In this post, we’ll discuss our five favorite unsecured credit cards designed for consumers with limited or poor credit.

Initial Credit Limit of $400

Up to $1,000 Credit Limit Doubles Up to $2,000

Unlock a $1,000 Credit Limit & Increase it to $2,000

Greater Access to Credit than Before – $700 Credit Limit

Build Your Access to Credit – $700 Credit Limit

Card Comparison

credit cards for poor credit

Bad credit? Find your match here

Credit solutions for limited, poor, or fair credit

Low scores welcome, apply today!

When your credit profile is lacking – as in your credit score is below 670 – finding an unsecured credit card with a high initial credit limit can be tough. But it’s not impossible. A lot of credit issuers understand that mistakes happen and everyone needs a second chance now and again. That’s why multiple card issuers specialize in credit cards for people with poor credit. It’s easier than ever to access credit if you have a low score!

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 5 unsecured credit cards for low credit scores that give you a little spending wiggle room.

Product

Max Initial Credit

Intro APR

Regular APR

Credit Score Range

Monthly Fee

$400
N/A
29.99 %
300-640
$6.25 ($0 the first year)
$1,000
N/A
29.99 %
300-719
$10 ($0 the first year)
$1,000
N/A
29.99 %
300-669
$10 ($0 the first year)
Milestone Mastercard
$700
N/A
24.90%-35.90%
510-699
Up to $12.50 ($0 the first year)
Destiny Mastercard
$700
N/A
24.90%
510-699
$10.40 – $12.50
FIT® Platinum Mastercard®

Initial Credit Limit of $400

Fast and easy application process Accepted nationwide $400 credit limit doubles to $800
Annual Fee
$99
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99 %
Credit Score Range
300-640
Monthly Fee
$6.25 ($0 the first year)

FIT® Platinum Mastercard® stands out as an option for credit beginners or those with low credit scores as it offers something unique in its class; a chance to double your initial credit limit to $800 in only six months.

  • APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $99
  • Processing Fee: $89 (one-time fee)
  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0 the first year, $6.25 per month after that
  • Additional Card Fee: $30 (one time, if applicable)
  • Late or Returned Payment Fee: Up to $41
  • Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  • Credit score range of 300-640 (Poor-Fair)
  • All credit scores are welcome
  • Initial credit limit of up to $400
  • Reports payments to all three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian)
  • Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
  • Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted
  • $400 credit limit doubles up to $800 (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
  • Credit limit up to $2,000
  • Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
  • Mastercard® Zero Fraud Liability Protection
  • Free online account access 24/7

Checking Account

The FIT® Platinum Mastercard® is available in all states except Illinois due to recent legislation.

“For first time credit builders, please get this card. It’s annual rate is reasonable compared to others and they were able to start me off when my score was below 600. Just keep up to date with subscriptions and your spending limit.”

Jas T.

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®

Up to $1,000 Credit Limit Doubles Up to $2,000

Initial credit limit of $300-$1,000 Reports to 3 major credit bureaus FREE credit score
Annual Fee
$75-$125
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99 %
Credit Score Range
300-719
Monthly Fee
$10 ($0 the first year)

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is a rare unsecured credit card for consumers with low credit scores. It is easy to qualify for, has a high initial credit limit, and is an excellent place to start rebuilding your credit.

  • APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $75-$125
  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0 the first year, Up to $10 per month after that
  • Additional Card Fee: $30 (one-time, if applicable)  
  • Cash Advance: Either $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  • Credit score range of 300-719 (Poor-Good)
  • All credit types are welcome to apply
  • Initial credit limit of $300-$1,000 (Subject to available credit)
  • Monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus
  • Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
  • Prequalify with no impact on your credit score
  • Use Reflex® anywhere Mastercard® is accepted
  • Advanced security with 128-bit encryption technology
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
  • $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000 (Simply make your first 6 minimum monthly payments on time)
  • Free access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
  • Buying power of Mastercard®
  • Mastercard® Zero Fraud Liability Protection

Checking Account

The Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® is available in all states except Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

“I had no credit history due to being afraid of credit cards. This card helped me get started on the path to getting a better credit score. The customer service was friendly and answered my newbie questions about credit cards which helped me make the leap to getting my first credit card.”

Holly W.

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

Unlock a $1,000 Credit Limit & Increase it to $2,000

Initial credit limit of $300-$1,000 Reporting to 3 major credit bureaus Monthly credit score
Annual Fee
$75-$125
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99 %
Credit Score Range
300-669
Monthly Fee
$10 ($0 the first year)

Surge® Platinum Mastercard® is a strong option for people starting to build or rebuild their credit. It’s easy to get, provides a high initial credit limit – unique for credit cards for bad credit – and the chance to double it after six months of responsible use.

  • APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $75-$125, after first year $99-$125 annually
  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0 the first year, Up to $10 per month after that
  • Additional Card Fee: $30 (one-time, if applicable)
  • Late or Returned Payment Fee: Up to $41
  • Cash Advance: Either $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  • Credit score range of 300-669 (Poor-Fair)
  • All credit types are welcome to apply
  • Initial credit limit of $300-$1,000 (Subject to available credit)
  • Reports payments to all three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian)
  • Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
  • See if you’re prequalified without impacting your credit score
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
  • 128-bit encryption technology to protect your personal information
  • $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000 (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
  • Free monthly access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (When you sign-up for e-statements)
  • Mastercard® Zero Fraud Liability Protection
  • Buying power of Mastercard® – Use Surge® anywhere Mastercard® is accepted
  • Online account access 24/7

Checking Account

The Surge® Platinum Mastercard® is available in all states except Illinois due to recent legislation.

“Like that I can use anywhere I need to. Like that credit limit was higher than most credit cards. Helping me boost my score.”

Nancy

Less-than-perfect credit is okay Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus Simple and fast application process
Annual Fee
$35-$99
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
24.90%-35.90%
Credit Score Range
510-699
Monthly Fee
Up to $12.50 ($0 the first year)

Milestone® Mastercard® is a reasonable option for consumers looking to build or rebuild their credit and who don’t want to tie up money in a security deposit. The card is easy to qualify for and new customers can enjoy a $700 credit limit.

  • APR: 24.90% – 35.90%
  • Annual Fee: $35-$99
  • Program Fee: Up to $25 (one-time fee)
  • Monthly Maintenance Fee: $0 the first year, up to $12.50 per month after that.
  • Late Payment Fee: Up to $41
  • Overlimit Fee: $40
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 1%
  • Credit score range of 510-669 (Poor-Good)
  • Less-than-perfect credit is okay, even with a prior bankruptcy
  • No current delinquencies
  • Initial credit limit up to $700 (Subject to available credit) 
  • Account history reported to all three major credit bureaus
  • Simple application process with a quick decision
  • Prequalify with a soft credit pull
  • Accepted nationwide, wherever Mastercard® is accepted
  • Chip technology for your convenience and security
  • $0 liability for unauthorized use
  • Fraud Protection for stolen or lost cards
  • Mobile account access at any time
  • Free bill pay online
  • No security deposit is required

You must be over 18 years old, have a valid Social Security Number, physical address, and a US IP address.

“Got approved immediately with a $700 credit limit. Not sure if it’s because I was a past customer or not but I have nothing to complain about. Got approved with credit score in the lower 600’s. The annual fee is only $35 a year. There’s no rewards but it didn’t matter to me as I was happy for a bank to give me another chance to rebuild my credit. If you just pay your bill on time everytime and pay your statement balance you’ll have no problems!!”

Don’t have perfect credit? No problem All the benefits of a Mastercard No security deposit required
Annual Fee
$59-$99
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
24.90%
Credit Score Range
510-699
Monthly Fee
$10.40-$12.50

Destiny Mastercard® is a straightforward card that provides consumers with the opportunity to boost their credit scores, gives them the advantage of a $700 credit limit, and is easy to be approved for.

  • APR: 24.90% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $59-$99
  • Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
  • Overlimit Fee: Up to $40
  • Cash Advance: $0 the first year, 5% after the first year
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 1%
  • Credit score range of 510-699 (Poor-Good)
  • All credit histories considered, even with a prior bankruptcy
  • No current delinquencies
  • Credit limit of $700
  • Reports payments to all three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian)
  • Fast and easy application process; results in 60 seconds or less
  • Prequalify in 60 seconds or less
  • Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted, in-store, in-app, online
  • $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized use
  • Mastercard® ID Theft Protection
  • Purchase strength of Mastercard®
  • Manage your card and pay your bills online
  • 24/7 access to your account, even on mobile!
  • Unsecured credit card, no security deposit required

Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security Number, physical address, and a US IP address.

“I have had no issues with this card. It has been great to me and a awesome start to building my credit up. I even have gotten a credit card milestone offer in just 6 months. They are offering me to go up to 700$ limit compared to the initial 300$. Thanks for being awesome.”

Ashley

Final Thoughts

No matter if you have a good credit score or fall into the poor category, you should be able to access the credit you need. These five unsecured credit cards could be your answer. They are designed to help you build your credit with responsible card usage and prove to lenders that you are a trustworthy borrower. And who knows, you may be rewarded for your good credit behavior. Most importantly, they offer some of the highest initial credit limits on the market going all the way up to $1,000 without a security deposit! So go ahead and see if one is right for you.

About the author

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.