Introduction
Struggling with bad credit doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In 2025, several credit cards are specifically designed to help you rebuild your credit score, manage your finances, and eventually qualify for better rates. Whether you’re dealing with late payments, a low credit score, or no credit history at all, here are the best credit cards for bad credit in the USA this year

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What Is Considered “Bad Credit”?

• Credit Score Range: 300–579 (FICO scale)
• Common causes: missed payments, high debt-to-income ratio, limited credit history, or bankruptcy
  

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Top Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2025

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1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Best for: Earning rewards while building credit

• Security deposit: $200 minimum (refundable)
• Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly), 1% on everything else
• Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
• No annual fee
  Why it’s great: Few secured cards offer cash back. Discover also reviews your account after 7 months for potential graduation to an unsecured card.
  

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2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for: Low initial deposit

• Security deposit: As low as $49 for a $200 limit
• No annual fee
• Automatic credit line reviews after 6 months
  Why it’s great: Ideal for people who want to build credit with minimal upfront cost.
  Keyword: low deposit credit card bad credit

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3. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best for: No credit check needed

• Security deposit: $200–$3,000
• No credit check required to apply
• $35 annual fee
  Why it’s great: Perfect for applicants with very poor credit or recent bankruptcies.
  

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4. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card

Best for: No fees and flexible limits

• No annual fee, no interest, no credit check
• Works with Chime’s secured Credit Builder account
• You set your credit limit based on how much you transfer to your Credit Builder account
  Why it’s great: Helps you avoid debt since there’s no preset spending limit, and on-time payments help build your credit.
  

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5. Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card

Best for: Unsecured credit access

• No security deposit required
• Annual fee: $0–$59 based on credit
• Reports to all three bureaus
  Why it’s great: One of the few unsecured cards available to people with bad credit—great if you don’t have cash for a deposit.
  

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What to Look for in a Credit Card for Bad Credit

• Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian)
• Low or no annual fees
• Opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card
• Reasonable APR (some secured cards still carry high interest)
• No hidden fees like processing or monthly maintenance charges

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How to Use These Cards to Rebuild Credit

• Pay on time: Payment history is 35% of your FICO score
• Keep utilization low: Use under 30% of your limit
• Avoid carrying a balance if possible
• Monitor your credit report for errors and progress

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Final Thoughts

Even with bad credit, you can get a credit card that helps you improve your score and regain financial confidence. The key is choosing a card that fits your needs—whether it’s low fees, rewards, or no credit check—and using it responsibly. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to better credit in 2025 and beyond.