If your credit history is less than stellar, you might be wondering what the best airline credit card for bad credit is. The truth is, there are a number of factors that go into whether or not you’ll be approved for an airline credit card.
In this guide, we review the Best Airline Credit Card For Bad Credit, guaranteed approval credit cards with 1000 limits for bad credit, credit cards for bad credit with no deposit, and best unsecured credit cards for bad credit.
The best airline credit card for bad credit is a card that will help you build your credit score while offering perks like frequent flyer miles or cash back. You’ll need to have a decent income and a stable job to be approved by some of these banks, but if you’re interested in getting a new card to help rebuild your financial reputation and secure future travel plans, it’s worth applying!
Best Airline Credit Card For Bad Credit
Airline Credit Cards by Minimum Credit Score Needed
When you take into account other categories of travel incentives, the alternatives for those with poor credit become a little more intriguing. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, for instance, might be said to be the best travel credit card for people with terrible credit because it offers bonus rewards in an area of your choosing, such as travel, petrol stations, restaurants, and more. Overall, WalletHub’s recommendations are the best travel rewards programs available to people with bad credit. And we’ll review the choices below for your convenience.
2022’s Best Rewards Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Last but not least, keep in mind that a higher credit score is the most worthwhile benefit you may receive from a credit card for bad credit. As long as you make on-time bill payments every month, you’ll earn it. Every month, the credit bureaus receive information from all major credit cards, including secured cards. And if that information is favorable, as it is when you make on-time payments, it will aid in covering up earlier errors. On WalletHub, you can check your most recent credit score and receive free, individualized advice on how to improve your credit.
Methodology
The editors of WalletHub compare the predicted points earnings that each rewards card offered to people with terrible credit is likely to offer on airfare purchases over two years of use, after any relevant fees. To determine predicted earnings, we use spending information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In order to include new cards and offers on this website that have changed significantly, we also regularly analyze them.
Best Airline Credit Cards for Bad Credit
It can be challenging to find the greatest credit card. However, you have the savvy WalletHub community on your side. We welcome everyone’s contributions as long as they adhere to our content policies. Please note that no financial institution has approved or otherwise endorsed the editorial or user-generated information on this page. Furthermore, the financial institution is not obligated to guarantee that all comments and inquiries are addressed.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is the simplest airline rewards credit card to obtain with terrible credit. Although the card is not associated with any one airline in particular, you can receive 5% cash back when you use the U.S. Bank Rewards Travel Center to book prepaid tickets, hotel stays, and rental vehicles. Bad credit applicants are accepted for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card, which requires a $300 minimum deposit to open the account.
Sadly, there are no airline-related credit cards that are simple to obtain even with poor credit. Creditworthiness of at least excellent is normally required for co-branded airline credit cards. Even yet, there are a number of excellent rewards cards available to those with poor credit that can help you save money on travel expenses while repairing your credit.
guaranteed approval credit cards with 1000 limits for bad credit
According to Experian, nine percent of customers have a FICO score below 550; between 2020 and 2021, the average credit score ranged from 578 to 586. If you have a low credit score, you are not alone; however, like many others, you may find getting the credit you need challenging. Several credit card companies and personal lenders approve consumers with poor credit but often charge additional fees, require deposits, or have higher interest rates.
If you need a credit card with at least $500- $1k available credit, and do not have the money to open a secured card, continue reading to learn more about your options.
Can I Get a Credit Card With a $500-$1,000 Limit Without Depositing Money?
Yes! Several $1,000 credit limit credit cards are available for people with bad credit, and many offers guaranteed approval without depositing a month. Each card company has other requirements before getting the official approval for one of their credit cards.
Secured credit cards offer guaranteed credit limits based on how much you deposit; however, if you do not have the money available to make a deposit, you still have a few options to get a $500-$1000 limit credit card in your wallet.
Before applying for a credit card, compare side-by-side to determine which cards offer you the best options for your current credit score. Not all cards are alike, and the different cards could vary in interest rates and annual/monthly fees.
How Can I Get a Credit Card With No Money Down?
If you are looking for an unsecured credit card, there are plenty to choose from; however, those with lower credit scores have fewer options available. But there are still plenty to choose from, especially if you are proactive and work on improving your credit score. Researching companies that offer credit cards for people with poor credit is the best way to see if they have a pre-approval option. In most cases, getting pre-approved does not affect your credit score, but it also does not guarantee approval when you officially apply.
If you have a family or friend who trusts you, ask to be an authorized user on their credit card account. Many consumers who choose to do this often ask their parents. Make sure you do not cause problems by not paying for your purchases.
Another way to get a credit card with no money down is to step back and take a few months to bring up your credit score. Disputing errors, paying down balances, paying current debts on time, and paying off collection accounts, may raise your score enough to get approved for an unsecured high-limit credit card.
What Credit Score is Needed for an Unsecured $1,000 Credit Card?
Consumers with credit scores of 700 and above have a greater chance of qualifying for a high limit credit with a limit of $1,000 to $5,000. Though having a higher score helps improve your chances of getting approved for high-limit credit cards, it does not completely disqualify you from getting one.
Below is our top pick of the best $1000 limit credit cards with no security deposit needed reviewed, as well as their credit score requirements. And if you don’t have an excellent credit score… Don’t worry! we’ve also included great options for you
Best Credit Cards with $500 – $1,000 Credit Limit and No Deposit (Even for People With Fair-Bad Credit)
Chances are you have received emails or letters regarding a “guaranteed approval” for credit cards. Though there are not credit cards with $1,000 limit guaranteed approval, there is still an excellent chance you will get approved. Several credit cards for people with poor credit have minimal requirements, which qualifies most applicants. A secured credit card would be the only way to get accepted; however, it would require a deposit.
Here are the best credit cards with $1000 limit and other high-limit credit cards:
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
For those who loves rewards and bonuses, the Citi Custom Cash card is an incredible option!. The card has an impressive cash back rate of 5% in popular categories like gas, groceries, and restaurants, but the great thing is that you’ll automatically earn it on your top elegible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 in purchases per billing cycle, then 1%). A minimum $500 starting credit limit is guaranteed for those approved for the card, however, you may get a higher limit depending on different factors like credit score, income, etc.
Additionally, the card has a sign-up bonus of $200 cash back* when you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening, and is a low-maintenance option since the card comes with a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 17.74% to 27.74% variable APR based on creditworthiness) and a $0 annual fee.
* The bonus offer is given as 20,000 ThankYou® points which can be remdeemed for $200 cash back.
Aspire® Cashback Reward Card
The Aspire® credit card is a great option that provides a credit limit of up to $1,000. Despite that the card have high fees and APR rate compared to other unsecured/no-deposit options, this card helps consumers looking to rebuild their credit while still receiving solid rewards
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Most credit cards for people with fair-bad credit tend to have high fees and/or APR and don’t offer good enough rewards either. However, the Capital One QuicksilverOne credit card is another great options with generous rewards that offer 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on rental cars and hotels when you book them through Capital One Travel.
Citi Rewards+® Card
If you’re looking for a card that has at least $1,000 credit limit, The Citi Rewards+ Card is a great option for you. Since the card has a starting credit limit of $1,000 or more, this amount is guaranteed for those that get approved for the card. Additionally, the Citi Rewards+ is a $0 annual fee card that allows cardholders to earn great rewards on their everyday purchases. You’ll earn 2 ThankYou points per $1 spent at gas stations and supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually in purchases, thereafter 1 point per $1 spent), and 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Another great thing is that the card has a distinctive feature that rounds up your ThankYou points earned on every purchase to the next multiple of 10 (so, 5 points earned on a purchase will be rounded up to 10 points), and the following bonuses:
For a limited time: Earn in your first 12 months 5 ThankYou points pear each dollar spent at restaurants (on up to $6,000 in spending, then 1 point per dollar spent)
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Credit Card
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® offers a credit card for consumers with bad credit or little to no credit, reporting activity on your account monthly to all three major credit bureaus. Initial credit limits range between $550 and $1,350, but here’s the thing: With on-time payments during the first seven months, Merrick Bank® will automatically double your credit limit.
Fit Mastercard® Credit Card
Fit Mastercard® Credit Card offers credit card options for consumers with poor credit or little credit history while reporting all account activity to all three credit bureaus. Like some of the other cards listed, Fit Mastercard® Credit Card starts most users out with a $400 credit limit, but with on-time payments, this amount can double (or more) within six months. Compared to some of the other credit cards for those with bad credit, Fit Mastercard® Credit Card offers a higher starting limit than most.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Despite that the Citi Diamond Preferred Card lacks a rewards program, it has a terrific 21 months 0% intro APR offer on balance transfer* and 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months (then 16.74% – 27.49% variable APR on both balance transfer and new purchases ) that allows cardholders to hit pause on high monthly interest charges. As a result, the card is considered a great option for those needing to pay off credit card debt.
* Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening
credit cards for bad credit with no deposit
Building credit can take time, and you may not want a secured card if you don’t have enough cash to cover the security deposit. Fortunately, you might qualify for a second-chance credit card with no security deposit.
If you have bad credit, second chance credit cards may help you improve your credit health. But as unsecured credit cards, they don’t require that you put any money down upfront to secure the line of credit. Here are our picks for the top second-chance credit cards with no security deposit.
Best for cash back: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
From cardholders in the last year
Here’s why: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make.
Even if you’ve defaulted on one loan in the past five years, you might still qualify for the card. Other negative credit report items, though, could make it difficult to get approved. Capital One doesn’t disclose the card’s minimum credit limit upfront. But after you’ve established some history of making your payments on time (in as little as six months), your account will be reviewed for a higher credit line.
The card does charge an annual fee of $39, but you can offset it by earning cash back if you spend at least $2,600 each year, and as your credit improves, you might be able to replace it with a no-annual-fee card.
Some of the card’s benefits include no foreign transaction fees and the ability to create virtual credit card numbers when shopping online to keep your actual card number more secure.
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has an APR of 28.49% (Variable) for purchases. That’s pretty high, so you’ll want to avoid overspending or carrying a balance from month to month.
If you’re interested in learning more, read our review of the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Best for rewards: Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
From cardholders in the last year
Here’s why: Like the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all of your purchases. But this card doesn’t charge an annual fee.
Keep in mind, though, that you won’t actually earn the rewards until you pay off your purchases. You’ll get the cash back in the form of a statement credit on your account.
This is not a traditional credit card. Instead, the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® functions as a revolving line of credit. You’ll pay off your monthly balances over time with equal monthly payments at a fixed interest rate of 14.99% – 29.99%.
Because it’s not like a typical credit card, another major benefit is that you can use it to transfer money to your bank account without it counting as a cash advance. Depending on various factors, your credit limit can be as high as $50,000 — though most are $25,000 or less.
Best for no annual fee: Capital One Platinum Credit Card
From cardholders in the last year
Here’s why: If you want to focus solely on building credit instead of rewards potential, the Capital One Platinum Credit Card can be worth considering — especially because there’s no annual fee to offset with rewards.
In some cases, credit card rewards can encourage overspending. But if you’ve had trouble with that in the past and your top priority is building credit, this is a decent card to consider. It’s relatively basic, with no annual fee and a 28.49% (Variable) APR on purchases and balance transfers. There’s also no foreign transaction fee, so you can take it with you abroad.
Best for alternative credit: Petal® 1 Visa® Credit Card
From cardholders in the last year
Here’s why: Petal will review your banking history along with your credit history to get an idea of your overall financial picture — so you may be able to qualify even if your credit isn’t great.
The card also offers between 2% and 10% cash back at select merchants. The card has a $0 annual fee and foreign transaction fees. Credit limits range from $300 to $5,000, depending on various factors. And if you pay your bills on time for six months, you may be able to qualify for a higher credit line.
The card’s variable purchase APR ranges from 22.99% – 32.49%, so it’s a good idea keep an eye on your balance.
If you like what this card has to offer, read our review of the Petal® 1 Visa® Credit Card to learn more.
How we picked these cards
There are several second-chance credit cards out there that don’t require a security deposit, but many of them charge various fees, including annual fees. Some also charge high interest rates or restrict where you can use your card, making it difficult to use regularly.
We made sure to focus on credit cards that offer reasonably good features, such as rewards, and accessibility. That said, it’s important to take time to research several options before deciding which one is the best fit for you.
Even though these second-chance credit cards may be easier to qualify for with poor credit compared to premium cards, it may be easier to be approved for a secured credit card. If you have trouble opening an unsecured card, consider a secured card instead.
And if you’re a student with little to no credit, you can compare student credit card offers on Credit Karma.
Can you get an unsecured credit card after bankruptcy?
If you have a recent bankruptcy on your credit report, it’ll likely make it hard to qualify for a second chance credit card. But there could be a possibility if your bankruptcy has been discharged.
That being said, even if you do qualify for an unsecured credit card, you’ll likely face high fees and a high APR.
How to make the most of second-chance cards with no security deposit
After you get your card in the mail, take advantage of the opportunity to build up your credit as soon as possible. Here are some of the most important things you can do.
As you practice these good credit habits, you’ll have the chance to improve your credit over time, giving you a better chance of getting a better credit card or a loan with more favorable terms in the future.
best unsecured credit cards for bad credit
If your credit isn’t great, it might be difficult to qualify for unsecured credit cards. And that, in turn, can make it difficult to build credit. So what are your options when it comes to unsecured credit cards for bad credit?
The good news is that there are unsecured credit cards designed specifically for people with bad credit or limited credit histories. But you’ll need to be careful. Some unsecured credit cards for bad credit are better than others.
Before you apply for a card, check the terms carefully to make sure the card makes sense for your situation. To help you narrow your search, we’ve put together a list of our picks for some of the best options out there.
Best for low fees: Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
From cardholders in the last year
Here’s why: The Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card doesn’t charge any fees. None.
Petal has kicked annual fees, late-payment fees, returned-payment fees, and every other fee to the curb. That’s impressive for any card, but especially for an unsecured card that considers consumers who have limited credit. Important note: There might not be any fees, but the card still charges interest.
Petal has designed a credit approval algorithm that looks at your entire financial picture, not just your credit scores. In fact, Petal says you could be approved for the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card without any credit scores or credit history whatsoever.
And as an extra perk, the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card offers its cardholders 1% to 1.5% in cash back rewards. You start out earning 1% cash back on all purchases. Then you’ll graduate to earning 1.5% cash back after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
Here’s why: With the Deserve® Pro Mastercard, you’ll earn 3% cash back on travel purchases and 2% cash back on dining purchases. It’s important to note that the extra cash back on these bonus category purchases only applies to the first $500 of purchases made each billing cycle.
Luckily, you’ll also earn an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Deserve® Pro Mastercard could be a great option for many consumers. But college students will probably want to check out the Deserve® EDU Mastercard instead.
From cardholders in the last year
Here’s why: Cardholders can get access to higher credit limits in as little as six months.
That’s a great incentive to pay your bills on time every month. And if you’re able to keep your spending rate the same after earning that higher credit limit, your credit utilization rate could improve, which could help your credit scores too!
The Capital One Platinum Credit Card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. But you won’t earn any rewards.
From cardholders in the last year
Here’s why: With the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
That’s right: With the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, there are no reward caps. You simply get 1.5% back on everything that you buy with the card. That’s impressive for a card that considers applicants who have what Capital One considers fair credit.
This card has a $39 annual fee. But with a 1.5% cash back return, you’ll need to spend only $2,600 to earn that much in rewards with this card, which comes out to spending about $217 a month for a year. If you plan on spending more than that each month, then this card could be a good option.
Get more details about the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card in our full editorial review.
Best for prequalification: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
From cardholders in the last year
Here’s why: If you shop for the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card directly through the Credit One Bank website, the issuer offers the chance to see if you prequalify for the card before you apply. This is a soft credit check — meaning it won’t affect your scores — and you can find out if you prequalify in less than a minute. Just keep in mind that prequalification doesn’t guarantee the terms and eventual approval.
We also like that the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit lets you earn rewards while you build your credit. You’ll earn 1% cash back rewards on gas and grocery purchases, as well as internet, mobile phone, cable and satellite TV services. Cash back is automatically applied as a statement credit.
In addition, the card comes with regular, automatic reviews of your account to see if you’re eligible for a credit line increase.
While credit prequalification, rewards and automatic credit line reviews are the shining features of the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® with Cash Back Rewards, it does lag in other areas. You’ll pay an annual fee of $75 for the first year, $99 thereafter. And it comes with other expensive fees (for cash advances and late or returned payments, for example) as well as a high variable purchase APR of 26.99%.
How we picked these unsecured credit cards
When choosing the best unsecured credit cards, we looked for card issuers that said they would consider applicants with average, damaged or limited credit histories.
We also looked for cards that minimized fees. If you’re looking for unsecured cards for bad credit, you’re probably trying to avoid having to pay the deposits that secured cards require. But if an unsecured card has a high annual fee, that kind of defeats the whole purpose.
Some secured cards will refund the deposit you paid after a certain number of on-time payments. So you’d eventually get that money back. But that’s not the case with annual fees.
Finally, we looked for unsecured credit cards that offered rewards. We believe that you shouldn’t be left out in the cold when it comes to earning cash back or points while you’re working to build your credit. And, thankfully, most of the card issuers on this list agree.