William Memphis, WalletHub Credit Card Analyst
@bill.memp1
The best credit card for a 550 credit score is the opensky Plus Credit Card because it does not check your credit score when you apply and has a $0 annual fee. The opensky Plus Credit Card also reports to the credit bureaus on a monthly basis. You’ll have to put down an initial deposit of at least $300 to open the account, but that’s fully refundable.
Best Credit Cards for a 550 Credit Score
A 550 credit score is considered bad credit. It indicates you’ve had past credit difficulties, which makes lenders see you as a potential risk. That’s why the best credit cards for a 550 credit score are usually secured credit cards. They’re easier to get and much less expensive than unsecured credit cards for bad credit.
To improve your credit score, you should get a secured credit card with no annual fee and use it responsibly to improve your credit score. You can compare the best secured credit card offers currently available on WalletHub, as well as track your credit score for free.
Keep in mind that the credit score we present is only a recommendation, and the issuer might use a different score. Other factors are also considered when the issuer decides whether you are approved.
Layla Rivera, Member
@laylarivera
You need a card that:
- Reports to all bureaus
- Has a path to graduation
- Doesn’t trap you with fees
The Discover it® Secured and Capital One Platinum Secured check these boxes.
Michael CC, Member
@mchen_design
Discover it® Secured seems like a no brainer to me. You might not love having to put down a deposit now, but you’ll thank yourself later because it’s a lot cheaper long term. Discover’s secured card also has really good rewards.
Bart Ashton, Member
@bart_ashton
The First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard Secured Credit Card is one of the best. They'll approve you at any credit score, there are no application fees, and security deposits start at $200.
Stella Murphy, Member
@stella_m_dsg
Ugh, if I had to deal with a 550 score again, I'd only bother with the Discover it® Secured - because I deserve cash back even with bad credit. 2% at gas stations and restaurants? Fine. But honestly, I wouldn't even use it much - just enough to get my score up so I can qualify for better cards.
Savannah Reese, Member
@SavannahBanana
I had no credit and was able to get a credit card without a secured deposit. It is the QuicksilverOne card by Capital One. It was a life saver for building my credit.
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