Rebuilding credit requires access to credit, but getting approved with a low credit score can be difficult. In 2026, several credit cards are specifically designed for individuals with bad credit or no credit history. These cards can help you establish a positive payment history and improve your credit score over time.
Credit cards for bad credit fall into two main categories: secured cards, which require a refundable security deposit, and unsecured cards, which do not require a deposit but typically have higher fees and lower limits.
Best secured credit cards for bad credit
Discover it Secured: The best secured card on the market. Requires a $200 minimum deposit. Earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly) and 1% on everything else. Discover matches all cash back earned in the first year. No annual fee. After 7 months, Discover reviews your account for potential graduation to an unsecured card.
Capital One Platinum Secured: Minimum deposit may be as low as $49 for a $200 credit line, depending on your creditworthiness. No annual fee. Capital One reports to all three major credit bureaus. After 6 months of on-time payments, you may be eligible for a higher credit limit.
Citi Secured Mastercard: Requires a $200 deposit. No annual fee. Citi reports to all three credit bureaus and offers automatic account reviews after 18 months to determine eligibility for an unsecured card.
Best unsecured credit cards for bad credit
Credit One Bank Platinum Visa: Designed for rebuilding credit. Pre-qualification does not affect your credit score. Annual fee of $75 for the first year, then $99. Earns 1% cash back on eligible purchases. Reports to all three credit bureaus.
Mission Lane Visa: No security deposit required. Annual fee ranges from $0 to $59 depending on your credit profile. Mission Lane is transparent about fees and reports to all three bureaus. Credit limits start at $300 and can increase with responsible use.
Indigo Mastercard: Specifically designed for applicants with prior bankruptcy. Pre-qualification available with no hard inquiry. Annual fee up to $99. Credit limits up to $300. Reports to all three bureaus.
How to rebuild credit with a credit card
- Pay your bill on time, every time. Payment history is 35% of your FICO score.
- Keep your credit utilization below 30%, and ideally below 10%. If you have a $300 limit, keep your balance under $30.
- Set up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates.
- Do not apply for multiple cards at once. Each application creates a hard inquiry that can lower your score.
- Monitor your credit score monthly to track progress.
Final thoughts
Rebuilding credit takes time and discipline, but the right credit card can accelerate the process. Secured cards are generally the best starting point because they have lower fees and higher approval odds. Use the card responsibly for 6 to 12 months, then apply for a card with better terms as your score improves.