The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Wednesday, December 4, 2024

12 Easy-Approval Credit Cards by Category (Dec. 2024)

Easy Approval Credit Cards
Aaron Crowe

Writer: Aaron Crowe

Aaron Crowe

Aaron Crowe,

Aaron Crowe is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist who specializes in personal finance writing and editing. Aaron has written for a variety of websites, including AOL, Learnvest, U.S. News & World Report, Wells Fargo, WiseBread, AARP, and many insurance and investing sites. He is a self-proclaimed storyteller who enjoys explaining — in layman's terms — personal finance and how it affects consumers’ lives. Aaron has over a decade of experience working as both a reporter and editor in newspapers where he won several awards.

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Lillian Guevara-Castro

Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro, Senior Editor

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.

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Ashley Fricker

Reviewer: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Advertiser Disclosure

Having a financial life without a credit card is possible, but it isn’t easy. A credit card makes online purchases fast and simple, and it beats carrying loads of cash to a store. Using a credit card smartly can improve a credit score, and the higher the score, the more likely you are to get the best terms on car and home loans, among other things.

Being approved for a credit card isn’t always easy, especially if you have bad credit or none at all. You aren’t born with a credit score stamped on your credit report. It’s something that you earn, and starting with a credit card that you’re most likely to be approved for with the score you currently have is a wise way to start working to improve your score.

Here, we take an in-depth look at some of the best easy-approval credit cards available for a wide range of credit scores and an array of card types.

By Credit Score:
Bad Credit | No/Limited Credit | Fair Credit | Good Credit
By Card Type:
Business | Student | Rewards | Secured
FAQs

Easy-Approval Cards for Bad Credit (300-579 Score)

Credit scores go as high as 850. If you’re at the low end — between 300 and 579 — your credit is considered “bad.” Still, credit cards that cater to people with bad credit are available.

Using such a card well by paying the bill on time and making at least the minimum payment each month will improve your score over time, as these card providers report monthly to the three major credit bureaus. You may have to pay an annual fee, a monthly service fee, or a security deposit to be approved.

Milestone® Mastercard® Review

at Milestone Mastercard®'ssecure website

BAD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

3.8/5.0
  • 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.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
See terms
See terms
Fair/Good
PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card Review

at PREMIER Bankcard®'ssecure website

BAD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

3.0/5.0
  • PREMIER Bankcard credit cards are for building credit.
  • Start building credit by keeping your balance 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.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
See Provider Website
See Provider Website
Fair/Poor
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

BAD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • No credit check to apply
  • Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer from your Chime Checking account to the secured deposit account
  • No interest* or annual fees
  • To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account. See official application, terms, and details link below.
  • The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by The Bankcorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
  • *Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
$0
None

If you have bad credit, you probably already know it without having to check a credit report. Creditors may be denying you credit, landlords may not accept you as a tenant, and you may even have difficulty signing a cellphone contract. But with responsible use of an easy-approval credit card for bad credit, you can begin to rebuild your credit and earn back the trust of lenders.

Easy-Approval Cards for No/Limited Credit (No Score)

Credit card companies realize that consumers must start their credit profile somewhere. Starting at zero with no credit score at all or scant credit history can be a sign that you’re either just starting your financial life as a student, a recent college graduate, or have never used credit before. It could also mean you’ve gone several years without an active account and are rebuilding credit from scratch —  and that’s OK.

These cards can help you get an active tradeline on your credit history to begin building credit:

NO/LIMITED CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
29.99% (Variable)
$0
Average, Fair, Limited
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

NO/LIMITED CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • No credit check to apply
  • Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer from your Chime Checking account to the secured deposit account
  • No interest* or annual fees
  • To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account. See official application, terms, and details link below.
  • The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by The Bankcorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
  • *Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
$0
None

NO/LIMITED CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

4.6/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
$0
Average, Fair, Limited

These cards can be used to build a credit history — hopefully, a good one — that within a year or so should allow you to move to the next level of credit where you’ll receive lower interest rates, better terms, and richer rewards.

Easy Approval Cards for Fair Credit (580-669 Score)

If your credit score is in the fair range, you’re still considered a subprime borrower and are unlikely to get the best interest rates, but you’ll still get better rates and terms than consumers with bad credit. Some of these cards allow applicants to pre-qualify online by providing some basic information, such as their contact information and total monthly income. It should take less than a minute to fill out the online form and it won’t affect your credit score.

FAIR CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
29.99% (Variable)
$0
Average, Fair, Limited
Discover it® Student Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

FAIR CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • 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 your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit

FAIR CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
29.99% (Variable)
$39
Average, Fair, Limited

Seeing if you’re pre-approved online can save you time when applying for credit cards because you’re getting an idea whether you’re likely to qualify for the card before you fill out an application. You may also get a prequalification letter in the mail as a way to put you in the sales funnel for a company’s credit card.

Once you’ve achieved a fair credit score, it’s not a far step to reach the next level of credit scores where you’re likely to see competitive interest rates and better rewards.

Easy-Approval Cards for Good Credit (670+ Score)

This is where being approved for a credit card is much easier. Many more cards are available to people with good credit, and some issuers target consumers with credit scores of 670 or better with the hope that their first card at this level will be one they keep for a long time.

The online application process is the easiest part of getting a credit card with good credit. You may be immediately approved and will likely get better perks and rewards for using these cards.

Discover it® Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

GOOD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. 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 $150 cash back into $300.
  • 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 your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
  • Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months
0% Intro APR for 15 months
18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good

GOOD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good

GOOD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.9/5.0
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good

Having good credit means you’re less likely to be delinquent on a credit card account in the future. Credit card companies try to gain these good customers by offering rewards such as cash back, signup bonuses, and travel benefits, with no foreign transaction fees or annual fees, among other perks. You can also add family members to your card so you can rack up more rewards points.

Easy-Approval Business Cards

As an entrepreneur, one way to earn more rewards for your business spending is to give a credit card to employees who make purchases for your company. But getting a business credit card with a poor credit history isn’t always an easy feat.

Capital One offers the Spark Classic for business owners with average credit, and several secured cards make viable business card alternatives. Put down a deposit to open an account and use it responsibly to build credit and graduate to more rewarding business credit cards in the future.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Review

at Capital Bank N.A.'ssecure website

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.0/5.0
  • New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases
  • No credit check to apply. Zero credit risk to apply!
  • Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders increase their credit score by an average of 41 points in just 3 months
  • Get free monthly access to your FICO score in our mobile application
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
  • Fund your card with a low $200 refundable security deposit to get a $200 credit line
  • Apply in less than 5 minutes with our mobile first application
  • Choose the due date that fits your schedule with flexible payment dates
  • Fund your security deposit over 60 days with the option to make partial payments
  • Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
  • *See Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
25.14% (variable)
$35
No credit, Poor, Fair

The two secured cards are near-instant approval credit cards, as neither one requires a credit check for approval.

Easy-Approval Student Cards

Few students have credit histories. Credit providers know this and offer cards to students that often have flexible approval requirements, low fees, and student-centered perks to help them build good credit while in college.

You must be at least 18 to get a credit card. If you’re 21, you don’t have to have a cosigner or independent income.

Discover it® Student Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

STUDENT RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • 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 your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit

STUDENT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

4.6/5.0
  • 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
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
$0
Average, Fair, Limited
Discover it® Student Chrome Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

STUDENT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

4.0/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit

Of course, having a credit card as a student doesn’t mean you should use it for things you can’t afford. Using it wisely and paying the bill off each month will help you establish a good credit score, which is invaluable for life after college.

Easy-Approval Rewards Cards

This is where credit cards can get interesting. If your credit score is good enough to get you a credit card that offers rewards, then you can get free flights, hotel rooms, and cash back, among other perks. Some rewards credit cards are aimed at beginners, or those working their way back up the credit ladder, such as those below.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

BAD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

4.0/5.0
  • No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
  • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
27.49% Variable APR
$0
New/Rebuilding

BAD CREDIT RATING

★★★★★
4.6

OVERALL RATING

4.0/5.0
  • No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
  • Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • 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
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
29.99% (Variable)
$0
Limited, Bad

Be sure to determine if the value of the rewards outweigh any annual fees. And remember that paying interest on balances will make those perks less valuable.

Cash back is probably the best reward because you can spend it any way you want. But there are other ways to get the most out of rewards credit cards, such as using the card for all of your spending and knowing when your rewards points expire.

Easy-Approval Secured Cards

Secured credit cards use money you deposit

into the account as collateral to secure the line of credit. They’re usually used by subprime borrowers or people with thin credit files.

Payments on secured credit cards are reported to the credit bureaus, so paying the bill on time each month and doing other things to improve your credit should help you establish a good credit history.  All three cards below report payments to the credit bureaus.

Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.9

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • No credit check to apply
  • Adjustable credit limit based on what you transfer from your Chime Checking account to the secured deposit account
  • No interest* or annual fees
  • To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account. See official application, terms, and details link below.
  • The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by The Bankcorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
  • *Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
$0
None
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Review

at Capital Bank N.A.'ssecure website

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.0/5.0
  • New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back* on everyday purchases
  • No credit check to apply. Zero credit risk to apply!
  • Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2 out of 3 OpenSky cardholders increase their credit score by an average of 41 points in just 3 months
  • Get free monthly access to your FICO score in our mobile application
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
  • Fund your card with a low $200 refundable security deposit to get a $200 credit line
  • Apply in less than 5 minutes with our mobile first application
  • Choose the due date that fits your schedule with flexible payment dates
  • Fund your security deposit over 60 days with the option to make partial payments
  • Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
  • *See Rewards Terms and Conditions for more information
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
25.14% (variable)
$35
No credit, Poor, Fair
Discover it® Secured Credit Card Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

SECURED RATING

★★★★★
4.7

OVERALL RATING

4.0/5.0
  • No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
  • Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
  • Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
  • Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
27.49% Variable APR
$0
New/Rebuilding

Some secured cards offer low deposits, rewards, and lower APRs than unsecured cards for poor credit. Best of all, the deposit is fully refundable after a period of responsible use, so it’s a cheaper option than the typical subprime unsecured card, too.

FAQs About Easy-Approval Credit Cards

The lower your credit score is, the harder it is to be approved for a credit card with good rewards, a low interest rate, and no annual fee. Knowing which credit card you’re likely to be approved for before you apply for one can save you time and make approval easier.

Keep in mind, however, that being pre-approved for a credit card doesn’t guarantee you’ll be approved for that card — guaranteed approval isn’t really a thing when it comes to credit cards.

Credit cards for all kinds of credit scores and profiles are available, including unsecured cards for bad credit, secured cards for no credit, beginner cards for students, and even rewards cards. You’re bound to have a credit card match out there, you just have to narrow your options down from the hundreds available.

What is the Easiest Credit Card to Get?

The easiest credit card you can get depends on your credit score. The higher it is on the range of 300 to 850, the better chance you have of being approved. Even having no credit can be easy to get a secured credit card with if you’re willing to pay a deposit for a line of credit.

The cards we’ve listed above should be the easiest to get if you meet the criteria listed for each card. If you have a job and don’t use more than 30% of the credit limit available to you — called a credit utilization ratio — then you should be able to get some type of credit card.

If you don’t want to pay a security deposit for a secured credit card, look for an unsecured card that doesn’t have an annual fee or monthly maintenance fees.

Unsecured vs Secured Credit Cards

Remember, the easiest credit card to get is one that you have the best chance of being approved for. That’s why we made this list, so you can find a card that fits your credit score.

If you don’t know your credit score, go to www.annualcreditreport.com and request a free copy of your credit report every from each credit bureau. Make sure all of the information on your reports is correct since wrong information can unfairly lower your credit score. Disputing incorrect information on a credit report is worth your time and can be done for free.

What Credit Cards Can I Get with Bad Credit?

You are considered to have bad credit if your credit score is between 300 and 579. You may still be able to get a credit card, though it won’t have all the same benefits as cards aimed at consumers with good credit.

Expect to have a minimal credit line — as low as $200 — and no rewards, unless you go with a secured card that offers cash back, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. Some credit cards for people with bad credit do have high credit limits, however.

Here are some ways to improve your credit score with a credit card:

  • Use the card regularly so that there’s enough data to calculate a score.
  • Pay on time. Follow the monthly due date and this will increase your score more than anything else.
  • Pay the balance off each month. This will also increase your score and will save you money by not paying interest on a monthly balance.
  • Keep your credit utilization low, to about 7% if possible. It should be no higher than 30% of your credit limit.
  • Read your statements carefully to track charges and accuracy. If something is wrong, resolve it quickly.
  • If you’ve just made a big charge, pay it off early before the bill comes so that it doesn’t affect your credit utilization.

Once you understand the five factors used to determine a credit score, it’s easier to manage credit to the best of your ability.

Can You Be Denied a Pre-Approved Credit Card?

If you’re getting credit card offers in the mail that say you’re pre-approved for a card, then it’s likely the credit card issuer has sent you a prescreened offer after it obtained a list of consumers who met its initial credit criteria from the credit bureaus.

This doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to be approved for that credit card. Your application may still be rejected based on the updated information you provide and if anything has changed, such as your income, credit score, or other financial information.

Your approved credit limit and interest rate may also be affected based on the information you provide.

Why do I Need a Security Deposit for a Secured Credit Card?

Without a credit score (or a poor one), a creditor will likely consider you a high risk for an unsecured credit card — a card that doesn’t require a security deposit. To offset that risk, credit providers will require a security deposit to be paid in exchange for a secured credit card.

It’s like loaning yourself money, though with an interest rate if you carry a balance.

Here are some other things to know about secured credit cards:

  • A $300 deposit is common, though they can range from $200 to $2,000 or more.
  • You’ll often be able to use 90% of the deposit as a credit line.
  • You may be able to add to the deposit to increase your credit limit.
  • The deposit will be refunded when you close the card, minus any balance due.
  • Just like other credit cards, secured cards are reported to credit bureaus and affect credit scores.
  • Pay on time and your credit score will likely increase.

You may wonder how a secured card is different from a debit or prepaid card. Debit and prepaid card usage aren’t reported to credit bureaus, so they do not appear on your credit reports and won’t affect your credit score. This is a big deal if your goal is to build credit.

How Do I Apply for a Store Card?

Store card applications are some of the easiest credit card applications around. More often than not, you’ll be asked by a store clerk at checkout if you’d like to apply for the store’s credit card.

Applying will often get you an immediate 20% discount or better, and it should only take minutes to be approved. It’s easy to get approved for a store card because the card will likely charge a higher interest rate — possibly as high as 30% — than a credit card that can be used anywhere.

Store cards can only be used at the store they’re affiliated with, though some may be tied to a group of stores. Store cards also often charge deferred interest.

This is often used to finance a large purchase, such as a furniture set, that you pay off over time. If you pay off the balance during the special financing period, you won’t have to pay any interest.

If you don’t pay it off during the special financing period, however, you’ll pay retroactive interest back to when you first made the charges on the card. This can be very expensive and is a good incentive to make monthly payments to pay it off in full before the financing period expires.

Many Cards are ‘Easy to Get’ if You Know Where to Apply

Applying only for the credit cards you know you qualify for is the key to being approved. Why waste your time applying for cards that you have little chance of being approved for and placing a hard inquiry on your credit report unnecessarily?

Here are some tips for applying for a card that’s right for you:

  • Bad credit score of 300-579: Look for cards that cater to people with bad credit. Don’t expect low interest rates and high rewards.
  • No credit or a student: If you’re in college, you should be able to find credit cards that cater to students. If you have no credit, consider starting with a secured credit card that requires a deposit to set your credit limit.
  • Fair credit score of 580-669: Fill out a pre-approval form online to see if you’re likely to be approved for a credit card in this range. Most cards offer these on the issuer’s website.
  • New business owner: If you’re just starting out and don’t have much revenue to show or lack business credit history, a secured business card may be the easiest to get in the beginning.
  • Rewards cards: You likely won’t get the best credit card rewards until your credit score is considered “good” at 670 or better. For lower scores, you’ll probably have to pay annual fees or higher interest rates to get rewards.

If everyone is still turning you away for credit, try a store card such as the Target Circle Card™. Your activity will be reported to the credit bureaus and your credit score should improve over time. These cards generally have minimal approval requirements and will allow you to make purchases with low monthly payments.

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