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Can’t Get a Credit Card? Try These Alternative Options

Alternatives to traditional credit cards can help you manage your finances and build credit.

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Updated July 3, 2025 Advertising disclosure
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Edited by John Howard
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Written by Rachel Alulis
Here at MoneyFor, our goal is to help you make informed financial decisions. We are committed to accuracy and impartiality in all our content. It’s important to note that articles may reference products from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we feature and their presentation on our site, not our evaluation.

Key takeaways

  • Obtaining a credit card with a poor score can be challenging, but there are alternatives that can also help build credit.
  • Secured credit cards, retail store cards, and subprime credit cards are all relatively easy to qualify for.
  • Most credit card alternatives can help you build credit when used responsibly.

Not everyone can walk into a bank and get approved for a traditional credit card. If you have a limited credit history, a poor score, or a low income, securing a card can be especially challenging. When lenders turn down application after application, you may be discouraged, but don’t worry too much. There are alternatives to conventional credit cards that you are likely eligible for.

These credit alternatives can help you manage your finances when you’re short on cash and even improve your score. Once you have a higher score, you’ll have an easier time securing a conventional card.

Let’s explore eight credit alternatives and see if one is a match for you.

Jump to:

Best credit card alternatives for bad credit

There are several alternative ways to secure funding or make purchases on credit without using a traditional card. Here is a table outlining your options.

AlternativeBest forCredit checkBuilds creditDrawbacks
Secured cardBeginnersMaybeYesCash deposit
Subprime cardBad creditYesYesHigh APR, extra fees
Retail store cardFrequent shoppersYesYesHigh APR, limited use
BNPL serviceOnline shoppingNoSometimesOverspending
Authorized userBeginnersNoYesImpacts primary user
Cosigned cardLimited credit historyYesYesShared responsibility
Arranged overdraftEmergency accessNoNoHigh fees
Short-term loanFast cashMaybeMaybeHigh interest

These options are easier to qualify for, and many will help you demonstrate that you are a responsible borrower. When you prove that you can be trusted with credit, your score will go up, and you will find more lenders willing to work with you.

1. Secured credit card for starter option

A secured credit card is an excellent option for establishing or rebuilding your credit. These cards are easy to qualify for and allow you to make purchases and pay for them later. Some issuers don’t even conduct a credit check.

The main difference between secured vs unsecured credit cards is the security deposit. Secured cards require a cash deposit that acts as collateral and sets your credit limit. For instance, if you deposit $500, your credit limit will be $500. The deposit protects the card issuer; if you fail to make a payment, the issuer can use the cash to cover your balance.

Certain issuers have flexible deposit requirements. You may be able to use the money in a linked bank account or increase your credit limit without needing to put down additional cash. A secured card linked to your bank account may initially appear to function like a debit card or prepaid credit card to build credit. What distinguishes it is that you have to pay your bill each month.

The main purpose of a secured credit card is to demonstrate that you are responsible. Pay your bill on time every month and keep your spending well below your credit limit. The rule of thumb is to use less than 30% of your available credit. Over time, your score will improve. That is, as long as your issuer reports credit activity to all three major credit bureaus. If your issuer fails to report, your score won’t be affected.

Once you’ve achieved a higher score, you can graduate to a credit card with no deposit. Your issuer may transition you to an unsecured card, or you can close the account and apply on your own. Either way, they should refund your deposit in full, provided you close your account in good standing.

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2. Subprime credit card for easy approval

Subprime credit cards are specifically designed for individuals with poor scores or limited credit histories. Providers have low minimum credit scores and lenient requirements. These unsecured credit cards for bad credit can be a valuable tool for rebuilding credit, but they come with several drawbacks.

Typically, subprime credit cards have high-interest rates, which can make carrying a balance expensive. In addition to high APRs, they often come with annual fees, application fees, and monthly maintenance fees. The extra fees further increase the cost of borrowing.

Moreover, credit cards for bad credit usually have lower credit limits. You will have less spending power and need to be more diligent about keeping your balance low to maintain a good credit utilization ratio.

Always read the fine print carefully before applying for any credit card. Understanding all the terms and conditions will help you avoid any unexpected costs.

Responsible use of these cards is essential for improving your score. This includes making on-time payments and keeping your balance low. Gradually, your score will reflect your responsible behavior.

3. Retail store card – good for credit building

Retail store cards allow you to shop at a certain retailer on credit. They are a practical option, as they often have lenient credit requirements compared to traditional cards. They also come with benefits and discounts for the issuing store. These credit cards can help you build credit if the retailer reports your usage and payment history to all three credit bureaus.

While these cards are easier to get, they do come with a few potential downsides. Retail store cards often have high-interest rates, making it expensive to carry a balance. Additionally, these cards are less versatile than others. You can only use them at the issuing store or its affiliates.  Despite these limitations, retail store cards can give you access to credit when you really need it.

4. Buy now, pay later – no credit check option

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services have experienced a significant surge in popularity. These services allow you to make a purchase and pay for it over time. Most BNPL services split the payments into equal installments that you pay over four weeks. There’s usually no credit check or interest if you pay on time.

Some BNPL services report payments to credit bureaus, which can impact your score, but not all do. If this is important to you, look for one that will report your activity.

While they are easy to qualify for and can be a convenient way to manage expenses, BNPL comes with potential fees and risks. If you miss a payment, the service may charge a fee and interest. These fees can quickly accumulate and become costly. They can also easily lead to overspending since you’re not paying much upfront.

BNPL services are essentially a type of short-term loan that lets you make purchases and pay them off over time. It is a credit alternative that is easy to access, has minimal upfront costs, and has few potential fees. They can be a helpful financial tool, but require careful management to avoid pitfalls.

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5. Credit card authorized user

Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account can be a strategic way to access credit and improve your score. As an authorized user, the primary cardholder extends their credit line to you, allowing you to make purchases. Their positive credit history is also added to your report, improving your score.

Choose the primary cardholder wisely. The person should have a good credit score and consistently make on-time payments. Their financial habits will directly impact your credit profile. If they miss a payment or carry high balances, it could negatively affect your score.

Ensure that the issuer reports authorized users. Most financial institutions do this, but not all. If the credit card company does not report, this arrangement won’t help your score. It will still give you access to credit, though.

6. Cosigned credit card

If you cannot qualify for a credit card on your own, consider enlisting a cosigner. A cosigner with a strong credit history can significantly increase your chances of approval. Their good credit standing reassures the lender that one of you will be able to pay the bill. Adding a cosigner allows you to access credit and build your credit history.

There are important considerations to keep in mind. The cosigner is equally responsible for the debt on the account. If you miss a payment or default, it will negatively impact both of your credit scores. This shared responsibility can strain personal relationships, especially if there are misunderstandings or financial missteps. Discuss payment expectations and responsibilities beforehand so you have a clear plan going forward.

Additionally, many credit card issuers do not permit cosigners. Do your research and find one that offers this perk.

Once you have your card, make sure you pay on time and in full every month. By managing the account responsibly, you can build credit and eventually qualify for a card independently.

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7. Arranged overdraft

Many banks offer overdraft services that can be extremely helpful if you find yourself in a financial pinch. An overdraft allows you to spend more money than you currently have in your account, up to a prearranged limit.

An arranged overdraft provides quick and convenient access to additional funds when needed. It can be particularly useful when unexpected expenses arise or timing issues with deposits and withdrawals create a temporary shortfall in your account.

Note that using an overdraft service typically incurs additional fees and interest charges. These costs can add up quickly if the overdraft is not repaid promptly, turning a temporary solution into a more expensive financial burden. Use overdraft services judiciously. Make sure you to bring your account back into a positive balance as soon as possible.

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8. Short-term loan

For immediate financial needs, a short-term loan can be the answer. Short-term loans typically involve smaller amounts of money that must be repaid within a few months. They provide quick access to funds for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or urgent car repair financing, but come with high interest rates and fees.

Before taking out a short-term loan, it is essential to have a solid repayment plan in place. Carefully assess your finances to ensure that you repay as agreed without falling into a cycle of debt.

Depending on the lender, repaying the loan on time may improve your credit score. Ask if the lender reports your on-time payments before you borrow. Even if they do not report on-time payments, they may report if you default.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the best alternative to a credit card?

The best alternative to a credit card depends on your goals. If you want to build credit, then a secured credit card is a good option. If you’re looking for a way to easily buy on credit, then explore BNPL services.

2. Why am I not getting approved for a credit card?

Credit card issuers are required to provide an adverse action notice explaining why your application was denied. Common reasons are a poor credit score, limited or no credit history, or insufficient income. It could also be due to a history of late payments, a high debt-to-income ratio, or too many credit inquiries.

3. Does a credit score go down if you’re denied a credit card?

Getting denied for a credit card does not hurt your credit score. Applying for a credit card can slightly lower your credit score, as the lender conducts a hard inquiry. The hard inquiry on your credit report drops your score by a few points, whether you’re approved or denied.

4. What is the easiest credit card to get approved for?

The easiest unsecured credit card to get is one with a low minimum credit score requirement. Look for subprime cards that welcome all credit scores.

Bottom line

Lack of access to a traditional credit card doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are several alternative ways to get the extra cash or credit you need. The best choice for you depends on your circumstances and needs.

Regardless of which option you choose, try to improve your credit score. Pay all your bills on time and in full. Maintain a low utilization rate. Little by little, your score will grow, and you’ll be able to obtain a conventional credit card in the future.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.
2. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product.
3. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card, which may be issued by Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, and the Current Visa® secured charge card, which is issued by Cross River Bank, are all issued pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. A Current debit account is required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.
5. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees.                                                                                                                                                       Build Card: Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.
6. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
7. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.
8. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.
9. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC.
10. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions. Individual Current Accounts only.
11. For eligible customers only. You may earn Points in connection with your Build Card purchases at retailers whose merchant code is classified as: Dining (e.g., restaurants) and Groceries (e.g., supermarkets) and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. Points will expire 365 days after they settle. For more information (including specific eligibility criteria), please refer to the Current Points Terms and Condition.
12. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.
13. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. No minimum balance required. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. To earn a Boost rate of 4.00%, the sum of your Eligible Payroll Deposits over a rolling 35-day period must be $500 or more, with at least one Eligible Payroll Deposit equalling a minimum of $200. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.
14. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.
15. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
16. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
17. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
18. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
19. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
20. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
21. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
22. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
23. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
24. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
25. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
26. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
27. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
28. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
29. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
30. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
31. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
32. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
33. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
34. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
35. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
36. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
37. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.
38. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.
39. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.
40. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.
41. MyPay is only offered in select states
42. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.
43. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com).                              Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms.                              Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.
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About the author

Author Rachel Alulis Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor's credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.

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