Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Credit Karma Recommended Credit Cards Finding the best credit card can be a difficult task. At Credit Karma, we compare credit cards across dozens of credit card companies to give you the most up to date reviews and recommendations. Our featured credit cards have been declared the best credit cards based on user feedback, credit card interest rates, card benefits, and the way you plan to use the card. As a unique benefit, we also provide user feedback on credit score requirements and credit card limits. All of the reviews are free and you can apply online instantly. Search All Credit Cards

Featured Cards by Credit Score:

Updated: 9/1/2010

Poor Credit Score (549 or Lower)

With poor credit, your options for credit cards are somewhat limited. Most companies won't provide a credit line without a deposit and virtually all credit cards are going to charge monthly fees. However some of these cards will offer guaranteed approval and are the best ways to start rebuilding your credit. You may build, rebuild, or reestablish your credit history by making on time monthly minimum payments to all of your creditors and maintaining your balances below credit limits. Of these pre-paid and secured cards, these are the 2 best options for bad credit:

Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards

Best Secured Credit Card

79

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Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards Credit Card
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  • An excellent credit card for rebuilding credit scores; reports to 3 major credit bureaus monthly!
  • Acceptance at millions of locations worldwide, including website purchases and reservations
  • Your account information is updated and at your fingertips 24/7 so you can manage it your way
  • Email and text messages to remind you of your upcoming payment due date with online enrollment
  • On-call customer service representatives to assist you with questions or concerns
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Why we recommend it...

The Orchard Bank Secured MasterCard is consistently the highest rated secured credit card by Credit Karma users. The Orchard Bank secured credit card has no processing fee and the annual fee is waived the first year. It has been reported that Orchard Bank has good customer service. Members have also reported healthy credit limit increases and upgrades to unsecured cards with responsible payment history.

It is important to note that Orchard Bank does have a unique application process. When you apply, Orchard Bank will perform a soft credit inquiry (does not lower credit score) to determine the best product for you. If you have strong credit, they will provide an unsecured card. The secured MasterCard has an APR of 7.90%-28.90%, an annual fee of $0 - $74 for the first year and $35 - $79 per year thereafter, and no processing fee for people with poor or no credit. The minimum security deposit is $200

Pros:

  • No Processing Fee. Annual Fee Waive Year One
  • Builds Credit History
  • Upgrades to Unsecured Credit Card

Cons:

  • Requires a $200 Deposit
Credit Score Approval Data †

593

Average Credit Score Approved for this Card

492

Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card

Public Savings Bank Secured Visa

Best Guaranteed Approval Credit Card

67

Yes No
Public Savings Bank Secured Visa Credit Card
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  • Build credit history – we report to all 3 major credit bureaus
  • 0% APR on all purchases for the first 6 months
  • No annual fees or monthly maintenance fees
  • No credit check
  • No checking account required
  • Your credit is not a factor!
  • Choose your initial credit limit from $300-$2000
  • Four ways to fund your security deposit
  • Lifetime credit lines up to $5,000
  • 25 day grace period
  • Free fraud protection against unauthorized use
  • No penalty APR
  • Use the card everywhere you see the Visa logo
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Why we recommend it...

Getting a credit card with poor credit can be next to impossible in this economic environment. Virtually all credit card companies have increased their credit score requirements to hedge against defaults in this poor economy. For people with poor credit, the only options are pre-paid or secured credit cards. The bad thing about pre-paid cards is that they don't help build your credit since they don't report to the credit bureaus.

When it comes to secured credit cards, the Public Savings Bank Secured Visa looks like a great option. It has a low one time of fee of $75 with no annual fee. It also boast a credit limit based on your deposit up to $5,000. This is a great way to rebuild your credit while gaining the benefits of a credit card.

Pros:

  • No Annual Fee
  • Builds Credit History
  • Convenience of a Visa

Cons:

  • Requires a Deposit
Credit Score Approval Data †

551

Average Credit Score Approved for this Card

453

Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card

* See the online Provider's credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the "Apply Now" button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on Provider's website.

† Credit Karma members have received approvals with these credit scores. These approval metrics are only guidelines and approval is not guaranteed. You can learn more about credit card approval through our in-depth article.

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