Credit cards can be hard to qualify for with poor credit. It can appear at first glance as though everything is out of reach. That’s not true. There are easy-approval cards where all scores are welcome. These cards let you rebuild your credit or establish it for the first time. A handful even offer rewards. What could be better?
We’ll guide you through how to get a credit card, what to consider, and how to use it to improve your score. Whether starting from scratch or trying to recover from past mistakes, you can gain access to credit.
What are the easiest credit cards to get?
When your credit isn’t top-notch, you’ll want to apply for an easy approval card. Luckily, you have options. Credit card companies know that everyone has to start somewhere, so they have designed cards especially with you in mind.
Credit-builder cards
Credit-builder cards are unsecured credit cards designed specifically for consumers with bad credit or a limited credit history. They are easier to be approved for but have higher interest rates, additional fees, and low limits.
Use your card for making small purchases. Maintain a low usage. Pay your bill on time and in full every month. As you responsibly use your card, your score should improve. Again, it’s essential that the issuer reports your account activity to all three major credit bureaus.
Store credit cards
Store cards tend to have lenient requirements. They are offered by retailers for use only at that store or group of stores. While they may have higher interest rates and lower limits, they often provide special discounts, rewards, or cash-back on purchases made at the associated retailer. If you shop at that merchant often, store cards can be a great way to build credit and enjoy perks. Use your card responsibly and be sure to pay on time.
Secured credit cards
Secured credit cards are the easiest to qualify for. Unlike regular cards, they require a refundable security deposit. The deposit acts as collateral to the lender and sets your spending limit. Most credit card issuers require a minimum deposit of $200 but a few have more flexible requirements.
Secured cards are a good first step. Choose an issuer who reports to all three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Then pay your bills on time and don’t spend too much of your limit. Over time, your score will go up and you’ll be eligible for unsecured credit cards.
Student credit cards
Student cards are aimed at helping students build their credit history. They come with lower limits and fewer fees than other cards. Many require proof of student status, but some do not. As with the other options, the key is to make payments on time and keep usage low.
How to get approved for a credit card with bad credit
Applying for a credit card doesn’t have to be a big deal. Consider the type of card you want and follow these steps to increase your chances of approval.
Check your credit score & reports
The first step is finding out your credit score. When you know your score, you know what cards you’re eligible for. There’s no point in applying for a card whose minimum score requirements you don’t meet.
It’s good practice to also check your credit report. You can get your report from all the major credit bureaus once a year for free via annualcreditreport.com. Look for any errors like incorrect account information or wrong personal data. Dispute any mistakes right away with the issuing bureau. Getting inaccurate negative marks off your report can immediately boost your score.
Choose a type of card
Decide what type of card you want. Do you have the money for a cash deposit and want to pay fewer fees? Then, get a secured card. These are a great way to get stared. Some issues let you graduate to an unsecured credit card once your score has improved.
Is your heart set on an unsecured credit card? Look into cards designed for consumers with bad credit. Some cards even offer rewards or increase your credit limit after a certain number of on-time payments.
Perhaps there is a store you shop at frequently? A store card can give discounts and special offers on products you already buy. They may even provide better value than a general rewards card.
Or maybe you’re a student? In this case, a student credit card is a no-brainer.
Find a card in your credit range
Now that you know the type of card you want, look for one you qualify for. Your credit score is obviously very important. Most issuers disclose the general score range they accept. Narrow down your options to cards you qualify for.
One tip is to consider credit cards issued by your bank. Having a good relationship with your bank can boost your chances of approval. Even if your score is lacking, the bank knows you are responsible and is more likely to give you a chance.
Compare your options
You know the type of card you want. You know what cards you qualify for. It’s time to compare your options so that you apply for the best one possible. Consider the card’s fees, interest rate, and benefits. Find the card that costs the least and gives you the most.
Get pre-approved
Many financial companies offer pre-approval. You fill out a form, and the issuer will do a soft inquiry – no effect on your score. Being preapproved does not guarantee you’ll get the card. It’s still a smart move since it shows your approval odds and saves you from unnecessary hard inquiries that can lower your score.
Apply
When you’re ready, formally apply for your chosen card. Ensure you’ve gathered all necessary information, including proof of income, how much you pay for rent or mortgage, and your Social Security number. Submit your application online or via mail. At this point in the application process, the issuer will do a hard credit check, which can cause a temporary dip in your credit. Once approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail.
How to compare credit cards
There are plenty of easy-approval cards on the market. But not all are created equal. Once you’ve selected your top cards, or better yet, are preapproved, compare them to find the one with the best value for you.
1. Consider the costs
First, look at the potential costs. Fees can add up quickly if you are not careful. Here are common costs to consider:
– Annual fee: Yearly fee for using the card.
– Interest rate (APR): The interest you are charged when you carry a balance.
– Penalty APR: Higher interest rate applied when you miss a payment.
– Late payment fee: Charged if you do not make the minimum payment by the due date.
– Returned payment fee: Charged if your payment does not go through.
– Cash advance fee: The fee credit card companies charge for withdrawing cash using your card.
– Foreign transaction fee: An extra for using the card overseas.
Look for a card that has low fees. Plenty of providers do not charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees. The rest of the fees are avoidable. If you plan on carrying a balance, getting a card with a low APR (annual percentage rate) is essential.
If you want a secured card, you’ll need to consider the security deposit requirement. Find an issuer with a low affordable deposit requirement. Don’t assume that’s all you’ll have to pay. Many secured cards come with fees and high APRs.
Review benefits and perks
Next, consider the potential benefits or perks. Some cards provide cash-back on everyday purchases or travel rewards. If you’re considering a rewards card, make sure you will earn more in rewards than you’ll pay in fees. Otherwise, it’s not worth it.
Besides rewards, your issuer may offer other perks. They may offer automatic credit limit increases after six months of on-time payments. Or you may be offered an upgrade after you improve your credit score.
Many providers make it easy to pay your bills on time. You can set up autopay or bill reminders to never miss a due date. Do not underestimate how much these tools can help you.
If you’re considering a store card, ask its perks. What exclusive discounts or rewards do you get? Can you use the card at sister franchises? A card that saves you money and can be used at multiple locations goes a long way.
Read reviews
Make sure to also read customer reviews. Reliable customer support can be valuable if you face unauthorized charges or other issues.
Make the most of your credit card
Credit cards can be a powerful tool if used wisely. Managing them well can help you fix your score and improve your financial health. Here’s what you need to do.
Pay bills on time
Always pay your bills on time and your credit card balance in full. No exceptions. Making monthly payments on time shows lenders that you are reliable. Late payments can lead to hefty fees and a drop in your score. So, set reminders or automate payments to avoid this pitfall.
Lower your utilization ratio
Your credit utilization ratio is how much you’ve spent compared to your total limit. Aim to use less than 30% of your limit—10% is even better—but keep your usage above zero.
For example, if your credit limit is $1,000, do not exceed $300. A lower ratio shows that you are not overly reliant on borrowing. If your limit is very low, you can pay your bill multiple times a month to keep your usage down.
Limit credit applications
Each time you apply for a credit card or loan, the lender conducts a hard credit check. It will temporarily drop your score by 5 to 10 points. One hard inquiry isn’t a big deal; your score will soon bounce back. Multiple applications in a short period will have a negative effect on your score. It suggests to creditors that you might be in financial trouble.
Be selective and apply only when necessary. If your application is turned down, wait at least six months before applying again.
Watch your credit score
Keeping an eye on your credit reports and score helps you stay informed about your financial health. If you see your score go up, you know you’re doing great. If your score starts to drop, you can figure out what’s going wrong before too much damage is done. Being aware of your score keeps you a step ahead.
Frequently asked questions
1. What’s considered a bad credit score?
A bad credit score is one that falls below 580 on the FICO scale or below 600 on VantageScore. Lenders see these scores as high-risk, making it harder to qualify for unsecured cards. For a credit score to be considered good, it must be above 670 on the FICO scale or over 661 on VantageScore.
2. How long does it take to get approved for a credit card?
Credit approval time varies. Some instant-approval cards provide decisions within minutes, while others take a few days to weeks if further review is needed. Secured cards and credit-builder cards usually have a faster approval process.
3. Does being pre-approved guarantee I’ll get the credit card?
No, pre-approval does not guarantee you’ll get the card. It means you meet the initial criteria. The issuer will still do a hard credit check and review your income and financial history before making a final decision.
4. How can I become an authorized user on a credit card?
To become an authorized user, ask a primary cardholder with good credit (a family member or friend) to add you to their account. The issuer will issue a card in your name. Their positive payment history and low utilization will benefit your credit score.
Bottom line
When you have bad credit, it might feel like there’s no way to get a card. Fortunately, there are credit cards designed for consumers with poor credit scores. These cards can be either secured or unsecured. They can be for limited use at certain stores or used everywhere. The point is, there are cards where all credit profiles are welcome.
Once you get your card, use it responsibly to build up your score. Make timely monthly payments. Don’t carry a balance. Pay down your debt. Little by little, your score will increase. As it goes up, so will your credit card perks.