Poor Credit | Credit Card Topics

What is Bad Credit? How It Impacts Credit Card Approval and Interest Rates

By: Erica Sandberg, 9/23/2024

If you worry about having bad credit, you’re not alone. I have counseled many clients who were distressed about their low credit scores, and I have also, on occasion, made mistakes that caused my own credit scores to dip temporarily. Bad credit simply means there is information on your consumer credit report that indicates a history of problems repaying borrowed money or too much debt. Bad credit can result from a series of late payments or an overabundance of debt.... read more »

7 Unsecured Credit Cards After Bankruptcy (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 4/3/2024

Bankruptcy is a fact of life in today's economy -- but there's life after bankruptcy -- as witnessed by this review of unsecured credit cards after bankruptcy for consumers who lack good credit. All these cards accept applicants with a low credit rating and do not require you to put down a security deposit to open a credit card account. Best Unsecured Cards After a Discharged Bankruptcy All of the cards below are an acceptable choice for folks who once experienced bankruptcy and now... read more »

Cerulean Credit Card: Review & 3 Alternatives (Dec. 2024)

By: Eric Bank, 12/11/2024

Continental Finance Company sponsors the Cerulean Credit Card, an unsecured credit card for consumers with bad credit. The card offers a mix of costs and benefits that make it a good choice for folks who’ve had trouble establishing a decent credit line. But before applying, check out our list of worthwhile alternatives that may provide you more value for your money. Navigate This Article: Review Top Alternatives... read more »

11+ Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit (Dec. 2024)

By: Eric Bank, 12/4/2024

Many consumers with low credit scores want to own credit cards for bad credit to help them manage their finances. Here are our top recommendations that represent the best balance between costs and benefits for consumers seeking the best credit card for their needs. Use the links below to navigate to the card type you're interested in: Navigate This Article: Unsecured Secured Business Store... read more »

10 Best Second-Chance Credit Cards: No Deposit (2025)

By: Adam West, 12/4/2024

Alexander Pope once said, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” That saying was true when it was written in 1711 and remains true today — though, in modern language, we’d probably say something less frilly, such as “Everyone deserves a second chance.” That certainly rings true with credit cards. So many consumers lack proper financial education when they’re starting out, which often leads to mistakes with their first credit cards. But most of us learn from those... read more »

7 Easy-to-Get Store Credit Cards for Bad Credit (Dec. 2024)

By: Brittney Mayer, 12/4/2024

As someone who has been on both sides of the retail exchange, I know cashiers are often required by the company to spout that litany of offers at the checkout line. But knowing they have to ask me doesn't always reduce my level of annoyance when I'm in a hurry. Making matters worse is the fact that I know the average store credit card simply isn't that great of a deal, despite the tempting spiel memorized by the cashier. This is thanks, in part, to the high APR store cards tend to... read more »

“Does Chase Have a Secured Credit Card?” (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 4/16/2024

If you’ve ever wondered whether Chase bank offers a secured credit card, you’re in good company. We regularly profile Chase credit cards, and the failure to mention anything about Chase secured cards is conspicuous. The answer has to do with the audience Chase pursues. Navigate This Article: Chase Secured Card Alternatives FAQs Chase Does Not Offer a Secured Credit Card Although... read more »

8 Low Credit Score Credit Cards (2024)

By: Eric Bank, 2/15/2024

Low credit score credit cards are designed to provide basic credit card functionality to consumers who have experienced financial problems. They not only allow you to charge purchases instead of paying cash, but they also permit you to stretch payments over several months. Moreover, they give you an opportunity to improve your credit score through creditworthy behavior. Some functionality, such as a balance transfer, is rare for this class of credit cards. Rankings | FAQs Best Credit... read more »

7 Unsecured Credit Cards For Bad Credit (2025)

By: Eric Bank, 4/30/2024

This article identifies the best unsecured cards for borrowers with bad credit. We’ve chosen these cards because they are geared toward consumers with bad credit scores, which is a FICO Score of 580 or below. Most of these cards have fairly high APRs, low credit limits, meager rewards, and high fees -- the typical characteristics that credit card companies impose in return for assuming the risk that cardmembers may default on their credit card debt. Nonetheless, these cards can... read more »

7 Credit Card Bonuses For Bad Credit (2023)

By: Eric Bank, 11/24/2023

Folks with bad credit frequently assume they are consigned to no-frills credit cards, if they can get a card at all. We’re happy to report that you may be able to do better with a credit card that offers bonuses for bad credit. The credit cards in this review give you additional value despite your low credit score. Plus, by using your credit cards responsibly, you have the opportunity to boost your credit score and qualify for cards with fancier benefits and big signup bonuses. ... read more »

7 Best Secured Credit Cards for Bad Credit (2023)

By: Adam West, 3/31/2023

Although we all hear the horror stories of families racking up five-figure credit card debt, it isn't always the high-dollar debts or multi-card conundrums that drag us down. For example, even people with only a single credit card and a low limit can fall behind on payments and accrue late fees and interest charges that quickly turn into thousands of dollars in debt. And by the time the debt is paid off, missed payments may have already taken their toll on someone's credit score,... read more »

Surge Credit Card: Review & 5 Alternatives (2024)

By: Brittney Mayer, 8/29/2024

Our Surge credit card review will fill you in on who the card was made for, card details, how to apply for the card, and how to use it to build or rebuild credit. Additionally, we offer some fine alternatives to the Surge card. Some things in life are absolute; that carton of milk is either good, or it's really bad. Other things are less binary -- like your credit. The FICO credit score can range anywhere from 300 to 850, and everyone seems to have a different definition of "bad... read more »

5 Ways a Credit Card Can Rebuild Your Credit (2024)

By: Mike Randall, 4/16/2024

Making a few financial mistakes along your journey to good credit is not uncommon and often repairable, and demonstrating that you can use credit responsibly is one of the ways a credit card can rebuild your credit. But remember, simply owning a credit card is just one component in your overall credit health. To reestablish yourself as a worthwhile credit risk, there are some factors you need to keep in mind. A credit card is a tool, and when used properly and responsibly, it can... read more »

• About Us »	• Editorial Policy »
• In the Press »	• Media Assets »

All articles tagged Poor Credit (13)