A low credit score isn’t the end of the road — it’s just the starting point for rebuilding your financial future. Whether your credit took a hit from missed payments, high balances, or limited credit history, the right credit card can help you repair and strengthen your credit score over time.
The key is finding a card that’s both accessible and designed to reward responsible use. In this blog, we’ll break down the best credit cards for people with low credit scores in 2025, so you can confidently take control of your financial journey.
Why Your Credit Score Matters
Your credit score isn’t just a number — it’s the key to financial freedom. Here’s why improving it is worth the effort:
- 💼 Loan Approval: Better credit scores mean easier access to car loans, mortgages, and personal loans.
- 💳 Lower Interest Rates: Lenders trust higher scores and reward you with lower interest rates.
- 🏡 Rental Applications: Landlords often check credit before approving applications.
- 🚗 Insurance Premiums: A good score can reduce your car insurance or home insurance rates.
The right credit card can help you boost your score by reporting your responsible activity to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Types of Credit Cards for Low Credit Scores
There are two major types of credit cards you can qualify for with a low score:
1️⃣ Secured Credit Cards
These require a refundable deposit (usually $200-$500). Your credit limit is often equal to your deposit, and the issuer reports your responsible use to credit bureaus.
2️⃣ Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit
No deposit needed, but usually come with higher interest rates and fewer perks. Approval odds depend on your exact score and financial situation.
The Best Credit Cards for Low Credit Scores in 2025
1️⃣ Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Why it’s great:
Perfect for rebuilding credit while earning real rewards.
- 💳 Deposit Required: $200 minimum.
- 💸 Rewards: 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases.
- 🔁 Credit Review: Automatic account review after 7 months for potential upgrade to an unsecured card.
- 💰 Annual Fee: $0.
Pro Tip: Treat it like an unsecured card — pay your balance in full to avoid interest and boost your score.
2️⃣ Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Why it’s great:
Flexible deposit amounts based on creditworthiness.
- 💳 Deposit Required: $49, $99, or $200 for a $200 initial credit line.
- 🧠 Credit Reporting: Reports to all three credit bureaus.
- 💼 Annual Fee: $0.
Pro Tip: Start small and aim to graduate to a higher credit line after six months of on-time payments.
3️⃣ OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great:
No credit check needed — perfect if you’ve been denied elsewhere.
- 💳 Deposit Required: $200 minimum.
- 🔍 No Credit Check: Application is based on your deposit and ability to pay.
- 📈 Credit Reporting: Reports monthly to all 3 credit bureaus.
- 💰 Annual Fee: $35.
Pro Tip: Set up automatic payments to avoid accidental late payments, which can undo your rebuilding efforts.
4️⃣ Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
Why it’s great:
An unsecured option if you want to avoid deposits.
- 💳 Deposit Required: None.
- 💸 Rewards: 1% cashback on eligible purchases.
- ⚡ Annual Fee: $75–$99 based on creditworthiness.
- 📈 Credit Reporting: Monthly reporting to all bureaus.
Pro Tip: Great for people rebuilding but who prefer not to tie up funds in a security deposit.
5️⃣ Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great:
Unsecured card with no hidden fees and transparent terms.
- 💳 Deposit Required: None.
- 💰 Annual Fee: $0–$59, depending on your profile.
- 📈 Credit Reporting: Monthly reporting to all major credit bureaus.
Pro Tip: Mission Lane offers pre-qualification with no impact on your credit score — check before applying.
6️⃣ Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Why it’s great:
A new, modern way to build credit with no interest.
- 💳 Deposit Required: No upfront deposit, but you must move funds into a secured account.
- 💼 Annual Fee: $0.
- 📈 Credit Reporting: Reports to all 3 bureaus.
Pro Tip: Link this card to Chime’s automatic savings tools for responsible and automatic balance payments.
How to Choose the Right Credit Card When You Have a Low Score
When choosing a credit card to rebuild your credit, focus on these key features:
✅ No or Low Annual Fee
Avoid cards with high annual fees unless the benefits clearly justify the cost.
✅ Reports to All 3 Bureaus
Make sure your card provider reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — this is essential for rebuilding credit.
✅ Reasonable Deposit or Flexible Terms
For secured cards, look for a refundable deposit you can comfortably afford. Flexible options are a plus.
✅ Upgrade Path
Some secured cards offer the chance to “graduate” to an unsecured card after consistent, responsible use — a major step in rebuilding credit.
👉 Need a business credit card instead? Check out our list of the Top 7 Business Credit Cards for Startups in 2025 — packed with flexible options for entrepreneurs.
5 Tips to Rebuild Your Credit Faster
1️⃣ Always Pay on Time
Set up autopay or reminders. Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score.
2️⃣ Keep Your Utilization Below 30%
Low balances on your card = better credit health.
3️⃣ Don’t Apply for Too Many Cards at Once
Multiple hard inquiries can lower your score.
4️⃣ Track Your Progress
Use free tools like Credit Karma or your card’s credit monitoring service to see improvements.
5️⃣ Upgrade When Eligible
Once your score improves, ask your lender about switching to an unsecured card for better perks and a higher limit.
Final Thoughts
A low credit score doesn’t have to limit your financial future. Choosing the right credit card is a smart and simple way to rebuild your reputation with lenders. Whether you prefer secured cards with cashback perks or unsecured options designed for bad credit, the most important step is using your card responsibly.
In 2025, many banks and fintech companies are offering innovative credit card solutions that reward smart spending — and help you recover from financial setbacks.
💡 Want personalized card recommendations?
At Millendeal, we match your financial profile to the best credit card offers for rebuilding credit — so you can move forward with confidence.
Also, if you’re a student just starting your credit journey, don’t miss our guide to the Best Credit Cards for Students with No Credit History in 2025 — it’s packed with expert picks designed to help young adults build credit the smart way.
