10 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2025
Having bad credit can feel like a financial roadblock, especially when you need access to credit for emergencies, building history, or managing day-to-day expenses. But here’s the truth: you’re not stuck forever. With the right credit card, you can take smart steps to rebuild your credit in 2025.
Whether you’re recovering from a low score due to missed payments, bankruptcy, or you’re just starting out and have no credit history at all, this list of the 10 best credit cards for bad credit in 2025 has been carefully curated to help you find a realistic, helpful path forward.
These cards offer various features like low fees, credit-building tools, and even cashback rewards — all designed with credit-challenged users in mind.
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Why it’s great:
- It’s a secured card, but it offers real cashback rewards, and your deposit is refundable.
Features:
- 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter)
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Cashback Match: Discover matches all the cash back you earn in your first year
- Free FICO® score each month
- No annual fee
Ideal for:
Those who want to rebuild credit while still earning rewards and having a chance to upgrade to an unsecured card later.
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Why it’s great:
- One of the few secured cards where your initial deposit can be as low as $49.
Features:
- No annual fee
- Flexible refundable security deposit ($49, $99, or $200 depending on creditworthiness)
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Consideration for a higher credit line after on-time payments
Ideal for:
People who can’t afford a large deposit but want a reputable card to build or repair credit.
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great:
- Doesn’t require a credit check to apply.
Features:
- Requires a refundable deposit (minimum $200)
- No credit history or checking account required
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Annual fee: $35
Ideal for:
Those with poor or no credit who want an easy approval process and quick access to a credit-building tool.
4. Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit
Why it’s great:
- Offers unsecured access, which means no deposit is needed.
Features:
- 1% cashback on eligible purchases (gas, groceries, mobile services)
- Free credit score tracking
- Pre-qualification available with no impact to credit score
- Annual fee varies based on your profile (usually $75-$99)
Ideal for:
People looking for an unsecured option with modest benefits and flexible approval criteria.
5. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card
Why it’s great:
- No interest, no annual fee, no credit check.
Features:
- No credit check to apply
- No minimum security deposit (you control how much you spend by transferring funds from your Chime Spending Account)
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Zero interest
Ideal for:
Chime users who want a safe, fee-free way to start building or repairing credit.
6. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great:
- Designed for people with limited or damaged credit, and it’s unsecured.
Features:
- Reports to all 3 major bureaus
- Clear upgrade path with on-time payments
- Annual fee varies ($0–$59 based on credit profile)
- Higher credit lines available after responsible use
Ideal for:
Anyone looking for an entry-level unsecured card with transparent terms.
7. Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
Why it’s great:
- No annual fee and refundable deposit make it budget-friendly.
Features:
- Deposit as low as $49
- No annual fee
- Access to credit tracking tools
- Consideration for credit line increase in 6 months
Ideal for:
People who want to build credit without paying an annual fee and trust a major bank.
8. Self Visa® Credit Card (via Self Inc.)
Why it’s great:
- Combines a credit-builder loan and secured credit card in one process.
Features:
- No hard credit check
- You build savings while building credit
- Must first open a Self Credit Builder account
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
Ideal for:
Those who need help both saving money and establishing credit history.
9. Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
Why it’s great:
- Pre-qualify without a credit hit and available for people with bankruptcies.
Features:
- Designed for people with less-than-perfect credit
- Pre-qualification won’t impact your credit score
- Annual fee: $0 to $99, depending on creditworthiness
- Mobile access for payments and account management
Ideal for:
People who’ve had serious credit issues like bankruptcy but want a second chance.
10. Reflex Mastercard® Credit Card
Why it’s great:
- Offers higher credit limits and potential to grow with you.
Features:
- Initial credit limit between $300–$1,000
- Opportunity for credit line increase after 6 months
- Free access to credit score
- Reports to all three bureaus
- Annual fee: varies, often between $75 and $99
Ideal for:
Those who want an unsecured card with room to grow but can manage moderate fees.
Final Thoughts
Having bad credit doesn’t mean you’re financially doomed. The key is to find the right tools that help you rebuild your credit history, demonstrate responsible use, and minimize costs.
Whether you choose a secured card with no annual fee like the Discover it® Secured, or prefer the flexibility of an unsecured card like Credit One or Mission Lane, the most important part is how you use the card:
- Pay your bills on time, every time
- Keep your balance low (below 30% of your limit)
- Don’t apply for too many cards at once
By following these basic habits, you can go from a bad credit score to a strong one—and open doors to better financial opportunities in the future.
Have questions about applying for these cards or how to use them effectively? Drop them in the comments — let’s build better credit, together.
