Looking for a Credit Card? How to Get Credit Cards with Bad Credit?

Having bad credit can make it difficult to get approved for a credit card, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Credit cards for bad credit, also known as credit builder cards, are designed to help you improve your credit score over time. While these cards often come with low borrowing limits and high interest rates, they can still be a useful tool if managed responsibly.

If you’re wondering what credit cards you can get with bad credit and how to apply, this guide will help you understand your options.

What Credit Cards Can You Get with Bad Credit?

If you have bad credit, getting approved for a high-limit credit card with low interest rates can be challenging. Additionally, you may not qualify for promotional credit cards, such as those offering 0% interest or rewards programs.
Lenders reserve their best offers for applicants with good or excellent credit scores, as these borrowers are considered low-risk. However, your chances of approval improve if you use credit card applications specifically designed for bad credit. These cards usually have:
  • Lower credit limits
  • Higher interest rates
  • Fewer rewards or promotional features
If you have a history of missed payments, defaults, or financial issues, a credit builder card might be a good option to start rebuilding your credit.

Do You Have Bad Credit?

You might assume you have bad credit if you’ve been denied a credit card in the past. However, different lenders have different approval criteria, so one rejection doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be rejected everywhere.
That said, some common factors that can negatively affect your credit score include:
  • Late or missed payments
  • Defaults on loans or credit cards
  • County Court Judgments (CCJs)
  • Debt Management Plans (DMPs)
  • Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
  • Bankruptcy
Having little or no credit history can also count against you. This is common if you are new to the country or have never taken out credit before.
Lenders check your credit report to assess your financial behavior before making a decision. If your credit score is low, lenders may see you as high-risk, making it harder to get approved for the best deals.
To check how lenders view you, you can request a free credit report from agencies like Experian.

Can You Get a Credit Card with a 500 Credit Score?

Getting a credit card with a credit score of 500 is possible, but your chances of approval are low. A credit score below 560 is generally considered very poor, which means lenders may hesitate to approve your application.
Every time you apply for credit, your score may drop slightly, so it’s important to apply strategically. Instead of applying blindly, consider looking into credit score help before applying for a new credit card.

Will a Credit Card for Bad Credit Help If You Have a Lot of Debt?

A credit card for bad credit can help spread out small costs over a short period, but it is not a solution for large debts.
If you’re struggling to pay off debts, consider:
  • Contacting your lenders – They may offer support, such as a payment plan or temporary relief.
  • Speaking to debt charities – Organizations like StepChange or National Debtline provide free advice on managing debt.
Using a high-interest credit card while in financial difficulty could make your situation worse. If you are struggling, focus on repaying existing debts before applying for new credit card processing.

What is a Bad APR for a Credit Card?

The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) determines how much a credit card costs you annually, including interest rates and standard fees.
  • Higher APR = More expensive credit
  • Lower APR = Cheaper borrowing
Lenders must offer their advertised APR to at least 51% of applicants, but the actual rate you receive may be higher, depending on your credit history.
If you have bad credit, expect to be offered a higher APR. However, if you pay your balance in full each month, you won’t pay any interest.
When comparing credit cards, look for:
  • Guaranteed APR offers – This ensures you get the rate advertised.
  • Low or no fees – Some cards charge annual fees, so check the terms carefully.

How to Apply for Credit Card with Bad Credit

Once you’ve chosen a card, you can apply online or in person. Be prepared to provide:
  • Proof of income
  • Employment details
  • Existing debt information
Check your application carefully before submitting it—mistakes could lead to delays or rejection.
To increase your chances of approval, consider improving your credit score first. You may also be able to boost your score instantly by adding more financial information to your credit profile, such as utility bill payments.

How to Manage Your Credit Card Responsibly

If you successfully get a credit card, it’s important to manage it well to improve your credit score over time.
Tips for using your credit card wisely:
  • Pay the full balance on time every month – Avoids interest charges and builds your credit.
  • Set up automatic payments – Reduces the risk of missing a payment.
  • Keep your spending low – Try to use less than 30% of your credit limit.
  • Limit new credit applications – Too many applications can hurt your score.

Bottom Line

Getting a credit card with bad credit is possible, but it requires careful planning and responsible use. If you have a low credit score, focus on finding the right credit card for your situation, using it wisely to build a positive credit history, and paying off the balance on time to avoid high-interest charges.