Bad Credit CREDIT CARDS

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There’s nothing more frustrating than learning that you have bad credit, as this can bring a number of financial challenges into your life. Rather than give up, it’s time to begin your search for credit cards for bad credit. There are secured and unsecured offers to choose from, both of which are available through a variety of credit card issuers. If you have bad credit and need to make a change for the better, search through our list of credit cards for bad credit.

☆   Card Spotlight
Today’s Featured Card

Experian CreditMatch™

Get Personalized Credit Card Offers Based on Your Credit Profile from Experian®. 100% Free!

Rating

  

Regular Purchase APR

See Terms

Credit Recommended

Any Credit History

Annual Fee

See Terms

Updated For

Fri 20 Dec 2024

Full Details

Card Page

GO2bank

Overdraft protection up to $200 with opt-in and eligible direct deposit*

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee $0.00

Credit Recommended All Credit Types Considered

Regular Purchase APR n/a

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Overdraft protection up to $200 with opt-in and eligible direct deposit*
  • No monthly fees with eligible direct deposit, otherwise $5 per month
  • Earn up to 7% cash back when you buy eGift Cards in the app
  • Get your pay up to 2 days early – Get your government benefits up to 4 days early.*
  • High-yield savings account, 4.50% APY paid quarterly on savings up to $5,000.*

*Terms and conditions apply. Cards issued by GO2bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Overdraft fees may apply. Click Apply Now to learn more.

Additional Info

  • Overdraft Protection: up to $200 with opt-in and eligible direct deposits
  • Activation Fee: $0
  • Monthly Fee: No monthly fees with eligible direct deposit, otherwise $5 per month
  • Direct Deposit Fee: $0
  • ATM Fee: $0 In-network withdrawal & balance inquiry, $3 Out-of-network withdrawal, $0.50 Out-of-network balance inquiry.
  • Credit Recommended: All Credit Types Considered
  • Reports to Consumer Reporting Agencies: See more on Go2bank site
  • Number of Bureaus: 3

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR n/a
Annual Fee $0.00
Credit Recommended All Credit Types Considered
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee n/a
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee n/a
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee n/a
Foreign Transaction Fee n/a
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card

Start building credit by keeping your balance low and paying all your bills on time each month

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Provider Website

Credit Recommended Fair/Poor

Regular Purchase APR See Provider Website

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • 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.

Additional Info

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR See Provider Website
Annual Fee See Provider Website
Credit Recommended Fair/Poor
Cash Advance APR See Provider Website
Cash Advance Fee See Provider Website
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee See Provider Website
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee See Provider Website
Foreign Transaction Fee See Provider Website
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

the secured Self Visa® Credit Card

No credit check or score required

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee $25

Credit Recommended No Credit, New to Credit, Limited Credit, Bad, Poor

Regular Purchase APR 28.49% Variable

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

The secured Self Visa® Credit Card¹ is designed to help you build or rebuild your credit with confidence.  No credit check or score required.

  • The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is a low annual fee credit card that helps you build your credit when used responsibly.
  • Unlike a debit card, it reports your payment history to all 3 major credit bureaus, helping you build credit history.
  • Use your card anywhere Visa® is accepted in the US.
  • A $100 minimum security deposit is required². Once approved, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit.
  • Get help staying on track with Autopay and account alerts.
  • Manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in our mobile app.

Additional Info

  • Intro APR (Purchases): N/A
  • Intro APR (Transfers): N/A
  • Regular APR: 28.49% Variable
  • Annual Fee: $25
  • Recommended Credit Score: No Credit, New to Credit, Limited Credit, Bad, Poor
  • Rewards: N/A
  • Cash Advance APR: N/A
  • Cash Advance Fee: N/A
  • Cash Grade Period: N/A
  • Late Payment Fee: $15
  • Overlimit Fee: N/A
  • Return Check Fee: $15
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: N/A
  • Balance Transfer Fee: N/A

¹ The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.

² Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria Subject to change.

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee $25
Credit Recommended No Credit, New to Credit, Limited Credit, Bad, Poor
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee n/a
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee $15
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee $15
Foreign Transaction Fee n/a
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

Destiny® Mastercard® with Instant Credit

Instant: Once approved, add your card to your mobile wallet and shop today.

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Terms

Credit Recommended Poor to Good

Regular Purchase APR See Terms

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Access credit immediately through a mobile wallet. Identity authentication required. See application for additional details.
  • Get the Destiny® Mastercard® in your mobile wallet today.
  • Apply today and shop today!
  • Instant: Once approved, add your card to your mobile wallet and shop today.
  • Easy: We’ll help you add your card to your mobile wallet for instant access.
  • Convenient: Use in-store, online or in-app to shop today.
  • Get started now so you can shop today! – Shop today with Apple Pay® or Google Pay ™
  • Start shopping today in-store, online or in-app using your mobile wallet.
  • Shop today! Don’t wait!
  • Start shopping right away.
  • Get started now so you can shop today!
  • Use your mobile phone to add the Destiny card to your mobile wallet and access credit immediately.
  • Don’t wait for your card in the mail; if approved, just add it to your mobile wallet with Apple Pay® or Google Pay™ to start shopping right away.
  • Add The Destiny Card To Your Mobile Wallet With Apple Pay® or Google Pay™
  • Start shopping today with Destiny Mastercard, apply now!

Additional Info

  • Regular APR: See terms
  • Annual Fee: See terms
  • Credit Recommended: Poor to Good
  • Brand Name: Mastercard
  • Credit Limit: $700
  • Cash Advance Fee: See terms
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR See Terms
Annual Fee See Terms
Credit Recommended Poor to Good
Cash Advance APR See Terms
Cash Advance Fee See Terms
Cash Grace Period See Terms
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Overlimit Fee See Terms
Return Check Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee See Terms
Balance Transfer Fee See Terms

Ava

NO CREDIT CHECK REQUIRED, and approval is guaranteed when you connect a valid bank account and pass identity checks.

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee Starting at just $6/month for the annual plan

Credit Recommended Any Credit Welcome

Regular Purchase APR 0.00%

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Unlock a better financial future with Ava – an easy and effective way to build positive credit history, which can help build your credit score. You may see improvements in as little as two weeks, with 90% of credit score factors positively impacted by our approach. A prime (700+) score may finally be attainable.With Ava, you can expect:
    • No hidden fees
    • 0% interest
    • Instant account set up with no credit check
    • $0.00 deposit/collateral required

Additional Info

Why Ava, you ask?

Quick Results: 74% of our members saw an improvement in their credit score within the first two weeks of joining Ava. Stick to those on-time payments, and you might just get a 40+ point boost in three months!

Easy Setup: You’ll be up and running in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee – less than 5 minutes!.

Transparent Pricing: Starting at just $6/month for the annual plan, Ava offers a simple, affordable route to better credit history.

 

Included in our simple pricing are:

CREDIT BUILDER CARD:

Ava’s Credit Builder Card allows you to pay for over 60 online subscriptions and bills like Netflix and Verizon, while also lowering your credit utilization. NO CREDIT CHECK REQUIRED, and approval is guaranteed when you connect a valid bank account and pass identity checks.

We help you keep a low card utilization with a spend limit to positively impact your score. When you make on-time payments we report your positive behavior to all three credit bureaus within 48 hours.

SECURED CREDIT BUILDING ACCOUNT:

The Ava Save & Build secured loan helps you save money AND improve your credit history at the same time. Add an additional credit line to your report and increase the frequency of on-time payments. Start by putting away at least $25/month and you get ALL the money you saved after 12 – 24 months of on time payments. Absolutely NO interest or added fees. You keep every dollar you save towards the secured loan!

MONTHLY FREE CREDIT REPORT

Stay on top of your credit score with free credit reports in the app. Discover insights and suggestions in your report that make it easy to understand credit factors, like credit utilization and percentage of on-time payments.

DEDICATED CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Require assistance or have inquiries? Our dedicated support team is here to help. Contact us at support@meetava.com.

Ava makes credit building easy. What you see is what you get – no hidden fees, zero interest, and a promise that we’ve got your back. We make sure we win only when you win. A better credit score, peace of mind and thousands in savings are just a few taps away.

Ava is not a bank, Ava is a technology company that partners with banking services provided by Evolve Bank & Trust, member FDIC to provide the Secured Loan Account. The Ava Credit Builder Mastercard® is issued by Patriot Bank, N.A., member FDIC pursuant to a license from Mastercard international Incorporated

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 0.00%
Annual Fee Starting at just $6/month for the annual plan
Credit Recommended Any Credit Welcome
Cash Advance APR See Terms
Cash Advance Fee See Terms
Cash Grace Period See Terms
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Overlimit Fee See Terms
Return Check Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee See Terms
Balance Transfer Fee See Terms

PREMIER Bankcard® Grey Credit Card

Pre-qualify with no impact to your credit score

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Provider Website

Credit Recommended Fair/Poor

Regular Purchase APR See Provider Website

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Pre-qualify with no impact to your credit score
  • Helping people build credit is our first priority – start your credit-building journey today.
  • Start building credit by keeping your balance low and paying all your bills on time each month.
  • We report monthly to the Consumer Reporting Agencies to help you build your credit.
  • Award-winning, U.S.-based customer service

Additional Info

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR See Provider Website
Annual Fee See Provider Website
Credit Recommended Fair/Poor
Cash Advance APR See Provider Website
Cash Advance Fee See Provider Website
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee See Provider Website
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee See Provider Website
Foreign Transaction Fee See Provider Website
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

MAGNUM – Credit Builder Account

No credit history needed; no hard check required

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee n/a

Credit Recommended All Credit Types Considered

Regular Purchase APR n/a

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Get up to a +86 average* FICO® Score increase on autopilot
  • Largest credit builder in the nation
  • Build from $2,000 up to $30,000 of credit history starting at low monthly payments
  • Great if you want to access premium CCs & higher credit limits
  • No credit history needed; no hard check required
  • No prepayment or early cancellation fees

*Individual results may vary, terms and conditions may apply.

Additional Info

  • Credit Check: No
  • Credit Recommended: All Credit Types Considered
  • Reports to Consumer Reporting Agencies: Experian, TransUnion, Equifax
  • Coverage: Excludes: WI, VT

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR n/a
Annual Fee n/a
Credit Recommended All Credit Types Considered
Cash Advance APR See Terms
Cash Advance Fee See Terms
Cash Grace Period See Terms
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Overlimit Fee See Terms
Return Check Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee See Terms
Balance Transfer Fee See Terms

Destiny Mastercard®

Less than perfect credit is okay, even with a prior bankruptcy!

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Terms

Credit Recommended Poor to Good

Regular Purchase APR See Terms

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • All the benefits of a Mastercard, without a security deposit
  • 24/7 access to your account, even on mobile!
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
  • Less than perfect credit is okay, even with a prior bankruptcy!

Additional Info

  • Regular APR: See terms
  • Annual Fee: See terms
  • Credit Recommended: Poor to Good
  • Brand Name: Mastercard
  • Credit Limit: $700
  • Cash Advance Fee: See terms
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR See Terms
Annual Fee See Terms
Credit Recommended Poor to Good
Cash Advance APR See Terms
Cash Advance Fee See Terms
Cash Grace Period See Terms
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Overlimit Fee See Terms
Return Check Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee See Terms
Balance Transfer Fee See Terms

Indigo® Mastercard® for Less than Perfect Credit

Higher limit than before, still no security deposit required!

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Terms

Credit Recommended Bad/Poor/Fair

Regular Purchase APR 35.9%

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Now with higher credit limits
  • Increase your access to available credit
  • Higher limit than before, still no security deposit required!
  • Greater access to credit than before
  • Less than perfect credit is okay
  • Mobile account access at any time
  • Account history is reported to the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.

Additional Info

  • Regular APR: 35.9%
  • Annual Fee: See Terms
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
  • Card Brand: Mastercard®
  • Credit Recommended: Bad/Poor/Fair
  • Intro Rate: N/A
  • Intro Period: N/A
  • Balance Transfer: N/A
  • Intro (Purchases): N/A
  • Intro (Balance Transfers): N/A

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 35.9%
Annual Fee See Terms
Credit Recommended Bad/Poor/Fair
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee n/a
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee See Website for Details
Overlimit Fee See Website for Details
Return Check Fee See Website for Details
Foreign Transaction Fee 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

PREMIER Bankcard® Mastercard® Credit Card

Pre-qualify with no impact to your credit score

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Provider Website

Credit Recommended Fair/Poor

Regular Purchase APR See Provider Website

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Pre-qualify with no impact to your credit score.
  • Don’t let a low credit score stop you from pre-qualifying – we’ve helped millions build credit, now it’s your turn.
  • Start building credit by keeping your balance low and paying all your bills on time each month.
  • Our mobile app helps you keep track of your spending and payments for greater financial control.
  • When you need assistance our award-winning US-based Customer Service agents are there to help.

Additional Info

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR See Provider Website
Annual Fee See Provider Website
Credit Recommended Fair/Poor
Cash Advance APR See Provider Website
Cash Advance Fee See Provider Website
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee See Provider Website
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee See Provider Website
Foreign Transaction Fee See Provider Website
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

Milestone® Mastercard®

Greater access to credit than before - $700 credit limit

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Terms

Credit Recommended Fair/Good

Regular Purchase APR See Terms

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • 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

Additional Info

  • Regular APR: See terms
  • Credit Recommended: Fair/Good
  • Annual Fee: See terms
  • Card Brand: Mastercard
  • Credit Limit: $700
  • Cash Advance Fee: See terms
  • Foreign Trans Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR See Terms
Annual Fee See Terms
Credit Recommended Fair/Good
Cash Advance APR See Terms
Cash Advance Fee See Terms
Cash Grace Period See Terms
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Overlimit Fee See Terms
Return Check Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee See Terms
Balance Transfer Fee See Terms

Kikoff

0% APR and No Hidden Fees

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee $0.00

Credit Recommended Any Credit Welcome

Regular Purchase APR 0.00%

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • No credit check
  • 0% APR and No hidden fees
  • Open your account in minutes
  • Bank-level security keeps your data safe
  • A  tradeline from $750 up to $2,500
  • Build credit by establishing a payment history and maintaining a low utilization rate, all with no unexpected fees or interest.

Credit building on your terms

You decide how much to spend and how many months of payment history to build. There’s no minimum time commitment – you can pay your balance in full at any time.

Grow payment history, guaranteed.

With AutoPay we automatically settle your balance on time, every month. This guarantees you build your payment history – and your credit.

Reach your financial goals.

Every month we report your payments to the major credit bureaus. Grow your credit to get that apartment lease, car loan, those lower interest rates.

Additional Info

Sign up for Kikoff Credit Service.

Apply in minutes with no credit pull. Purchase the Kikoff Credit Service for $5/month[1]. This account is designed to build long-term credit and give you a low utilization rate.

Make your first payment.

Your payment goes toward your Credit Account balance and payment history gets reported to the credit bureaus. This account stays open as long as your Kikoff account is active.

Open your Credit Builder Loan.

After your first payment, you’ll unlock access to the 0% interest and $0 fees Credit Builder Loan. Pay 12 installments of $10/month, after which we will return your $120 back to you.

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 0.00%
Annual Fee $0.00
Credit Recommended Any Credit Welcome
Cash Advance APR See Terms
Cash Advance Fee See Terms
Cash Grace Period See Terms
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Overlimit Fee See Terms
Return Check Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee See Terms
Balance Transfer Fee See Terms

Current Build Visa® Credit Card

Credit for everyone - Regardless of your credit history!

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee $0.00

Credit Recommended No to Good Credit

Regular Purchase APR 0.00%

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Credit for everyone – Regardless of your credit history!
  • Get paid up to 2 days faster – Using Direct Deposit.
  • Build credit not debt.
  • Grow your savings – Earn up to a 4.00% Bonus on Savings Pods

View Product Disclosures

Additional Info

  • Products Offered: Mobile Banking & Visa Credit Card
  • Brand Name: Visa®
  • Credit Check: No
  • Regular APR: 0.00%

Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card issued by Choice Financial Group, and the Current Visa® secured charge card issued by Cross River Bank, are both pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 0.00%
Annual Fee $0.00
Credit Recommended No to Good Credit
Cash Advance APR See Website for Details
Cash Advance Fee See Website for Details
Cash Grace Period See Website for Details
Late Payment Fee See Website for Details
Overlimit Fee See Website for Details
Return Check Fee See Website for Details
Foreign Transaction Fee See Website for Details
Balance Transfer Fee See Website for Details

PREMIER Bankcard® Gold Credit Card

Don’t let a low credit score stop you from pre-qualifying — second chances are our first priority

Intro Purchase APR n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See Provider Website

Credit Recommended Fair/Poor

Regular Purchase APR See Provider Website

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • Don’t let a low credit score stop you from pre-qualifying — second chances are our first priority.
  • PREMIER Bankcard credit cards are made for people with less-than-perfect credit.
  • Credit limit increase eligible after 12 months of consistent responsible account management.
  • We’ll provide you a manageable credit limit and manageable payments meant to help you stick to your budget.
  • Award-winning, U.S.-based customer service

Additional Info

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) n/a
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR See Provider Website
Annual Fee See Provider Website
Credit Recommended Fair/Poor
Cash Advance APR See Provider Website
Cash Advance Fee See Provider Website
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee See Provider Website
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee See Provider Website
Foreign Transaction Fee See Provider Website
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

Group One Platinum Card

Bad Credit, No Credit? No Problem!

Intro Purchase APR 0.00%

Intro Balance Transfer APR n/a

Annual Fee See website for Details*

Credit Recommended Damaged/Fair

Regular Purchase APR 0.00%

Full Details Card Page

Highlights

  • No Employment or Credit Check
  • Bad Credit, No Credit? No Problem!
  • Fast and Easy Application

Additional Info

  • Credit Limit : $750 Limit (Usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com)
  • Regular APR : 0% APR
  • Monthly Fee : See website for Details*
  • Credit Recommended : Damaged/Fair

Specifications

Intro (Purchases) 0.00%
Intro (Transfers) n/a
Regular APR 0.00%
Annual Fee See website for Details*
Credit Recommended Damaged/Fair
Cash Advance APR n/a
Cash Advance Fee n/a
Cash Grace Period n/a
Late Payment Fee n/a
Overlimit Fee n/a
Return Check Fee n/a
Foreign Transaction Fee n/a
Balance Transfer Fee n/a

Card Spotlight : Extra Card

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to build your credit with a debit card? While it may have been impossible in the past, Extra has changed this forever.  With the Extra Card, you can build your credit and earn rewards points just as you would with a traditional credit card. The only difference is...

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Card Spotlight: Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card

The Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Cardd is an industry leader among those targeting consumers with less than perfect credit. Should you find yourself in this category, it doesn’t cost you anything — outside of a few minutes — to determine if you qualify for the Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card. The first step in obtaining this credit...

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Card Spotlight : Destiny Mastercard®

Do you have less than perfect credit and have been rejected for credit cards in the past? Are you hoping to improve your credit score in the future? If you answered yes to these questions, you might want to consider the Destiny Mastercard®. Apply Now This credit card provides all the advantages of a Mastercard...

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Bad Credit

Most people who have bad credit are well aware of their situation. As frustrating as it may be, there’s a bright side: there’s plenty of room for improvement.

If you have bad credit and find yourself in need of a credit card, there are both unsecured and secured offers to consider. Best yet, responsible use of a credit card in the future will help boost your score.

Note: if you have bad credit, search through our comprehensive list of offers for consumers in your position.

How to Boost Your Bad Credit Score

Just because you have bad credit now doesn’t mean you’ll have bad credit for the rest of your life. There are a few simple steps you can take to boost your credit score in the months to come:

1. Make Note of Your Past Mistakes

Why do you have bad credit? Once you understand the mistakes you’ve made in the past, you can avoid going down the same path in the future. For example, if you defaulted on several loans in the past, create a budget that will help you prevent a similar situation in the future. You won’t know how to improve on your past mistakes until you identify them. This is job number one!

2. Review Your Credit Report for Errors

Don’t assume that the information on your credit report is accurate. It’s possible that there’s at least one error on your credit report that’s pulling down your score.

If you come across an error, contact the appropriate credit bureau to file a dispute. It’s often a time consuming process, but fixing the error can do wonders for your credit score.

3. Create a Budget

It’s critical to know how much money you earn each month, as well as how much you spend. This is where a detailed budget comes into play. At the very least, you need to earn enough money to cover your expenses. If you don’t, you’ll quickly slip behind on your obligations, which will harm your credit score.

Tip: you can create your budget with nothing more than a pen and paper. Of course, if you’re more technologically advanced, there are apps and software programs to assist you.

4. Don’t Stop Using Credit

It’s natural to stop using credit if you have bad credit. You assume that this will keep you out of trouble, and you may be right. However, you should still use credit when possible, as this actually helps boost your
score. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, but get into the habit of using your credit card and paying the balance in full each month. You can also raise your score by paying on installment loans.

5. Remain Patient

You want to put your bad credit in the past as soon as possible, but it’s likely to take several months or longer to make real progress. Don’t get frustrated if your score isn’t rising as quickly as you would like. If you stay the course, you’ll like where you end up.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let bad credit affect your finances for the rest of your life. When you follow the steps above, it won’t be long before your credit score begins to move in the right direction.

Advertiser Disclosure * Advertisements which display guaranteed credit lines or credit limits of $500.00-$750.00 are exclusively for usage through online retail stores, online marketplace websites and/or online auction websites. Credit limit offers displayed on advertisements are contingent on getting approved by the credit institution issuing the credit card or issuing the line of credit. When searching for the best credit card for you, there are several factors that you ought to consider. Some cards have APR rates that you need to review before you sign on with a bank or lender. Financing costs will influence your decision if you anticipate using the card for single purchases or if you intend to carry a monthly balance. If you don’t make your timely required payments by the due date, financing costs increase and you’ll have to pay the credit issuer those fees plus your current balance. Please review the credit card applications for specifics into the terms and conditions. We strive to display current and up-to-date information. Nonetheless, all credit card offers are displayed without guarantee. To affirm terms and conditions, tap the "Apply Now" to learn more about the credit offer on a secure page provided by the card issuer(s). Please review full terms and conditions prior to applying for any credit card.

General Disclaimer Please review the credit card applications for specifics into the terms and conditions. We strive to display current and up-to-date information. Nonetheless, all credit card offers are displayed without guarantee. To affirm terms and conditions, tap the "Apply Now" to learn more about the credit offer on a secure page provided by the card issuer(s)

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