The 5 Easiest Credit Cards to Get Approved for Even with a Low Credit Score

Having a low credit score can make accessing financial products challenging, but it doesn’t mean credit cards are completely out of reach.

This guide identifies the five easiest credit cards to get approved for in 2025, even with less-than-ideal credit.

These cards offer accessible paths to rebuilding credit while providing useful features and reasonable terms.

Why Credit Accessibility Matters

When your credit score is low, finding financial tools to help rebuild your credit becomes crucial. Here’s why having access to a credit card, even with poor credit, is important:

• Credit building opportunity – Regular reporting to all three major credit bureaus

• Financial emergency backup – Providing a safety net when unexpected expenses arise

• Establishing payment history – Creating a record of on-time payments to improve your score

• Path to better credit products – Many cards offer upgrade paths to premium products

• Learning responsible credit habits – Providing a controlled environment to develop financial discipline

Let’s explore the five most accessible credit card options for those with low credit scores.

1. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Why it’s highly accessible: This card stands out as perhaps the easiest credit card to get approved for because it requires no credit check whatsoever.

Key features:

• Approval process: No credit check required, making approval nearly guaranteed regardless of credit history

• Security deposit: $200 minimum (refundable)

• Annual fee: $35

• Credit building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus monthly

• Credit line: Equal to your security deposit amount

• APR: 21.89% variable

Who it’s best for: Those with very poor credit, recent bankruptcies, or multiple rejections from other cards. It’s an excellent option if you need guaranteed approval with no scrutiny of past credit mistakes.

Potential drawbacks: The annual fee isn’t ideal, and there are no rewards or upgrade path to an unsecured product.

2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Why it’s highly accessible: This card offers a uniquely low minimum security deposit and clear path to unsecured status.

Key features:

• Approval process: Designed for poor/limited credit, though a basic credit check is performed

• Security deposit: As low as $49 for a $200 credit line (based on creditworthiness)

• Annual fee: $0

• Credit building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus

• Credit line increases: Automatic consideration after 6 months of on-time payments

• Deposit refund: Opportunity to earn back your deposit with responsible use

• APR: 29.74% variable

Who it’s best for: Those with limited funds for a security deposit who want a fee-free option with a clear upgrade path.

Potential drawbacks: The high APR means carrying a balance is costly, and initial credit limits tend to be low.

3. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Why it’s highly accessible: This secured card offers remarkable value with cash back rewards and a clear upgrade path.

Key features:

• Approval process: Designed for poor/limited credit, accepts most applicants with sufficient income

• Security deposit: $200 minimum (refundable)

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases quarterly), 1% back on all other purchases

• Welcome bonus: Cashback Match™ – All rewards earned in first year are doubled automatically

• Credit building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus

• Upgrade review: Automatic account reviews starting at 7 months for possible transition to unsecured

• APR: 27.24% variable

Who it’s best for: Those who want to earn rewards while rebuilding credit and desire a clear path to an unsecured product.

Potential drawbacks: The minimum deposit requirement may be prohibitive for some, and approval requires a credit check.

4. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Why it’s highly accessible: This innovative secured card requires no credit check and offers flexible deposit amounts.

Key features:

• Approval process: No credit check required

• Security deposit: Flexible – you decide how much to secure (no minimum)

• Annual fee: $0

• Credit building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus

• No interest charges: Card is tied to your deposit, eliminating interest costs

• No foreign transaction fees

• Unique structure: Functions similar to a debit card but reports as credit activity

Who it’s best for: Those who want a completely safe credit-building tool with no possibility of debt or interest charges.

Potential drawbacks: Requires opening a Chime Checking Account with qualifying direct deposits, and there’s no upgrade path to an unsecured card.

5. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Why it’s highly accessible: One of the few genuinely accessible unsecured cards for those with poor credit.

Key features:

• Approval process: Specifically designed for rebuilding credit, with pre-qualification available

• Security deposit: None (unsecured)

• Annual fee: $75 first year, then $99 annually

• Rewards: 1% cash back on eligible purchases including gas, groceries, mobile phone services, internet, and cable/satellite TV

• Credit line increases: Regular account reviews for potential credit line increases

• Credit building: Reports to all three major credit bureaus

• APR: 28.99% variable

Who it’s best for: Those who absolutely cannot provide a security deposit but need a credit card for rebuilding.

Potential drawbacks: High annual fee and APR make this an expensive option. The rewards program is limited compared to secured alternatives.

How to Maximize Approval Chances

Even with these accessible cards, taking these steps can further improve your approval odds:

1. Check for pre-qualification – Many issuers offer this with no impact to your credit score

2. Provide accurate income information – Include all legal sources of income on your application

3. Apply for one card at a time – Multiple applications can further damage your score

4. Consider your banking relationships – Some cards offer better approval odds for existing customers

5. Prepare for security deposit – Have funds ready for secured cards

6. Read the fine print – Understand all fees and terms before applying

Using These Cards to Rebuild Credit

Once approved, follow these practices to improve your credit score:

• Pay on time, every time – Payment history is the most important credit factor

• Keep balances low – Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit

• Only charge what you can pay off – Given the high APRs, carrying a balance is costly

• Monitor your credit – Many of these cards offer free credit score access

• Be patient – Credit improvement takes time, typically 6-12 months to see significant changes

Conclusion

While having a low credit score limits your options, these five cards provide viable paths to rebuilding credit.

Secured cards generally offer better terms and clearer upgrade paths, but unsecured options exist for those unable to provide a deposit.

The key is to use whichever card you choose responsibly, making timely payments and keeping balances low to gradually improve your credit profile.

By choosing one of these accessible cards and practicing good credit habits, you can establish a positive payment history, improve your credit score, and eventually qualify for better financial products with lower rates and enhanced benefits.