Why is it Important to Find the Right Credit Card for Poor Credit?
Credit cards for people with poor credit serve as a tool for rebuilding your credit score. By using these cards responsibly, making timely payments, and keeping your balance low, you can show creditors that you're a responsible borrower. These credit cards often come with lower limits and higher interest rates, but they can provide the flexibility needed to improve your financial standing. Getting the right credit card is essential for gradually increasing your credit score and accessing more favorable financial products in the future.
Top 10 Credit Cards for People with Poor Credit
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Pros: Offers 2% cashback on up to $1,000 spent in combined purchases at restaurants and gas stations each quarter. No annual fee and the potential to graduate to an unsecured card after several months.
Cons: Requires a security deposit. APR may be higher than unsecured cards.
Website: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
2. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Pros: 1.5% cashback on every purchase, and you may qualify for a credit limit increase after making the first five monthly payments on time.
Cons: $39 annual fee and high interest rates.
Website: Capital One QuicksilverOne
3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Pros: No credit check required to apply, making it a good option for those with bad credit. Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Cons: Requires a deposit equal to your credit limit. No rewards program.
Website: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
4. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Pros: May offer credit limit increases and reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Cons: Annual fee can vary based on creditworthiness and high APR.
Website: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
5. Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
Pros: Low deposit requirements and no annual fee. Accessible for individuals with poor credit.
Cons: Requires a security deposit, and the APR is relatively high.
Website: Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
6. First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card
Pros: No application or processing fees. Offers a relatively low APR compared to other secured cards.
Cons: Requires a security deposit, and there is no rewards program.
Website: First Progress Platinum Elite
7. Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
Pros: A great option for those with limited or poor credit history. Pre-qualification does not impact your credit score.
Cons: Annual fee and a high APR.
Website: Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
8. Merrick Bank® Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card
Pros: Opportunity to double your credit line after seven months of on-time payments. No annual fee.
Cons: Requires a security deposit, and the APR can be high.
Website: Merrick Bank® Double Your Line®
9. Green Dot® Primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit Card
Pros: No annual fee and reports to all three major credit bureaus. Offers a low APR for a secured card.
Cons: Requires a security deposit, and there is no rewards program.
Website: Green Dot® Primor® Visa®
10. Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card
Pros: No annual fee, no security deposit required, and reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Cons: High APR and limited credit limits for people with poor credit.
Website: Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa®
Summary
When choosing a credit card for poor credit, it’s important to consider factors such as fees, rewards, and opportunities for credit line increases. The cards listed here offer various benefits to help you rebuild your credit score while minimizing fees. By responsibly using these cards, you can improve your financial health and eventually qualify for better financial products in the future. Make sure to compare each option based on your individual financial goals before making a choice.
Comparison Table
Company | Price | Difficulty | Reliability |
---|---|---|---|
Discover it® Secured Credit Card | Low Annual Fee | Medium | High |
Capital One QuicksilverOne | Annual Fee: $39 | Medium | High |
OpenSky® Secured Visa® | Deposit Required | Medium | Medium |
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® | Variable Annual Fee | High | Medium |
Secured Mastercard® from Capital One | Deposit Required | Medium | High |
First Progress Platinum Elite | No Fees | Medium | Medium |
Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® | Variable Annual Fee | High | Medium |
Merrick Bank® Double Your Line® | No Annual Fee | Medium | High |
Green Dot® Primor® Visa® | No Annual Fee | Low | Medium |
Petal® 1 Visa® | No Annual Fee | Medium | High |