Having a low credit score can make it challenging to get approved for a credit card—but it’s not impossible!
Whether you’re trying to rebuild your credit or get your first card, there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of approval and start improving your credit score.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to get approved for a credit card with bad credit and the top cards to consider.
1. Understand Why Your Credit Score Matters
Credit card issuers look at your credit score and credit history to determine if you’re a high-risk or responsible borrower.
🔹 Excellent Credit (750+) – Easy approval for the best cards.
🔹 Good Credit (700-749) – Eligible for most rewards cards.
🔹 Fair Credit (650-699) – Limited options, but some approvals.
🔹 Bad Credit (Below 650) – Requires secured cards or special credit-building options.
👉 Pro Tip: If your score is below 650, you may need to start with a secured credit card or credit-builder loan before applying for unsecured cards.
2. Choose the Right Type of Credit Card
If you have a low credit score, applying for the wrong type of credit card can lead to denials and more hard inquiries, which can hurt your score further.
✅ Best Credit Card Options for Bad Credit:
💳 Secured Credit Cards – Require a deposit and help rebuild credit.
💳 Store Credit Cards – Easier to get approved but often have high interest rates.
💳 Credit Builder Cards – Designed specifically for those with low credit scores.
💳 Prepaid or Debit-Based Credit Cards – May not help build credit but can prevent further debt.
👉 Pro Tip: Avoid applying for premium rewards cards (like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire) if you have bad credit—you’re unlikely to get approved.
3. Check Your Credit Report for Errors Before Applying
A simple mistake on your credit report could be lowering your score and hurting your chances of approval.
✅ How to Check for Errors:
📌 Get your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com.
📌 Look for incorrect late payments, duplicate accounts, or fraudulent activity.
📌 Dispute errors with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—fixing one mistake could boost your score fast!
👉 Pro Tip: Correcting errors can instantly improve your approval odds.
4. Improve Your Chances of Approval Before Applying
If your credit score is very low, take these steps before applying for a new credit card:
✔️ Pay Down Debt – High balances on existing credit cards hurt your score.
✔️ Lower Credit Utilization – Keep credit usage below 30% of your limit (10% is ideal).
✔️ Make On-Time Payments – Even one late payment can lower your score by 100+ points.
✔️ Become an Authorized User – Get added to a trusted family member’s credit card to boost your history.
✔️ Space Out Applications – Too many credit card applications in a short time lower your score and raise red flags for lenders.
👉 Pro Tip: Wait at least 6 months between credit applications to avoid excessive hard inquiries.
5. Consider a Secured Credit Card to Build Credit
If you’re struggling to get approved, a secured credit card is one of the best ways to rebuild credit.
✅ How Secured Credit Cards Work:
🔹 You put down a refundable security deposit (usually $200–$500).
🔹 Your credit limit = your deposit (in most cases).
🔹 You use the card responsibly and make on-time payments.
🔹 After 6–12 months, many issuers allow you to upgrade to an unsecured card and refund your deposit.
📌 Best Secured Credit Cards for 2025:
✔️ Discover it® Secured – 2% cash back at gas stations & restaurants.
✔️ Capital One Platinum Secured – Low deposit options.
✔️ OpenSky® Secured Visa® – No credit check required.
👉 Pro Tip: Choose a secured card that reports to all three credit bureaus for maximum credit-building benefits.
6. Prequalify for a Credit Card Before Applying
Some credit card issuers allow you to prequalify before submitting a full application. This means they check your eligibility without doing a hard inquiry, so your score won’t be affected.
✅ Where to Prequalify for a Credit Card:
📌 Capital One Prequalification Tool
📌 Discover Pre-Approval Check
📌 Credit Karma’s Recommendations
👉 Pro Tip: If you prequalify, it doesn’t guarantee approval, but it means your chances are much higher.
7. Apply for a Credit Card with Confidence
Once you’ve taken the right steps to improve your credit score, you’re ready to apply for a credit card.
✅ Final Steps Before Applying:
✔️ Choose a credit card that matches your credit level.
✔️ Ensure your credit report is error-free.
✔️ Lower your credit utilization as much as possible.
✔️ Prequalify if available to check your chances of approval.
✔️ Apply for just ONE card at a time to avoid multiple hard inquiries.
👉 Pro Tip: If denied, wait at least 3-6 months before applying again, and work on improving your credit in the meantime.
Final Thoughts: You Can Get Approved!
Getting a credit card with a low credit score isn’t impossible—you just need the right approach. By choosing the right card, fixing errors, and improving key credit factors, you can increase your approval chances and start rebuilding your credit today.
🎯 Quick Recap:
✅ Check your credit report and fix errors before applying.
✅ Choose a secured or credit-building card for better approval odds.
✅ Lower your credit utilization and make on-time payments.
✅ Prequalify to check your approval chances before applying.
✅ Apply wisely—one card at a time, and avoid too many applications.
📞 Need help improving your credit? Contact Credit Restore Lab for a FREE consultation today!
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