If you have a credit score between 400 and 550, don't rule yourself out of being able to own a good credit card. Instead, consider applying for an unsecured credit card that will help you build a better credit history. In this article, we highlight the top ten unsecured credit cards for credit scores in the 400 to 550 range. To make an informed decision, you'll also learn about the interest rates, fees, and credit limits that these cards can offer you.

You may want to read: How to Get a 700-750 Credit Score in 3 to 6 Months? (Read this Guide)

What Is an Unsecured Credit Card?

An unsecured credit card is exactly what comes to mind when you think of a typical credit card. This is because it's the most common type. In essence, unsecured credit cards come with a credit line that is not protected by a refundable security deposit—unlike secured credit cards. Choosing between an unsecured credit card and a secured credit card is usually based on your credit score. People with limited or poor credit history benefit the most from secured credit cards because secured credit cards often offer them better terms and interest rates (an average of 16%). However, if you have a lower credit score and prefer to have an unsecured credit card, there are still good options to choose from that will set you on the right track to improving your credit.

The 11 Best Credit Cards for a 400-550 Credit Score

I'd like to be very clear with our readers and point out that some of the suggestions on my list below aren't all unsecured cards, but I want to suggest cards that are likely to extend an approval to people with a 400 - 600 credit score, and help you rebuild your credit so that you can later qualify for more premium credit card products. Based on our research, the following ten options are the best unsecured credit cards for a credit score between 400 and 550. This table provides quick details on each card, including the annual, monthly, and one-time fees, as well as the interest rate (APR) and credit limit. Because these credit cards are for people with little-to-no credit history, the fees and interest rates are high, and the credit limits are low—compared to other unsecured credit cards.

Credit Card Annual Fee Monthly Fee One-time Fee Regular APR Credit Limit
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card $0 $0 $0 22.49% (Variable) $5,000
Self – Credit Builder Account + Secured Visa® Credit Card $0 $9 (administrative fee) $0 28.24% Depends on your deposit amount (minimum $100)
FIT® Platinum Mastercard® $99 First year: None
Subsequent years: $6.25
$89 29.99% (Variable) $400
StellarFi Credit Builder Account - Depends on the membership plan you choose:
Lite: $4.99
Prime: $9.99
Premium: $19.99
- - There is no credit limit for using StellarFi
Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card $0 $0 $0 25.24% - 34.74% Variable $300 - $5,000
Total Visa® Card First year: $75

Subsequent years: $48
First year: None

Subsequent months: $6.25
$89 34.99% Minimum of $300
Freedom Gold Card $177.24 or $14.77 per month - $0 None $750
Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card First year: $75

Subsequent years: $45
First year: None

Subsequent years: $6.25
$89 29.99% $300
Indigo® Mastercard® $0 - $99 $0 $0 24.90% $300
Surge® Platinum Mastercard® $75 - $99 First year: None

Subsequent years: $10
None 25.9% - 29.99% (Variable) Up to $750
First Digital NextGen Mastercard® Credit Card First year: $75

Subsequent years: $48
First year: None

Subsequent years: $6.25
$95 35.99% Minimum of $300
Source: WalletHub

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Although we've titled this article The Top Unsecured Cards for people with low credit scores, I thought it'd be helpful to mention a a secured option that can quickly increase your credit score so that you can make the switch from secure to unsecured as fast as possible and rebuild your credit.

The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card is currently one of the best ways to quickly rebuild your credit. On their website they say their card can increase your credit score by an average of 30 points.  It’s also a no brainer from a cost perspective because the card has no annual fee, no interest, no minimum security deposit, and there is no credit check to apply.

You may want to read: Chime Bank Review 2023: Is It Right for You?

Self – Credit Builder Account + Secured Visa® Credit Card

Self – Credit Builder Account + Secured Visa® Credit Card

The Self Credit Card, like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card, offers a cash credit line to its users. This card is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history. The credit limit is determined based on your creditworthiness, but it's a great option for those with limited or damaged credit.

One standout feature of the Self Credit Card is the ability to monitor your credit score through the Self app. This feature can be extremely valuable for those looking to improve their financial standing. However, it's important to note that this card does not offer cash-back rewards like the Bank of America card.

The APR for cash advances with the Self Credit Card is typically on the higher side, so it's essential to use this card responsibly and primarily for building credit. Overall, it's a suitable choice for individuals focused on credit improvement rather than earning rewards.

Fit Mastercard® Credit Card

FIT® Platinum Mastercard®

With its easy application process, you can get approved for the Fit Mastercard® Credit Card quickly. However, you must first prove that you have a checking account. You will also need to pay a rather high one-time fee of $89. Although the card does not require you to pay monthly fees in the first year, you will have to pay an $99 annual fee every year that you have the card. One of this card’s benefits is its 25-day grace period. This means that you have 25 days to make a payment before interest builds. Additionally, your credit information will be analyzed monthly, giving you the opportunity to consistently improve your history.

StellarFi Credit Builder Account

StellarFi Credit Builder Account

Stellarfi offers a credit card with its unique set of features. Similar to Bank of America, the credit limit for this card is determined based on your credit history. While it may not offer the same high credit limits as Bank of America, it can still provide a reasonable credit line for qualified applicants.

One notable aspect of the Stellarfi Credit Card is its focus on customer service and user experience. They strive to make managing your credit card as seamless as possible through their mobile app and online platform. However, like the Self Credit Card, it lacks cash-back rewards.

The APR for cash advances with Stellarfi is comparable to other cards designed for those with fair to good credit. This card is suitable for individuals who want a straightforward credit card to help manage their finances and build credit.

Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card

Petal® 1 "No Annual Fee" Visa® Credit Card

The Petal 1 Credit Card is a unique offering in this group. Unlike traditional credit cards, Petal uses an alternative underwriting process that considers your banking history and income to determine your creditworthiness. This approach can be beneficial for individuals with limited credit history.

One advantage of the Petal 1 Credit Card is the absence of annual fees and foreign transaction fees. It also offers a mobile app to help you manage your finances and track your spending. However, similar to the other two cards in this group, it does not provide cash-back rewards.

The APR for Petal 1 varies based on your creditworthiness, but it tends to be competitive compared to other cards designed for those with limited credit history. Overall, this card is a solid option for individuals looking to establish credit without the burden of annual fees.

Total Visa® Card

Total Visa® Card
Total Visa® Card Visit site

If you want a true Visa card but currently do not have a perfect credit score, the Total Visa® Card is a great option for you. The application is simple and you'll have a quick response within seconds. The Total Visa® Card reports each month to all credit bureaus, has manageable monthly payments and free credit monitoring (powered by Transunion). Plus, you can even select a cool design for your card!

Freedom Gold Card

Freedom Gold Card
Freedom Gold Card Visit site

If your credit score is around 500 or lower or even if you don't have credit, don't worry! the Freedom Gold Card neither requires credit nor employment checks. Their application process is easy and fast, though, Freedom gold offers a $750 merchandise credit line that can only be used to shop online at TheHorizonOutlet.com.

You'll have instant access to your $750 credit line after approval along with other benefits like: credit report monitoring, roadside protection, identity theft insurance, among others. However, you will need at least one active debit (or credit) card to pay your freedom gold account fees.

Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card

Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card

By using the Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Card responsibly, those with bad credit can steadily improve their credit score. To open this unsecured credit card, you will have to pay several non-refundable fees, including a one-time fee of $89. Additionally, the annual fee starts at $75 and lowers to $45 in the second year. However, you can enjoy your entire first year with the card free of monthly charges. In the second year, this monthly charge then increases to $6.25 and continues on for all subsequent years. Even though the fees are steep, this card does not require a security deposit.

Monthly Credit Reports Help You Build Credit Quickly

At 29.99%, this unsecured credit card has one of the highest interest rates of the ten top choices. This means that in order to save money on interest, you should try to make full payments each month, as opposed to the minimum payment. This card is a winner if you want to build your credit fast because it automatically sends your information to three different credit bureaus each month. However, some of the cons to this unsecured credit card include the low credit limit of $300, no grace period, and lack of a rewards program.

This Card Offers You a $400 Credit Limit

You can use this unsecured credit card at any location that accepts Mastercard. Although this card does not offer rewards for purchases, it offers you a credit limit of $400, which is higher than most other credit cards for low credit scores. With this extra credit limit, you can have extra flexibility to make emergency purchases. Still, it’s important to note that the interest rate, like the other credit cards on this list, is high. At 29.99%, this credit card offers a variable interest rate, meaning the rate can change over time based on the interest rates of the market. This card has a maximum late fee of $40.

Indigo® Mastercard®

Indigo® Mastercard®

The Indigo® Mastercard® offers great benefits. One of the best features of this card is its option to pre-qualify. This means that without affecting your credit score, you can inquire about the likelihood of approval before actually submitting an application. Additionally, depending on your credit history, you may be exempt from having to pay a recurring annual fee. However, the potential maximum annual fee for this card is $0 - $99. Although this is a hefty annual fee, it’s the only recurring fee that you will have to keep in mind. The Indigo® Mastercard® does not have a one-time or monthly fee, which will help you save money to focus on building your credit.

With its $300 credit limit, this car doesn't give you extra room for emergency purchases. But, it does offer a 25-day grace period and an interest rate of 24.90%, which is the lowest interest rate of all the unsecured credit cards on this list. Additionally, with this credit card, you will have 24/7 online access to your account so that you can responsibly monitor your spending. In the event of a lost or stolen credit card, which can negatively affect your credit, you will receive protection against fraud. 

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

Surge® Platinum Mastercard®

The Surge® Platinum Mastercard® offers a high maximum credit limit of $750, but this depends on your creditworthiness. This high credit limit comes at a high price, however. This card is rather expensive, with an annual fee that ranges from $75 - $99. The monthly fee of $10 starts in the second year, but you may be eligible to waive the fee if you get approved for a $750 credit limit. This credit card also allows you to get pre-approved. Although this doesn’t guarantee approval, it will allow you to get a good idea without making a negative impact on your credit score. Additionally, before you can open this card, you must prove that you have a checking account.

The Grace Period of 25 Days Will Help You Keep Interest Down

Other expenses that you will have to keep in mind with this credit card include the variable interest rate of 25.9% - 29.99% This is a high interest rate that will require you to make purchases responsibly if you need to keep an eye on your spending. But, the Surge Mastercard® Credit Card will offer you a grace period of 25 days, which gives you a bit of leeway to make your payments before this high interest rate is applied. 

First Digital NextGen Mastercard® Credit Card

First Digital NextGen Mastercard® Credit Card

The First Digital NextGen Mastercard® Credit Card, when used responsibly, will help you improve your credit. Without requiring a security deposit, you can receive a minimum credit limit of $300. However, you must keep in mind that the annual fee for this credit card is $75 in your first year. This annual fee will be immediately applied to your credit limit. This means that initially, you will only have $225 to spend. In the second year, the annual fee will drop to $48, but the monthly fee will activate at $6.25. 

There are downsides to this credit card, however. The First Digital NextGen Mastercard® Credit Card has an interest rate of 35.99%, which is much higher than the average interest rate of an unsecured credit card. Additionally, unlike other unsecured credit cards for bad credit that are easy to get, this credit card requires a credit check before you can get approved. 

You may also want to read: Second Chance Credit Cards: from Unsecured to No Annual fee Options for People with Poor Credit

What Are the Important Factors to Consider When Picking a Credit Card?

Whether you are a student or an entrepreneur looking to expand your business, you can find an unsecured credit card that meets your needs for building credit. There are various types of unsecured credit cards that offer different benefits and terms. Finding the right one for you is a matter of comparing and analyzing the possible offers based on important factors, such as the:

  • Required security deposit
  • Interest rate
  • Annual, monthly, and one-time fees
  • Credit limit
  • Minimum monthly payments
  • Rewards system

Some unsecured credit cards reward users for making their payments on time through a point system. In turn, card holders can use these points to redeem free items or discounts on food, airlines, or hotels. Other credit cards offer low introductory APRs and don't require that you pay an annual fee. It's even possible to find an unsecured credit card that doesn't require a credit check. But, it's important to note that credit cards that don't require credit checks have large interest rates. To be safe, you should always familiarize yourself with the terms of credit cards.

Even though you will be able to get approved for a credit card, a low credit score will affect the terms of the unsecured credit card, including a lower credit limit, higher annual fees, and larger a APR rate. You can check this helpful guide to help you better understand how your credit score is calculated and what you can do to start building and/or improve it, even if you have been stuck in a score for a while.

Final Thoughts

Having a credit score between 400 and 550 doesn't mean that you are ineligible to get approved for an unsecured credit card. Today, there are plenty of credit cards that you can choose from that will help you improve your credit history, but you must use them responsibly and be aware of high interest rates. The ten unsecured credit cards mentioned in this article will give you this opportunity. Although they have high recurring fees and low credit limits, they can help you until you are ready to be approved for a different credit card with less expenses and more financial freedom.

You may also like: Best Store Credit Cards That Do Soft Pulls

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The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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J
Julie

I applied for the FIT credit card and was denied and my credit score is 602. Obviously, FIT is not for people with bad credit.

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Paula

All these credit card banks say guaranteed a card with bad credit, fair credit no credit. No they dont. I have a credit score of 662-667 with a capital one credit card and these banks say " sorry, we can not offer you a card at this time"

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Nancy

I am looking for a credit card with a score of 459 how this credit is for emergency for me to go get my brother to bring him back for medical