Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit

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How We Chose the Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Rewards credit cards for bad credit Credit cards for bad credit issued by a major retail bank Credit cards for bad credit for international travel Cards for bad credit with low APRs Credit cards with no credit check Credit cards that automatically raise your credit line
How Secured Cards Work
Best Credit Card for Bad Credit and Rewards
If You Want a Card for Bad Credit With Rewards: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Pros:
The card provides a good opportunity for rewards. The first year is especially valuable, with dollar-for-dollar matching. You’re eligible to convert to an unsecured card after eight months of responsible use.
Cons:
The card requires a security deposit. The standard APR is on the high side. Rewards earnings have a cap.
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit From a Major Retail Bank
If You Want a Card for Bad Credit From a Major Retail Bank: BankAmericard® Secured
Pros:
The card has no annual fee. The security deposit is refundable. It’s offered by Bank of America.
Cons:
The minimum deposit is $300. There’s no intro APR offer. The card offers no rewards.
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit for International Travel
If You Want a Card for Bad Credit for International Travel: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Pros:
There are no foreign transaction fees. The card asks for a low security deposit. You’re automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
Cons:
The card has a high APR. There are few benefits. The initial credit line is only $200.
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit With Low APR
If You Want a Card for Bad Credit With Low APR: First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
Pros:
The card has a low APR. No credit history or minimum credit score is needed. Your deposit and credit line can go as high as $2,000.
Cons:
The card has an annual fee. It offers few rewards. There’s no introductory APR offer.
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit With No Credit Check
If You Want a Card for Bad Credit With No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Pros:
There’s no credit check to get this card. No bank account is required. The annual fee is relatively low.
Cons:
There is an annual fee. The card offers few rewards. There’s no introductory APR.
Best Credit Cards That Automatically Raise Your Credit Line
If You Want a Card That Automatically Raises Your Credit Line: Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Visa®
Pros:
The card increases your credit line in a few months if you use it responsibly. It reports to all three major credit bureaus. The annual fee is relatively low.
Cons:
The card has an annual fee. There are few additional benefits. The initial deposit and initial credit line are limited to only $200.
The Takeaway
About the Author
Jason Steele has been writing about credit cards and award travel since 2008. One of the nation's leading experts in this field, he has contributed to dozens of personal finance and travel outlets and has been widely quoted in the mainstream media.
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