- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment.
- Yendo works like a regular Mastercard but taps into your vehicle equity to get higher limits at affordable rates
- $4,400 average credit limit - up to $10,000
- Submit an application with photos of your vehicle and receive an instant decision
- See if you Pre-Qualify in minutes without harming your credit score - all credit scores welcome to apply
- Looking to build or rebuild your credit? We report to the 3 major credit bureaus monthly
- Get a virtual card instantly after approval - simple and fast application
- Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases today using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
- Accepted everywhere in the US where you see the Mastercard logo - in store, online, and in app
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen - access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- No cash deposits
Reviews
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CreditCardCompare says issuers are providing such generous deals, they're virtually irresistible for those willing to switch.
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Those who always pay their balances in full and on time will usually come out ahead.
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The offers on the credit card landscape are constantly changing which is great news for consumers.
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In the future, the companies that will thrive are those able to give customers exactly what they want, the way they want it, when they want it.
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CreditCardCompare was one of three sites that met all the criteria.
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Credit Cards for Poor Credit
- Even with poor credit, you can still get a credit card.
- These cards are ideal if you are looking to build or rebuild your credit or if you’re starting from a low credit score.
- Read our independent ratings and reviews and apply with our secure online application process
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Best Credit Builder for Car Owners
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Annual Fee$40
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards Rate1.5% Cash Back
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
Unlike most other secured cards, this one uses your car as collateral instead of a traditional downpayment. This can be helpful for folks who own a car but don’t have a ton of cash on hand. It's worth noting that using your car as collateral can be risky though.
Our Take
The Good
We love that cardholders can earn 1.5% Cash Back, which can help pad your wallet with regular use.
The Not So Good
This card does use your car as collateral, which means that if you miss payments, your car could be on the line. However, with responsible use, this card can be a great way to build credit.
Highlights
See Additional Details for Yendo Vehicle Equity Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$0
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards Rate1.5% - 5% Cash Back
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card takes our top spot in the secured card category because of its top-shelf unlimited rewards program and limited fees. Don’t miss this one if you’re in the market for a secured card.
Our Take
The Good
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card’s outstanding rewards program marks it out as head-and-shoulders above the competition – and that’s without considering it’s generous security deposit refund program.
The Not So Good
This card comes with all the regular downsides of a secured card, so unless you have low or no credit, a different card may be a better choice.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get at least a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
- Rates & Fees
See Additional Details for Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Fuel your credit goals
Your car's equity could unlock up to a $10K credit limit in minutes.
Apply Now
on Yendo's secure site
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Annual Fee$85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards Rate1% - 3% cash back
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Fortiva® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard can be pretty valuable if you're looking to rebuild your credit and you don't have the funds for a security deposit.
Our Take
The Good
The Fortiva® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard can be a great way to build your credit responsibility for folks with fair credit. It also offers the convenience of an unsecured card, which can be helpful if you don't have the upfront funds that a secured card usually requires.
The Not So Good
The card comes with a high annual fee and additional maintenance fees after the first year, which can add up fast. It also has a fairly high APR for purchases, making it costly if you carry a balance.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn Cash Back Rewards* – 3% on Eligible Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
- Use Anywhere Mastercard is Accepted
- $0 fraud liability**
- Free access to your VantageScore 4.0 credit score from TransUnion®†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
**Fraud liability subject to Mastercard rules.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
See Additional Details for Fortiva® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
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Annual FeeSee Terms*
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards Rate1% cash back
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Total VISA® Credit Card is decent option consumers trying to rebuild their credit, but this particular card does come with quite a few fees. Your account activity will be reported to the three major credit bureaus.
Our Take
The Good
The main benefit of the Total VISA® Credit Card is that it allows cardholders a chance to build their credit. Rather than using cash to pay for your purchases, you can pay with your card and then pay off the balance as soon as you can.
The Not So Good
The annual fee is pretty high compared to the benefits of carrying the card.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Double the Rewards: Earn Up To 10% Cash Back on Purchases at select merchants & 1% Back on Payments!**
- An initial credit limit Up To $500! (See terms*)
- Checking account required.
- Free credit monitoring powered by TransUnion®
- Fast and easy application process.
- All credit types welcome to apply.
- *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details
- **1% Cash Back is earned on payments to your Credit Card. Up To 10% Cash Back is earned on qualifying purchases at select participating merchants. Offer percentages vary by merchant and are subject to change. See Total Card Visa Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
See Additional Details for Total VISA® Credit Card
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Annual FeeSee Terms*
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Welcome OfferN/A
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1% - 10% cash back
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Revvi Card is an intriguing option for those looking to rebuild their credit, especially given its no security deposit requirement and the perk of earning cash back on payments, which isn't always common in cards aimed at lower credit tiers.
Our Take
The Good
The Revvi Card is a credit card that doesn't require a security deposit, making it accessible for individuals with low credit scores or limited credit history who are looking to build or improve their credit, as it reports to all three major credit bureaus. Additionally, it offers cash back on all payments, providing an incentive for cardholders to use the card responsibly while earning rewards.
The Not So Good
Despite its benefits, the Revvi Card comes with a high annual fee and a high APR, which can quickly outweigh the advantages of cash back rewards if balances are not paid in full monthly. Moreover, it includes a program fee upon account opening, which adds an additional upfront cost, making it less attractive for those seeking a cost-effective route to credit building.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- 2X Rewards Power – Up To 10% Cash Back when you buy and 1% Cash Back when you pay!^^
- An initial credit limit Up To $500 (See terms*)
- Opportunity to request credit limit increase after twelve months, fee applies.
- A Card That Works as Hard as You Do – Earn Up to 10% Cash Back Rewards at select merchants, 1% on Payments and Build¹ Your Credit Along the Way!^^
- Reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus.
- *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details
- ¹Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score. Results vary.
- ^^The 10% cash back rate is available only at a limited number of participating merchants. Offer percentages vary by merchant and are subject to change. See Revvi Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details.
See Additional Details for Revvi Card
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Annual Fee$0
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards RateNone
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
This card is ideal for growing, revenue-generating businesses that need flexible access to capital. Review your funding limits and repayment terms to see how the Flex Line can work for your business.
Our Take
The Good
We like that the spending limit for this business card grows as your revenue grows, and you can get your funds deposited straight into your bank account.
The Not So Good
This card does not earn rewards, and it also presents some risks since you can sell a portion of your future earnings to get funds now.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- No annual fee and no draw fee
- Includes flex line, similar to a line of credit and only pay for what you use
- Access cash on demand with funds deposited straight into your bank account
- Fast and easy application process - apply online and receive a funding decision in as little as an hour
- Approvals based on your business revenue and not personal credit
- As your revenue increases, spending limits also increase
- Access to business credit tools - Revenued reports to D&B to help build your business credit
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 800+ reviews
- Business requirements: 1+ years in business, minimum of 20k/month deposits, and no Sole Proprietorships
See Additional Details for Revenued Business Card
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Annual Fee$75 - $125
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards RateNon-rewards card
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
If you're a consumer with a low credit score, it might be worth seeing if you can prequalify for an affordable offer with the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®. But, be sure to read the fine print carefully.
Our Take
The Good
This card helps you build credit by reporting your timely payments to the three major credit bureaus. It also gives you $0 liability for fraudulent charges, which is a nice added feature.
The Not So Good
Before you commit to the Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®, you should carefully scan the conditions of your offer. The card comes with a lot of fees — the card charges an annual fee between $75 - $125, as well as a maintenance fee up to per month. Furthermore, the card's APR — 35.90% Fixed — is pretty high, even for a card geared toward consumers with low credit scores.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
- See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
- Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Reflex Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
- Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
- Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
- Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
See Additional Details for Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$36 for first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards RateNon-rewards card
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
This card is designed for people who want to build or rebuild their credit. When used responsibly, this secured card could be a valuable tool to improve your credit and allow you to then get a better card. Monitor progress in your FICO® Score each month for free.
Our Take
The Good
As long as you don’t have a pending bankruptcy or outstanding tax obligations you may be approved for this card.
The Not So Good
Other cards may review your account earlier than one year to see if you can transition to an unsecured credit line.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit.
- Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000.
- After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
- Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds.
- Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. We report your payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies.
- Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month.
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts.
- Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC.
See Additional Details for Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
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Annual FeeSee terms
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards RateNon-rewards card
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Destiny Mastercard® is a practical tool for those in need of rebuilding their credit, especially valuable for its lack of a required security deposit and the inclusivity of its application process.
Our Take
The Good
The Destiny Mastercard® is designed for individuals with less-than-perfect credit, offering an unsecured credit line that does not require a security deposit, thus providing a valuable opportunity for credit building or rebuilding by reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
The Not So Good
The card includes a high annual fee that cannot be waived in the first year, and it has a relatively high APR, which can make carrying a balance quite costly.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- All the benefits of a Mastercard, without a security deposit
- 24/7 access to your account, even on mobile!
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Less than perfect credit is okay, even with a prior bankruptcy!
See Additional Details for Destiny Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter
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Welcome OfferN/A
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1% - 3% cash back
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard offers serious value with its cash back rewards rate, a rare find for cards aimed at the fair credit level.
Our Take
The Good
The Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard stands out for offering competitive cash back on all purchases, which we think is a pretty valuable asset for a card geared toward folks with fair credit.
The Not So Good
Despite its rewards, the Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard comes with a considerable annual fee and a high APR.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn Cash Back Rewards* – 3% on Eligible Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
- Up to $1,000 credit limit subject to credit approval
- Prequalify** without affecting your credit score
- No security deposit
- Free Access to your Credit Score†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry into your credit history (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
See Additional Details for Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
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Annual Fee$0
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards RateNon-rewards Card
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
This card now comes with no annual fee, making it one of the few secured cards without it. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a nice alternative for someone with poor credit who wants a chance to rebuild their credit.
Our Take
The Good
With this card, you can sign up for free enrollment in online tools to help you track your credit score. You can also earn opportunities for a credit line increase based on your payment history and credit worthiness.
The Not So Good
The APR is 28.99% (Variable). You also have to put forth a security deposit in order to get this card.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
- Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
- Rates & Fees
See Additional Details for Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
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Annual FeeSee terms
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Welcome OfferN/A
-
Rewards RateNon-rewards card
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Milestone Mastercard® is geared towards consumers who need to find a card that will give them the tools necessary to improve their credit score and credit history. In that respect, the card does a good job of offering a full-fledged card with some financial management and account oversight tools.
Our Take
The Good
Cardholders have access to the Mastercard Benefits program, which offers $0 Fraud Liability protection. The best part about this credit card is that it's an unsecured card and works just like traditional credit cards.
The Not So Good
This card does not come with a rewards program.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit
- Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app
- Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
- $0 liability for unauthorized use
- Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7
See Additional Details for Milestone Mastercard®
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Annual Fee$175 - $199
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Welcome OfferN/A
-
Rewards RateNon-rewards card
-
Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit is a good choice for people who are trying to rebuild credit.
Our Take
The Good
Being able to choose your own card design is a unique feature to this card. Also, checking if you’re pre-approved is quick and easy; you can get a 60 second decision!
The Not So Good
You won’t know which annual fee you get approved for until you submit the full application. Also, there’s no rewards program with this card, but that’s normal on credit card for building credit.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Now with higher credit limits
- Increase your access to available credit
- Higher limit than before, still no security deposit required!
- Greater access to credit than before
- Less than perfect credit is okay
- Mobile account access at any time
- Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
See Additional Details for Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit
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Annual Fee$59
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Welcome OfferN/A
-
Rewards RateNon-rewards card
-
Credit Needed
Bottom Line
This card is a solid choice for consumers who don't want to put down $200 or more as a security deposit on a secured credit card.
Our Take
The Good
The annual fee is fairly low compared to other cards. Plus you'll pay no foreign transaction fees.
The Not So Good
The APR is quite high, so if you don't pay off your balance in full each month you could rack up steep interest charges.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Fast and easy application process
- No deposit required
- No hidden fees
- No penalty APR
- Report to all three major credit bureaus
- Zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC
- Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Late Fee up to $39
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $25
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
See Additional Details for AvantCard Credit Card
-
Annual FeeSee Terms*
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Welcome OfferN/A
-
Rewards RateSee terms*
-
Credit Needed
Bottom Line
This is a good choice if you want a prepaid card that does not have too many annoying and expensive fees associated with it. The card can be yours even if you have no credit or bad credit, and approval is fast and virtually assured. The card is also honored at tons of locations all over the world.
Our Take
The Good
For a prepaid card this one has reasonable fees, and like other prepaid cards you can get this one without having to have any credit history. You can even have lousy credit and still qualify instantly for this card, and it looks just like an ordinary Visa card and is accepted wherever Visa is honored.
The Not So Good
Your line of credit is just the cash you put into your own account, and there are fees for conducting certain transactions. So unless you need this kind of card because you cannot get a standard credit card or ATM card, it is probably not appropriate for you and a conventional card would make more sense.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- With Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
- No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
- Use the Netspend Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text messages or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply).
- Card use is subject to activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs apply.
- Card issued by Pathward N.A., Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.
- See additional NetSpend® Prepaid Visa® details.
See Additional Details for NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card
-
Annual Fee$39
-
Welcome OfferN/A
-
1% - 10% Cash Back
-
Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The First Progress Select Secured Mastercard® is an average secured card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted and reports to the credit bureaus. It doesn’t offer much for additional perks and features.
Our Take
The Good
Card holders will enjoy a 25 day grace period before having to pay interest on purchases.
The Not So Good
This card is somewhat limited in scope, but if your goal is to boost your credit we think it can be valuable.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn Up To 10% Cash Back on everyday shopping with your First Progress Card, plus another 1% back on payments!^^
- Apply with no impact to your credit!2
- The first step to rebuilding your credit starts with just $200!¹
- Choose the First Progress Select Card for a lower annual fee!
- All credit types welcome to apply!
- Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.¹
- ¹Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
- 2We may pull a soft inquiry of your credit. Soft inquiries do not impact your credit score.
- ^^The 10% cash back rate is available only at a limited number of participating merchants. Offer percentages vary by merchant and are subject to change. See First Progress Rewards Program Terms & Conditions for details.
- *See Important Disclosures for complete offer details
See Additional Details for First Progress Select Secured Mastercard®
-
Annual Fee$49
-
Welcome OfferN/A
-
1% - 10% cash back
-
Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The First Progress Prestige Secured Mastercard® can help those who do not have sufficient credit to get a standard credit card. Though the card does require you to put in a security deposit (acting as the "limit" on the card), the payments you make toward it are reported to the credit bureau.
Our Take
The Good
The main benefit of this credit card is that it gives you a chance to build your credit just by spending your own money. Rather than paying cash for the things you need, you can pay with your card and then pay back the balance.
The Not So Good
You have to pay an annual fee of $49 for this card, on top of putting down a security deposit to act as your available balance.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Now offering Up To 10% Cash Back at select merchants with First Progress! Plus, 1% back when you make payments!^^
- A $200 refundable deposit is your first step toward better credit!
- Apply with no impact to your credit!2
- Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.¹
- All credit types welcome to apply!
- ¹Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
- 2We may pull a soft inquiry of your credit. Soft inquiries do not impact your credit score.
- ^^The 10% cash back rate is available only at a limited number of participating merchants. Offer percentages vary by merchant and are subject to change. See First Progress Rewards Program Terms & Conditions for details.
- *See Important Disclosures for complete offer details
See Additional Details for First Progress Prestige Secured Mastercard®
Our pick for doubling your cash back
68,965 users have viewed this card in the last 30 days.
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Annual Fee$0
-
Welcome Offer$200 cash back
-
Rewards Rate2% - 5% cash back
-
Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The Citi Double Cash® Card is great for those wanting to earn cash back on all purchases without having to worry about rotating categories and for those who carry a balance.
Our Take
The Good
To start, Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. This card is also great for those wanting to pay no interest on balance transfers for 18 months.
The Not So Good
While the lengthy 0% intro APR period for balance transfers is appealing, there’s no intro APR period for purchases, which many other cards in this category offer.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Rates & Fees
See Additional Details for Citi Double Cash® Card
-
Annual Fee$35
-
Welcome OfferN/A
-
Rewards Rate10% cash back
-
Credit Needed
Bottom Line
This secured card is right in the middle in terms of rates and fees. The annual fee is pretty low compared to similar credit cards.
Our Take
The Good
There is no credit check necessary, plus the low annual fee and the potential for a high credit line make this a great choice if you're looking for a secured credit card.
The Not So Good
While this card does earn rewards, it does not come with many other bells and whistles. A secured card may not be your top choice, but with responsible use, it could help build your credit.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with just $200—secure your credit line with a refundable deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
- Rates & Fees
See Additional Details for opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
-
Annual Fee$85-$175 first year, $229 thereafter
-
Welcome OfferN/A
-
Rewards RateNon-rewards card
-
Credit Needed
Bottom Line
If you have fair-poor credit, this could be a good way to start building or rebuilding your credit history. It’s a pretty straightforward card, and it doesn’t require a security deposit — just make sure you review the annual fee before signing up.
Our Take
The Good
This card might not be a rewards card, but we think the cell phone protection plan and roadside assistance benefits are pretty valuable.
The Not So Good
The annual fee for this card is pretty steep – especially after the first year.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Cell Phone Protection* – Receive up to $800 of replacement or repair costs if eligible cell phone is stolen or damaged.
- 24-hour Roadside Assistance*
- Up to $25,000 Identity Theft Expense Reimbursement Coverage*
- Up to $1,000 Credit Limit Subject to Credit Approval
- No Security Deposit
- $0 Fraud Liability*
- Prequalify** without affecting your Credit Score
- *Terms and Conditions apply. Click Apply Now for details.
- ** Prequalify means that you authorize us to make a soft inquiry into your credit history (that will not affect your credit) to create an offer. If you accept an offer a hard inquiry will be made. Final approval is not guaranteed if you do not meet all applicable criteria (including adequate proof of ability to repay). Income verification through access to your bank account information may be required.
See Additional Details for Aspire® Protect Mastercard
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Annual Fee$0
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Welcome OfferN/A
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Rewards Rate10% cash back
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card is a practical choice for those looking to improve their credit score.
Our Take
The Good
The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card stands out for its accessibility to consumers with poor or no credit history, offering them a chance to build or rebuild their credit through responsible use without requiring a credit check. Furthermore, it reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can aid in rapidly improving credit scores when managed wisely.
The Not So Good
Despite its benefits for credit building, the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit, which could be a financial hurdle for some applicants.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- No annual fee – keep more money in your pocket!
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with as little as $300 – Secure your line with a refundable security deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
- Rates & Fees
See Additional Details for opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
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Annual FeeSee terms
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Regular APRSee terms
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Rewards RateN/A
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- Get up to a +88 average* FICO® Score increase on autopilot
- Designed for the biggest long-term impact on your credit score
- Build from $1,000 up to $25,000 of credit history starting at low monthly payments
- Great if you want to access premium CCs & higher credit limits
- No credit history needed; no hard check required
- No prepayment or early cancellation fees
- *Average first-year credit score impact of +88 points in 2024 for CreditStrong account users who started with a score below 550; who paid on-time for consecutively 12 months; and who had no delinquencies or collections added to their credit profile during the period. Individual results may vary.
See Additional Details for CreditStrong
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Annual FeeSee terms for monthly, quarterly, and annual subscription options
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Regular APR0.00%
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Rewards Rate3%-100%
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Credit Needed
Bottom Line
We think this card can be a strong option for folks looking to build credit and earn rewards, who don’t mind paying a membership fee.
Our Take
The Good
We like that this card allows users to build credit while earning rewards. Plus, the budgeting features can be a big help, and we love that there’s no interest.
The Not So Good
The membership fee for some folks will be a dealbreaker. Plus, the credit limit is fairly low — but this might end up being a plus for some users.
Highlights
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- The Mine Card is the first of its kind — it helps you build credit with no interest, no hidden fees, and no surprises.
- Members can get an unsecured line of credit of up to $1,000 based on their existing bank balance. Use it for your everyday expenses while discouraging overspending.
- The Mine Card doesn’t require a credit check or a cosigner to apply, making it more accessible to students and first-time credit builders.
- Cardholders get 3% cash back in a spending category of their choice, plus flash deals at popular brands, adding up to $300+ in annual value.
- Build credit up to 100 points after 3 months of on-time use (see site for details).
- Mine has thousands of 5 star reviews, and is rated the best credit builder by Business Insider.
- Pay a subscription for the membership tier that works for you. Membership costs just $59.99/year for students ($129.99 for non-students) – that's less than $5 per month.
- Rates & Fees
See Additional Details for Mine Credit Builder Rewards Card
*General Disclaimer: See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. We make every effort to maintain accurate information. However, all credit card information is presented without warranty. To confirm terms and conditions, click the "Apply Now" button and review info on the secure credit card terms page.
Credit Cards for Bad Credit History
So called “bad credit” credit cards are especially designed credit cards for people with bad credit, low credit, or no credit history. They can be easier to obtain compared with other credit cards because they typically offer cards with limited scrutiny of your finances, debts, and poor credit history.
Some bad credit credit cards require that the cardholder make a payment deposit into their card account which is then used as collateral or security against any charges to the card. This is a standard prepayment process, and you basically set your own credit limit based on how much money you keep in your account. But there are even some that require no security deposit or prepayment – although these cards usually make money from cardholders by charging high interest rates and fees due to the reduced creditworthiness of the cardholder.
For most people, the best credit card for bad credit will be one that charges reasonable fees in exchange for helpful features like online bill paying and financial management tools. Study the menu of fees to see how much you can expect to pay for using the card in the way to which you are accustomed. Another key fact area to consider will be whether or not the credit card company reports to the major credit bureaus on a regular basis. This type of regular reporting is the major building block toward credit report. After taking these aspects into consideration, pick a card that suits you and use it to build up your poor credit score by making on-time payments with all creditors and keeping account balances low relative to the credit limit. This may allow you to later successfully apply for a traditional credit card with a lower rate and fewer monthly fees and charges.
Disclaimer: FICO scores are used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator of the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any credit card product.
Methodology
Our editors take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best credit cards in various categories. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 100 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. While this site receives compensation from companies listed here, this does not influence our ratings or reviews. Learn more here.
