The 5 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

The 5 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Credit cards are great to have on hand for unexpected expenses, allowing you to make purchases and pay off the card later. What’s more, using your card can help you build credit or even earn money back on purchases. However, if you have a poor credit score, it can be difficult to get approved for a card—but it isn’t impossible. Check out these five credit cards designed for people with poor to average credit:

1. Capital One Platinum Credit Card
This card from Capital One is a great choice because you won’t be charged an annual fee. This card is also an excellent option if you are trying to improve your FICO score, because you can watch your credit score using their mobile app. You can qualify for this card with average credit, and you’ll be given the option to receive a credit line increase within six months of opening the account if you make your minimum payments on time. If you use the card wisely, you can boost your credit quickly.

2. BankAmericard Secured Credit Card
This card is a good option if you are trying to establish a credit score or rebuild your credit. The BankAmericard Secured Credit Card also has no annual charge. The APR is 22.99%, and you will pay 3% on balance transfers. When you use the online banking app, you’ll be able to see your credit score updated monthly, which can be a helpful way to track your progress when trying to raise your credit.

3. Discover It Secured Credit Card
If your credit is very poor, you can apply for a secured credit card to help increase your credit score. This card from Discover has no yearly fee and offers a low APR for the first six months if you are doing a balance transfer. This is a particularly excellent choice if you have really bad credit or need a break from sky-high interest rates.

4. nRewards Secured Credit Card
This card from Navy Federal offers more benefits than most secured credit lines. Designed for folks with poor credit, this secured card has no annual fee, no balance transfer fee, and a low interest rate compared to Capital One and Discover. While this card does not offer a 0% interest introductory period, it does offer the perk of getting cash back. You will earn one point every time you spend a dollar; one point is equal to one cent back that can be redeemed for cash and gift cards.

5. DCU Visa Platinum Secured Credit Card
If you have poor credit, you can apply for this Visa card with no yearly fee and a low APR. You also can use it to transfer a balance, to reduce the amount of interest you are paying, without being charged a fee. It’s a smart choice for people who want to pay down debt faster and fix their credit score.