Best Credit Cards for People with a Low Credit Score (Below 600)
Let’s be honest having a low credit score (especially under 600) can feel like a dead end. You try to rebuild your finances, only to get denied for the tools that can help you do it. It’s frustrating, right? Here’s the good news: there ARE credit cards designed for people with low credit scores, and they’re not scams or full of hidden traps. In this article, we’ll show you the best credit cards for people with a low credit score below 600, how to choose the right one, and how to use it to get back on track fast.
Top 3 Secured Credit Cards to Build Credit Fast in the US.
What to Look for in a Credit Card If Your Score Is Below 600
If your FICO score is under 600, you likely fall into the “fair” or “poor” credit range. But don’t stress what matters is moving forward. Here’s what to look for:
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Low or no annual fees
- No or low security deposits (depending on card type)
- Path to upgrade to an unsecured card over time
- Simple application with no hard credit pull (in some cases)
Best Credit Cards for Low Credit Scores in 2025
Here are our top picks for credit cards designed to help people with low credit rebuild their score and regain financial freedom.
1. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card – Best for: No credit check required
Why it’s great:
- No credit check to apply—perfect if you’ve been denied elsewhere
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Credit line starts at $200
- Low APR compared to other cards for poor credit
Annual Fee: $35
Security Deposit: $200 minimum
Pro Tip: Great choice if you’ve had recent credit issues and want to avoid another hard inquiry.
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card – Best for: Low deposit requirement
Why it’s great:
- Initial deposit as low as $49 for a $200 credit limit
- No annual fee
- Automatic credit line increase after 6 months of on-time payments
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
Annual Fee: $0
Security Deposit: $49–$200 based on credit
Bonus: You may qualify to graduate to an unsecured card after responsible use.
🔗 Check your pre-approval at CapitalOne.com
3. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Card – Best for: Beginners who want to avoid interest or late fees
Why it’s great:
- No annual fee, no interest, no late fees
- No credit check required
- Only spend what you transfer to the card
- Reports monthly to all 3 bureaus
Annual Fee: $0
Deposit: Funded from your Chime Spending Account
Heads up: You’ll need to open a Chime Spending Account to qualify, but it’s free.
Explore the Chime Credit Builder Card
4. Discover it Secured Credit Card – Best for: Earning rewards while building credit
Why it’s great:
- 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter)
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Cashback Match™ after the first year
- No annual fee
- Potential to upgrade to an unsecured card
Annual Fee: $0
Deposit: $200 minimum
Pro Tip: A rare secured card that actually gives rewards—yes, please!
Apply directly on Discover.com
Tips to Use These Cards to Improve Your Credit Fast
Getting a card is just the first step. Here’s how to use it wisely to build credit fast:
- Always Pay On Time
- Set up autopay or reminders. On-time payments make up 35% of your FICO score!
- Keep Your Balance Low
- Aim to use less than 30% of your credit limit—ideally under 10%.
- Monitor Your Progress
- Use free tools like Credit Karma or apps from your card issuer to track your score.
- Be Patient and Consistent
- You won’t go from 580 to 750 overnight—but with steady use, you’ll see results in 3–6 months.
Quick Comparison: Best Cards for Low Credit Scores
| Card | Credit Check? | Annual Fee | Minimum Deposit | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSky Secured | No | $35 | $200 | No credit check, easy approval |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | Yes | $0 | $49–$200 | Potential low deposit, upgrade path |
| Chime Credit Builder | No | $0 | Fund-based | No fees, beginner-friendly |
| Discover it Secured | Yes | $0 | $200 | Cashback rewards, upgrade option |
Conclusion: The Right Credit Card Can Be a Game Changer
Don’t let a low credit score hold you back! There are awesome credit cards out there that can help you rebuild your credit. Whether you want to save on fees, earn rewards, or skip the credit check altogether, there’s a card on this list for you. So, pick a card, apply, and use it responsibly. A better credit future is just a few smart swipes away!
