Credit Cards for Poor Credit

The Good

The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card stands out for its no annual fee and no interest rate policy, making it a very cost-effective option for those looking to build or improve their credit score. It also doesn't require a credit check for approval, allowing easier access for individuals regardless of their credit history, and it reports to all three major credit bureaus, aiding in the credit building process.

The Not So Good

You must have a Chime Spending Account and having to move money into the Credit Builder secured account to spend can be limiting for some potential users who prefer more flexibility with their funds.

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 purchases, 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.

The Good

The First Digital Mastercard^® offers a chance to access credit and potentially improve credit scores by reporting monthly payments to the three major credit bureaus. Its relatively quick and easy application process is also a plus, providing an accessible route for those looking to rebuild their credit.

The Not So Good

This card comes with an initial setup fee, annual fee, and monthly service fee after the first year, which can significantly increase the overall cost of having the card. Additionally, it has a high APR on purchases, making it expensive for cardholders who carry a balance.

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.

The Good

The Firstcard^® Secured Credit Builder Card with Cashback distinguishes itself with its cashback rewards feature, offering financial incentives on purchases, which is a notable benefit for a secured card aimed at building or rebuilding credit.

The Not So Good

While the cashback rewards add value, the Firstcard^® Secured Credit Builder Card with Cashback might come with higher than average fees for certain transactions, which could erode the overall benefits for users who are particularly fee-sensitive.

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.

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 29.99% (Variable). You also have to put forth a security deposit in order to get this card.

The Good

The First Access VISA^® Credit Card doesn't require a security deposit to get approved, so it could be a good choice for someone looking for an unsecured credit card to build credit. Also, since it's a Visa card, you won't have to worry about your card getting turned down at most merchants.

The Not So Good

The APR is very high on this card, so if you carry a balance you could rack up a lot of interest charges very quickly.

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.

The Good

The Credit One Bank^® Platinum Visa^® for Rebuilding Credit provides an accessible credit option for individuals with less-than-ideal credit histories, offering automatic review for credit line increases and reporting to the three major credit bureaus, which are essential steps in improving credit scores.

The Not So Good

This card comes with a high annual fee that can significantly reduce its cost-effectiveness for those already managing tight financial situations. Furthermore, its relatively high APR could make carrying a balance quite expensive, potentially complicating the credit rebuilding process for individuals who are unable to pay off their balances in full each month.

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.

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.

The Good

There is no credit check necessary and you don't need a checking account either. A low annual fee and the potential for a high credit line makes this a great choice if you're looking for a solid 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 it’s essential to building your credit.

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.

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.

The Good

The FIT™ Platinum Mastercard^®, which is open to applicants with good, bad or limited credit, is designed to help cardholders establish credit or improve their credit score and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The card also report to the three major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

Although the FIT™ Platinum Mastercard^® doesn’t come with a rewards program, it does offer benefits, such as $0 fraud liability, access to a free monthly credit score when you enroll in e-statements, online account management and credit protection. Also, when trying to build credit, credit card rewards should be a low priority anyway, as paying your balance in full and on time each month is what is most important.

The Not So Good

The FIT™ Platinum Mastercard^® charges a number of costly fees, including a one-time processing fee, which can add up pretty fast,

Additionally, the card has a very high purchase APR of 35.90% Fixed. But that’s to be expected from a credit card designed for individuals with less than perfect credit.

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. After about 6-12 months, you should have a good track record established.

The Not So Good

The annual fee is pretty high compared to the benefits of carrying the card.

The Good

This card is available to almost every kind of credit profile. The Surge^® Platinum Mastercard^® reports to the credit bureaus, so you use the card responsibly, your account activity will help you build your credit score.

The Not So Good

The fees and APR associated with this credit card are pretty high.

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.