Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in the USA (2025 Guide)
Looking for the best credit cards for bad credit in the USA? This 2025 guide covers top options, how to qualify, build credit fast, and improve your FICO score for better financial opportunities.
Introduction
If you’re struggling with a low credit score, finding the right credit card can feel impossible. The good news? There are now more credit cards for bad credit in the USA than ever before — and many of them are designed to help you rebuild your credit fast.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll review the best credit cards for bad credit, how to use them wisely, and practical tips to improve your FICO score quickly. Whether you’re recovering from missed payments or just starting to build credit, this article will help you find the perfect financial solution.
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best Overall for Building Credit
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the most popular secured cards in the USA. It helps users with poor or no credit history build their score while earning cashback rewards.
Key Features:
- Security Deposit: $200 minimum (refundable)
- Cashback: 2% on gas and restaurants, 1% on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Reporting: Reports to all 3 major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
Why It’s Great:
Unlike many secured cards, Discover offers rewards and automatically reviews your account after 7 months to see if you qualify for an unsecured upgrade.
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Best for Low Deposits
Capital One Platinum Secured is perfect for people who want to rebuild credit but don’t have much cash upfront.
Key Features:
Deposit: As low as $49 (based on creditworthiness)
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Limit: Up to $1,000 (based on deposit and usage)
Credit Reporting: All 3 major credit bureaus
Why It’s Great:
Capital One offers automatic credit line increases with on-time payments — a huge advantage for improving your credit score fast.
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa Credit Card
Best for Easy Approval
OpenSky doesn’t require a credit check to apply, making it ideal for people with bad credit or no credit history.
Key Features:
Deposit: $200–$3,000
Annual Fee: $35
Approval: No credit check required
Credit Reporting: All 3 major credit bureaus
Why It’s Great:
It’s one of the easiest credit cards to get approved for in the USA, and responsible usage can boost your credit score within a few months.
4. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Best Unsecured Card for Bad Credit
Mission Lane offers unsecured credit cards specifically for people with poor credit — no deposit required.
Key Features:
Annual Fee: $0–$59 (depends on your credit)
APR: 26.99% variable
Credit Limit: Starts at $300
Credit Reporting: Yes, to all major bureaus
Why It’s Great:
Because it’s unsecured, you don’t need to tie up your cash with a deposit, making it easier to rebuild credit while using your funds elsewhere.
5. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card
Best for Building Credit Without Fees
The Chime Credit Builder card is technically a “secured” card, but it doesn’t require a traditional deposit. It works with your Chime Spending Account.
Key Features:
Deposit: None required
Annual Fee: $0
Credit Reporting: Yes
Approval: Very high (no credit check)
Why It’s Great:
It helps build credit safely — there’s no interest, no fees, and your limit is based on what you move into your Credit Builder account.
How to Use a Credit Card to Build Credit Fast
Even the best credit card won’t help unless you use it wisely. Here’s how to build credit fast in 2025:
- Always pay on time – Your payment history affects 35% of your FICO score.
- Keep utilization under 30% – Don’t max out your limit; aim for small, consistent use.
- Use the card regularly – Frequent, small purchases show activity and reliability.
- Monitor your score – Use free tools like Credit Karma or Experian to track progress.
- Request limit increases – More available credit lowers utilization, improving your score.
Tips for Getting Approved with Bad Credit
Even with bad credit, you can improve your approval odds:
- Apply for secured cards first.
- Avoid submitting multiple applications at once (hard inquiries hurt your score).
- Include a co-signer if possible.
- Maintain a steady income and a checking account.
What Credit Score Is Considered “Bad”?
In the USA, FICO scores range from 300 to 850.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Score Range | Rating |
Notes |
| 300–579 | Poor | Major credit issues, need secured cards |
| 580–669 | Fair | Some access to unsecured cards |
| 670–739 | Good | Eligible for better interest rates |
| 740–799 | Very Good | Excellent approval odds |
| 800–850 | Exceptional | Top-tier offers and lowest APRs |
FAQs About Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Q1: Can I get a credit card with a 550 credit score?
Yes, secured and low-limit unsecured cards (like Capital One Platinum or OpenSky) often approve applicants with scores as low as 550.
Q2: How long does it take to improve my credit?
If you use your card responsibly, you may see improvement in 3–6 months.
Q3: Will closing my old credit card hurt my score?
Yes — closing cards can shorten your credit history and increase utilization. Keep old cards open when possible.
Final Thoughts
Rebuilding your credit in 2025 doesn’t have to be stressful. The best credit cards for bad credit in the USA — like Discover it® Secured, Capital One Platinum, and Chime Credit Builder — can help you recover your financial standing and open doors to better opportunities.
Focus on paying on time, keeping balances low, and using your card strategically. Within months, you’ll start to see your credit score — and your confidence — rise.
