Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in the USA (2026)

 

 

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in the USA (2026)

Having bad credit doesn’t mean you can’t get approved for a credit card. In 2026, many U.S. banks and financial institutions offer credit cards specifically designed for people with low or damaged credit scores.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best credit cards for bad credit in the USA, how they work, and how to choose the right one to rebuild your credit safely.

What Is Considered Bad Credit in the USA?

Bad credit usually means having a credit score below 580 (according to FICO). This can happen due to:

• Late payments
• High credit utilization
• Collections or charge-offs
• Limited credit history

The good news is that the right credit card can help you improve your credit score over time.

Can You Get a Credit Card with Bad Credit?

Yes. Many banks offer:

• Secured credit cards
• Unsecured cards for bad credit
• Starter and credit-building cards

Most of these cards report to the three major credit bureaus:

• Experian
• Equifax
• TransUnion

Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit in the USA (2026)

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Best Overall for Credit Building

• No annual fee
• Cash back rewards
• Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
• Security deposit required

Why it’s good: Discover automatically reviews your account and may upgrade you to an unsecured card.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for Low Deposit

• Low refundable security deposit
• No annual fee
• Possible credit limit increases
• Fraud protection

Why it’s good: Ideal for rebuilding credit with minimal upfront cost.

3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best for No Credit Check

• No credit check required
• Reports to all credit bureaus
• Easy approval
• Annual fee applies

Why it’s good: Perfect for very poor credit or past denials.

4. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®

Best Unsecured Option

• No security deposit
• Monthly credit score tracking
• Cash back on select purchases
• Annual fee applies

Why it’s good: Useful if you can’t afford a security deposit.

5. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card

Best for Beginners

• No interest charges
• No annual fees
• No minimum credit score required
• Reports to credit bureaus

Why it’s good: Great for first-time credit builders who want full control.

Secured vs Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Feature	Secured Cards	Unsecured Cards
Security Deposit	Required	Not required
Approval Chance	High	Medium
Credit Building	Excellent	Good
Fees	Lower	Often higher

Tip: Secured cards are usually better for rebuilding credit faster.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Bad Credit

• Annual fees
• Reporting to all credit bureaus
• Interest rates (APR)
• Upgrade options
• Hidden fees

Avoid cards that:

• Do not report to credit bureaus
• Charge excessive fees
• Offer no path to better credit

How to Improve Your Credit Score Using a Credit Card

• Pay your balance on time every month
• Keep credit utilization under 30%
• Avoid applying for too many cards
• Monitor your credit report regularly

FAQs About Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Can bad credit cards really improve my score?

Yes, if the card reports to credit bureaus and you use it responsibly.

How long does it take to rebuild credit?

Most people see improvements within 3–6 months.

Should I close my card after my credit improves?

No. Keeping old accounts open helps your credit history length.

Final Thoughts

Getting approved for a credit card with bad credit in the USA is possible in 2026. Choose the right card, avoid unnecessary fees, and use smart credit habits to rebuild your financial future.