Filter Options
×-
-
Unselect all
-
Unselect all
-
Unselect all
Showing 122 Cards
Sort By Column Name:
FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®
FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®
- 29.99% Regular Purchase APR
- See Terms* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The FIT™ Platinum Mastercard® is an unsecured credit card that offers the chance of a credit line increase in just six months. The card starts with a $400 unsecured credit line – but offers the chance at a double your credit limit increase in as few as six months.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- $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
- Initial Credit Limit of $400.00 (Subject to available credit)
- Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
- Use your card at locations everywhere Mastercard® is accepted
- Free access to your Vantage 3.0 score from Experian (When you sign up for e-statements)
- Checking Account Required
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.99%
- 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 no credit (or bad credit) and want to build up a positive credit history
- You don’t have the funds for a security deposit on a secured card
- You want to double your credit line with six minimum payments on-time
- You want monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
BOOST Platinum Card
BOOST Platinum Card
- 0% Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
The BOOST Platinum Card is a basic store card offer from Horizon Financial Services. The BOOST Card is perfect for consumers seeking to make purchases without a credit card. This card features a no interest on purchases, a credit limit of $750*, and no credit check.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 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%
- You have poor credit or no credit history at all
- You want a store card without a credit or employment check
- You want additional perks, like credit monitoring or roadside and legal assistance
Revvi Card
Revvi Card
- 35.99%* Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99%* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Revvi is a full-fledged Visa® credit card that can help you improve your credit score with on-time payments and responsible use. The Revvi Card features a quick and easy application and doesn’t require perfect credit. Not only that, but Revvi also offers 1% Cash Back Rewards^^ with on-time payments. The card also features an initial credit line of $300, with the chance of a credit limit increase after year one.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 1% cash back rewards^^ on payments made to your Revvi Credit Card • Perfect credit not required • $300 credit limit (subject to available credit) • Checking account required • Opportunity to request credit limit increase after twelve months, fee applies • *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details • ^^See Revvi Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- Regular Purchase APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10, or 3% of the amount of the Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $75 1st year, $48 after*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- You want to improve your credit score by making on-time payments and keeping credit use low
- You want Visa® protections, like Zero Fraud Liability coverage
- You're seeking manageable monthly payments
- You want to earn 1% Cash Back Rewards^^, on payments made to the card
Principal Platinum Card
Principal Platinum Card
At a Glance
The Focus Gold Merchandise Card (formerly the Principal Platinum) is a no-frills store card offer from Horizon Financial Services. Focus Card is ideal for anyone looking to build or rebuild their credit score. This card features a 0% APR on purchases, a credit limit of $500, roadside assistance, Credit Hawk credit monitoring, discounts on prescription meds, and no credit check.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Instant Approval / $750 Credit Line
- No Employment or Credit Check
- Reports to Major Bureau
- Bad Credit, No Credit - OK
- Always 0.0% APR
- You have bad credit or no credit history at all
- You want a credit card that does not require a credit check or employment check
- You're okay with a $14.95 monthly fee for an online merchandise and catalog card
- You want extra perks, like credit monitoring or roadside and legal assistance
Today Card™ Mastercard®
Today Card™ Mastercard®
- Up to 36.00% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Today Card™ Mastercard® is an unsecured credit card for bad credit. The card features one of the highest purchase APRs on the market and a steep annual fee of $120, billed as $10 per month.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Free access to check your TransUnion VantageScore
- Set up text message alerts to notify you of available credit, current balance, due dates, and payments made
- 24/7 zero liability fraud protection
- Enable automatic payments to ensure you pay on time, every time
- Regular Purchase APR: Up to 36.00% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $120 (billed monthly)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You have bad credit and want to repair it with responsible use
- You can afford the $10 per month fee
- You don’t plan on using the card to carry a balance
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card
- 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card is a cash back rewards and secured credit card that provides up to 3% cash back on purchases for no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, cable, phone, and internet plans, select streaming, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- Regular Purchase APR: 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 28.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 30.24% 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 U.S. dollar amount of each transactio
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $29
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- You have bad credit or no credit history at all
- You want to earn up to 3% back while building your credit score
- You have $300 available for a security deposit
- You do't want to pay an annual fee
SmartHealth PayCard
SmartHealth PayCard
- 18% Regular Purchase APR
- See Terms Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The SmartHealth PayCard™ Mastercard® is a medical credit card that offers coverage for unexpected medical costs, prescriptions, and more. The card, which features credit limits of up to $30,000, also offers accidental death insurance, accidental medical expense insurance, and prescription savings – for a $120 annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 90 seconds to apply, and get a virtual card for use immediately
- Individual and family benefits of $5,000 accident and injury medical indemnity benefit coverage
- SmartHealth Rx provides pharmacy discounts of up to 85% on most generic drugs
- May also be used for veterinarian services
- Regular Purchase APR: 18%
- Cash Advance APR: See Terms
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: See Terms
- Annual Fee: $120
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- You anticipate having additional medical expenses in the coming year
- You have children or pets and want the assurance of additional medical coverage
- You want to finance elective surgeries over-time
- You have insurance but want extra coverage and prescription savings
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
- See Terms Regular Purchase APR
- See Terms Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card is a credit-builder product from Chime – a fintech that offers an assortment of financial products and services with no hidden fees. The secured card functions harmoniously with Chime’s other products and services, including their high-yield savings account.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee or interest
- No credit check performed when applying
- No minimum security deposit required
- Ideal for everyday purchases to help build credit with regular on-time payments
- Checking account required
- Regular Purchase APR: See Terms
- Cash Advance APR: See Terms
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $2.50 per transactio
- You're seeking to build your credit score
- You don’t want a credit check on your credit report
- You don’t want the hassle of a minimum security deposit
- You want access to high yield savings to help your money grow
- You don’t want to pay any additional fees
WWE® Superstar Credit Card
WWE® Superstar Credit Card
- 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The WWE® Superstar Credit Card is a credit repair credit card that lets you earn cash back rewards and access special WWE promotions at the same time. From WWE and Credit One Bank, the card features 1% cash back on select purchases and an annual fee of $75 for the first year (and $99 after that).
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible internet, cable and satellite TV, and mobile phone service purchases
- Earn 1% cash back on eligible dining purchases
- Get access to promotions for WWE Credit Card members
- Regular Purchase APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 8% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $75 for the first year. After that, $99 annually ($8.25 per month)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Either $1 or 3% of each purchase in U.S. dollars, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- You love WWE but are also seeking to repair your credit score
- You want access to exclusive WWE promotions
- You want to show off your wrestling fandom with a sleek card desig
American Savings Bank Secured Visa Card
American Savings Bank Secured Visa Card
- 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The American Savings Bank Secured Visa Card is a basic-yet-effect secured credit card for those new to credit or seeking to rebuild a damaged credit score. The card is from American Savings Bank, a Hawaii-based bank.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Repair credit with on-time payments and responsible use
- Potential for a credit line increase with no additional deposit after 7 months
- Chance to get your security deposit returned after as little as 11 months
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% 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 cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Minimum Deposit Required: $300
- You have bad credit or no credit history
- You live in Hawaii
- You already bank with American Savings Bank
- You plan to pay their balance in full
You've viewed 5 of 122 credit cards
What is a Bad Credit Score?
According to statistics from Experian, one of the major credit bureaus, 16% of Americans suffer from a bad credit score. Bad credit causes serious financial harm, making it tough to get a mortgage, car loan, or the best credit cards.
But what is bad credit, and what causes it?
Bad credit refers to a low credit score resulting from a history of missed payments, late payments, bankruptcy, or other negative financial events. A bad or deep-subprime credit score may also indicate a limited credit history. This credit rating indicates to lenders that you may be a higher-risk borrower, which could lead to difficulty obtaining credit at favorable terms, such as loans, mortgages, or credit cards.
On the FICO Score scale, a bad credit score falls within the range of 300 to 579, while on the VantageScore scale, it ranges from 300 to 499.
How Can Bad Credit Impact Your Life?
Here are some ways bad credit can cause problems in your everyday life.
Renting an Apartment
One of the biggest impacts of a bad credit score is the difficulty in finding an apartment to rent. Renting a home or apartment typically involves a credit check, which helps landlords assess the risk posed by potential tenants. A bad credit score, including a history of late payments, can prevent you from securing a new place to live.
Insurance and Bills
Bad credit also makes it more challenging to pay bills and obtain insurance. Utility companies may be hesitant to accept you as a customer if you have a poor credit score, often requiring a deposit before providing services such as electricity, gas, or water.
Similarly, insurance companies consider your credit when determining your insurance premiums. Bad credit is associated with higher insurance costs, particularly with auto insurance, as insurers believe individuals with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims.
Employment
Statistics show up to 70% of employers conduct credit checks during hiring. Companies use these checks to evaluate potential hires’ responsibility levels. While bad credit doesn’t necessarily indicate unreliability, employers may view it as a red flag and choose another candidate instead.
Relationships
A bad credit score can indirectly create problems in your personal life. The inability to secure a mortgage, rent an apartment, or obtain a car loan can strain family and personal relationships. Constant calls from bill collectors or collection agencies can also cause issues at home.
What Causes Bad Credit?
Bad credit can result from any number of situations and circumstances. The most common cause of a poor credit score is a history of late or missed payments, which reflects poorly on your creditworthiness. Another cause is excessive debt, where your credit utilization ratio is high, indicating that you have borrowed a significant portion of your available credit. Additionally, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and collections can all contribute to bad credit. Understanding these factors is essential so you can effectively address them.
How to Improve Your Credit
Bad credit has serious ramifications in everyday life. Fortunately, there is something you can do – here are some of our top tips for improving your credit score:
① 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. |
② Get a credit card for subprime 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. |
③ Pay on time each 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. |
④ Keep your 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. |
Tips for Managing and Paying Off Debt
Managing and paying off debt is crucial for improving your financial health. Start by creating a realistic budget that allocates funds toward debt repayment. To tackle your debts effectively, consider the snowball or avalanche method.
- Snowball method: Pay off your smallest debt first and then move on to the next, creating a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
- Avalanche method: Prioritize debts with the highest interest rates to save money on interest payments.
Whichever method you choose, allocate as much money as possible towards monthly debt repayment.
Credit Counseling and Debt Consolidation Options
If you find yourself overwhelmed by debt and unable to make progress independently, consider seeking professional help. Credit counseling agencies can provide guidance and support in managing your finances and developing a plan to pay off your debts. They can also negotiate with creditors on your behalf to establish new repayment terms.
Debt consolidation is another option worth exploring. This involves combining multiple debts into one loan or credit card with a lower interest rate, making it easier to manage your payments and save money.
Conclusion
Bad credit can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can rebuild your credit and move towards a brighter financial future. Understanding the causes of bad credit, checking your credit score and report regularly, and implementing practical steps to improve your credit will set you on the path to financial success. Remember, it takes time and discipline, but the effort is worth it.
Check out more
Sub-Prime & Secured Credit Cards
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.