Personal Finance Credit Cards
Written by Holly Johnson; edited by Katherine Fan; reviewed by Angela Fung
- Best for Rewards and Card Upgrade
- Best for 1.5% Cash Back
- Best for Flexible Bonuses
- Best for Dining and Takeout
- Best for Everyday Expenses
- Best for Students
- Best for Extra Cash Back
- Best for Low Deposit
- How to Choose a Credit Card for Bad Credit
- FAQs
- Why You Should Trust Us
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews.
The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
Introduction to Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Having a low credit score can make it hard to get approved for the best credit cards and other types of loans. Even if you do, you'll often have higher variable interest rates and less favorable loan terms than applicants with excellent credit.
Believe it or not, credit cards can boost your credit score if used responsibly. Credit card issuers report your financial activity to the three credit bureaus, so you can build credit with a credit card by paying off the outstanding balance on time in full each month.
Secured credit cards are specifically geared toward consumers with low credit. They're backed by a deposit of your own money, so there's less risk of default for the issuer and more incentive for you to pay them off so you can get your money back. Many secured card issuers will review your usage history after a few months and automatically offer you an upgrade to an unsecured credit card if you have been timely and consistent in repayment each month.
This guide explores some of the best credit cards to consider if you have poor or low credit, whether you're starting from scratch or are working on rebuilding your credit.
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit of July 2024
- Best for rewards and potential upgrade: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Best for 1.5% cash back: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for bonus categories: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
- Best for dining and takeout: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card
- Best for everyday expenses: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
- Best for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Best for increasing cash back: Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
- Best for low deposit requirements: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Compare the Top Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
On Discover's website
Insider’s Rating
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.6/5
Perks
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
28.24% Variable
Intro Offer
Unlimited Cashback Match™ – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
New/Rebuilding
Pros
- Offers cash-back rewards, which isn't a given for secured credit cards
- Discover matches cash back after your first account year
Cons
- Other secured cards let you start with lower minimum security deposits
- You must fund the security deposit from a bank account
Insider’s Take
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is worth considering if you're new to credit or are working on rebuilding your score, since it's unlikely you'll be approved for any of the best credit cards on the market. It's unique because it earns strong rewards when most other secured credit cards do not.
Discover it Secured Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- No credit score required to apply.
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's website
Insider’s Rating
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.88/5
Perks
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase with a refundable $200 minimum deposit.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
Limited, No History
Pros
- Earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limits
- You can get approved for this card with limited credit
- Ability to increase credit line and potential to improve credit score with responsible use
Cons
- No welcome bonus
- Because it’s a secured credit card, you’ll have to put down a security deposit for your initial credit line
- High APR if you carry a balance
Insider’s Take
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice if you're new to credit cards and working on building your credit history and score. It's a rare secured credit card that offers decent rewards, but you'll have to put down a deposit after you're approved to secure your credit line.
Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
Insider’s Rating
Business Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.88/5
Perks
Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores and restaurants). Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.24% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Pros
- Great cash-back earning rates with the ability to choose your own 5% categories
- Build credit with responsible use over time and you may be able to automatically graduate to a non-secured card
- No annual fee
Cons
- Requires a security deposit ($300 minimum)
- 5% cash back categories capped at $2,000 in combined spending per quarter
- No welcome bonus
Insider’s Take
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card can help you improve your credit score while earning up to 5% cash back on expenses like fast food and cell phone bills.
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card
Insider’s Rating
Business Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
4/5
Perks
Earn 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery. Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations and EV charging stations. Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.24% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Pros
- Great earning rates on dining, gas, streaming, and groceries
- Build credit with responsible use over time and you may be able to automatically graduate to a non-secured card
- Annual streaming credit
Cons
- Requires a security deposit ($300 minimum)
- No welcome bonus
Insider’s Take
The $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card is an above-average secured credit card, with high earning rates in extremely common spending categories and a $15 annual statement credit to reimburse streaming purchases.
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Insider’s Rating
Business Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.88/5
Perks
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings. Earn 2% cash back when shopping at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. You’ll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%. Earn 1% cash back from all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
28.24% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Pros
- Choose your own 3% cash back category each month
- Build credit with responsible use over time and you may qualify to have your security deposit returned
- No annual fee
Cons
- Requires a security deposit ($200 minimum)
- 3% and 2% cash back categories are capped at $2,500 in combined spending per quarter
- No welcome bonus
Insider’s Take
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is unusual because it's one of the few secured credit cards that allow you to earn cash back — and even choose your 3% cash-back category. And with responsible use over time, the card can help you improve your credit score.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Discover it® Student Cash Back
On Discover's website
Insider’s Rating
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.8/5
Perks
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR for six months on purchases
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable
Intro Offer
Unlimited Cashback Match™ - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Fair/New to Credit
Pros
- From July 1 to September 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back atWalmart and grocery stores on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
- Discover matches your cash back after the first year
Cons
- Not the most rewarding cash-back card for non-bonus purchases
Insider’s Take
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great choice if you're a student with limited credit history and want to earn a strong rate of cash back on your everyday spending without paying an annual fee.
Discover it Student Cash Back review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Insider’s Rating
Business Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3/5
Perks
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.24% - 32.24% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Pros
- No fees
- Earn 1% cash back on every purchase. Earn 1.25% back after making six on-time payments. Then, earn 1.5% back after making 12 on-time payments on your card
- You can build credit with responsible credit use
Cons
- N/A
Insider’s Take
If you have a limited credit history, the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card, issued by WebBank, may be easier to qualify for. The card doesn't charge any fees and offers between 1.00% - 1.50% cash back on everyday purchases, making it one of the best credit cards for bad credit. If you've already got a good credit score, though, you should consider a different rewards credit card with better earnings and benefits.
Petal 2 Visa Credit Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
On Capital One's website
Perks
No annual or hidden fees. Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
Limited, Bad
Pros
- Minimum deposit ($49) is lower than with some other secured cards
- You can be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit
Cons
- No rewards
Insider’s Take
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a good choice for folks who are new to credit or rebuilding their credit score. Because it's a secured credit card, you'll have to put down a security deposit — but its minimum deposit is lower than that of many similar cards.
Platinum Secured Credit Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
- Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Credit Cards for Bad Credit Reviews
It's hard to get a credit card if you have poor credit, because issuers are hesitant to offer money they worry will not be paid back. However, some issuers understand the struggles you may be facing and are eager to court your business, whether through rewards on everyday spend or by offering low security deposit requirements and easy approval.
These are the best credit cards for bad credit in 2024, according to Business Insider's team of credit card experts.
Best For Rewards and Card Upgrade: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best secured credit cards on the market today, because not only is there no annual fee, but you also get the opportunity to earn rewards. You'll need to put down a cash deposit to get started, and you'll secure a line of credit equal to that amount that you can use to begin building a responsible credit history.
If you use your card responsibly, you can also get your deposit back when you close or upgrade your account in good standing. Automatic reviews start at seven months to see if Discover can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
In terms of rewards, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card lets you earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%), plus 1% back on all other purchases. Even better, Discover will match all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year through the Discover Cash Back Match program.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card also gives you a free FICO score on your monthly credit card bill, and you can use this information to monitor your score as you improve your credit over time.
Discover it Secured Credit Card Review
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
On Discover's website
Insider’s Rating
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.6/5
Perks
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Intro Offer
Unlimited Cashback Match™ – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
New/Rebuilding
Pros
- Offers cash-back rewards, which isn't a given for secured credit cards
- Discover matches cash back after your first account year
Cons
- Other secured cards let you start with lower minimum security deposits
- You must fund the security deposit from a bank account
Insider’s Take
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is worth considering if you're new to credit or are working on rebuilding your score, since it's unlikely you'll be approved for any of the best credit cards on the market. It's unique because it earns strong rewards when most other secured credit cards do not.
Discover it Secured Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- No credit score required to apply.
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Best for 1.5% Cash Back: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a secured credit card that earns a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limits. This is a great card for folks with a fair credit score or limited credit history (less than three years) including students, people new to the U.S., or authorized users on someone else's credit card — or those who have defaulted on a loan in the past five years.
To receive a $200 credit line, you'll need to make an initial minimum deposit of $200, but depending on your creditworthiness you could get approved for a higher credit line with a larger deposit. You may be eligible for a higher credit limit after as little as six months of on-time payments.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Card Review
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's website
Insider’s Rating
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.88/5
Perks
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase with a refundable $200 minimum deposit.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
Limited, No History
Pros
- Earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limits
- You can get approved for this card with limited credit
- Ability to increase credit line and potential to improve credit score with responsible use
Cons
- No welcome bonus
- Because it’s a secured credit card, you’ll have to put down a security deposit for your initial credit line
- High APR if you carry a balance
Insider’s Take
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice if you're new to credit cards and working on building your credit history and score. It's a rare secured credit card that offers decent rewards, but you'll have to put down a deposit after you're approved to secure your credit line.
Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Best for Choosing Bonus Categories: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card shares most of the features of its big sibling, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card , except it doesn't come with a welcome bonus and requires a security deposit. Because it's a secured card, you'll need to put down a deposit of $300 to $5,000 after you're approved, and that amount becomes your credit limit.
This card is a great choice if you want to maximize your rewards earning by choosing your own bonus categories. You can earn 5% cash back in two eligible categories of your choice, on up to $2,000 in combined spending each quarter (then 1%) from the following list:
- Fast food
- Home utilities
- TV, internet, and streaming services
- Department stores
- Electronic stores
- Cell phone providers
- Sporting goods stores
- Furniture stores
- Movie theaters
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Ground transportation
- Select clothing stores
In addition, cardholders can choose one "everyday" 2% cash back category from grocery stores, gas stations, EV charging stations, or restaurants. All other purchases earn 1% cash back, with no limits.
It's unusual to see a no-annual-fee secured credit card with such high earning rates, so if the card's categories match up with your spending, it's an excellent choice. US Bank also says that if you spend within your credit limit and pay your bill on time to build your credit, you may be able to automatically "graduate" to the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. Upon graduation, your security deposit will be returned. After that, you'll get back your security deposit.
US Bank Cash Plus Secured Credit Card Review
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
Insider’s Rating
Business Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.88/5
Perks
Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores and restaurants). Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.24% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Pros
- Great cash-back earning rates with the ability to choose your own 5% categories
- Build credit with responsible use over time and you may be able to automatically graduate to a non-secured card
- No annual fee
Cons
- Requires a security deposit ($300 minimum)
- 5% cash back categories capped at $2,000 in combined spending per quarter
- No welcome bonus
Insider’s Take
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card can help you improve your credit score while earning up to 5% cash back on expenses like fast food and cell phone bills.
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Best for Dining and Takeout: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card
If you spend a lot on dining, the no-annual-fee U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card is hard to beat. Cardholders earn 4x points on takeout, food delivery, and dining, 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, and gas stations (including EV charging), and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Each point is worth 1 cent toward travel, merchandise, gift cards, cash back, or statement credits through the card's online rewards portal. The card also offers the opportunity to earn an automatic $15 credit each year when you pay for eligible streaming services for 11 consecutive calendar months.
Again, this card is most similar to the non-secured U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card , except it doesn't offer a welcome bonus and requires a security deposit of $300 to $5,000 (which becomes the amount of your credit limit). And with responsible use, you may be able to convert to the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card and have your security deposit returned in the future.
US Bank Altitude Go Secured Credit Card Review
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card
Insider’s Rating
Business Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
4/5
Perks
Earn 4X points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery. Earn 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, gas stations and EV charging stations. Earn 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.24% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Pros
- Great earning rates on dining, gas, streaming, and groceries
- Build credit with responsible use over time and you may be able to automatically graduate to a non-secured card
- Annual streaming credit
Cons
- Requires a security deposit ($300 minimum)
- No welcome bonus
Insider’s Take
The $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card is an above-average secured credit card, with high earning rates in extremely common spending categories and a $15 annual statement credit to reimburse streaming purchases.
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Best for Everyday Expenses: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is another good option for maximizing your rewards earnings. You'll earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and can earn 3% cash back on up to $2,500 in spending each quarter (combined with 2% categories, then 1%) in one category you pick from the following list:
- Gas
- Online shopping
- Dining
- Travel
- Drug stores
- Home improvement/furnishings
All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
This card is an especially good choice if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, because depending on your rewards tier, you could earn anywhere from 25% to 75% more rewards for your spending.
Because it's a secured card, you'll have to put down a security deposit (minimum $200), the amount of which will become your credit limit. Bank of America says it will periodically review your account and based on your overall credit history, you may be able to have your security deposit returned.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card Review
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Insider’s Rating
Business Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.88/5
Perks
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings. Earn 2% cash back when shopping at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. You’ll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%. Earn 1% cash back from all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
28.24% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
New/Rebuilding
Pros
- Choose your own 3% cash back category each month
- Build credit with responsible use over time and you may qualify to have your security deposit returned
- No annual fee
Cons
- Requires a security deposit ($200 minimum)
- 3% and 2% cash back categories are capped at $2,500 in combined spending per quarter
- No welcome bonus
Insider’s Take
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is unusual because it's one of the few secured credit cards that allow you to earn cash back — and even choose your 3% cash-back category. And with responsible use over time, the card can help you improve your credit score.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Best for Students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
The Discover it Student Cash Back is specifically geared to students with limited credit history, so it may be considerably easier to qualify for when compared to other unsecured credit cards. You won't pay an annual fee for this card, and you won't pay a late fee on your first late payment.
You can also earn rewards with the Discover it Student Cash Back by enrolling each quarter to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in quarterly rotating bonus categories (then 1%), and 1% back on all other purchases (from July 1 to September 30, 2024, earn 5% cash back atWalmart and grocery stores on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%). Like with its other cash-back credit cards, Discover will also match all the rewards you earn the first year.
Discover it Student Cash Back Card Review
Discover it® Student Cash Back
On Discover's website
Insider’s Rating
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3.8/5
Perks
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR for six months on purchases
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.24% Variable
Intro Offer
Unlimited Cashback Match™ - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Fair/New to Credit
Pros
- From July 1 to September 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back atWalmart and grocery stores on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
- Discover matches your cash back after the first year
Cons
- Not the most rewarding cash-back card for non-bonus purchases
Insider’s Take
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great choice if you're a student with limited credit history and want to earn a strong rate of cash back on your everyday spending without paying an annual fee.
Discover it Student Cash Back review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Best for Increasing Cash Back: Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Cardis a step up from the Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card and is designed for consumers with limited credit histories who need help building credit. This card comes with no annual fee and no hidden fees, yet it's a Visa credit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide. Not only that, but you may be able to qualify for a credit limit of up to $10,000 based on your credit profile, and you'll earn rewards on your spending.
Cash back on eligible purchases is initially offered at 1%, but you'll graduate to earning 1.25% back after six on-time payments then 1.5% back once you've made 12 on-time payments on your card. This credit card also works in conjunction with a handy app that helps you track your spending and set a budget for the month, and usage of the app is also free.
Petal 2 Visa Credit Card Review
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Insider’s Rating
Business Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
3/5
Perks
Earn up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments. Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Earn 2% - 10% cash back at select merchants.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.24% - 32.24% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
No credit and limited credit to Excellent
Pros
- No fees
- Earn 1% cash back on every purchase. Earn 1.25% back after making six on-time payments. Then, earn 1.5% back after making 12 on-time payments on your card
- You can build credit with responsible credit use
Cons
- N/A
Insider’s Take
If you have a limited credit history, the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card, issued by WebBank, may be easier to qualify for. The card doesn't charge any fees and offers between 1.00% - 1.50% cash back on everyday purchases, making it one of the best credit cards for bad credit. If you've already got a good credit score, though, you should consider a different rewards credit card with better earnings and benefits.
Petal 2 Visa Credit Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Best for Low Deposit Requirement: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
If you don't want to put down a big security deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is worth a look. You can start with a $49, $99, or $200 security deposit to open your account (with a credit line of $200). You'll also have the option to increase your initial credit line by depositing more than the minimum amount, up to a maximum limit of $1,000.
The card doesn't earn rewards, but it doesn't have many fees either. After you show responsible use of your card over time, Capital One may consider upgrading you to the regular Capital One Platinum Card and return your security deposit.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card comes with a few perks like $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges, CreditWise, Card Lock, 24/7 customer service, and AutoPay features.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Review
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
On Capital One's website
Perks
No annual or hidden fees. Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% Variable
Intro Offer
N/A
Recommended Credit
Limited, Bad
Pros
- Minimum deposit ($49) is lower than with some other secured cards
- You can be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit
Cons
- No rewards
Insider’s Take
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a good choice for folks who are new to credit or rebuilding their credit score. Because it's a secured credit card, you'll have to put down a security deposit — but its minimum deposit is lower than that of many similar cards.
Platinum Secured Credit Card review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
- Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
How to Choose a Credit Card for Bad Credit
Before you pick the best credit card for your situation, you'll want to decide if you want a secured or unsecured credit card.
Secured credit cards are particularly easy to get approved for because you put up a cash deposit as collateral to get started. However, there are also unsecured credit cards for bad credit tailored to those looking to repair or build their credit.
You'll also want to consider how and where you'll use the card. A rewards-earning credit card is ideal, because you can get a little something back from every purchase. But if that seems too complicated and you just want a basic card to help build your credit, that's fine too.
Using a card responsibly will help boost your credit over time, since keeping your credit utilization low and making on-time payments are the two biggest factors used in calculating your credit score. Once you have your finances on track and your credit score keeps climbing, it's only a matter of time before you can get one of the best rewards credit cards offering bonus points and other enticing perks.
Credit Cards for Bad Credit Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest credit card to get with bad credit?
The Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is one of the easiest credit cards to get with poor credit, because the issuer considers a variety of financial factors beyond credit score alone when evaluating your application.
What secured credit card should I get?
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card allows cardholders to earn bonus rewards on dining and other household expenses while building credit. With time and responsible repayment, you may be able to upgrade to an unsecured credit card. If you have average credit, consider the unsecured Capital One Platinum Card since it doesn't require a security deposit.
How can a credit card help me build credit?
Credit cards help you build credit by reporting your credit movements to the three credit bureaus. To build credit with a credit card, all you have to do is use your card for purchases you can afford to pay off. From there, pay your credit card bill early or on time each month. Over time, your positive credit usage will help boost your score.
How do I get a credit card with bad credit?
To get a credit card if your credit is bad, a great first step is knowing your credit score to find out which cards you qualify for. From there, you could consider a card specifically geared to those who are working on building or repairing their credit score.Or, have a look at secured credit cards, which are typically easier to get.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Having poor credit makes life much more challenging on the financial front. Knowing this, the Business Insider credit cards team evaluated dozens of products to ensure our recommendations improve your life in some way. Some common criteria we considered include:
Security deposit — Does this card require a security deposit? If it does, how much money do you have to put down in order to be approved?
Rewards — Most consumers with bad credit can't earn rewards for their spend, but some cards on this list offer cash back on every dollar you spend.
Upgrade to an unsecured credit card — Secured credit cards are meant to be a stepping stone to better financial products. Many issuers on this list offer automatic upgrades to non-secured credit cards once a cardholder has proven a consistent history of responsible usage.
Learn more about how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.
Freelance Writer
Holly Johnson is a credit card expert, award-winning writer, and mother of two who is obsessed with frugality, budgeting, and travel. In addition to serving as contributing editor for The Simple Dollar and writing for publications such as Bankrate, U.S. News and World Report Travel, and Travel Pulse, Johnson ownsClub Thriftyand is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love."
Marketing Compliance Manager
Angela Fung is the Compliance Manager for Business Insider'sPersonal Financedivision, overseeing a team that ensures content accuracy and editorial independence so readers are always getting up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to maintain reader trust by confirming stories are fact-checked and current so that readers can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by maintaining clear, precise language that is compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Raisin High Yield Savings Account Earn 5.27% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). $1 minimum deposit. FDIC Insured.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
**Enrollment required.
***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview
Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go.