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3 Credit Cards to Help Turn Your Credit Around

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[DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]

It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to improve below-average credit is to get a credit card. The right card can help you build credit without getting in over your head and may even help you earn rewards.

If you need to turn your credit around, here are three credit cards to check out.

1. The Discover it Secured Card

Discover it® Secured Card – No Annual Fee

Apply Now
on Discover's secure website
Card Details
Intro Apr:
N/A
Ongoing Apr:
24.49% Variable on purchases & balance transfers
Balance Transfer:
Intro: 10.99% for 6 months
Annual Fee:
$0
Credit Needed:
Poor-Bad-No Credit
Rates and Fees
Snapshot of Card Features
  • No Annual Fee, cash back on every purchase, and helps you build your credit with responsible use.
  • Your Secured Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit up to the amount we can approve of at least $200 which will establish your credit line. You will need to provide your bank information when submitting your security deposit.
  • We will automatically begin reviewing your account starting at 8 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit.
  • Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
  • Receive FREE Social Security number alerts-Discover will monitor thousands of risky websites when you sign up.

Card Details +

Rewards: 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in quarterly spending at gas stations and restaurants; 1% cash back on other purchases.

Sign-Up Bonus: This Discover card will match the cash back you earn in the first year.

Why We Picked It: This secured card earns cash back rewards and helps you build credit over time.

For Your Credit: You’ll need a security deposit of at least $200 to open an account, and your initial credit line will equal the amount that you’ve deposited. Other than that, the card functions just like a normal credit card. After eight months, Discover will start reviewing your account and may refund your security deposit if you’ve been using your card responsibly.

Drawbacks: If you don’t own a car or dine out often, the rewards aren’t as valuable.

2. Capital One Secured Mastercard

Rewards: None

Sign-Up Bonus: None

Annual Fee: $0

APR: 24.99% (Variable)

Why We Picked It: After a short period of timely payments, Capital One will increase your credit limit.

For Your Credit: This secured card requires a deposit of $49, $99, or $200, depending on the state of your credit, to secure an initial credit line of $200. After five months of timely payments, Capital One will give you a free credit limit increase, which can result in stronger credit.

Drawbacks: There are no rewards.

3. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Sign-Up Bonus: None

Annual Fee: $39

APR: 24.99% (Variable).

Why We Picked It: Consumers with fair credit can earn a competitive cash back rate.

For Your Credit: If your credit isn’t awful but still needs some work, this card is for you. It’s intended for those with fair credit but still earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase.

Drawbacks: There’s a $39 annual fee.

How to Choose a Card for Turning Your Credit Around 

Improving your credit should be your main financial priority, and you should choose a card that will help you accomplish that goal. All other considerations, including rewards and perks, should come second. Make sure to pay close attention to the fees and APR costs associated with any card you’re evaluating.

You will need to decide whether a secured or unsecured card is best for you. While secured credit cards require an up-front investment and have low spending limits, they are offered by major credit card issuers and are usually optimized to help you build credit. Unsecured cards don’t require a deposit but might have higher fees and are harder to manage if you’re new to credit.

Some cards prey on people with bad credit by offering unfair terms and policies that actually make it harder to rebuild credit. Check out our list of red flags so you know how to spot a bad deal.

What Is Required for a Credit-Building Card?

Credit cards for people with poor credit are not as strict with credit requirements, but approval is never guaranteed and applicants can still be rejected. Before you apply, you should check your credit score. You can do that for free at Credit.com.

At publishing time, the Discover it Secured Card, the Capital One Secured Mastercard, and the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s). 

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees, and terms with credit card issuers, banks, or other financial institutions directly.

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Certain credit cards and other financial products mentioned in this and other sponsored content on Credit.com are Partners with Credit.com. Credit.com receives compensation if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any financial products or cards offered.

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