Unlocking Opportunities with the Best Unsecured Cards for Bad Credit

Here are some of the best unsecured credit cards for bad credit:

  • Petal 1 Visa® Credit Card: This card offers no annual fee. You can also earn a credit line increase after six months of on-time payments.
  • Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card: This card offers a credit limit of $300 to $2,000 and no annual fee. It also has a low introductory purchase APR of 0% for the first 12 months.
  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers a cash back rewards program of 1.5% on all purchases. It also has a low introductory purchase APR of 0% for the first 15 months.
  • Total Visa® Credit Card: This card offers a credit limit of $300 to $1,000 and no annual fee. It also has a low introductory purchase APR of 0% for the first 15 months.
  • Upgrade Visa® Card: This card offers a credit limit of $300 to $20,000 and no annual fee. It also has a low introductory purchase APR of 0% for the first 15 months.

These are just a few of the many unsecured credit cards that are available for people with bad credit. It is important to compare the different cards and choose one that is right for you.

Freedom Gold Card
Freedom Gold Card
  • $750 Unsecured Credit Limit (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com)
  • Instant Approval*
  • No Credit Check
  • No Employment Check
  • Fast online application
  • Bad Credit – OK

*See site for details

Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: 0% APR – Monthly Fee: See website for Details* – Credit Needed: Damage credit to Fair credit – Credit Line: $750 Limit (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com)
Rates & Fees
Total Visa® Card
Total Visa® Card
Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: 35.99%* – Annual Fee: See Terms* – Program Fee: $95.00* – Credit Needed: Fair/Bad Credit
Petal® 2
Petal® 2
  • No annual fee– in fact, no fees of any kind
  • Up to 1.5% cash back on unlimited everyday purchases (1% right away increases to 1.25% after 6 monthly on time payments and 1.5% after another 6 monthly on time payments)
  • 2-10% cash back at select local and national merchants
  • See if you’re pre-approved in minutes without impacting your credit score
  • No Credit Score? No problem. Credit history isn’t required for approval
  • Get an automatic credit limit increase after 6 qualifying on time monthly payments. Terms apply
  • Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members
  • Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
  • Pay with ease with a contactless card or on your phone using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay
  • Zero liability fraud coverage
  • No security deposit required
  • Card issued by WebBank
Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: 29.49% – 31.49% Variable – Annual Fee: $0 – Credit Needed: Excellent, Good, Limited History, No History, Limi – Late Payment Fee: $0
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
  • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
  • Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan
  • No annual fee
  • 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
  • Relax knowing you’re protected against unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy

*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.

Apply Online – Click Here
Intro (Purchases): N/A – Intro (Balance Transfers): N/A – Purchase APR Rate: 14.99% – 29.99% APR – Annual Fee: $0 – Credit Needed: Excellent, Good, Fair, Average – Credit Line: $500 – $25,000 – Return Payment Fee: $0 – Late Payment Fee: $0 – Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
Rates & Fees
Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card
Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card
  • Get Pre-Qualified in Less Than a Minute
  • A $300 Unsecured Credit Line which can be used at Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, Discount Stores, ATM’s and Online!
  • A REAL Visa® Credit Card with Automatic Reporting to all Three National Credit Bureaus
  • No Penalty Rate. Your Rate Won’t Go Up Even If You are Late
  • Access Additional Credit With On-Time Payments and Responsible Usage
  • A True Unsecured EMV enabled (chip) Visa Credit card
  • Does not require perfect credit for approval
  • Fixed APR and Manageable Monthly Payments
Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: 29.99% – Annual Fee: See website for Details* – Credit Needed: Poor/Damaged Credit – Return Payment Fee: Up to $38 – Late Payment Fee: Up to $38
Petal® 1
Petal® 1
  • No annual fee, and no security deposit required
  • 2-10% cash back at select local and national merchants
  • See if you’re pre-approved in minutes without impacting your credit score
  • No Credit Score? No problem. Credit history isn’t required for approval
  • Get an automatic credit limit increase after 6 qualifying on time monthly payments. Terms apply
  • Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members
  • Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
  • Pay with ease with a contactless card or on your phone using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay
  • Zero liability fraud coverage
  • Card issued by WebBank
Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: 29.49% – 34.49% Variable – Annual Fee: $0 – Credit Needed: Fair, Limited History, No History, Limited, No Cre – Return Payment Fee: Bounced payment fee up to $29. – Late Payment Fee: Late fees up to $29 for first late payment, $40 for second late payment. – Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
  • $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
  • Relax knowing you’re protected against unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy

*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.

Apply Online – Click Here
Intro (Purchases): N/A – Intro (Balance Transfers): N/A – Purchase APR Rate: 14.99% – 29.99% APR – Annual Fee: $0 – Credit Needed: (620+) Excellent, Good, Fair, Average – Credit Line: See website for Details* – Return Payment Fee: $0 – Late Payment Fee: $0 – Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
Rates & Fees
Destiny Mastercard®
Destiny Mastercard®
  • 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!
Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: See terms – Annual Fee: See terms – Credit Needed: Poor to Good – Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Milestone® Mastercard®
Milestone® Mastercard®
  • Greater access to credit than before – $700 credit limit
  • Get a Mastercard accepted online, in store and in app
  • Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
  • $0 liability* for unauthorized use
  • Access your account online or from your mobile device 24/7
  • *Fraud protection provided by Mastercard Zero Liability Protection. If approved, you’ll receive the Mastercard Guide to Benefits that details the complete terms with your card.
Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: See terms – Annual Fee: See terms – Credit Needed: Fair/Good – Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Upgrade Select Visa®
Upgrade Select Visa®
  • $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.

Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: 21.96% -29.99% – Annual Fee: $39 – Credit Needed: See website for Details* – Return Payment Fee: $0 – Late Payment Fee: $0 – Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
Rates & Fees
Upgrade Life Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Life Rewards Visa®
  • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • 3% Cash Back on payments for Gas, Grocery, Health, Streaming, and Utility categories, 1% cash back on everything else (Target and Walmart earn 1%)
  • Pay your balance in full early each month and avoid interest with EarlyPay (See the Upgrade site for details.)
  • Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan
  • No annual fee
  • 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
  • Relax knowing you’re protected against unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy

*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.

Apply Online – Click Here
Purchase APR Rate: 14.99% -29.99% – Annual Fee: $0 – Credit Needed: See website for Details* – Return Payment Fee: $0 – Late Payment Fee: $0 – Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
Rates & Fees

Here are some factors to consider when choosing an unsecured credit card for bad credit:

  • Credit score: The minimum credit score requirement for an unsecured credit card will vary from lender to lender.
  • Fees: Unsecured credit cards for bad credit often have higher fees than cards for people with good credit. Be sure to compare the annual fee, interest rates, and other fees before choosing a card.
  • Rewards: Some unsecured credit cards for bad credit offer rewards, such as cash back or travel points. If you are looking for a rewards card, be sure to compare the rewards programs of different cards.

It is also important to use your credit card responsibly. Only charge what you can afford to pay off each month, and make your payments on time. This will help you improve your credit score and qualify for better credit cards in the future.

Can you get an Unsecured Credit Card with No Credit History?

Yes, it is possible to get an unsecured credit card with no credit history. There are a few different types of credit cards that are designed for people with no credit history or bad credit.

  • Student credit cards: Student credit cards are a good option for students who are just starting to build their credit history. These cards typically have lower credit score requirements than traditional credit cards.
  • Secured credit cards: Secured credit cards require a security deposit, which is typically equal to the amount of your credit limit. This deposit is held by the lender as collateral in case you are unable to pay off your balance. Secured credit cards are a good option for people who have no credit history or bad credit, as they can help you build your credit score over time.
  • Store credit cards: Store credit cards are typically easier to get approved for than traditional credit cards. However, they often have high interest rates and fees. Store credit cards are a good option for people who are only looking to make purchases at a particular store.
  • Cards for people with fair or bad credit: There are also a number of credit cards that are designed for people with fair or bad credit. These cards may have higher interest rates and fees than cards for people with good credit, but they can still be a good option for people who are trying to improve their credit score.

Here are some tips for getting an unsecured credit card with no credit history:

  • Shop around: There are a number of different credit cards available for people with no credit history. It is important to shop around and compare the different cards before choosing one.
  • Be prepared to make a security deposit: If you are applying for a secured credit card, you will need to be prepared to make a security deposit.
  • Use your card responsibly: It is important to use your credit card responsibly and make your payments on time. This will help you build your credit score over time.

With a little effort, you can get an unsecured credit card with no credit history. Just be sure to shop around, compare the different cards, and use your card responsibly.

What is the Easiest Secured Credit Card to Get?

Here are some of the easiest secured credit cards to get:

  • Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card has a minimum security deposit of $200 and a credit limit of up to $2,000. It also offers a cash back reward of 1.5% on all purchases.
  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: This card has a minimum security deposit of $200 and a credit limit of up to $2,500. It also offers a cashback reward of 2% on up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter, plus 1% on all other purchases.
  • OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: This card has no credit check requirement and a minimum security deposit of $200. The credit limit is based on the amount of the security deposit.
  • Self Visa® Secured Credit Card: This card has no credit check requirement and a minimum security deposit of $250. The credit limit is based on the amount of the security deposit.
  • Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card: This card has a minimum security deposit of $200 and a credit limit of up to $2,000. It also offers a cashback reward of 1% on all purchases.

These cards are all relatively easy to get approved for, even if you have no credit history or bad credit. They are also a good way to build your credit score, as they report your payments to the major credit bureaus.

Here are some factors that make a secured credit card easy to get:

  • Low credit score requirement: Secured credit cards typically have low or no credit score requirements. This makes them a good option for people with no credit history or bad credit.
  • No credit check: Some secured credit cards do not require a credit check. This means that you will not be denied based on your credit score.
  • Low security deposit: The security deposit is the amount of money that you must deposit with the lender in order to open the card. Secured credit cards typically have low security deposits, which makes them affordable for people with limited budgets.

If you are looking for an easy-to-get secured credit card, be sure to compare the different cards and choose one that is right for you.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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