Editors’ Picks: Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Limited Credit in 2026
Winner: Best unsecured credit card
Winner: Best unsecured credit card
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is the best unsecured credit card for people who are new to credit because it offers a top-notch cash back rewards program. It has a $0 annual fee, and you can boost your approval odds by having an existing Chase bank account.
Key takeaways
- Our top picks for best unsecured credit cards for bad credit and limited credit have low or no annual fees, offer credit-building tools and provide an avenue to build credit through responsible use. Some even earn rewards for spending.
- We used an objective rating system to evaluate dozens of the best unsecured credit cards for bad or limited credit.
- We’ve identified the best cards to help you take control of your finances and avoid expensive fees that unsecured cards for bad credit often charge.
- For individuals with bad credit, secured credit cards are often a better choice.
Finding the right card when you’re just starting to build credit (or working your way back) can feel overwhelming. The cards below are organized by real-life scenarios, so you can quickly match your situation with the best option.
| Scenario | LendingTree's recommendation |
|---|---|
| If you’re just starting out and want the overall best unsecured card | Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card |
| If you want to get approved quickly | AvantCard Credit Card |
| Best unsecured credit card for no credit | Tilt Essentials Card |
| If earning cash back is most important to you | Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® |
| If you have fair credit and want to level up | Capital One Platinum Credit Card |
| If you’re a student building credit | Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card |
| If you need a great starter business card | Capital One Spark Classic for Business |
| Best unsecured credit card for bad credit | Tilt Motion Card |
| If you shop on Amazon and want to finance purchases | Amazon Prime Store Card |
Compare the top unsecured credit cards for limited credit
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
|
Winner, best unsecured card for limited credit
|
$0 | 1.5% cash back
| 25.24% Variable | |
AvantCard Credit Card*
|
Easiest unsecured credit card to get
|
$59 | N/A | 35.99% | |
Tilt Essentials Card*
|
Best unsecured credit card for no credit
|
$0 | 1% - 3%
| 29.24% Variable | |
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®*
|
Best unsecured credit card for cash back
|
$0 | 1.5% cash back
1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
| 14.99% - 29.99% APR | |
Capital One Platinum Credit Card*
|
Best unsecured credit card for fair credit
|
$0 | N/A | 28.99% (Variable) | |
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card*
|
Best unsecured credit card for students
|
$0 | 1% - 8% cash back
| 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) | |
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
|
Best unsecured credit card for businesses
|
$0 | 1% - 5% cash back
| 28.99% (Variable) | |
Tilt Motion Card*
|
Best unsecured credit card for bad credit
|
$0 | 1% - 10%
1-10% cash back at select national merchants
| 28.24% - 33.24% Variable | |
Amazon Prime Store Card*
|
Best unsecured store credit card
|
$0 | 5% back at Amazon.com
Amazon Prime members can earn 5% back at Amazon.com
| 29.74% |
Methodology: How we chose the best unsecured cards for bad credit and limited credit
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best unsecured credit cards for limited credit. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:
We calculate how much the average cardholder can save with the card on a yearly basis. If it is a rewards card, we use U.S. Bureau of Labor data and $300 in monthly spend (the typical starting credit limit for an introductory card) to calculate how much the average cardholder can earn in rewards. We then subtract fees — including annual fees and maintenance fees — from this amount.
We give points for features that help build credit, including reports to all three credit bureaus, regular account reviews for card upgrades and free credit score access. We detract points for features that can be costly to cardholders trying to build credit, such as security deposits, penalty APRs and late payment fees.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best credit card for building credit. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
Winner, best unsecured credit card for limited credit
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Increase your odds of approval with $250 in a Chase checking or savings account
- $0 annual fee
- Easier for Chase accountholders to get approved
- Earn a high rate of cash back on every purchase
- Automatic account reviews for credit limit increase after six months
- Foreign transaction fees
- Late payment fee
- Higher credit score required for non-Chase customers
The best unsecured credit card for people with no or limited credit is the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card. It offers some of the best cash back rewards for a card in its class for a $0 annual fee.
You can increase your chances at being approved for the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card by having at least $250 in a Chase checking or savings account prior to submitting an application. Plus, you may be eligible to increase your credit limit in as little as six months.
Highlights
Cost to own: $0**
Estimated rewards: $79**
Credit building features:
- Evaluations for credit limit increases
- Potential to graduate to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Automatic payments
- Reports to three major credit bureaus
- Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
- Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
- Earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
- Credit Limit Increase - As a Chase cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
- Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
- No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® card.
- Member FDIC
→ Find the best credit cards for limited credit.
Easiest unsecured credit card to get
AvantCard Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Prequalify without impacting your credit score
- Accessible to people with limited / poor / fair credit
- Regular account reviews for credit limit increase
- Free access to credit score and credit-building tools
- No hidden fees
- Late payment fee
- High APR
- Could charge annual fee
If you’re looking for the easiest unsecured credit card to get with bad credit, your best bet is the AvantCard Credit Card. It’s designed for consumers with limited / poor / fair credit who want access to tools that will help them improve their credit score and take charge of their finances.
Note, it scores a much lower rating than many cards on this page because it charges an annual fee, a high interest rate and late payment fees and doesn’t earn rewards. But if you’re having trouble getting approved for an unsecured card, you’ll find that its fees are reasonable compared to other easy unsecured credit cards to get.
Highlights
Cost to own: $59**
Estimated rewards: $0**
Credit building features: Proactive credit line increases, reports to three major credit bureaus
- Fast and easy application process
- No deposit required
- No hidden fees
- No penalty APR
- Report to all three major credit bureaus
- Zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC
- Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Late Fee up to $39
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $25
- Checking your eligibility does not affect your credit score
→ Find the easiest credit cards to get.
Best unsecured credit card for no credit
Tilt Essentials Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Earn rewards while building your credit.
- $0 annual fee
- Elevated rewards on gas and groceries when you enroll in AutoPay
- Path to credit limit increases in as little as four months
- Automatic review for increase after six on-time monthly payments
- Must enroll in AutoPay to earn higher rate of cash back
- High APR
Some credit cards for bad credit come with hefty fees, but not the Tilt Essentials Card. It has a $0 annual fee and, since it’s an unsecured card, doesn’t require a security deposit. It does earn cash back rewards that can be redeemed as statement credit, but you’ll need to enroll in AutoPay to get the highest rate of cash back on gas and groceries. Plus, you’ll have multiple chances for credit line increases, starting as early as four months.
The biggest downside of this card is the high APR. You can avoid this by paying your balance in full each month, which will also help you meet the requirements to earn an automatic credit line increase.
Highlights
Cost to own: $0**
Estimated rewards: $63**
Credit building features:
- Potential to earn credit limit increase in four months
- Reports payments to credit bureaus
- 1% cash back on all purchases. Unlock 3% on gas and groceries with AutoPay
- No Annual Fee
- 1-10% cash back at select national merchants
- Credit limit increases in as early as 4 months for qualified borrowers
- See if you’re pre-approved instantly without impacting your credit score
- Pay with ease with a contactless card or on your phone using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay
- Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Tilt card members
- Tilt reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
- Freeze your card in the mobile app at any time for peace of mind
- Zero liability fraud coverage
- No security deposits required
- Card issued by WebBank
→ Find the best credit cards for no credit history.
Best unsecured credit card for cash back
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
- $0 annual fee
- Earns a good rate of cash back on every purchase
- Chance to earn a generous sign-up bonus
- Free access to credit score
- Foreign transaction fees
- Fixed monthly payments mean you can’t just pay the minimum
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® is the best unsecured card for cash back because it offers the most potential rewards earnings of any unsecured card for fair credit. You can earn a $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions*. And you’ll earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment. You’ll also get key credit-building features like free access to your credit score and regular reporting to all three credit bureaus, which are helpful to see how you can improve a bad credit score.
Note that this card operates like a personal loan — your balance will be divided into equal monthly payments that you’ll make over a set period of time. You’ll owe this fixed monthly payment every month, so if you’re strapped for cash, you won’t be able to make a minimum payment and remain in good standing.
Highlights
Cost to own: $0**
Estimated rewards: $254**
Credit building features:
- Reports to three major credit bureaus
- Potentially high credit limit
- Diversifies credit mix
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase
- No annual fee
- See if you qualify in seconds with no impact to your credit score
- Combine the flexibility of a card with the predictability of a personal loan
- Enjoy Visa Signature benefits, like Roadside Dispatch, Price Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, and more
- Shop smarter with Upgrade Shopping! Get exclusive savings at stores, restaurants, and more
- Contactless payments with Apple Pay® and Google Wallet™
- Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted
- Relax knowing that you are protected in case of unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
- *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Preferred account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Preferred account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Preferred account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Preferred account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Preferred account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Preferred account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions. This one-time bonus is available through this Upgrade Card offer and may not be available for other Upgrade Card offers.
→ Find the best cash back credit cards.
Best unsecured credit card for fair credit
Capital One Platinum Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months
- $0 annual fee
- Qualify with limited / fair credit
- Flexible payment due dates
- Credit line reviews starting at six months
- No rewards program
- Late payment fee
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is an affordable option among unsecured credit cards for limited / fair credit that lets you build credit easily and securely through responsible use. Although there is no rewards program, there’s also a $0 annual fee.
In as little as six months, your account will be reviewed and considered for a higher credit limit. This can help boost your credit score by lowering your rate of credit utilization.
Highlights
Cost to own: $0**
Estimated rewards: $0**
Credit building features:
- Automatic account reviews for possible credit limit increases
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
- Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
→ Find the best credit cards for fair credit.
Best unsecured credit card for students
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
Earn 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
- $0 annual fee
- Qualify with fair credit
- Great cash back rewards on categories like food and entertainment
- Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
- Exclusively for students
- Late payment fee
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic first-time card for students who spend heavily on food and entertainment. It has a rewards program on par with some of the best cash back credit cards, all for a $0 annual fee.
Plus, cardholders get other strong benefits like extended warranty protection and MasterRental® Coverage in addition to security features and credit-building tools. When you graduate, you get to keep your card and all its benefits.
Highlights
Cost to own: $0**
Estimated rewards: $129**
Credit building features:
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus
- Automatic consideration for credit limit increase in as little as six months
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
→ Find the best student credit cards.
Best unsecured business credit card
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Good for business owners with fair credit
- $0 annual fee
- Qualify with fair credit
- Earns cash back on all purchases
- Free employee cards
- High interest rate
- Low rewards rate
- Late payment fee
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is a rare business credit card targeted to business owners with fair credit scores, and it’s an affordable way to establish a credit history for your business. It charges a $0 annual fee and earns cash back on every purchase.
Cardholders receive various tools to help with business management, including free employee cards with controllable spending limits. In addition to the benefits like extended warranty protection and $0 fraud liability, you’ll also earn cash back on all purchases.
Highlights
Cost to own: $0**
Estimated rewards: $39**
Credit building features:
- Customizable spending limits for employee cards
- Reports to one or more credit bureaus
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, with no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.
- No annual fee
- Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
- No foreign transaction fees
→ Find the best business credit cards.
Best unsecured credit card for bad credit
Tilt Motion Card*
No credit history required to prequalify
- $0 annual fee
- Qualify for higher credit limit in as little as four months
- Cash back on some purchases
- Cash back earned only at select merchants
- Potentially high APR
If you have a low credit score, the Tilt Motion Card lets you prequalify for an unsecured credit card without any credit history. Plus, it offers a pathway to get a credit limit increase in as few as four months. The card’s Leap program can also help raise your credit limit over time by offering automatic credit line reviews for things like making six consecutive qualifying payments.
Because of the potentially high interest rate, you don’t want to carry a balance on your card. Also, though it offers cash back, you won’t earn rewards on every transaction, since cash back is limited to select merchants.
Highlights
Cost to own: $0**
Estimated rewards: $0**
Credit building features:
- Reports to the credit bureaus
- Path to credit limit increases
- Automatic increase following six on-time payments
- No annual fee and no security deposit required
- 1-10% cash back at select national merchants
- See if you’re pre-approved instantly without impacting your credit score. Be considered for all three Tilt cards to maximize chances of approval
- No Credit Score? No problem. Credit history isn’t required for approval
- Credit limit increases in as early as 4 months for qualified borrowers
- Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Tilt card members
- Tilt reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
- Freeze your card in the mobile app at any time for peace of mind
- Zero liability fraud coverage
- Card issued by WebBank
→ Find the best credit cards for bad credit.
Best unsecured store card
Amazon Prime Store Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Earn cash back rewards on Amazon purchases
- $0 annual fee
- High rewards rate on Amazon purchases
- Attainable sign-up bonus
- Qualify with fair credit
- Promotional financing offers
- Amazon Prime membership required to earn cash back
- High interest rate
- Can only use the card for Amazon purchases
- Late payment fee
Store credit cards like the Amazon Prime Store Card typically have more relaxed credit requirements and accept applicants with bad credit, and this one is no exception. Plus, it offers strong benefits for a starter credit card. It has a $0 annual fee, and Amazon Prime members can earn 5% back at Amazon.com.
You do need to be an Amazon Prime member, and the card only works on Amazon purchases. Also, you should avoid carrying a balance with this card, as it has a very high 29.74% APR. But using it responsibly can boost your credit over time. You can build credit with regular credit card purchases and on-time payments.
Highlights
Cost to own: $0**
Estimated rewards: $26**
Credit building features: Reports to credit bureaus
- Choose 0% APR financing: Buy now and pay over time with equal monthly payments on qualifying purchases. Terms apply.
- No annual fee
- Zero fraud liability: You are protected from unauthorized charges.
- Join Prime to earn 5% back: Prime Store Card members can earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market (In-Store Code required) with an eligible Prime membership.
→ Find the best credit cards for Amazon.
What is an unsecured credit card?
An unsecured credit card is a credit card that doesn’t require a security deposit. Typically, the credit card company (or issuer) will perform a hard credit inquiry to decide whether to approve you for the card.
Can you get an unsecured credit card with bad credit?
Typically, unsecured credit cards are easiest to get if you have good or excellent credit. However, there are some unsecured credit cards for bad credit.
Although you can get an unsecured credit card with bad credit, note that the APR may be high and the card may not come with a sign-up bonus or rewards program. However, if used responsibly, the following cards can help you build credit.
Unsecured credit cards for bad credit
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AvantCard Credit Card*
|
$59 | N/A | 35.99% | ||
First Progress Prestige Secured Mastercard®*
|
$49 | 1% - 10% cash back
| 13.49% (V) | ||
Surge® Platinum Mastercard® *
|
$75 - $125 | N/A | 35.90% Fixed | ||
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit*
|
$75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually ($8.25 per month) | 1% cash back
| 29.74%* Variable | ||
First Access VISA® Credit Card*
|
See Terms* | 1% cash back
1% Cash Back
| 35.99%* |
What is the difference between unsecured and secured credit cards?
The primary difference between unsecured and secured credit cards is that secured cards require a security deposit. Because of this, secured credit cards often have lower credit requirements because they can use your security deposit to offset the loss if you don’t make payments on your card.
Aside from the security deposit, secured credit cards work just like unsecured credit cards. Both allow you to make purchases and pay them at a later date. Both can help you build credit through responsible use. You can also earn rewards with both types of cards. However, secured cards tend to have more reasonable fees and better rewards programs than unsecured credit cards for poor credit.
| Unsecured credit cards for bad/limited credit | Secured credit cards | |
|---|---|---|
| Require a security deposit | ||
| Often come with high fees | ||
| Credit limit based on your deposit | ||
| Credit limit based on your credit history | ||
| Can earn rewards | ||
| Report payment history to credit bureaus |
In the table below, you can see the difference between an unsecured credit card and a secured credit card. While the Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Mastercard® doesn’t require a security deposit upfront, you have to pay up to $147 in fees to open an account. And you’ll have to pay up to an annual fee of $72 each year after that.
In just two years, the cost of having the Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Mastercard® will exceed the $200 deposit you would have to pay to open the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. And these fees are nonrefundable (plus you won’t earn any rewards). With the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, you’ll come out ahead because your security deposit can be refunded at some point, and you earn cash back rewards.
| Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Mastercard® | Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards | N/A | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| Annual fee | $0 - $72 | $0 |
| Account set-up fee | $75 | N/A |
| Rewards earned on $3,600 spending | $0 | $54 |
| Total value* in first year | -$147 | $54 |
| Total value* in second year | -$72 | $54 |
| Total value* over two years | -$219 | $108 |
Secured credit cards to consider
If you are able to put down a security deposit, a secured card may be the better way to go:
- Secured cards are generally more affordable and offer the same credit-building opportunities.
- Security deposits are refundable if your account is in good standing.
- Many issuers let you graduate to an unsecured credit card.
- Some cards, like the opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, don’t require a credit check.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Rewards Rate | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Discover it® Secured Credit Card*
|
$0 | 1% - 2% cash back
| 26.49% Variable APR | ||
Amazon Secured Card*
|
$0 | 2% cash back
2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
| 10.00% non-variable | ||
Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card*
|
$0 | 1X points
1X points per dollar spent
| 18.00% variable | ||
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card*
|
$0 | N/A | 28.99% (Variable) | ||
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card*
|
$0 | 1.5% - 5% Cash Back
| 28.99% (Variable) | ||
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card*
|
$0 | 1X - 4X points
| 28.49% variable | ||
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card*
|
$0 | N/A | N/A | ||
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card*
|
$35 | 10% cash back
Up to 10% cash back rewards
| 23.89% (variable) | ||
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card*
|
$0 | 1.5% cash back
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
| 26.99% variable |
→ Find more best secured credit cards.
Limited credit vs. bad credit: What's the difference?
A FICO Score between 300 and 579 is considered “poor credit” — however, two other terms that are often used around this credit range are “bad credit” and “limited credit.”
A person with a limited credit history is thought of as having poor credit because they are credit invisible. They haven’t used credit enough to build their credit score higher. Young adults and newcomers to the United States are most likely to have limited credit histories.
Someone who has suffered financial hardships, causing their credit score to drop into the “poor” range, has “bad credit.” They may have had very good credit at once but, for example, had a medical event that caused them to fall behind on their auto loan or take on additional credit card debt.
FICO Score ranges
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Poor | 300 to 579 |
| Fair | 580 to 669 |
| Good | 670 to 739 |
| Very good | 740 to 799 |
| Exceptional | 800 to 850 |
Types of credit cards for bad credit and building credit
Whether you want to rebuild your credit or just need a card that’s easy to get, we’ve broken down the different types of credit cards for bad credit and limited credit below.
| What do you want? | We recommend | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher approval odds | Easiest credit cards to get |
|
|
| Improve your credit score | Credit cards to build credit |
|
|
| Build credit from scratch | Credit cards for no credit |
|
|
| Higher approval odds and better terms | Secured credit cards |
|
|
| Avoid a credit check/hard credit pull | No-credit-check credit cards |
|
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| Rebuild credit after an event like bankruptcy | Credit cards to rebuild credit |
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| Know in advance if you’re likely to get the card | Preapproved credit cards |
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How to get an unsecured credit card
Depending on your credit, you may not qualify for an unsecured credit card right now. Consider the following tips to improve your chances of approval for an unsecured card.
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Start with a secured credit card
Open a secured card first and use it responsibly, making on-time payments each month to improve your credit score.
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Apply through a bank, credit union or store
Applying for a credit card through a financial institution or business you already have a working relationship with may increase your chances of approval. Plus, many store cards come with lower credit requirements (beware, though, as they often have high interest rates).
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Pay your bills on time
Few factors affect your credit as much as payment history. By paying your bills on time, you can build up a strong credit history and qualify for a good unsecured credit card.
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Pay off debt
One of the best ways to boost your credit score is to pay off credit card debt. Your credit utilization ratio — how much you owe divided by your total credit limit — makes up a significant part of your credit score.
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Prequalify
Some card issuers allow you to check if you are prequalified for a credit card before officially applying for it. Prequalification relies on a soft credit inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit score, and lets you know whether your credit is good enough to get an unsecured credit card.
Did you know?
Although unsecured credit cards may come with higher APRs than secured credit cards, you can ask your credit card issuer for a lower APR. According to a LendingTree study, there’s a good chance your request will be granted.
Our data team found that 76% of credit cardholders who asked for a lower card APR were approved. Requests for lower or waived annual fees had a 93% success rate and credit limit increases were issued 86% of the time.
You have nothing to lose by making a quick phone call to ask.
→ Check your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring
Unsecured credit cards from popular banks
| Bank | Unsecured credit card |
|---|---|
| Capital One unsecured credit card | Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card |
| Credit One unsecured credit card | Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit |
| Discover unsecured credit card | Discover it® Student Cash Back |
| Citibank unsecured credit card | Citi Double Cash® Card |
| Navy Federal Credit Union unsecured credit card | Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card |
| Chase unsecured credit card | Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card |
| Bank of America unsecured credit card | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card |
How to build your credit with an unsecured credit card
Whether you apply for a secured or an unsecured card, it’s important to use it responsibly in order to build a positive credit history. This includes:
- Paying on time and in full each month.
Paying your credit card bill on time is the most important thing you can do for a good credit score. Plus, by paying in full by the statement due date, you can avoid interest charges. - Keeping your card account active.
You need to actually use your card so that the payment activity can be reported to the credit bureaus. A good way to do this is to put a recurring charge on your card (like a Netflix or Spotify subscription), then set up automatic payments so your bill is always paid in full and on time. - Not overspending.
Maxing out your credit card will hurt your credit score, so it’s best to use less than 30% of your available credit. This also helps prevent credit card debt.
Alternatives to unsecured credit cards
It’s not always easy to get unsecured credit cards if you have poor, limited or bad credit. If you apply for an unsecured credit card and aren’t approved, consider one of the following options:
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Open a secured credit card
Secured credit cards usually have lower qualification requirements since your deposit acts as your line of credit.
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Being added as an authorized user
Piggyback off of the good credit of a family member by being added as an authorized user on their account.
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Prequalify for an unsecured credit card
Getting preapproved or prequalified for a credit card can help you determine if you have a good chance of being approved for a credit card.
Frequently asked questions
It’s rare to find an unsecured credit card for bad credit that guarantees approval. If you have bad credit, your best chance at an easy-to-get credit card is a secured credit card since your security deposit acts as your line of credit. The approval requirements may be less strict because the purchases you charge to your secured credit card are essentially paid for in advance with your security deposit. When you make your payment, you are replenishing your line of credit.
Unsecured credit cards have higher credit and approval requirements because the issuing bank is taking on more risk.
A 650 credit score limits your options considerably, but it’s still possible to qualify for an unsecured credit with a score this low. Look for cards that allow you to prequalify for approval without affecting your credit score.
Yes. Some credit card issuers allow you to upgrade from a secured credit card to an unsecured card after meeting specific account milestones, like a number of consecutive on-time monthly payments.
Both secured credit cards and unsecured credit cards can build credit as you spend responsibly and pay off your card balance on time each month. Both card types report monthly payments to the three major credit bureaus. There are many no-annual-fee secured credit cards which may offer a less expensive path to building your credit and eventually obtaining an unsecured credit card.
You can still qualify for some unsecured credit cards with bad credit. These cards typically come with higher interest rates and fewer benefits and perks.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, AvantCard Credit Card, Tilt Essentials Card, Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®, Capital One Platinum Credit Card, Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Spark Classic for Business, Tilt Motion Card, Amazon Prime Store Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, First Progress Prestige Secured Mastercard®, Surge® Platinum Mastercard® , Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit, First Access VISA® Credit Card, Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Mastercard®, Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, Discover it® Secured Credit Card, Amazon Secured Card, Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card, Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card, Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card, Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card, Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Discover it® Student Cash Back, Citi Double Cash® Card, Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
