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Credit Cards

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2026

Rebuild your credit score with these top credit cards for bad or fair credit. Secured and unsecured options with low fees and credit-building features.

4 products reviewedUpdated March 2026
Editor's Pick
#1

Discover it Secured Credit Card

4.6
Apply Now
Best for: Best overall secured card for bad credit

Pros

  • 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants
  • Cashback match in first year
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Requires $200 minimum deposit
  • Lower acceptance than Visa/Mastercard
  • No option to choose your own deposit amount freely
#2

Capital One Platinum Secured Card

4.4
Check Eligibility
Best for: Low deposit requirement

Pros

  • Deposit as low as $49 for $200 limit
  • Automatic credit line reviews
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • No rewards program
  • No intro APR offer
  • Higher ongoing APR
#3

Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa

4.3
Learn More
Best for: No credit check needed

Pros

  • No annual fee, no interest charges
  • No credit check to apply
  • Reports to all three credit bureaus

Cons

  • Must have Chime checking account
  • No rewards program
  • Spending limited to account balance
#4

OpenSky Secured Visa Card

4.0
Apply Now
Best for: Flexible deposit amounts without credit check

Pros

  • No credit check required
  • Choose deposit from $200-$3,000
  • Reports to all three bureaus

Cons

  • $35 annual fee
  • No rewards program
  • No mobile app

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a credit card with a 500 credit score?

Yes. Secured credit cards are designed for low credit scores. You provide a refundable security deposit (usually $200-$500) which becomes your credit limit. Using the card responsibly helps rebuild your score over time.

How long does it take to rebuild credit with a secured card?

Most people see meaningful credit score improvement within 6-12 months of responsible use. Key factors include making on-time payments, keeping utilization below 30%, and not applying for too many cards at once.

What is the difference between secured and unsecured cards?

Secured cards require a refundable security deposit that serves as your credit limit. Unsecured cards do not require a deposit but may have higher fees or interest rates for those with bad credit. Both report to credit bureaus and help build credit.

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