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Destiny® Mastercard®
- Regular Purchase APR 35.9%
- Cash Advance APR 35.9%
- Annual Fee $125 the first year; $49 thereafter
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Good , Fair , Poor
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Build your access to credit - $500 credit limit
- Get the flexibility of an unsecured Mastercard, even with less than perfect credit
- Easy pre-qualification process which does not affect your credit score
- Your financial future is important. Keeping your Destiny account in good standing may help establish and/or improve your credit history with reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- No security deposit required
- 24/7 access to your account information, even on mobile
- Worry-free fraud protection if your card is lost or stolen
- Regular Purchase APR: 35.9%
- Cash Advance APR: 35.9%
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater (maximum $100)
- Annual Fee: $125 the first year; $49 thereafter
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Over Limit Penalty Fee: Up to $40
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Self Visa® Credit Card
- Regular Purchase APR 23.99%
- Annual Fee $25
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Fair , Poor , No Credit Required
- Processing Network Visa
- Get the savings plan that helps build credit today
- Start with a Credit Builder Account that reports monthly payments to all 3 major credit bureaus
- Sample product: A $539.00 Credit builder account, paid 12 times over one year would have a monthly payment of $48.00, and an Annual Percentage Rate of 15.97%. Please refer to www.self.inc/pricing for the most recent pricing options
- No credit score is needed to get started
- Your money is secured and protected in a bank account
- Regular Purchase APR: 23.99%
- Annual Fee: $25
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $15
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $15
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Divvy Credit Builder
- Annual Fee None
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Poor , No Credit Required
- Processing Network Visa
- Easy online application – can be completed in a few easy steps
- Earn Divvy Rewards and control your earnings based on your payoff schedule
- Track spend in real time from anywhere
- Issue secure virtual cards that are tied to your account and protected against fraud and overspending
- Save hours of accounting work with Divvy's card-plus-software integrations
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: See Terms
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Sable Secured Credit Card
- Regular Purchase APR 10.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee None
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Fair , Poor
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Earn up to 2% cash back on select purchases
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cell phone protection included
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 10.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2%
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $30
- Minimum Deposit Required: $10
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card
- Regular Purchase APR 9.99% Fixed Rate
- Cash Advance APR 9.99% Fixed Rate
- Annual Fee $48
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Fair , Poor
- Processing Network Visa
- Better than Prepaid...Go with a Secured Card! Load One Time - Keep On Using
- Absolutely No Credit Check or Minimum Credit Score Required
- Automatic Reporting to All Three National Credit Bureaus
- 9.99% Low Fixed APR - Your Rate Won’t Go Up Even if You Are Late
- Activate Today with a $200 Minimum Deposit - Maximum $1,000
- Increase Your Credit Limit up to $5,000 by Adding Additional Deposits Anytime
- Regular Purchase APR: 9.99% Fixed Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 9.99% Fixed Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $48
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Merrick Bank Secured Visa®
- Regular Purchase APR 17.70% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 22.70% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $36 for first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Good , Fair , Poor
- Processing Network Visa
- Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit
- Initial deposits can be from $200 to $3,000. You can increase your credit line at any time by adding additional money to your security deposit, up to $3,000
- After 9 months, we review your account for a credit line increase. No additional deposit required!
- Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds
- Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. As you pay your bill every month, we report to all three major credit-reporting agencies
- Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
- Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.70% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 22.70% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $36 for first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Merrick Bank Double Your Line™ Secured Visa®
- Regular Purchase APR 17.70% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 22.70% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $36 the first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
-
Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Good , Fair , Poor
- Processing Network Visa
- Put down $200, which becomes your credit line. Then, if you qualify, double your credit line to $400 without making another deposit
- Double your $200 credit line by making at least your minimum payment on time each month for the first 7 months your account is open
- Secured Credit Cards are great for people looking to build or rebuild credit and are available to people with all kinds of credit backgrounds
- Unlike a debit card or a pre-paid card, it helps build your credit history. We report your payment history to all three major credit-reporting agencies
- Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts
- Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.70% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 22.70% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $36 the first year. Billed $3 per month thereafter
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Minimum Deposit Required: $200
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Mastercard®
- Regular Purchase APR 19.7% to 29.95% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR 24.95% to 34.95% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee $0 to $72
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Good , Fair , Poor
- Processing Network Mastercard
- Credit lines range from $550-$1,350 which double to $1,100-$2,700 after your account qualifies. No security deposit required
- Double your credit line by making at least your minimum payment on time each month for the first 7 months your account is open
- See if you are pre-approved within minutes, without affecting your credit score
- Build or rebuild your credit. AS you pay your bill every month, we report to all three major credit reporting agencies
- Get your FICO® Credit Score for free each month
- Fraud coverage if your card is lost or stolen. Access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get help staying on track with available Auto Pay and account alerts
- Card issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.7% to 29.95% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 24.95% to 34.95% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $0 to $72
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!FIT Mastercard®
- Regular Purchase APR See Terms*
- Cash Advance APR See Terms*
- Annual Fee See Terms*
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Fair , Poor
- Processing Network Mastercard
- $400 credit limit doubles to $800! (Simply make your first 6 monthly minimum payments on time)
- All credit types welcome to apply
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from Experian* (When you sign up for e-statements)
- Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
- Use your card at locations everywhere that Mastercard® is accepted
- Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from Experian* (When you sign up for e-statements)
- Free online account access 24/7
- Checking Account Required
- Regular Purchase APR: See Terms*
- Cash Advance APR: See Terms*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Annual Fee: See Terms*
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: See Terms*
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: See Terms*
Browse these credit card deals and thousands of other offers by becoming a Bestcards Member.
Join today!Merit Platinum Card
- Regular Purchase APR 0%
- Annual Fee None
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Credit NeededBestCards.com uses a variation of FICO Score 8, 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.Fair , Poor , No Credit Required
- Processing Network N/A
- Bad Credit, No Credit? No Problem
- $750 Unsecured Credit Line*
- Fast and Easy Application
- No Employment or Credit Check
- *usable only at theHorizonOutlet.com
- Regular Purchase APR: 0%
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What Is a Bad Credit Score?
A bad credit score is a score that falls below what credit reporting bureaus deem to be average, or “fair.” Bad scores indicate that a person is at a higher risk of missing payments, making late payments, or defaulting on their loans.
To put it bluntly, a bad or poor credit score tells a bank or lender that an individual is less creditworthy than someone with a higher score. Fortunately, credit scores are not set in stone. Instead, they are easily changeable through proactive measures and following financial best practices.
Credit Score Range
Before fixing a damaged credit score, it is crucial to understand what a credit score is, and what is considered good, bad, or ugly by different credit reporting bureaus. The two main credit scoring models that banks use to gauge creditworthiness are FICO and VantageScore.
FICO Score vs. VanatgesCore
FICO is the oldest of the credit scoring systems, and as such, is the most popular among banks. A FICO score ranges from 300 to 850, with ratings ranging from Very Poor (bad) to Exceptional VantageScore is a newer scoring model created by the three leading credit agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Like FICO, VantageScore ranges from 300 to 850, but places more scoring weight on newer credit histories than FICO.
How Bad Credit Can Hurt You Financially
What impact can a bad credit score have on your financial life? Or even your everyday life, for that matter?
Tougher to Receive Credit
The most obvious impact of bad credit is a more difficult time getting approved for new lines of credit. Those with poor credit will struggle to get most credit cards with a few notable exceptions. Banks and credit card issuers are much less willing to extend credit to those with bad credit, and only credit cards for bad credit or secured credit cards will be an option. People with bad credit will also struggle with getting personal loans, car loans, and mortgages.
Higher Loan Terms
Poor credit will not eliminate any chances at getting cards or loans, but those lines of credit will come with less favorable terms. Loans and credit cards for poor credit feature very high-interest rates, higher annual fees, and potentially monthly service fees.
Difficulty Renting Apartments
Poor credit directly impacts your ability to find housing. Landlords may be less willing to take a risk with someone with bad credit, viewing them as a potential liability.
Loss of Employment Opportunities
Bad credit can even impact your professional life. Many employers access the credit reports of potential hires to see if they are a trustworthy, reliable individual. While companies can’t access your credit score, the information on your report may make you seem like a liability. Some government agencies won’t hire people with poor credit, viewing them as a security risk due to their financial situation.
How to Improve a Bad Credit Score
Bad credit has serious ramifications in everyday life. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it! Here are some of our top tips for improving your credit score:
Check Your Credit Score
The first thing you should do is check your credit score to see where you stand. You might already know your credit score is bad, but how far down on the scale, does it go? Knowing how fast you can improve your credit from “bad” to “fair” is crucial to making a financial plan of attack.
Pay on Time Every Month
As seen in the scoring models, payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Because payment history is so important, paying your credit card bill on time each month is essential to boosting sub-prime credit. Missed payments stay on a credit report for seven years.
Get a Credit Card for Bad Credit
Part of boosting your credit score is increasing your use of credit. For those with bad credit, this may seem counter-intuitive. Fortunately, there are many unsecured credit cards for poor credit and secured cards that can help you repair your credit score.
Keep Credit Use Low
Credit utilization is as important as paying on time. Credit utilization shows lenders how you use your credit. Those who keep their credit use below 30% can expect their score to improve, while those who use less than 10% can expect a much faster score rise.
What Are the Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit?
Bad credit doesn’t have to mean settling for a bad credit card. Here are some of our team’s top picks for bad scores:
Destiny™ Mastercard®
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Simple and fast application process
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Monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus
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Less than perfect credit is okay
☆ Quick Pre-Qualification
☆ Perfect for Building Credit
☆ Ideal for everyday purchases to help build credit
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 credit repair journey.
Reflex Mastercard®
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Up to $1,000 credit limit doubles up to $2,000!
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Monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus
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Checking accoutn required to apply
☆ Quick Pre-Qualification
☆ Mastercard Zero Fraud Liability
☆ Ideal for everyday purchases to help build credit
The Reflex Mastercard®, issued by Celtic Bank, is one of many credit cards for bad credit or no credit score at all. The card is a full-fledged Mastercard and offers the chance of doubling your credit limit when you make your first six monthly payments on-time.
Surge Secured Mastercard®
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Earn 1% Cash back Rewards on every purchase
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Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
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Zero Fraud Liability
☆ Fast Online Application
☆ Your Deposit Is Your Credit Line
☆ Build Credit & Earn Rewards
☆ Free access to your VantageScore
The Surge Secured Mastercard® is a secured credit card that offers rewards – and the ability to build credit – in one package. The card differs from most secured cards on the market in that it earns 1% cash back rewards on every purchase and can help users build their credit score at most places in the United States where Mastercard is accepted.
Sable Secured Mastercard®
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Earn up to 2% cash back on select purchases
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Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
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No annual fee
☆ Perfect for New to Credit/ Immigrants
☆ No Credit Check to Apply
☆ Build Credit & Earn Rewards
☆ Mobile Wallet Compatibility
The Sable Secured Mastercard Credit Card is a fintech secured card that helps build a positive credit history in the United States – without any hidden fees and with no credit checks. Sable’s digital-first platform is a great feature that provides an interface most young adults will be immensely familiar with and removes much of the strain and anxiety that opening a secured credit card (or even a bank account) in a branch can cause.
Merit Platinum Card
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Unsecured, $750 Line of Credit
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Reports to Major Credit Bureau
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Use for Purchases at the Horizon Outlet
☆ Quick Application
☆ No Employment or Credit Check
☆ Build Credit w/ On-Time Payments
The Merit Platinum Card is a basic store card offer from Horizon Financial Services. The Merit Card perfect for consumers seeking to establish or rebuild their credit score. This card features a no interest on purchases, a credit limit of $750, and no credit check.