For many, having a bad credit score can be due to many factors including the market, economy, and previous life choices. Luckily, when you want to improve your score and receive financial benefits, a credit card can do just the trick. But poor credit can do more than just make it hard to get a credit card. It also makes it hard to get a mortgage, car loan, lease an apartment and more. So choosing the right credit card can help improve your credit.

For most people with bad credit, your choices will be limited. Finding the right card will be tough and most likely be in the form of a secured credit card. This type of card will charge the lowest fees and have the best odds of approval. Those there are unsecured cards for people with bad credit, but the fees tend to get pretty expensive.

Option 1: Capital One Secured Mastercard

As mentioned above, this card is secured and can help you improve your credit score and create favorable credit history. The card does not require any initial fees, so the only up-front cost is your initial deposit. To open this card, you will deposit $50 to $200. You will select the deposit amount/credit line that is best for your needs and can keep track of your improving credit score through CreditWise. As you pay timely each month, you can track your progress and see your score slowly make its way from poor, to fair, to good! [1]

Option 2: Indigo Platinum Mastercard

If you have damaged or less than ideal credit, the Indigo Platinum Mastercard might be the right choice for you. You will not have to deposit any money to open this credit card, but you will have an annual fee of up to $100. This credit card is slightly harder to get than secured options, but you can see if you pre-qualify without having a hard credit inquiry on your credit report. Just remember than pre-qualification does not equal approved. The limit for the Indigo Platinum Mastercard is only $300, so you could have only $200 depending on the annual fee charged. [2]

Option 3: Credit One Bank Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit

Similar to the Indigo Platinum Mastercard, the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa is an unsecured credit card that does not require a deposit. It does require an annual fee of up to $99 which will be determined based on credit score. Your APR will be based upon your creditworthiness, and if your score is less than perfect, you could see that rate be above 20%. You can also prequalify for this card without a hard inquiry on your credit report. Another bonus is you will receive 1% cash back if you make your regular monthly payments. [3]

Rebuilding Your Credit Score

If you are looking to improve your credit, all the credit cards mentioned above report to the major credit bureaus on a monthly basis. Staying on top of your monthly payments will be the best route to help boost your score.

Be conscientious though, if you apply for numerous credit cards, it can lower your credit score. Each credit card company will perform a detailed credit check before approving your card. That is why you should take the time to research each option and determine which is best for you before applying.

If you’re struggling because of previous bad credit choices, or lack of credit, that doesn’t mean you don’t have options to improve your credit score. After researching the right card for you, acquiring a new card and paying it monthly can help you quickly rebuild your credit.

_{https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/secured-mastercard, https://www.indigocard.com, https://www.creditonebank.com}