Having a low credit score or limited credit history can be an obstacle to getting approved for a credit card. That’s especially problematic given that responsibly managing a credit card is an excellent way to build your credit. It’s true the best rewards credit cards are targeted toward people with good or excellent credit, but don’t give up hope if you’re just starting out and can’t yet qualify for those.
Some credit cards do have higher approval rates, though — even if you’ve made some major credit mistakes in the past or are just getting started on your credit journey. Secured cards, student cards and store cards, in particular, tend to have more forgiving approval criteria.
The easiest credit card to get may not be ideal as a long-term card, but it will give you the chance to build your credit history with responsible use. Here are a few options to consider if you’re looking for a card that is easier to qualify for.
Comparing the easiest cards to get
Top credit cards for easier approval
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is rare among secured cards because it offers a high rate of cash back in eligible choice categories. Cardholders can earn 3 percent cash back in an eligible category of their choice, 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1 percent cash back on other purchases. The 3 percent and 2 percent earning is on the first $2,500 in combined spending each quarter, then 1 percent. This card offers the same rewards program as its unsecured counterpart. Other perks include flexible rewards redemption options, credit education tools and free FICO credit score access.
Manage your card responsibly and you may qualify for an upgrade to the unsecured version of the card, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, which comes with the same rewards structure and more perks.
Pros
Earn customizable cash back in various bonus categories.
This issuer performs periodic account reviews to see if you’re eligible to have your security deposit returned.
Cons
Requires a $200 security deposit
There’s no welcome offer and upgrading this card to its unsecured version won’t qualify you for that card’s welcome offer.
The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card allows you to earn the same flat cash back rate — an unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases — as its unsecured counterpart, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card. It’s a simple credit-building card for people who spend evenly across several rewards categories or don’t want to track spending caps and bonus categories. It also comes with flexible rewards redemption options, free FICO credit score access and credit education tools.
Pros
You can enjoy a flat cash-back rate on all purchases with little hassle.
As with the Customized Cash Rewards card, Bank of America will periodically review your account to see whether you’re eligible to have your security deposit returned.
Cons
A high ongoing APR can eat into your rewards earnings if you carry a balance.
Since this card charges foreign transaction fees, it’s not ideal for purchases in foreign currency, whether traveling abroad or shopping with foreign merchants from home.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is worth considering if your credit isn’t good enough for the unsecured version. Depending on your creditworthiness, you will pay a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 to secure a credit line of $200. The opportunity to open a secured line of credit with less than a $200 security deposit makes this a winning card for those looking to build their credit.
Pros
This card could feature a low security deposit of $49 to secure a $200 credit limit ($49, $99 or $200 security deposit is based on creditworthiness with all securing a $200 credit line).
Automatic credit line reviews after six months can put you on track toward better cards.
Cons
It doesn’t offer rewards for your spending, so it’ll be difficult to find value beyond its convenience as a potentially low-cost option.
Its security deposit will only yield a $200 credit limit, which can make building credit difficult if your monthly expenses exceed that limit.
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn’t offer rewards but it allows you to build your credit score without an annual fee or a security deposit. You’ll likely start off with a low credit limit, but Capital One will review your account for a credit limit increase in as little as six months. The Capital One Platinum is potentially available to people without a credit history, but you can also check if you’re prequalified online. That way you can assess your likelihood of being approved for this credit card before you fill out a full application or submit to a hard credit check.
Pros
Get prequalified online without a hard inquiry on your credit report.
If you qualify for a higher credit limit, you can improve your credit utilization ratio.
Cons
Its lack of a rewards program makes cards with low rewards rates more valuable in your wallet.
This card lacks intro offers and a sign-up bonus, which are commonly found with unsecured cards.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card allows you to earn a flat 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase, so there’s no need for busy students to keep up with bonus categories. There’s also no annual fee or foreign transaction fees to worry about, making this card a great option if you’re planning to study abroad.
The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards is available to students with no credit history, and students enrolled in a four-year or two-year higher education institution are eligible for this card.
Pros
You can take advantage of a modest sign-up bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months of account opening.
You’ll be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
Cons
Its flat rewards rate means you can’t strategically maximize your rewards if you’re a student who makes frequent purchases in a handful of spending categories.
Other student cards waive your first late payment, so this card might be more costly if you miss a payment.
The Discover it Student Chrome is a good choice for students who make frequent purchases at gas stations and restaurants since it offers 2 percent cash back on up to $1,000 in combined spending quarterly, then 1 percent. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.
In a true rarity among student cards, the Discover it Student Chome offers an intro APR on purchases for six months, followed by a 17.24% – 26.24% Variable APR. Lastly, there’s no annual fee to worry about, nor does it charge foreign transaction fees.
Pros
Its $0 annual fee makes it an affordable option for cost-conscious students.
Discover’s cashback match welcome bonus opportunity can be quite lucrative.
The low introductory APR can be helpful when paying for large college purchases, like books or dorm decor, over time.
Cons
There’s a quarterly spending cap on the combined bonus categories, limiting your earnings potential.
Low international acceptance rates for Discover cards might make it a poor choice for studying abroad even though it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Choosing a card with easier approval rates
There are plenty of options, including secured credit cards, student cards and more, when it comes to cards that offer more lenient approval requirements. Determine what type of card you prefer, as well as whether you are comfortable paying an annual fee or a security deposit, before applying.
Secured credit cards
Secured credit cards require a security deposit, which usually equals your credit limit. You might have the option to put down anywhere from $49 to $5,000. The benefit of choosing a secured card is that the credit score requirements are loose — they often require no credit history.
Unlike other credit cards for no credit or bad credit, secured cards often don’t charge annual fees, but they also usually lack impressive rewards programs. Essentially, you’ll offer up a security deposit in exchange for better benefits and fewer fees than you’d get otherwise. When your credit climbs into the “fair” or “good” range, the issuer will often graduate you to an unsecured card and, assuming your secured card account is in good standing, return your security deposit.
Unsecured credit cards
If you have bad credit and aren’t able to provide a security deposit, you’re not out of luck. There are unsecured credit cards designed for consumers with poor credit. Keep in mind they often come with more fees, higher APRs and fewer rewards.
So, when would it make sense to choose an unsecured card? With a secured card, the amount you provide for your security deposit usually serves as your credit limit. If you’re hoping for a $1,000 credit limit, for example, but you don’t have that much money to put down for a security deposit, an unsecured card might make more sense for you. Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive that credit limit on an unsecured card either.
Student credit cards
A lot of people get their first credit card in college. But without much in your credit file, you might have trouble findung a good credit card that you qualify for. That’s where student credit cards come in. These cards are specifically designed for people at the start of their credit journeys, so a lack of credit history isn’t a barrier. Plus, they often come with perks and rewards tailored to student lifestyles and spending.
Store credit cards for fair credit
A big perk of retail credit cards is that their credit requirements are often low — many store cards require only a fair credit score — making them easier to qualify for. If you’re a loyal shopper at a particular retailer, you should see if it offers its own store credit card. For example, if you love Athleta, Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®* could be rewarding.
However, note that some retail cards can only be used at one particular retailer — closed-loop cards — while others can be used anywhere — open-loop cards. Also, if you decide to go this route, be sure you don’t feel incentivized to overspend on things you don’t need. Store credit cards often have high interest rates. That said, there are hundreds of store credit cards available. Here are a few popular ones:
Target Circle™ Card*
MyLowe’s® Rewards Credit Card*
TJX Rewards® Credit Card*
My Best Buy Visa® Card*
Kohl’s® Card*
The bottom line
Building credit can be a challenge, especially for those with a damaged credit score or limited credit history. Fortunately, there are credit card options that are easier to get approved for including secured, student and store cards. These cards may not offer the same long-term benefits as top-tier rewards cards, but they provide an opportunity to build credit with responsible use and eventually qualify for more competitive options. The key is to use these cards responsibly and consistently monitor your credit score. With patience and diligence, you can improve your credit and upgrade to better credit card options.
Frequently asked questions
Secured cards are often a viable choice for those with bad credit. They require a deposit that acts as collateral, so they are available to those with lower scores. They can help build credit history if used wisely, just like an unsecured card. Be mindful of potential high fees and interest rates, and ensure timely payments to avoid damaging your credit score.
Secured credit cards and those designed for individuals with poor or limited credit are typically the easiest to get approved for. Always consider fees, interest rates and whether the issuer reports to credit bureaus when selecting a card.
Numerous issuers, including Discover, Capital One and Bank of America, offer a preapproval option. You can also use Bankrate’s CardMatch tool to discover which cards you’re most likely to qualify for. Keep in mind, neither preapproval nor prequalification ensure final approval, and a full application will involve additional review and likely a hard credit pull.
*All information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured credit card, Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card, Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®, Target Circle™ Card, MyLowe’s® Rewards Credit Card, TJX Rewards® Credit Card, My Best Buy Visa® Card and Kohl’s® Card has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
