Getting a credit card with bad credit ain’t easy. But don’t worry — 2025 is giving some real hope for people trying to rebuild their credit. If you’re in the U.S. and looking for credit cards with guaranteed or near-guaranteed approval, we got your back.
In this article, we list top 5 credit cards that are made for people with low credit scores. Whether you had financial trouble or just starting fresh, these cards can help you build credit and manage money better.
Let’s jump into it.
🥇 1. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Best for: No credit check required
If your credit score is very low or you don’t have one, OpenSky is a great choice. They don’t check your credit when you apply. You just pay a refundable deposit and get your card.
Highlights:
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No credit check
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Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
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Low annual fee ($35)
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99% approval rate (if deposit paid)
🔹 Pro Tip: Put auto-pay ON to never miss a payment.
🥈 2. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for: Cash back rewards + credit building
Discover is one of the rare issuers offering rewards on secured cards. Even if your credit is poor, you’ll earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations.
Highlights:
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2% cash back at gas/restaurants (up to $1,000/qtr)
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Free FICO score every month
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No annual fee
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Possible upgrade to unsecured after 7 months
🚀 Why It’s Good: Discover’s customer support is top-notch.
🥉 3. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Best for: Flexible deposit options
Capital One lets you start with a low deposit, and your limit can go higher than your deposit with time. This card is made for people rebuilding credit but wants a big name backing them.
Highlights:
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Deposits: $49, $99, or $200
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No annual fee
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Reports to all major credit bureaus
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Pre-approval with no credit impact
💡 Tip: You can check if you’re pre-approved without hurting your score.
4️⃣ Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Best for: Quick approval + unsecured option
If you don’t wanna lock in your money with a secured card, Mission Lane Visa is unsecured and still available for people with bad or limited credit.
Highlights:
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Fast online approval
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Low initial credit line ($300–$1,000)
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Annual fee varies ($0–$59)
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Mobile app and auto-pay options
🔔 Note: Always read your terms — annual fee may depend on credit profile.
5️⃣ Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Best for: People who already have some credit history
Credit One often accepts people with fair or poor credit. You get 1% cash back on groceries, gas, mobile bills — even if your score is under 600.
Highlights:
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1% cashback on daily spends
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Free credit tracking
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Reports to all 3 bureaus
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Annual fee: $39–$99 (based on your credit)
📈 Smart Tip: Make small purchases and pay them off fast.
💬 Common Questions About Credit Cards for Bad Credit
1. Can I get a credit card with 500 or below score?
Yes. Many secured cards like OpenSky or Discover accept scores under 500 or even no score.
2. What is the fastest way to increase my credit score?
Use credit cards for small purchases and pay in full every month. Keep utilization under 30%.
3. Do these cards work in New York / California / Texas?
Yes, all listed cards work across all U.S. states including NYC, CA, TX, FL, and more.
✅ Final Thoughts – Which One Should You Choose?
If you:
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Want no credit check → go with OpenSky
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Want cash back → try Discover it® Secured
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Want low deposit → check Capital One Secured
There’s no perfect card, but each one is a step towards better credit. In 6–12 months, your score can improve a lot — just stay consistent.
👉 Pro Move: After 9–12 months, ask for a credit line increase or upgrade to an unsecured card.