Don’t Let Bad Credit Get You Down: Anyone Can Get a New Credit Card

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Last updated on January 10th, 2024

It might seem that bad credit disqualifies you from getting a new credit card. Since all the most lucrative rewards cards require good FICO scores, the prospects of finding the right card seem bleak, right? The truth is, however, that almost any U.S. consumer over the age of 18 can get new credit. Don’t believe us? Here are the card options available to all credit profiles.

Get a Credit Card With Any Credit Score

Don’t let bad credit get you down. Anyone can get a new credit card because fortunately, card issuers offer numerous card products appropriate for a diverse range of credit ratings. There are credit card options that range from required excellent scores to subprime credit scores. Here are a few that we think can guide you in the right direction on your credit card journey.

Options for Excellent Scores

People with excellent credit scores can expect access to the best credit cards, the best signup bonuses, and the lowest interest rates. If you have a super-prime credit score (as this range is known), you won’t have to worry if you qualify for a credit card – nor will those with good credit.

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Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Bilt Mastercard

  • 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard is a unique rewards credit card from Wells Fargo that lets users earn 1X on monthly rent payments, 3X on travel, 2X on dining, and offers impressive perks including Lyft and DoorDash statement credits – all for no annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to 50,000 points each calendar year)
  • Earn 2X points on travel
  • Earn 3X points on dining
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You rent and want to earn rewards on your monthly rental payments
  • You're a member of Bilt Rewards
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee

The Owner's Rewards Card by M1

The Owner's Rewards Card by M1
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

The Owner's Rewards Card by M1

  • 20.24% to 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1 is a fintech credit card that offers cardmembers the chance to earn cash back – up to 10% for M1 Plus members and 1.5% for all other cardholders – on purchases with brands including Chewy, Spotify, Netflix, Tesla, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn cash back on everyday purchases with the Owner's Rewards Card by M1. Then, reinvest your rewards for long-term growth.
  • Get a baseline of 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases, and unlock higher rewards tiers of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% cash back with M1 Plus.
  • Use M1 automation to easily reinvest your rewards for long-term impact.
  • Integrate even more of your financial life in one place, while M1 helps you grow your wealth with everyday transactions.
  • Visa Signature® benefits including Zero Liability, exclusive experiences, and more.
  • The credit card for investors is here. Invest when you spend and build your wealth with everyday transactions.
  • There is no annual fee.
  • Your first three months of M1 Plus is free.* Get exclusive features and discounts to help you build your wealth.
  • Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% to 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $37
  • You already have an M1 Plus account
  • You regularly invest and want a credit card that can build your wealth with everyday transactions
  • You shop at several leading brands that can earn you up to 10% cash back when you use the Owner’s Reward Card by M1
The Owner's Rewards Card by M1

The Owner's Rewards Card by M1

Terms & Conditions

Options for Good Scores

Good credit, while not super-prime, falls into the prime credit score category. This credit profile typically disqualifies applicants from credit cards like those from Luxury Card, but not from most great credit cards, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer, the Upgrade Card, or even quality co-branded airline cards or hotel credit cards from banks like Bank of America, Chase, and American Express.

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
Excellent-Good-Fair
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good / Fair
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

  • 14.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 14.99% to 29.99% Balance Transfer APR

At a Glance

The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® offers no fees, low rates, cash back, and credit lines up to $25,000 in one unique package. The card provides the flexibility and predictability consumers need to pay down balances and get debt-free quickly.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • Unlimited cash back on payments: 3% on Home, Auto, and Health categories and 1% on everything else after you make payments on your purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan
  • No touch payments with contactless technology built in
  • See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
  • Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for
  • Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud liability
  • *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking account and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking account within 60 days of the date the Upgrade Card account is opened. 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. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. If you have previously opened a Rewards Checking account or do not open one as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after the 3rd qualifying card purchase.
  • Regular Purchase APR: 14.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% to 29.99%
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
  • You struggle to pay off your credit card balances
  • You want to earn up to 3% cash back on purchases
  • You can reliably pay off your statement balances to earn cash back for your purchases
  • You have a desire to get debt-free quickly
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®

Terms & Conditions

Target RedCard™ Mastercard

Target RedCard™ Mastercard
Excellent-Good-Fair
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good / Fair
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Target RedCard™ Mastercard

  • 28.15% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 31.15% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Target RedCard™ is a family of credit, debit, and prepaid cards from Target and TD Bank, with the most interesting option the no annual fee Target RedCard™ Mastercard. The card offers 5% off on Target purchases, plus 2% cash back on gas and dining, and 1% back on everything else.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Unlimited 5% savings at Target and Target.com
  • 2% cash back on dining and gas station purchases
  • 1% back on all other purchases
  • Additional 30-day return policy on select items
  • 2-day delivery
  • No annual fee
  • Regular Purchase APR: 28.15% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance APR: 31.15% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $30
  • You primarily shop at Target for your groceries or household items
  • You want basic rewards for gas and dining purchases
  • You have a good or excellent credit score
  • You want a card with no annual fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

  • 20.49% to 29.24% Variable Regular Purchase APR
  • 20.49% to 29.24% Variable Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% Variable Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 15 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card is a reliable option for customers looking to pair an attractive cash back rewards program with generous introductory interest rates. Cardholders can redeem for cash, travel, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
  • Regular Purchase APR: 20.49% to 29.24% Variable
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
  • Balance Transfer APR: 20.49% to 29.24% Variable
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% Variable
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • You are looking for a low-rate credit card to perform a balance transfer
  • You prefer straightforward rewards earnings rather than quarterly categories requiring activation
  • You'll make at least $500 in purchases in the first 90 days
  • You do't want to pay an annual fee

Options for Fair Scores

As you move down the credit profile ladder, your credit options begin to thin out. That process begins in earnest when you reach “fair” scores on the FICO scale.

A fair credit score, which is one that ranges between 580 and 669 on the FICO scoring model, is “subprime”. However, it doesn’t mean it is an unusual score to have. Roughly 17% of Americans have fair credit, according to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus (along with Equifax and TransUnion).

Card options for fair scores typically lack rewards, like airline miles or cash back. That said, options for subprime credit scores are all about repairing your credit and helping to get your score from “fair” to “good”.

Some of the best cards that fit this profile include the Milestone Gold Mastercard, the Indigo Gold Mastercard, and the Total Visa Unsecured Card. Many credit unions also offer credit cards for fair credit scores. Typically, these cards carry terms such as “Visa Classic,” “Visa Traditional,” or “Platinum” in their names.

Related Article: How to Choose a Subprime Credit Card

Upgrade Select Visa®

Upgrade Select Visa®
Fair
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair
Visa Processing Network
$39 Annual Fee

Upgrade Select Visa®

  • 21.96% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 21.96% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR

At a Glance

The Upgrade Select Visa® combines the best of the regular Upgrade Card for those looking to establish a strong credit history with unsecured credit for the first time. Cardholders enjoy up to 10% cash back on select merchants through Dosh®, and a sensible welcome bonus, all for a modest $39 annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • Combine the flexibility of a card with the predictability of a personal loan
  • No touch payments with contactless technology built in
  • See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
  • Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
  • *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus 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 Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions.
  • Regular Purchase APR: 21.96% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 21.96% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
  • Annual Fee: $39
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
  • You struggle to pay off your credit card balances
  • You want a structured repayment plan
  • You can reliably pay off your statement balances and establish a strong credit history
  • You have a desire to get debt-free quickly
  • You hate penalty or other hidden fees

Current Build Card

Current Build Card
Good-Poor-Fair
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Good / Poor / Fair
Visa Processing Network
$0.00 Annual Fee

Current Build Card

  • 0.00% Regular Purchase APR
  • 0.00% Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Current Build Card is a no annual fee secured card that builds credit while earning up to 7X points and 4% APY on savings. The card features no account minimums, no overdraft fee, and spending insights to help your build credit.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Build credit with no minimum deposits and no annual fee
  • Up to 4% APY on savings
  • Earn up to 7X points on purchases with over 14,000 merchants
  • No overdraft fee
  • Regular Purchase APR: 0.00%
  • Cash Advance APR: 0.00%
  • Annual Fee: $0.00
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: 3% of any Total Due balances outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles
  • You are new to credit and want an easy way to begin building credit
  • You plan on utilizing Current's spending insights to help you save money
  • You don't want to pay an annual fee to earn rewards

BILL Divvy Corporate Card

BILL Divvy Corporate Card
Excellent-Good-Fair
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good / Fair
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

BILL Divvy Corporate Card

At a Glance

The BILL Divvy Corporate Card is a business card for companies and business owners who want a corporate card’s flexibility along with the rewards of a traditional business rewards card. The card prioritizes good financial habits by maximizing rewards for companies that pay balances back early and often.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Ideal for companies that struggle with expense reports, reimbursements, receipts, and expensive annual service contracts
  • Combines seamless expense management software with business cards so you never have to process another expense report
  • No interest rates
  • No annual fee
  • No contract, no obligations
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: See Terms
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: See Terms
  • You struggle with expense reports, reimbursements, and receipts
  • You're looking for a card without interest rates or fees
  • You want a corporate card that offers enforceable employee spending limits
  • You want unlimited virtual cards
  • You spend heavily on travel, dining, and software

Options for Bad Credit

Consumers with a bad score (or very poor credit) will have a difficult time finding a new credit card. That said, there are still plenty of quality options available for those with subprime (or even deep subprime) credit.

Damaged credit is due to a variety of factors, including bankruptcy, accounts going into collections, a string of late payments, or a thin credit file/history.

No matter what the cause, bad scores don’t mean automatic disqualification when it comes to getting a new card. One option is to become an authorized user on someone else’s account. This allows you access to an excellent card and the ability to rebuild your FICO score at the same time.

If you prefer to have your own credit card, why not consider a credit repair card, such as the Destiny Mastercard? The Destiny is targeted towards individuals with bad credit and accepts even those with past bankruptcies.

Catalog cards, like the Group One Platinum Card or the Horizon Gold Card, are another option. Both options are open to bad credit (or even no credit history at all) and offer a $750 unsecured limit towards purchases at the Horizon Outlet – a popular online shopping portal.

Related Article: What Are the Easiest Credit Cards for Bad Credit to Get?

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
Fair-Poor
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / Poor
Mastercard Processing Network
See Terms* Annual Fee

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

  • 29.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • See Terms* Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Surge Mastercard® can be an ideal pre-qualification option if you need to repair or continue building your less-than-perfect credit score. Though it bears annual and maintenance fees, it does, however, provide attractive perks for qualified cardholders – including the potential for a double credit limit increase in as little as six months.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Up to $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
  • All credit types welcome to apply!
  • Monthly Credit Score – Sign up for electronic statements, and get your Vantage 3.0 Score Credit Score From Experian
  • Initial Credit Limit of $300 – $1,000 (subject to available credit)
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • See if you’re Pre-Qualified without impacting your credit score
  • Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
  • Online account access 24/7
  • Checking Account Required
  • Regular Purchase APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance APR: See Terms*
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See Terms*
  • Annual Fee: See Terms*
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms*
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You have fair or poor credit and need to build or repair your credit ratings
  • You prefer a pre-qualification card that will immediately inform you whether you would be approved prior to applying
  • You want to double your credit line by up to $1,000 by making your first six monthly minimum payments on time
  • You don’t want a secured credit card or can’t afford a security deposit
  • You want a card that reports activity to the three major credit bureaus
  • You want the security of an optional credit protection program
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions

Chase Freedom Rise

Chase Freedom Rise
Fair-Poor
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / Poor
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Chase Freedom Rise

  • 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Chase Freedom Rise Visa is a credit builder card that can help you earn cash back rewards and double your credit line fast. The card works best with an eligible Chase checking account, as having one can greatly improve your approval odds.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 1.5% in cash back for all of your purchases
  • Earn a $25 bonus for enrolling in in the first three months
  • $0 annual fee
  • Increase your credit line with 6 on-time payments
  • Regular Purchase APR: 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You have a Chase checking account with a $250 balance
  • You want to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • You are new to credit cards
  • You don't want to pay an annual fee

Destiny Mastercard®

Destiny Mastercard®
Fair-Poor-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / Poor / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
See terms Annual Fee

Destiny Mastercard®

  • See terms Regular Purchase APR
  • See terms Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Destiny Mastercard is an ideal credit card for those with bad or fair credit who want the purchasing power of Mastercard but without the security deposit requirement of a secured credit card. With a modest annual fee and manageable initial credit limit, the Destiny Card doesn’t care about your credit past – instead, it helps you focus on your everyday expenses.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • All the benefits of a Mastercard, without a security deposit
  • 24/7 access to your account, even on mobile!
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
  • Less than perfect credit is okay, even with a prior bankruptcy!
  • Regular Purchase APR: See terms
  • Cash Advance APR: See terms
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See terms
  • Annual Fee: See terms
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: See terms
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: See terms
  • Over Limit Penalty Fee: See terms
  • You have an imperfect credit history, which may include a past bankruptcy
  • You have less-than-perfect credit
  • You want a Mastercard but don’t want to pay a security deposit
  • You want a credit card with the versatility to make foreign purchases
  • You plan to pay your statement in full every month

No Credit History at All

No credit history also isn’t an instant denial for those seeking a new credit card. As mentioned, options like the Group One Platinum or the Horizon Gold don’t require a credit history.

Secured credit cards are another great way to establish a good credit history and work your way up to better credit card offers in the future. Secured cards work by requiring a security deposit. This cash deposit, held in a joint bank account by the issuing bank, acts as collateral for the account and also as the credit limit.

Thanks to the deposit requirement, secured cards open the world of credit cards to those who otherwise might be unable to fix their FICO scores. Because of this benefit, a secured card is the ideal option for improving FICO scores and learning good financial habits.

Some of the top secured cards include the OpenSky Visa (which requires no credit check to apply), the Assent Platinum Mastercard (which boasts a 0% intro APR offer on purchases for the first six months), and the Applied Bank Gold Preferred (which offers a low purchase APR under 10%).

Related Article: What Are the Best Secured Cards for Rebuilding Credit?

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
Fair-Poor
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / Poor
Mastercard Processing Network
See Terms* Annual Fee

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

  • 29.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • See Terms* Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Surge Mastercard® can be an ideal pre-qualification option if you need to repair or continue building your less-than-perfect credit score. Though it bears annual and maintenance fees, it does, however, provide attractive perks for qualified cardholders – including the potential for a double credit limit increase in as little as six months.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Up to $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
  • All credit types welcome to apply!
  • Monthly Credit Score – Sign up for electronic statements, and get your Vantage 3.0 Score Credit Score From Experian
  • Initial Credit Limit of $300 – $1,000 (subject to available credit)
  • Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
  • See if you’re Pre-Qualified without impacting your credit score
  • Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
  • Online account access 24/7
  • Checking Account Required
  • Regular Purchase APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance APR: See Terms*
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See Terms*
  • Annual Fee: See Terms*
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms*
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You have fair or poor credit and need to build or repair your credit ratings
  • You prefer a pre-qualification card that will immediately inform you whether you would be approved prior to applying
  • You want to double your credit line by up to $1,000 by making your first six monthly minimum payments on time
  • You don’t want a secured credit card or can’t afford a security deposit
  • You want a card that reports activity to the three major credit bureaus
  • You want the security of an optional credit protection program
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

Terms & Conditions

Chase Freedom Rise

Chase Freedom Rise
Fair-Poor
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / Poor
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Chase Freedom Rise

  • 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Chase Freedom Rise Visa is a credit builder card that can help you earn cash back rewards and double your credit line fast. The card works best with an eligible Chase checking account, as having one can greatly improve your approval odds.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 1.5% in cash back for all of your purchases
  • Earn a $25 bonus for enrolling in in the first three months
  • $0 annual fee
  • Increase your credit line with 6 on-time payments
  • Regular Purchase APR: 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You have a Chase checking account with a $250 balance
  • You want to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
  • You are new to credit cards
  • You don't want to pay an annual fee

Destiny Mastercard®

Destiny Mastercard®
Fair-Poor-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Fair / Poor / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
See terms Annual Fee

Destiny Mastercard®

  • See terms Regular Purchase APR
  • See terms Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Destiny Mastercard is an ideal credit card for those with bad or fair credit who want the purchasing power of Mastercard but without the security deposit requirement of a secured credit card. With a modest annual fee and manageable initial credit limit, the Destiny Card doesn’t care about your credit past – instead, it helps you focus on your everyday expenses.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • All the benefits of a Mastercard, without a security deposit
  • 24/7 access to your account, even on mobile!
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
  • Less than perfect credit is okay, even with a prior bankruptcy!
  • Regular Purchase APR: See terms
  • Cash Advance APR: See terms
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See terms
  • Annual Fee: See terms
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: See terms
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: See terms
  • Over Limit Penalty Fee: See terms
  • You have an imperfect credit history, which may include a past bankruptcy
  • You have less-than-perfect credit
  • You want a Mastercard but don’t want to pay a security deposit
  • You want a credit card with the versatility to make foreign purchases
  • You plan to pay your statement in full every month

Subprime Credit or Not, You Can Get a Credit Card

Having bad credit – or no credit history at all – can be discouraging. Having deep subprime credit isn’t the end of the line, however. On the contrary, almost all adult Americans can qualify for a new credit card. By fully understanding the options available to you, as well as how to use those options to boost your credit score, you can take back control of your credit destiny – and advance to more lucrative opportunities in the near future.

Related Article: Can You Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points In a Month?

Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.

About: Cory Santos
Cory Santos

Cory is the senior credit card editor at BestCards, specializing in everything credit card-related. He’s worked extensively with credit cards and other personal finance topics, including nearly five years at BestCards. Cory’s extensive knowledge is an essential part of the BestCards experience, helping readers to live their best financial lives with up-to-date insights and comprehensive coverage of all facets of the credit card space, including market trends, rewards guides, credit advice, and comprehensive credit card reviews.

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