7 Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2025

Having bad credit makes it hard to get a credit card. But you still have options. Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit can help you build your score. You don’t need a security deposit to get them. These cards come with higher fees and interest rates, but they give you a chance to improve your credit.

Additionally, some even offer rewards and benefits. Choosing the right one is important. You need to check fees, interest rates, and features before applying. In this article, I will show you the 7 best Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2025 and explain their details.

What Are Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit?

Unsecured credit cards for bad credit are traditional credit cards that do not require an upfront deposit. They are designed for people with low or poor credit scores who need access to credit to improve their financial standing.

Key Features of Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit:

• No Security Deposit Required: Unlike secured cards, you do not need to put down a deposit to get an unsecured credit card.
• Credit Building Opportunity: Responsible use of these cards can help improve your credit score over time.
• Higher Fees and Interest Rates: Since these cards are riskier for issuers, they often come with higher fees and APRs.
• Lower Credit Limits: Unsecured credit cards for bad credit usually start with a lower limit, which may increase with responsible use.
• Regular Credit Reporting: Most of these cards report to all three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Top 7 Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit in 2025

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

As an unsecured credit card for bad credit, Capital One Platinum doesn’t require a security deposit, making it accessible for those looking to rebuild their credit. The card offers a $0 annual fee, automatic consideration for a credit line increase in as little as six months, and $0 fraud liability for unauthorised charges. It’s designed to help users improve their credit scores through responsible use.

• Features:
  • No annual fee.
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
  • Offers potential credit limit increase after six months.
  • No rewards or cashback options.
• Pros:
  • Helps build credit with responsible use.
  • No security deposit required.
  • Simple approval process for those with fair to poor credit.
  • Capital One promotions in 2025 bring big cashback and travel rewards for you and me.
• Cons:
  • No rewards or cashback benefits.
  • Higher interest rates compared to prime credit cards.

Discover it Cash Back Credit Card

The Discover It card offers 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It also comes with no annual fee and an unlimited Cashback Match at the end of your first year.

• Features:
  • 5% cashback on rotating categories (e.g., gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and online shopping) each quarter (activation required).
  • Unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases.
  • Cashback Match: Discover will match all cashback earned in the first year.
  • No annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
  • Free FICO® Score monitoring.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
• Pros:
  • Generous cashback rewards, with Discover It promotions.
  • First-year Cashback Match effectively doubles rewards.
  • No annual fee, making it budget-friendly.
  • Long 0% intro APR period is great for balance transfers and large purchases.
  • Free credit score tracking helps monitor financial health.
  • No penalty APR for late payments.
• Cons:
  • Requires activation each quarter to earn 5% cashback.
  • Rotating categories may not always align with spending habits.
  • Limited acceptance outside the U.S. compared to Visa and Mastercard.
  • Balance transfer fee applies (3%-5% of the transferred amount).
  • Higher APR after the intro period if you carry a balance.

OpenSky® Visa® Credit Card

The OpenSky® Visa® Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals with bad credit. As an unsecured credit card for bad credit, it doesn’t require a security deposit or a credit check to apply. This makes it accessible for those looking to rebuild their credit2. The card offers free online access to your FICO® score, helping you monitor your credit health, and comes with a $35 annual fee

• Features:
  • No credit check required.
  • Reports to all major credit bureaus.
  • No hard inquiry needed for approval.
  • Requires an initial deposit.
• Pros:
  • Accessible for individuals with very poor credit.
  • Helps build credit history with on-time payments.
  • No hard credit pull during application.
• Cons:
  • Requires an upfront deposit to start.
  • No rewards program.
  • Annual fee applies.

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

The Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit is a valuable tool for those aiming to improve their credit standing. This card stands out as an unsecured credit card for bad credit, which means you won’t need a security deposit to get started.

Notably, it offers 1% cash back rewards on several categories like gas, groceries, and more. Additionally, users benefit from automatic reviews for potential credit line increases and can monitor their credit health with free online access to their Experian credit score.

• Features:
  • Designed for bad credit holders.
  • Offers cashback rewards on select purchases.
  • Reports to major credit bureaus.
  • Variable annual fee based on creditworthiness.
• Pros:
  • Opportunity to earn cashback while rebuilding credit.
  • Periodic credit limit reviews for potential increases.
  • Online and mobile account management.
• Cons:
  • High APR compared to traditional credit cards.
  • Annual fee may reduce initial credit limit.
  • Cashback rewards are limited to specific categories.

Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Mastercard®

As an unsecured credit card for bad credit, one standout feature is that your credit line can double after just 7 months of on-time payments, helping you increase your available credit quickly. Plus, it offers free access to your FICO® credit score each month and 24/7 account access for convenient management.

• Features:
  • Starts with a low credit limit.
  • Automatically doubles credit line after seven months of responsible use.
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
  • Annual fee applies.
• Pros:
  • Great for those who want a gradual credit limit increase.
  • No security deposit required.
  • Helps rebuild credit over time.
• Cons:
  • Annual fees can be high depending on credit profile.
  • Higher interest rates for those with lower credit scores.
  • No rewards or cashback options.

Surge® Mastercard®

The Surge® Mastercard® is a good choice if you have bad credit. As an unsecured credit card for bad credit, it offers an initial credit limit ranging from $300 to $1,000, and it reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you improve your credit score over time. Plus, it comes with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection, so you’re not responsible for unauthorized charges.

• Features:
  • Easy approval process for poor credit scores.
  • Offers periodic credit limit increases.
  • Reports to major credit bureaus.
  • Annual fee applies.
• Pros:
  • Higher chance of approval for applicants with bad credit.
  • Can increase credit limit over time.
  • Helps improve credit with responsible use.
• Cons:
  • High APR and fees.
  • No rewards program.
  • Monthly maintenance fees may apply.

Milestone® Gold Mastercard®

 This card reports your monthly payments to all three major credit bureaus, making it the best among the unsecured credit cards for bad credit. Plus, it offers 24/7 account access and fraud protection to keep your account secure

• Features:
  • Accepts applicants with a history of bad credit or bankruptcy.
  • No security deposit required.
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
  • Variable annual fee based on creditworthiness.
• Pros:
  • Can help individuals with past financial struggles rebuild credit.
  • No deposit needed, unlike secured cards.
  • Application process is straightforward and quick.
• Cons:
  • Annual fees can be high.
  • Interest rates are higher than average.
  • No rewards or benefits attached to spending.

How to Qualify for an Unsecured Credit Card with Bad Credit

Qualifying for an unsecured credit card with bad credit can be challenging, but these steps can improve your chances:

• Check Your Credit Score: Ensure there are no errors in your credit report.
• Reduce Debt: Paying down existing balances can boost your credit score.
• Provide Accurate Information: Ensure your application details are correct.
• Apply for Pre-Qualification: This helps check eligibility without affecting your credit score.
• Avoid Multiple Applications: Too many hard inquiries can lower your credit score.

How to Improve Your Credit Score with an Unsecured Card

Using an unsecured credit card wisely can help improve your credit score. Here are some key strategies:

• Make On-Time Payments: Paying your bill by the due date is crucial for credit improvement.
• Keep Credit Utilization Low: Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit.
• Monitor Your Credit Score: Regularly check your progress and correct any errors.

Unsecured vs. Secured Credit Cards: Key Differences

• Security Deposit: Unsecured cards do not require a deposit; secured cards do.
• Approval Process: Unsecured cards are harder to qualify for, while secured cards are more accessible.
• Credit Limit: Secured cards often allow higher limits based on the deposit.

Fees and Interest Rates: What to Watch Out For

• Annual Fees: Some cards charge up to $125 per year.
• High APR: Can exceed 25%, making it expensive if carrying a balance.
• Maintenance Fees: Some cards charge monthly fees.
• Late Payment Fees: Can be as high as $40.

Conclusion

Selecting the best unsecured credit cards for bad credit depends on your financial situation. Consider fees, interest rates, and credit-building potential when choosing a card. Always use credit responsibly to improve your financial future.

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