards for bad credit may not always suit your financial situation. Compare other cards for building credit until you find the right pick for your situation.
Input your current credit card balance and interest rate to calculate your potential savings.
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This article was reviewed by Marguerita Cheng, a member of the Finder Editorial Review Board and award-winning advocate for ethical financial planning for over 20 years.
The best credit card for bad credit is often the one you can get approval for. To help you navigate to the right card, our credit card experts spent hundreds of hours comparing and reviewing cards. The six cards we ranked as our top 2021 picks offer the most-needed benefits for bad credit including, low credit score requirements, reporting to major credit bureaus and low fees.
Annual Fee | $35 |
---|---|
Purchase APR | 17.39% variable |
Balance transfer APR | N/A |
Welcome offer | N/A |
Rewards | N/A |
★★★★★
Annual Fee | $0 to $99 |
---|---|
Purchase APR | 24.9% fixed |
Balance transfer APR | N/A |
Welcome offer | N/A |
Rewards | N/A |
Annual Fee | $0 |
---|---|
Purchase APR | 22.99% variable |
Balance transfer APR | 22.99% variable |
Welcome offer | N/A |
Rewards | 1x points on all purchases |
Annual Fee | $0 |
---|---|
Purchase APR | 22.99% variable |
Balance transfer APR | 10.99% intro for the first 6 months (then 22.99% variable) |
Welcome offer | Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first card year |
Rewards | 2% back on gas and dining up to $1,000 combined each activated quarter, then 1% after that and on all other purchases |
Annual Fee | $0 |
---|---|
Purchase APR | 27.49% variable |
Balance transfer APR | N/A |
Welcome offer | $$10 Amazon.com gift card upon account opening |
Rewards | 5% back at Amazon.com |
Having a bad credit score limits your financial tool options, meaning you can only get subprime credit cards. In this case, getting the right credit card is paramount to building your credit. Here’s what to consider when comparing credit cards for bad credit:
The application process for cards for bad credit is usually the same as with any other card:
Note: Some card providers let you prequalify. This shows you your chances of approval. However, there’s no guarantee that your application will be approved even if the chances of approval are high.
In this case, you can try calling your card provider and ask for reconsideration. Another alternative is to apply for credit cards with no credit check. This way your credit score won’t take a hit and your card application will most likely be approved.
If your application was rejected, it also may mean you need a higher credit score to qualify. There are a variety of ways to improve your credit score without a credit card. For example, some landlords and property management companies will allow you to establish credit or improve your credit by reporting your timely rent payment to the three major credit reporting bureaus.
There are a few ways to maximize your chances of approval for a credit card for bad credit.
While a bad credit score is limiting, it doesn’t stop you from utilizing credit. Here are some options suited to those with poor credit:
This is a great way to rebuild your credit history provided the issuer reports to the three major bureaus — and most secured cards do — and provided you pay off your card on time.
Although you can build your credit with this type of card, there are some card features to keep an eye on, which may hinder your credit-building efforts. For example:
Ultimately, a bad credit rating can significantly impact your lifestyle, making it difficult to get a car, a home loan or other forms of credit. If you find yourself in such a position, don’t despair. Work on improving your credit rating and managing your finances so that you can live debt-free.
Compare secured credit cards for one that best fits your current financial situation.
Kliment Dukovski is a credit cards writer. He's written over 600 articles to help readers find and compare the best credit cards. Kliment has also written on money transfers, home loans and more. Previously, he ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange, stock market trading and cryptocurrencies.
A store card you can use exclusively at the Horizon Outlet online store.
Use these credit card combinations to boost your rewards earnings.
Teach your kid to save, spend and give wisely with this prepaid debit card and mobile app.
A small business credit card that automatically donates your cashback rewards to charities.
The Stash debit card earns fractional shares as rewards, but balances don’t earn interest.
Both Chase Sapphire cards now offer an astounding welcome offer value for a limited time.
A minor step up from the standard Capital on Tap card.
A business line of credit is a useful tool. But as a startup, you may not qualify for the best interest rates with most lenders. Explore your options — and alternatives — for flexible funding as a new business.
Thinking of going digital? This one’s for you.
Deserve and Seneca Women’s new credit card will reward you for shopping with women-owned businesses.
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finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.