Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit (2026)
Rebuild your credit with the right card. We compare secured cards, credit-builder options, and subprime offers with honest reviews.
You Can Get a Credit Card with Bad Credit
A credit score under 580 doesn't mean you're locked out. Several cards are specifically designed to help you rebuild. The key is choosing one that reports to all three bureaus and doesn't trap you with predatory fees.
What to Look For
- Reports to all 3 bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion — this is non-negotiable
- Low or no annual fee: You shouldn't pay more than $50/year
- Upgrade path: Some issuers automatically upgrade you to a better card after 6-12 months of on-time payments
- Avoid: Cards that charge monthly "maintenance fees" or don't report to bureaus
Secured Cards (Best Option)
Secured cards require a deposit that becomes your credit limit. They're the safest way to rebuild.
Discover it Secured
- Deposit: $200 minimum
- Annual fee: $0
- Cashback: 2% at gas/restaurants, 1% everything else
- Upgrade: Automatic review after 7 months for unsecured card
- Our pick for: Best overall secured card
Capital One Platinum Secured
- Deposit: $49-200 (depending on creditworthiness)
- Annual fee: $0
- Upgrade: Automatic credit line increase reviews
- Our pick for: Lowest possible deposit
Credit-Builder Cards
Chime Credit Builder
- No credit check: Uses your Chime checking account
- No fees: No annual fee, no interest
- How it works: Move money to a secured balance, spend from it, reported as on-time payments
- Our pick for: People who want zero risk
Cards to Avoid
- Cards with annual fees over $75
- Cards that don't report to all 3 bureaus
- Any card advertising "guaranteed approval" with hidden fees
- Cards with monthly maintenance charges
The Rebuild Timeline
| Month | Action | Expected Score Change | |-------|--------|----------------------| | 1-3 | Get secured card, use under 30% | +10-20 points | | 4-6 | On-time payments building history | +20-30 points | | 7-12 | Upgrade review, possibly unsecured | +30-50 points | | 12+ | Consider adding a second card | +10-20 points |
Most people can move from "bad" to "fair" credit within 12 months with a secured card and consistent on-time payments.