Writer: Brittney Mayer
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
Key Takeaways
Our editors deem these to be the easiest cards to get approved for:
-
The Milestone® Mastercard® is one of the easiest unsecured cards to get if you have bad credit. See rates & fees
-
If your credit is really poor, a card with no credit check, such as the Secured Self Visa® Credit Card can help you obtain access to a credit account.
-
If you have good credit, most cards will be easy to get, although your debts and income will still be evaluated.
Secured credit cards, particularly those that don’t require a credit check, are generally the easiest credit cards to get approved for. They require a refundable deposit and still have identity, income, and other eligibility requirements, so approval isn’t guaranteed. But students and applicants with fair credit may also qualify for starter unsecured cards.
Thankfully, many issuers also allow you to prequalify without affecting your credit score, making it easier to check your approval odds before applying.
We selected these cards based on published eligibility requirements, prequalification availability, credit-check policies, fees, and deposit requirements. One may be just right for you.
-
Navigate This Article:
Easiest Credit Cards to Get With Fair Credit
Whether you’re building your credit for the first time or rebuilding credit after a few mistakes, most consumers will have fair credit at some point in their lives. While the options aren’t quite as limited with fair credit as they would be if your credit score were lower, they’re not the bells-and-whistles cards you’d get with better credit, either.
In general, the easiest cards to get with fair credit will be the bare-bones starter cards; the ones without annual fees can be great for building credit, though, if you’re able to pay an annual fee, you can also likely find a card with purchase rewards. Just make sure the rewards are worth the fee before applying.
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
- Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
- Top rated mobile app
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and you can use your cash back for any amount–get gift cards, cover purchases or redeem for cash. Plus, rewards don’t expire for the life of the account
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card usage
- Enjoy unlimited access to your credit score and tools to help you monitor your credit profile with CreditWise from Capital One
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases with your SavorOne Card and enjoy exclusive access and cardholder perks
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Capital One SavorOne cardholders can pay with their rewards via PayPal Pay with Rewards and at Amazon.com
- Top rated mobile app
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.74% - 25.74% applies
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No annual fee
- Terms and conditions apply
+See More Cards for Fair Credit
Easiest Student Cards to Get Approved For
Although obtaining a credit card without a credit history can be difficult, students tend to have an edge here; many issuers offer student cards specifically designed to help young people establish and build their credit profiles.
These cards have flexible credit requirements that allow for the limited credit history typical of a college student. This allows applicants to obtain a student credit card with lower fees and better perks than they may otherwise qualify for without a credit history.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.74% - 25.74% applies
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No annual fee
- Terms and conditions apply
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
- Top rated mobile app
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.74% - 25.74% applies
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No annual fee
- Terms and conditions apply
+See More Student Credit Cards
Easiest Secured Cards to Get Approved For
Secured credit cards are usually the easiest kind of card to get, especially if you have poor credit or a thin credit file. That’s because they require a cash deposit to secure the account, so the issuer takes less risk when approving your credit line.
Because the security deposit reduces the issuer’s risk, secured cards are typically easier to qualify for with poor or limited credit. Applicants must still meet the issuer’s income and other eligibility requirements. What’s more, the deposit is generally fully refundable when you close your account with no remaining balance.
- The secured Self Visa® Credit Card* requires no credit check or minimum score.
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus to establish and build credit, with free access to your credit score.
- Secure your credit line with a refundable security deposit as low as $100.**
- Deposits are returned upon account closure after settling outstanding balances.
- *The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
- **Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria subject to change.
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with just $200—secure your credit line with a refundable deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 2 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
- Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Top rated mobile app
+See More Secured Credit Cards
Easiest Credit Cards to Get With Bad Credit
Although the exact score range for bad credit depends on the scoring model, scores below 580 generally fall into that category. Once you’re in that range, most major card issuers become more cautious about offering an unsecured card, which can narrow your options.
That said, options still exist, particularly if you’re willing to put up with a few limitations. If you want to avoid a security deposit, your main options may be a fee-heavy subprime card or a closed-loop store card.
- Guaranteed $700 credit limit if approved.
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- Don’t Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
- Join over a million consumers who are working on building their access to credit.
- Zero Fraud Liability – Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
- No security deposit, and a path to better credit.
- PREMIER Bankcard credit cards are for building credit.
- Start building credit by keeping your balances low and paying all your bills on time each month.
- When you need assistance our award-winning US-based Customer Service agents are there to help.
- Credit Limit Increase Eligible after 12 months of consistent responsible account management.
- We report monthly to the Consumer Reporting Agencies to help you build your credit.
- Earn Cash Back Rewards* – 3% on Eligible Gas, Groceries, and Utilities, and 1% on All Other Eligible Purchases
- Use Anywhere Mastercard is Accepted
- No Security Deposit
- $0 fraud liability**
- Free access to your Credit Score†
*See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
**Fraud liability subject to Mastercard rules.
† Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
- Fast and easy application process
- We may periodically review your account for credit line increases
- Conveniently Pay Your Card Through Our Online Portal, 24/7
- Disclosure: If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00
- Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank
- Eligibility for a card is not guaranteed. Your eligibility for a card depends on the information you provide in your application
- ^See the Provider’s terms for more information
+See More Cards for Bad Credit
How Do You Choose a Credit Card?
If you’re looking for a card that’s easier to get, there’s a good chance your credit has a few issues that make approval tougher with prime issuers. In that case, your choice may depend more on what’s realistically within reach than on the features you’d ideally want.
That being said, even in the limited- and bad-credit card markets, you’ll likely have some options. Here are a few things to investigate when comparing credit cards:
- Application/Processing Fees: Some cards, especially cards from subprime issuers, may charge a fee simply to apply for the card or to open the account.
- Annual Fees: Some cards can be worth the annual fee, but others won’t be — do the math before you apply.
- Maintenance Fees: Many subprime cards will charge monthly maintenance fees on top of the annual fee.
- Grace Period: Most cards offer a grace period on purchases, although issuers aren’t required to provide one. When a grace period applies, paying the balance in full by the due date generally lets you avoid interest on new purchases.
- Interest Rates: If you ever carry a balance, you should know what it’ll cost you. Check the new purchase, balance transfer, cash advance, and penalty APRs before applying.
- Purchase Rewards: Even consumers with bad credit can find cards with purchase rewards, but make sure the rewards are worth any annual fees.
- Cardholder Benefits: Most credit cards come with additional cardholder benefits that can include things like extended warranty coverage and purchase protection.
In the end, if you’re only looking for a card to build your credit so you can apply for better and more valuable cards in the future, then you don’t need a card with a lot of bells and whistles. Simply choose the least expensive option and use it responsibly for six months or so, then you may be able to graduate to a better card.
You can use our tool to help you narrow down your best options based on your credit, preferences, and spending habits:
Can You Get a Credit Card With Guaranteed Approval?
No credit card can guarantee approval for every applicant. Even cards that don’t require a credit check may consider your identity, income, existing accounts, or ability to pay. Prequalification can help you estimate your approval odds, but it doesn’t guarantee that your application will be accepted.
What Credit Score Do You Need for the Easiest Credit Cards to Get?
The easiest credit cards to get approved for typically require fair credit or less. In many cases, consumers with limited or poor credit can qualify for secured cards, student cards, or starter unsecured cards designed for rebuilding credit.
| Applicant situation | Usually easiest option | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| No credit history | Student or secured card | Enrollment or deposit requirement |
| Poor credit (300-579) | No-credit-check secured card | Refundable deposit |
| Fair credit (580-669) | Starter unsecured card | High APR or limited rewards |
| Good credit (670+) | Standard rewards credit cards | Potentially high APRs and/or annual fees |
| No deposit available | Subprime unsecured card | Potentially substantial fees |
How Do You Build Credit with a Credit Card?
For many folks, a credit card is simply a convenient way to make purchases in-store and online — and, perhaps, a way to earn some rewards while they’re at it. But, when used responsibly, credit cards can be a great tool for building credit for consumers with poor or limited credit histories (and anyone else, too).
Credit bureaus keep a record of your card account, including your total credit limit, balance, when the card account was opened, and whether you paid on time.
The basics of building credit with a credit card consist of just using the card to make your normal purchases, then paying the balance in full and — most importantly — on time every month. If you pay in full each month, you typically won’t be charged interest, and the positive payment history can help boost your score.
At the very least, make the minimum required payment (but, ideally, more) before the due date each month. While not the best strategy for saving money, it can help you build your payment history.
If your only goal is building credit, you can make this process almost effortless. A simple approach is to use the card for one recurring monthly bill, like a streaming subscription or your cellphone payment.
Then, set up automatic payments for the card through your bank account so that the bill is paid each month without you needing to do a thing. Automatic payments mean you won’t have to worry about making late payments, as the bank makes the transaction for you each month. (Of course, you’ll still want to double-check your accounts to ensure nothing went wrong with the payment.)
What is Credit Card Preapproval or Prequalification?
Given that any credit card can be easy to get if your credit is good enough, it’s sometimes hard to tell which cards are actually attainable. Preapproved or prequalified credit card offers can be an easy way to get an idea as to whether you’ll be approved for a certain card before you apply — and before the hard inquiry hits your credit reports.
Pre-approval or pre-qualification is a credit card issuer‘s way of getting an idea of your qualifications without going through a full hard credit inquiry. Instead, pre-qualification uses a soft credit pull that won’t hurt your credit scores.
At the same time, being preapproved for a credit card offer doesn’t guarantee you’ll be accepted when you apply. That’s because the process doesn’t include an in-depth look at your credit report as a full application does.
Other factors, including your income and your history with the bank, can impact your chances of being approved.
Credit Cards Don’t Have to Be Hard to Get
In today’s digital economy, credit cards are a big part of how millions of Americans make purchases. But some folks have a harder time than their neighbors when it comes to getting new credit cards. Consumers with poor or limited credit histories can find getting a new card to be a challenging experience.
The easiest credit card to get will depend on your specific creditworthiness, so knowing where you stand can go a long way in finding the right card. You can get a free copy of each of your credit reports once a week at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
About the Author
