The best credit cards for bad credit in the USA are designed to help people with low credit scores get approved without repeated rejections.
The good news is this: several U.S. credit cards are specifically designed for bad or fair credit, and many offer instant approval decisions.
Below, you’ll find the best credit cards for bad credit in the USA, based on approval odds, fees, and real user success.
✅ Quick Comparison: Best Bad Credit Cards in the USA
| Credit Card | Credit Score Needed | Annual Fee | Approval Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Platinum | 500–620 | $0 | Instant |
| Discover it® Secured | Any (Secured) | $0 | 1–2 Days |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa | No Credit Check | $35 | Instant |
| Credit One Bank® Visa | 500+ | $75–$99 | Instant |
👉 Approval odds may vary. Always apply only once.
1️⃣ Capital One Platinum Credit Card
Best for: Bad credit with no annual fee
- No annual fee
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Automatic credit line review after 6 months
Why it’s good:
Capital One is one of the few major banks that approves applicants with low credit scores without requiring a security deposit.
👉 Check approval odds without hurting your credit score
2️⃣ Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for: Rebuilding credit safely
- $0 annual fee
- Cash back rewards
- Deposit refunded with good behavior
Why it’s good:
This is one of the safest cards for rebuilding credit. Discover regularly upgrades users to unsecured cards.
👉 See if you qualify today
3️⃣ OpenSky® Secured Visa Credit Card
Best for: No credit check approval
- No credit check
- Works even with very poor credit
- Reports monthly to credit bureaus
Downside:
Requires a refundable deposit.
👉 Apply with no credit check
4️⃣ Credit One Bank® Visa Card
Best for: Quick approval decisions
- Instant application results
- Credit-building tools
- Widely accepted
Warning:
Higher fees — only apply if other options fail.
👉 Check eligibility now
❓ Can You Get a Credit Card With a 500 Credit Score?
Yes.
Many Americans with scores between 500–580 get approved through secured cards or entry-level unsecured cards.
What improves approval chances:
- Low existing debt
- No recent bankruptcies
- Stable income
❓ Will Applying Hurt My Credit Score?
A single application may cause a small, temporary drop (usually 3–5 points).
Multiple applications in a short time can cause serious damage.
👉 Always check pre-approval first when available.
🔐 How to Use These Cards to Fix Your Credit
Two rules only:
- Use less than 30% of your limit
- Pay the full balance every month
Do this consistently, and your credit score can improve within 3–6 months.
When comparing the best credit cards for bad credit in the USA, always focus on approval odds, fees, and credit bureau reporting.
🚀 Final Recommendation
If your credit is damaged, don’t give up.
Start with one card, use it responsibly, and rebuild step by step.
👉 Compare the best bad credit cards and apply safely
How to Improve Approval Chances With Bad Credit
If you have bad credit, approval is still possible when you apply strategically. Start by checking pre-qualification options when available, as these do not impact your credit score. Avoid applying for multiple cards at once, since repeated applications can lower your score further.
Using a secured credit card responsibly is one of the fastest ways to rebuild credit. Always keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit and pay the full amount on time every month. Over time, consistent usage can improve your credit score and unlock better card options.
Learn more about how we help users rebuild credit on our About Us page.