Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Finding a credit card for bad credit can be difficult. Bad credit cards often come with high fees and interest rates which can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of the card. At Credit Karma, we review all of the credit cards for bad credit and make recommendations based on the fees, customer service, and user feedback. From guaranteed approval to secured cards, we have reviews and recommendations for each credit card type for bad credit. Search All Credit Cards
Featured Cards by Credit Score
Updated: 11/1/2009
POOR CREDIT SCORE OF 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:
Best Secured Credit Card
Public Savings Bank Secured Visa
- 0% APR for purchases for 6 months
- No annual fee. Just a one time fee of $79
- No credit, income or employment requirements
- Reports to all 3 national credit bureaus
- 25 day grace period
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 $79 with no annual fee. It also boast a credit limit based on your deposit up to $25,000. 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 †
Average Credit Score Approved for this Card
Lowest Credit Score Approved for this Card
Best Pre-paid Credit Card
AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard
- 100% Guaranteed Approval
- Free Credit Builder
- Free Bill Pay
- Free Direct Deposit
- New iAdvanceSM loan option - no credit check
Why we recommend it...
Since you have to load money onto this card, AccountNow™ Vantage is not technically a credit card. However, they do report card usage to PRBC, the fourth, and lesser known, credit bureau. Maintaining this type of card is a small start to establishing or re-building credit. AccountNow™ Vantage's fees are among the lowest of any pre-paid cards.
This was the most taken guaranteed approval card on Credit Karma in recent months. The lower fees make it a user favorite for the second month in a row. Even though there is no credit check, we are posting the credit score averages to show that virtually anyone can be approved for this card.
Pros:
- Low Fees
- Guaranteed Approval
- Convenience of MasterCard®
- Help build credit with PRBC
Cons:
- No real credit limit
- Have to load money onto card
Credit Score Approval Data †
Average Credit Score Approved for this Card
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. We hope this information helps you in your selection. Please note because factors including income, length of credit history, and employment status can affect credit card approval, these are only guidelines and approval is not guaranteed.
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