Struggling with bad credit? You’re not alone. In 2025, rebuilding your credit score is more achievable than ever—thanks to credit cards designed for people with low or no credit. Whether you’re recovering from financial hardship or just starting your credit journey, choosing the right credit card can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll cover the 7 best credit cards for bad credit in 2025, plus tips to help you rebuild your credit score fast.
What Is a Bad Credit Score?
A bad credit score is typically considered anything below 580, based on the FICO scoring system (which ranges from 300 to 850).
| FICO Score Range | Credit Rating |
|---|---|
| 300–579 | Poor |
| 580–669 | Fair |
| 670–739 | Good |
| 740–799 | Very Good |
| 800–850 | Excellent |
A low score affects your ability to get loans, rent apartments, or even secure a job in some cases. But don’t worry — the right credit card can help you bounce back.
Why Get a Credit Card With Bad Credit?
Even if your credit score is low, a responsible credit card can help you:
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Build a positive payment history
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Improve your credit utilization ratio
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Report to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
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Prepare for future financial opportunities (auto loans, mortgages, etc.)
Top 7 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2025
Below are cards designed to help rebuild credit — including secured, unsecured, and no credit check options.
1. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
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Deposit required: As low as $49
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Annual fee: $0
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Why it’s great: Flexible deposit and reports to all 3 credit bureaus
Ideal for beginners and those wanting a trustworthy issuer.
2. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
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Rewards: 2% cashback at gas stations & restaurants
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Annual fee: $0
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Perks: Free FICO Score and auto upgrade review after 7 months
Perfect for those who want rewards while rebuilding.
3. Chime Credit Builder Visa® (No Credit Check)
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Annual fee: $0
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Interest: None (you use your own money)
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Bonus: No minimum deposit
One of the easiest and fastest ways to build credit without debt risk.
4. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
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Annual fee: $35
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Credit check: Not required
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Limit: Based on your refundable deposit
Great option if you’ve been denied elsewhere due to poor history.
5. Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa®
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Annual fee: $0
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Credit needed: Fair to poor
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Rewards: Up to 10% cash back with select merchants
A rare unsecured option for those with no credit history.
6. Mission Lane® Visa® Credit Card
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Annual fee: $0–$59 (varies)
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Approval: Pre-qualification available
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Growth: Credit limit increases possible
Good for gradual rebuilding with upgrade potential.
7. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
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Annual fee: Varies ($39–$99)
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Rewards: 1% cash back on eligible purchases
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Approval: Fair credit required
Works for rebuilding, but fees can be high — read the fine print.
How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Bad Credit
When comparing options, look for:
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Low or no annual fees
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Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
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Secured vs unsecured (secured are easier to get)
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Rewards or perks (not essential, but a nice bonus)
How to Apply Safely (and Improve Approval Chances)
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Use pre-qualification tools to avoid hard inquiries
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Apply only for cards you have a good chance of getting
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Keep personal information accurate and consistent
Tips to Rebuild Your Credit Score Faster
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Pay on time, every time (35% of your score)
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Keep credit utilization under 30%
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Don’t apply for too many cards at once
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Monitor your score regularly with apps like Credit Karma
Final Thoughts
Bad credit doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With the right strategy — and one of the cards above — you can take control of your financial future in 2025.
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