Credit Cards That Approve With a 500 Credit Score
A 500 credit score falls well below the national average, which makes approval for mainstream rewards cards unlikely. Still, several credit cards are designed for people in this range, and a few steps can meaningfully improve the odds. The options fall into two broad buckets: secured cards, which require a refundable deposit, and a small number of unsecured cards that weigh other factors alongside the score.
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The cards below are ones commonly cited as accessible with a score around 500. Availability and exact terms depend on the issuer's latest underwriting guidelines, which can change without notice.
Secured Cards Typically Open to a 500 Score
Secured cards are the most reliable path to a credit card with a 500 score. The deposit serves as collateral and usually becomes the credit line, which keeps risk low for the issuer and predictable for the applicant.
- Discover it Secured Credit Card: Requires a security deposit; offers cash back and a review for graduation to an unsecured line.
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Deposit amounts vary by applicant; reports to all three bureaus and can lead to a higher credit line over time.
- OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card: Does not require a bank account; approval can be based on factors beyond the FICO score.
- First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card: A straightforward secured option that reports to major credit bureaus.
Unsecured Cards Sometimes Approving Near 500
Unsecured cards with no deposit requirement are rarer at this score level, but a few issuers evaluate applicants more broadly. These cards often come with higher fees and lower credit lines, and they may use alternative data in underwriting.
- Total Visa Unsecured Credit Card: Targets lower credit scores; approval is not guaranteed and fees can be high.
- Indigo Unsecured Mastercard: Another option aimed at fair or poor credit, with a line set by the issuer.
What Issuers Look at Beyond the Score
A credit score is one input, not the only one. Underwriters often weigh income, existing debt, employment stability, and the information in the credit report. A thin file or a recent negative mark can matter as much as the number itself.
- Payment history and the recency of missed payments
- Credit utilization across current accounts
- Length of credit history and mix of accounts
- Recent inquiries and new accounts
Steps to Improve Approval Odds
Before applying, a few moves can make the difference between approval and a denial that further dents the score.
- Check your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies
- Pay down revolving balances to lower utilization
- Avoid opening multiple new accounts right before applying
- Consider a pre-qualification tool, which often uses a soft pull
What to Expect After Approval
Once approved, the focus shifts to building positive history. Most issuers report activity to the three major bureaus monthly. Keeping balances low, paying on time, and avoiding maxing out the card are the most effective habits. Over time, consistent on-time payments can push the score high enough to qualify for cards with better rewards and lower fees.
| Feature | Secured Cards | Unsecured Cards for Poor Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Required | Yes | No |
| Typical Credit Line | Equal to deposit | Low, set by issuer |
| Annual Fee Range | Varies; some have none | Often higher |
| Graduation to Unsecured | Common with responsible use | N/A |
| Approval Likelihood at 500 | Higher | Lower, varies by issuer |
Bottom Line
Credit cards that approve with a 500 credit score exist, but the path usually runs through secured products. Choosing a card that reports to all three bureaus, using it lightly, and paying on time every month turns the card into a tool for rebuilding credit rather than just a spending vehicle. Approval is never guaranteed, and terms depend on the issuer's current standards, but a focused application strategy can put a card within reach.