If you’ve been denied for a credit card recently, you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide struggle with poor credit scores and face rejection after rejection. But here’s the good news — there are credit card options designed for people with bad credit, and some even offer guaranteed approval if you meet basic requirements.
This guide will walk you through the best cards for poor credit, explain how guaranteed approval works, and give you tips to rebuild your score faster.
What Does “Guaranteed Approval” Really Mean?
A “guaranteed approval” credit card typically means:
- You won’t be turned down for credit history reasons.
- Approval is based on a deposit (secured cards) or simple identity verification.
- Almost everyone who applies and meets the basic age/residency rules gets approved.
💡 Important: While the approval is “guaranteed,” you still need to provide accurate details and meet legal requirements.
Why These Cards Are Different
Traditional credit cards rely heavily on your credit score. If your score is low, you’re considered “high risk,” and banks hesitate to lend.
But these poor-credit cards:
- Use a security deposit to reduce risk.
- Offer low starting limits.
- Focus on helping you build or rebuild your credit.
Top Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards (Worldwide, 2025)
1. OpenSky® Secured Visa Credit Card (USA)
- Approval: No credit check required.
- Deposit: $200–$3,000 (equals your credit limit).
- Annual Fee: $35.
- Why it’s great: Perfect for people rebuilding credit without a hard inquiry.
2. Capital One Guaranteed Mastercard (Canada)
- Approval: 100% if you meet residency and age requirements.
- Deposit: $75–$300.
- Annual Fee: $59.
- Why it’s great: Low deposit for Canadian residents, reports to all major bureaus.
3. Vanquis Bank Credit Card (UK)
- Approval: Often approved for low or no credit history.
- Limit: £150–£1,500 to start.
- Annual Fee: None.
- Why it’s great: Designed specifically for UK residents with poor credit.
4. First Progress Platinum Secured Mastercard® (USA)
- Approval: No minimum credit score.
- Deposit: $200–$2,000.
- Annual Fee: $29–$49 depending on plan.
- Why it’s great: Flexible plans with nationwide acceptance.
5. Deserve® EDU Mastercard (USA – Students)
- Approval: No credit history required.
- Annual Fee: None.
- Why it’s great: International students can apply without SSN.
6. Latitude Gem Visa (Australia & NZ)
- Approval: Flexible on credit history, income verification required.
- Annual Fee: $99.
- Why it’s great: Offers buy-now-pay-later style features with a credit card structure.
How to Use a Poor-Credit Card Wisely
Getting approved is only the first step — the goal is to rebuild your score so you can upgrade to better cards later.
- Keep your utilization low — spend under 30% of your limit.
- Pay on time, every time — one missed payment can hurt your score for years.
- Avoid unnecessary cash advances — high fees and interest.
- Upgrade when ready — after 6–12 months of good history, ask for a better card.
Alternatives If You Still Get Denied
If you don’t qualify even for guaranteed approval cards:
- Become an authorized user on a family member’s card.
- Use prepaid cards (no impact on credit score, but useful for spending control).
- Get a credit builder loan from your bank or credit union.
Myth vs. Reality: Guaranteed Approval
- Myth: They’ll give you a huge credit limit right away.
- Reality: Limits are low at first, but can grow with good behavior.
- Myth: Secured cards are “not real credit cards.”
- Reality: They work like any credit card, report to bureaus, and help build your score.
Final Thoughts
Poor credit doesn’t have to mean the end of your financial freedom. With the right card, you can rebuild your score, enjoy the benefits of having credit, and get approved instantly without the stress of rejection.
The key is to use these cards responsibly, keep your balances low, and pay on time — do this for 6–12 months, and you’ll be in a much stronger position to apply for premium credit cards.