Credit Cards for Low Credit Scores

Can I get a credit card with a low credit score?
Expert answer by Christina Majaski,
More than 10 years experience covering credit cards and personal finance

If you have a low credit score, whether it’s because you don’t have any credit yet, or because you have had credit problems in the past, you might find getting a credit card challenging. However, this doesn’t mean your situation is hopeless. There are a number of different types of cards for your situation that you may qualify for even with a low credit score. Some of your credit card options include the following:

Secured cards

intro purchase APR no intro offerregular APR23.49% (V)
intro BT APR 10.99% for 6 months 3% BT fee
rewards $1-$2 cash back
  • 1% cash back on all purchases
  • 2% cash back on gas and dining with $1000 quarterly limit

 

bad credit required

no annual fee

25 days grace period

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These types of cards are the most popular for people starting out and those who have bad credit. Most secured cards require a security deposit that the bank or credit card issuer holds while you use your credit card. You typically get a credit card with a limit in the amount of your security deposit. Over time, as you make your payments on the card, you can build a better credit rating.

Store cards

intro purchase APR n/aregular APRSee website for Details*
bad credit required

no fees

Up to $5,000 Spending Limit in Less than 60 Seconds! Shop from over 100,000 brand name products such as Apple, Samsung, Sony, Gucci, Prada and much more with low easy payments.

Less than Perfect Credit Accepted. Approval is quick and easy. Must be 18 years or older, have a valid checking account and a verifiable source of income.

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Store credit cards are often easier to qualify for if you have a low credit score. Although you can usually only use store cards for purchases with a particular retailer, it does give you an opportunity to build a better credit rating.

Gas cards

intro purchase APR no intro offerregular APR26.99% (V)
rewards 5c/10c per gallon 
bad credit required

no annual fee

can be used at 76, Conoco or Phillips only

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Like store cards, it’s often easier to qualify for a gas card. The good thing is that most of the time you also get valuable rewards and benefits with the card, that can help cut your expenses.

Unsecured cards

There are also unsecured credit cards available for those with fair or average credit, which can be considered a low credit rating. Many times, these cards carry higher fees and higher interest rates, but you can use them until you have a higher credit score and can qualify for better credit cards.

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