A 500 credit score can make getting a credit card frustrating.
You find a card that looks promising, fill out the application, and then worry that another rejection could leave you with a hard inquiry and nothing to show for it.
The good news is that a score around 500 does not automatically shut you out of credit cards.
The bad news? You need to be much more selective.
Many popular rewards cards are simply not designed for someone with severely damaged credit. And some unsecured cards marketed to people with bad credit come with fees that can make them surprisingly expensive.
A better strategy is to focus on cards built specifically for people who are establishing or rebuilding credit. That may mean using a secured card, a card with no traditional credit check, or even a card secured by an asset rather than a cash deposit.
This guide breaks down some of the best credit cards you can get with a 500 credit score in 2026, including their deposits, fees, credit checks, credit-building features and important drawbacks.
You’ll also learn which option may make the most sense if you have very little cash available for a deposit, own a vehicle, want to avoid a credit check, or simply want to rebuild your score as cheaply as possible.
Most importantly, this isn’t a list of cards that supposedly “guarantee approval.”
No legitimate credit card can promise approval based only on a 500 credit score. Your income, debts, credit history, identity verification and other eligibility requirements can still affect the decision.
The goal is to help you narrow your search to cards that are realistically designed for people with poor or rebuilding credit—and avoid wasting applications on cards you are unlikely to get.
Table of Contents
Can You Get a Credit Card With a 500 Credit Score?
Yes, you can get a credit card with a 500 credit score, but your choices are limited.
A 500 score is deep in poor-credit territory. As a result, traditional unsecured credit cards with generous rewards, low interest rates and large limits will generally be much harder to qualify for.
That doesn’t mean you should apply everywhere until someone says yes.
In fact, that’s one of the worst approaches you can take.
Instead, look at cards where the issuer reduces its risk in another way.
That can include:
- A refundable cash security deposit
- Money you place in a secured account
- A vehicle used as collateral
- Alternative underwriting requirements
- A card that does not require a traditional credit check to apply
This is why secured credit cards are so important for people rebuilding credit.
Instead of asking an issuer to take the full risk of extending unsecured credit to someone with a damaged credit history, you provide collateral.
There are also exceptions to the traditional cash-deposit model.
For example, Yendo uses a qualifying vehicle as collateral rather than requiring a traditional cash security deposit, while Chime uses money in your secured deposit account to determine how much you can spend.
That gives someone with a 500 credit score several very different paths to consider.
Best Credit Cards You Can Get With A 500 Credit Score
Before diving into each card, here is the important part at a glance.
| Credit Card | Best For | Credit Check to Apply? | Deposit/Collateral | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yendo Mastercard | Vehicle owners who may want a larger credit line | Pre-approval has no credit-score impact | Qualifying vehicle | $40 |
| Chime Card | Avoiding a traditional credit check | No credit check to apply | Money added to secured account | $0 |
| OpenSky Plus Secured Visa | No-credit-check traditional secured card | No credit check to apply | $300 minimum refundable deposit | $0 |
| U.S. Bank Secured Visa | Simple no-annual-fee secured card | Application subject to approval | $300–$5,000 security deposit | $0 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured | Rebuilding credit while earning rewards | Subject to approval | Refundable security deposit | $0 |
| OpenSky Secured Visa | Lower starting deposit with no credit check | No credit check to apply | $200 minimum refundable deposit | $35 |
| First Progress Secured Card | Another secured-card route for damaged credit | Varies by product/application | Refundable security deposit | Varies by card |
Card terms can change. Always check the issuer’s current rates, fees and eligibility requirements before applying.
Now let’s look at the cards individually—because the best option depends heavily on why your credit score is around 500 and what you can afford.
1. Yendo Mastercard — Best for Vehicle Owners Who Don’t Want a Traditional Cash Deposit
Most secured credit cards have one major problem:
You need cash before you can get credit.
Want a $500 secured credit limit?
You may need to lock up $500.
Want a $1,000 limit?
You may need $1,000 available for the security deposit.
That can be difficult when you’re already trying to recover financially.
Yendo takes a completely different approach.
The Yendo Mastercard is a vehicle-secured credit card. Instead of requiring a traditional cash security deposit, Yendo uses the value of a qualifying vehicle to help secure the credit line.
That distinction makes Yendo one of the most interesting options on this list for someone with poor credit who owns a vehicle but doesn’t want to tie up hundreds or thousands of dollars in a cash deposit.
How Yendo Works
Yendo considers factors including the make, model, mileage and condition of your vehicle, along with your credit history and ability to repay when determining your credit line.
The company currently advertises credit limits from $450 up to $10,000.
It also says its average credit limit is around $4,400, although that does not mean you will receive that amount.
Your actual offer depends on your circumstances.
That’s a major difference from many traditional secured cards where your initial limit may be only $200 or $300 unless you’re willing to provide a larger cash deposit.
Does Yendo Accept Bad Credit?
Yendo specifically says you do not need perfect credit to apply.
Its current information also states that applicants with bad or no credit may still be approved if they satisfy the company’s other approval criteria.
That’s important.
But don’t translate that into “Yendo approves everyone with a 500 credit score.”
It doesn’t.
Your vehicle, ability to repay, credit history and other eligibility factors still matter.
Does Checking Yendo Hurt Your Credit Score?
One of Yendo’s strongest features for someone rebuilding credit is its pre-approval process.
Yendo says checking your pre-approved offer does not impact your credit score.
That means you can see whether you may qualify and what credit limit could be available before deciding whether to move further into the application process.
For someone sitting around a 500 credit score, that matters because blindly submitting multiple full credit applications is exactly what you want to avoid.
How Much Credit Can Yendo Give You?
Yendo currently advertises credit lines ranging from:
$450 to $10,000.
The amount offered can depend on factors including:
- Vehicle value
- Make and model
- Mileage
- Vehicle condition
- Credit history
- Ability to repay
Yendo also states that its average credit limit is approximately $4,400.
Again, treat that as company-reported information—not a promise that you will receive $4,400.
If you qualify only for $450, that’s your offer.
If you qualify for considerably more, you may have access to a limit that would require a substantial cash deposit with many conventional secured cards.
Does Yendo Report to the Credit Bureaus?
Yes.
Yendo says it reports account activity monthly to:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
That makes the card potentially useful for rebuilding credit when used responsibly.
However, credit reporting works both ways.
Paying responsibly can add positive information to your credit history.
Missing payments can do the opposite.
So don’t get a Yendo card merely because you can access a larger credit line.
Get it only if you can manage the account responsibly.
Yendo Fees and Interest
The Yendo vehicle-secured card currently has a $40 annual fee.
Purchase APRs currently range from 24.88% to 35.88%, and other fees can apply. Yendo also states that cardholders who pay their full statement balance by the due date pay no purchase interest on that balance.
That last part should influence how you use the card.
If you’re trying to rebuild your credit, carrying a large balance at an APR above 30% can undermine the financial progress you’re trying to make.
Whenever possible, use the card for purchases you already have money to cover and pay the statement balance in full.
The Biggest Yendo Risk You Need to Understand
This is the part you should not skip.
Your vehicle is collateral.
Yendo places a lien on the vehicle title as part of the vehicle-secured structure. Yendo states that once the account balance is paid to $0 and the account is closed, it can remove the lien and release the title.
That makes Yendo fundamentally different from an ordinary unsecured credit card.
With a traditional secured card, you’re putting your security deposit at risk.
With Yendo, you’re using your vehicle as collateral.
That can be a useful trade-off for the right borrower—but only if you understand the agreement and can comfortably handle the payments.
Who Yendo May Be Best For
Yendo may be worth considering if you:
- Have poor or damaged credit
- Own or have sufficient value in a qualifying vehicle
- Don’t want to lock up a large cash deposit
- Want to check potential pre-approval without affecting your credit score
- Want the possibility of a credit line larger than a typical starter secured card
- Want account activity reported to all three major credit bureaus
- Can reliably make your required payments
It may be a poor fit if losing access to your vehicle would create a serious financial or employment problem and you’re not confident you can manage the account.
The potentially larger limit is attractive.
But protecting your vehicle is more important than getting another credit card.
2. Chime Card — Best If You Want No Credit Check to Apply
What if your biggest concern isn’t the security deposit?
What if it’s the credit check itself?
That’s where the Chime Card becomes interesting.
Chime currently says there is no credit check required to apply for its secured credit-building card.
It also charges:
- $0 annual fee
- No interest
- No minimum security deposit requirement
And Chime reports payment activity to all three major credit bureaus.
For someone with a 500 credit score who keeps getting rejected by traditional issuers, that combination deserves attention.
How the Chime Card Works
The Chime Card does not work exactly like a conventional credit card.
You add money to your Chime account, and funds transferred to the secured deposit account determine how much is available to spend.
In simple terms, you’re largely spending against money you’ve already provided rather than receiving a traditional unsecured line of credit.
That limits the risk of accumulating a large revolving balance.
Does Chime Check Your Credit?
Chime says no credit check is required to apply.
That means applying for the Chime Card does not depend on whether your score is 500, 550, 600 or something else in the same way a conventional card application might. Other account and eligibility requirements still apply.
This makes it especially interesting for people who have:
- Very poor credit
- Limited credit history
- Previous credit card denials
- Concerns about additional hard inquiries
Can Chime Help Build Credit?
Chime reports monthly payment information to all three major bureaus:
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Interestingly, Chime says it does not report a utilization percentage for the Chime Card because the card does not have a preset credit limit in the conventional sense.
That makes it different from a normal $300 secured card where a high reported balance could create a high utilization ratio.
Who Should Consider Chime?
Chime could be a strong option if:
- Your credit score is around 500
- You want to avoid a traditional credit check
- You don’t want an annual fee
- You want to avoid interest charges
- Your main objective is building credit rather than borrowing money
- You are comfortable using money already deposited into the account
The last point is important.
If you’re looking for a credit card because you urgently need access to $2,000 you don’t have, Chime probably isn’t solving that problem.
If you’re looking for a tool that can help establish positive credit history without adding conventional revolving debt, the structure makes much more sense.
3. OpenSky Plus Secured Visa — Best Traditional Secured Card With No Credit Check
OpenSky Plus solves a different problem.
Maybe you want a normal secured credit card structure, but you don’t want your damaged credit history to be the main factor deciding whether you can get started.
The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa currently requires no credit check to apply.
It also has:
- $0 annual fee
- $300 minimum security deposit
- Reporting to all three major credit bureaus
- A refundable security deposit that establishes your credit line
Visa currently identifies the card as suitable for fair credit, bad/rebuilding credit and people with no credit history.
How OpenSky Plus Works
The concept is simple.
Your deposit establishes your credit line.
Deposit $300 and you generally have a $300 credit line.
Deposit more, subject to the card’s limits and requirements, and you can establish a larger line.
OpenSky currently allows deposits up to $3,000 on the Plus Secured Visa.
Because you’re providing collateral, the issuer does not need to rely on a traditional credit check to the same degree as an unsecured card issuer.
Why OpenSky Plus Stands Out at a 500 Credit Score
Three things make this card particularly relevant:
First, no credit check to apply.
That immediately removes one of the biggest barriers facing someone with severely damaged credit.
Second, no annual fee.
When your goal is repairing credit, paying $75, $99 or more every year simply to keep a basic credit card open can work against you.
Third, reporting to all three credit bureaus.
That’s crucial because the entire point of opening a rebuilding card is to create positive credit history.
The Main Drawback
You need at least $300 for the refundable security deposit.
For some people, that’s easy.
For someone already struggling financially, it may not be.
Don’t borrow $300 at a high interest rate just to fund a secured credit card.
That defeats the purpose.
If you can comfortably set aside the deposit, however, OpenSky Plus offers a straightforward route into a conventional secured credit card without a traditional credit check.
4. U.S. Bank Secured Visa — Best Simple No-Annual-Fee Secured Card
Some people don’t need rewards.
They don’t need complicated perks.
They don’t need a huge credit line.
They simply want a card from an established bank that can help them rebuild credit.
That’s the appeal of the U.S. Bank Secured Visa.
The card currently has:
- $0 annual fee
- A security deposit from $300 to $5,000
- A corresponding secured credit line based on the approved deposit
- Credit-building features
U.S. Bank currently advertises the card specifically around establishing or rebuilding credit.
How Much Do You Need to Deposit?
The minimum security deposit is currently $300.
Depending on approval and how much you are able to deposit, the secured limit can go as high as $5,000.
This creates flexibility.
If you only want a starter card, you don’t need to lock up thousands of dollars.
If you have more savings available and want a higher secured limit, the card provides room for that too.
Why a Basic Card Can Be Better When Rebuilding Credit
A 500 credit score is not the time to obsess over airport lounges, welcome bonuses or squeezing another 1% cash back from your grocery spending.
Your bigger objective should be:
Rebuild a clean record of responsible credit use.
A simple secured card can do that job.
Make a few normal purchases.
Keep the balance manageable.
Pay on time every month.
Avoid unnecessary interest.
Repeat.
That’s boring.
It’s also far more useful than chasing premium credit cards you are unlikely to qualify for yet.
Why We Are Not Recommending Every “Bad Credit” Card
This is where many lists of credit cards for a 500 credit score go wrong.
They assume that if a card might approve someone with bad credit, it belongs on the list.
That’s not good enough.
Some unsecured cards marketed heavily to consumers with damaged credit can come with:
- High annual fees
- Monthly maintenance fees
- High APRs
- Low starting limits
- Additional account fees
- Few meaningful benefits
Imagine being approved for a $300 unsecured credit limit but losing a significant portion of its practical value to fees.
That’s not automatically better than depositing $300 into a secured card with no annual fee.
When comparing cards at a 500 credit score, ask two separate questions:
Can I get it?
And:
Should I get it?
Those are not the same question.
The best card isn’t necessarily the one with the easiest approval.
It’s the one that gives you a realistic path to rebuilding credit without creating another financial problem.
5. Capital One Quicksilver Secured — Best for Earning Cash Back While Rebuilding Credit
Once you accept that a secured credit card may be the most realistic option with a 500 credit score, another question comes up:
Why not earn something from your everyday purchases while rebuilding?
That’s where the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card becomes interesting.
It combines the basic credit-building structure of a secured card with cash-back rewards.
The card currently offers:
- $0 annual fee
- 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases
- A refundable security deposit
- Reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- The possibility of being considered for an unsecured Capital One card later
That combination makes Quicksilver Secured particularly attractive to someone who has enough money for a security deposit and wants more than a bare-bones rebuilding card.
How Much Is the Security Deposit?
Capital One currently requires a $200 minimum refundable deposit for Quicksilver Secured.
That provides at least a $200 initial credit line.
Depending on eligibility and how much you’re allowed to deposit, you may be able to establish a larger secured credit line.
Remember that the deposit isn’t a payment toward your purchases.
If you put down $200 and then spend $50, you still owe the $50 card balance.
The $200 is collateral securing the account.
Can You Get Quicksilver Secured With a 500 Credit Score?
Capital One does not guarantee approval based on a particular credit score.
That distinction matters throughout this article.
A card being designed for rebuilding credit does not mean every person with a 500 score will qualify.
Capital One can consider information beyond the score itself when evaluating your application.
Before submitting a full application, check whether Capital One offers a pre-approval option that allows you to see potential card matches without affecting your credit score.
Pre-approval is not a guarantee of final approval, but it can help you avoid applying blindly.
Why the Cash Back Matters—And Why It Doesn’t
Earning 1.5% cash back is useful.
Suppose you spend $300 per month on normal purchases you would make anyway.
At 1.5%, that’s $4.50 in rewards.
Over a year, that’s $54.
Nice.
But don’t start spending extra money just to earn cash back.
Spending $100 unnecessarily to earn $1.50 is not a financial strategy.
At a 500 credit score, the primary objective is rebuilding.
Treat rewards as a bonus.
Who Should Consider Capital One Quicksilver Secured?
It could be a good fit if you:
- Have at least $200 available for a refundable security deposit
- Want a card with no annual fee
- Want cash back on everyday spending
- Are focused on rebuilding credit
- Prefer a major credit card issuer
- Want the possibility of eventually moving to an unsecured card
If you’re struggling to find even $200 for the deposit, however, don’t force it.
There are other approaches.
6. OpenSky Secured Visa — Best for a $200 Starting Deposit Without a Credit Check
The OpenSky Secured Visa deserves its own place because it offers a slightly different trade-off from OpenSky Plus.
The standard OpenSky Secured Visa currently allows you to start with a $200 refundable security deposit and does not require a credit check to apply.
The trade-off is that the standard version currently charges a $35 annual fee.
Compare that with OpenSky Plus:
OpenSky Plus has no annual fee but requires at least a $300 deposit.
So which is better?
It depends on your cash situation.
When the Standard OpenSky Card May Make More Sense
Suppose you can comfortably set aside $200 but not $300.
The standard OpenSky card lowers the amount of money you need upfront.
That can matter when every dollar counts.
However, you need to weigh the lower deposit against the annual fee.
If you have $300 available, the no-annual-fee OpenSky Plus may deserve stronger consideration.
If $200 is your realistic maximum, the standard OpenSky card provides another way to establish a secured account without a traditional credit check.
Does OpenSky Report to All Three Credit Bureaus?
Yes. OpenSky says it reports card activity to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
That is one of the most important features to look for in any rebuilding card.
Your objective isn’t merely to have a piece of plastic in your wallet.
It’s to create a record showing that you can manage credit responsibly.
That means:
Use the card.
Keep spending under control.
Pay on time.
Repeat.
The $35 Annual Fee Is Still a Cost
Don’t ignore an annual fee simply because it sounds small.
Over three years, a $35 annual fee becomes $105 if the fee remains unchanged.
That is why you should periodically reassess any rebuilding card.
Once your credit improves enough to qualify for a better no-annual-fee product, you may have better options.
7. First Progress Secured Credit Cards — Another Option Worth Comparing
First Progress offers secured Mastercard products aimed at consumers establishing or rebuilding credit.
Like other secured cards, the basic idea is straightforward:
You provide a refundable security deposit, which helps secure the account.
The company offers multiple secured-card configurations, so annual fees, APRs and other terms can differ depending on the specific card available to you.
That’s why First Progress belongs in the comparison—not because every version is automatically better than the cards above, but because someone with severely damaged credit should know that multiple secured-card routes exist.
Why First Progress May Be Worth Checking
A First Progress secured card may be worth researching if:
- Your score is around 500
- You are rebuilding damaged credit
- You have money available for a refundable deposit
- You want another secured-card option to compare
- Other issuers have not been a good fit
However, don’t select one simply because the application looks accessible.
Compare its current annual fee, APR, deposit requirements and other costs against no-annual-fee alternatives first.
A card designed for bad credit can still be a bad deal.
What About Unsecured Credit Cards for a 500 Credit Score?
This deserves special attention because many people searching for credit cards you can get with a 500 credit score really mean:
“Can I get a credit card without putting down a deposit?”
Possibly.
There are unsecured cards marketed to consumers with poor credit.
The problem is cost.
Some subprime unsecured credit cards can come with high annual fees, monthly fees or other charges while offering relatively small initial credit limits.
That can create an ugly situation.
Imagine being approved for a $300 credit limit but paying significant fees simply to keep the account.
You avoided a refundable deposit, but you may end up spending money on nonrefundable fees instead.
Secured Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Worse
Consider the difference.
Card A: You provide a $300 refundable security deposit and pay no annual fee.
Card B: You provide no deposit but pay a $75 annual fee and potentially additional fees.
Card B may sound better because you don’t need $300 upfront.
But the $300 deposit on Card A remains your money, subject to the issuer’s terms and your account standing.
The $75 annual fee on Card B is gone.
That’s why “unsecured” should never automatically mean “better.”
When an Unsecured Card Could Still Make Sense
An unsecured bad-credit card may be worth considering when:
- You genuinely cannot afford a security deposit
- The fees are reasonable
- The issuer reports to all three major bureaus
- You understand the APR
- The starting limit is usable after fees
- You have compared it against secured alternatives
- You can afford the payments
Read the pricing table before applying.
Don’t stop at the headline saying “No Security Deposit Required.”
What Is the Easiest Credit Card to Get With a 500 Credit Score?
There is no legitimate card that can be declared the easiest for every person with a 500 score.
But certain products remove one of the biggest barriers: the traditional credit check.
For example, Chime currently says no credit check is required to apply for its credit-building card.
OpenSky also offers secured products that do not require a credit check to apply.
Those features can make your credit score less important during the application process.
Yendo takes another route by using a qualifying vehicle as collateral and says checking for pre-approval doesn’t affect your credit score.
The easiest option for you therefore depends on what you have available.
If you have cash for collateral, a secured card may work.
If you don’t want a traditional credit check, Chime or OpenSky may deserve attention.
If you own a qualifying vehicle but don’t want to lock away a large cash deposit, Yendo operates differently from traditional secured cards.
What Credit Card Can I Get With a 500 Credit Score and No Deposit?
Your choices become narrower when you remove security deposits from the equation.
Chime is one option worth researching because it doesn’t require a traditional minimum security deposit in the same way as a conventional secured card, although you generally need to add money that determines what you can spend.
Some unsecured subprime cards also don’t require security deposits.
But again, check the fees.
Yendo doesn’t require a traditional cash security deposit because it uses a qualifying vehicle as collateral.
That means “no cash deposit” does not mean “unsecured.”
Those distinctions are important.
Can I Get a $500 Credit Limit With a 500 Credit Score?
Yes, it’s possible.
But don’t confuse “possible” with “guaranteed.”
With a traditional secured card, one straightforward route may be providing a $500 refundable security deposit if the issuer allows it.
That could establish a $500 secured credit line.
Yendo currently advertises credit lines beginning at $450 and reaching as high as $10,000 for qualifying applicants, depending on factors including the vehicle and ability to repay.
An unsecured issuer may also approve someone for $500, but approval and limits vary widely.
Your score alone doesn’t determine the answer.
Can I Get a $1,000 Credit Card With a 500 Credit Score?
Potentially.
One of the most predictable ways may be through a secured card that permits a $1,000 security deposit.
If the issuer accepts and approves that amount, your deposit can generally establish a corresponding secured limit.
Vehicle-backed credit can work differently.
Yendo’s advertised range extends well beyond $1,000 for qualifying applicants, but your individual offer could be lower or higher.
Don’t chase a $1,000 limit simply because it sounds better.
If a $300 limit is enough for one recurring bill and responsible monthly payments, that may be all you need to start rebuilding.
Can You Get a $5,000 Credit Limit With a 500 Credit Score?
This is considerably harder with a conventional unsecured card.
A lender generally won’t be eager to extend $5,000 in unsecured credit to someone whose recent credit history suggests significant risk.
However, collateral can change the equation.
Some secured cards permit deposits large enough to establish several-thousand-dollar limits.
U.S. Bank’s Secured Visa, for example, currently permits security deposits up to $5,000, subject to approval and applicable terms.
Yendo advertises limits as high as $10,000 for qualifying applicants because the card uses a vehicle as collateral.
But here’s the bigger question:
Do you actually need a $5,000 credit limit to rebuild your credit?
Probably not.
A small account managed exceptionally well can be more useful than a large account that tempts you into debt.
Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards for a 500 Credit Score
If your credit score is around 500, understanding this distinction can save you money.
How a Secured Credit Card Works
A traditional secured card requires a refundable cash deposit.
Suppose you deposit $300.
You may receive a $300 credit limit.
You then use the card normally and receive a statement.
Your deposit does not automatically pay your bill.
You must still make your required payments.
The deposit exists as collateral.
If the account later graduates or you close it in good standing, the deposit may be returned according to the issuer’s terms.
How an Unsecured Credit Card Works
An unsecured card does not require collateral.
The issuer is taking more risk because there is no security deposit behind your balance.
That is one reason applicants with strong credit generally have access to much better unsecured products than applicants with poor credit.
At a 500 score, unsecured options can be more expensive.
Where Yendo Fits
Yendo is secured, but not in the traditional way.
Instead of placing cash in a security account, a qualifying vehicle is used as collateral.
That can free you from tying up a large amount of cash, but it creates a different—and potentially more serious—risk because the collateral is your vehicle.
Which Is Better?
For many people rebuilding from 500, a low-cost secured card can be better than an expensive unsecured card.
But your personal cash flow matters.
If a $300 deposit would prevent you from paying rent, buying groceries or covering an emergency, don’t tie up the money just to open a credit card.
How to Choose a Credit Card With a 500 Credit Score
Don’t apply yet.
First, run every card you’re considering through these tests.
Does It Report to All Three Credit Bureaus?
Ideally, yes.
You want responsible account activity reaching:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
If the entire purpose is rebuilding credit, broad reporting matters.
What Will the Card Cost You in the First Year?
Don’t look only at the annual fee.
Check:
- Annual fee
- Monthly fee
- Application or processing charges where applicable
- APR
- Late-payment fees
- Foreign transaction fees if relevant
- Other account charges
A card advertised to bad-credit consumers can look cheap until you add everything together.
Is the Deposit Refundable?
With a conventional secured card, verify exactly when and how your security deposit can be refunded.
Don’t assume.
Read the cardholder terms.
Is Prequalification Available?
If an issuer lets you check potential eligibility without affecting your credit score, use that tool before submitting a full application.
It can reduce unnecessary applications.
Prequalification still does not guarantee approval.
What Happens to Your Collateral?
This is particularly important with Yendo.
Cash collateral and vehicle collateral are not equivalent.
Understand what happens if you fail to meet the agreement before putting either at risk.
Is There a Path to a Better Card?
Your rebuilding card should ideally be temporary.
As your credit improves, you want access to better products with:
- No security deposit
- No annual fee
- Better rewards
- Lower APRs
- Higher limits
Some issuers periodically review secured accounts for possible upgrades or deposit refunds.
How to Use a Credit Card to Rebuild a 500 Credit Score
Getting approved won’t fix your credit.
How you manage the card afterward determines whether it becomes part of the solution or another problem.
Pay Every Bill on Time
This should be non-negotiable.
Payment history is an important credit-scoring factor.
One of the worst things you can do after receiving a rebuilding card is create another late payment.
Use automatic payments or calendar reminders if necessary.
Keep Your Reported Balances Low
Credit utilization measures how much of your available revolving credit you’re using.
Suppose you have a $500 limit and a $450 reported balance.
That’s 90% utilization on that card.
Even if you haven’t exceeded your limit, such a high balance can work against your scores.
There is no need to obsess over one magical utilization percentage, but lower reported revolving balances are generally better than maxed-out accounts.
Don’t Carry a Balance Just to Build Credit
This myth costs people money.
You do not need to pay interest to demonstrate responsible credit use.
If your card provides a grace period and you pay the statement balance in full as required, you can generally avoid purchase interest.
The credit bureaus can still receive information about the account.
Don’t Apply for Several Cards at Once
This is especially important with a 500 score.
Getting rejected can create panic:
“Maybe I’ll try another.”
Then another.
Then another.
Suddenly you’ve submitted five applications.
Stop.
Research first.
Use prequalification when possible.
Then make a deliberate application.
Fix the Reason Your Score Is 500
A new card alone may not solve your problem.
Look at your credit reports.
Your score may be suffering because of:
- Late payments
- Collections
- Charge-offs
- Maxed-out cards
- Defaults
- Too many recent applications
- A limited credit history
- Several problems at once
If high utilization is the main issue, paying existing balances down could matter more than opening another account.
If inaccurate information appears on your credit reports, dispute legitimate errors through the appropriate channels.
If missed payments are the problem, creating a perfect payment streak going forward becomes critical.
How Long Does It Take to Go From a 500 to a 600 Credit Score?
There is no honest answer that applies to everyone.
Anyone promising that you’ll gain exactly 100 points in 30, 60 or 90 days without seeing your credit reports is guessing.
Someone with a low score caused mainly by very high credit-card utilization could potentially see meaningful movement after substantially reducing balances and having the lower amounts reported.
Someone with recent charge-offs, collections and multiple missed payments may face a much longer recovery.
Instead of chasing an arbitrary deadline, concentrate on the factors you can control:
- Pay on time
- Reduce revolving debt
- Keep balances manageable
- Avoid unnecessary hard inquiries
- Check your reports for errors
- Maintain older positive accounts when appropriate
- Give your positive history time to mature
Credit rebuilding is usually boring.
That’s exactly why it works.
Which Credit Card Should You Choose With a 500 Credit Score?
Here’s the simplest way to narrow the list.
If you own a qualifying vehicle and don’t want to tie up hundreds or thousands in a cash deposit: Consider whether Yendo’s vehicle-secured structure fits your situation—but understand the collateral risk.
If avoiding a traditional credit check is your priority: Chime and OpenSky offer options worth comparing.
If you want a conventional secured card without an annual fee: Compare OpenSky Plus and U.S. Bank Secured Visa.
If you want rewards while rebuilding: Capital One Quicksilver Secured deserves consideration if you qualify.
If you only have around $200 available for a refundable deposit: Compare Capital One’s secured option with the standard OpenSky Secured Visa, taking fees into account.
There is no universal winner.
The right card is the one that you can qualify for, afford and manage without making your financial situation worse.
Credit Cards for a 500 Credit Score: Final Verdict
Having a 500 credit score makes getting credit harder.
It doesn’t make it impossible.
The mistake is approaching the market as though every credit card is still available to you.
It isn’t.
For now, forget premium travel cards, giant welcome bonuses and luxury perks.
Your job is to establish better credit history at the lowest reasonable cost.
For many people, that means starting with a secured card.
OpenSky Plus provides a no-credit-check route with no annual fee, although you’ll need a refundable security deposit.
Chime removes the traditional credit check and offers a different secured structure without an annual fee or interest.
U.S. Bank offers a straightforward secured card with deposits that can support larger limits.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured adds cash-back rewards to the rebuilding process.
And Yendo creates another possibility for qualifying vehicle owners by using a vehicle rather than a traditional cash deposit to secure a credit line that can potentially range from $450 to $10,000.
None of those cards is automatically right for you.
And none is guaranteed to approve you simply because your score is 500.
Compare the costs.
Understand the collateral.
Check whether prequalification is available.
Apply selectively.
Then, if you’re approved, use the card for one purpose:
building a stronger credit profile so that you eventually don’t need cards designed for bad credit at all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Cards You Can Get With a 500 Credit Score
Here are a few questions you may have:
Can I get a credit card with a 500 credit score?
Yes. People with scores around 500 may still qualify for certain secured, credit-building and subprime credit cards. Approval is not guaranteed, and your income, debt, credit history and other information can affect the decision.
What credit card can I get with a 500 credit score?
Options worth researching include Yendo Mastercard, Chime Card, OpenSky Plus Secured Visa, OpenSky Secured Visa, U.S. Bank Secured Visa, Capital One Quicksilver Secured and First Progress secured cards. The best choice depends on your eligibility, available cash and financial situation.
What is the easiest credit card to get with a 500 credit score?
There isn’t one easiest card for everyone. Cards that don’t require a traditional credit check, such as certain Chime and OpenSky products, can remove one significant obstacle for people with damaged credit.
Can I get a credit card with a 500 credit score and no deposit?
Possibly. Some unsecured cards don’t require deposits, although they can carry significant fees. Chime uses a different secured structure, while Yendo uses a qualifying vehicle as collateral instead of a traditional cash security deposit.
Can I get an unsecured credit card with a 500 credit score?
Possibly, but choices may be limited. Pay particular attention to annual fees, monthly charges, APRs and low starting limits before accepting an unsecured card marketed to people with bad credit.
Can I get a $500 credit limit with a 500 credit score?
It is possible. A traditional secured card may allow you to establish a $500 limit with an approved $500 deposit. Other issuers determine limits based on their own underwriting requirements.
Can I get a $1,000 credit limit with a 500 credit score?
Potentially. Some secured cards allow deposits of $1,000 or more, while other collateral-backed products can offer limits above $1,000 to qualifying applicants.
Can I get a $5,000 credit card with a 500 credit score?
Getting a $5,000 unsecured limit can be difficult with a 500 score. Some secured cards permit larger deposits, while Yendo advertises vehicle-secured credit limits of up to $10,000 for qualifying applicants.
Does Yendo accept a 500 credit score?
Yendo does not advertise a guaranteed minimum score that automatically determines approval. The company says perfect credit is not required and considers other qualification factors.
Does Yendo run a credit check?
Yendo says checking your pre-approved offer does not impact your credit score. Review the current application disclosures before completing the full process.
How much can Yendo approve you for?
Yendo currently advertises credit limits ranging from $450 to $10,000. The actual amount offered depends on qualification factors and is not guaranteed.
Does Yendo require a cash security deposit?
Not in the same way as a conventional secured credit card. Yendo uses a qualifying vehicle as collateral.
Does Yendo report to all three credit bureaus?
Yendo says it reports account activity monthly to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Can Yendo help build credit?
Responsible account management can contribute positive information because Yendo reports to the major credit bureaus. Negative activity can also hurt your credit, and no specific score increase is guaranteed.
Can I get Capital One with a 500 credit score?
Possibly. Capital One offers secured products aimed at consumers establishing or rebuilding credit, but approval depends on more than a single credit-score number.
Does Chime accept bad credit?
Chime says there is no credit check required to apply for its credit-building card. Other eligibility requirements still apply.
Can I get a credit card without a credit check?
Yes, certain credit-building and secured cards advertise no credit check to apply. OpenSky and Chime are examples worth researching.
Are secured credit cards guaranteed approval?
No. “Secured” does not mean “guaranteed approval.” Issuers can still have identity, income, banking and other eligibility requirements.
Will a secured credit card increase my credit score?
Responsible use can help build positive credit history when the issuer reports your account activity. However, no card can guarantee a particular credit-score increase.
How much should I spend on a $500 credit card?
Only spend what you can comfortably repay. You do not need to use the entire $500 limit to build credit.
Should I keep my credit utilization below 30%?
Thirty percent is commonly discussed as a benchmark, but it is not a magical cutoff. In general, lower reported revolving utilization can be better for credit scores than high or maxed-out utilization.
Do I need to carry a balance to build credit?
No. You don’t need to carry a balance from month to month or intentionally pay interest to build credit.
How quickly can a 500 credit score improve?
There is no guaranteed timeline. Improvement depends on what is damaging your credit, how recent negative information is and what changes you make.
Can I go from a 500 credit score to 600?
Yes, credit scores can improve from 500 to 600 and beyond. How long it takes depends on your individual credit profile.
Should I apply for several cards if my score is 500?
Usually not. Multiple applications can lead to multiple hard inquiries. Research your options and use prequalification tools when available before applying selectively.
What should I look for in a credit card for bad credit?
Prioritize low fees, affordable deposit requirements, reporting to the major credit bureaus, transparent terms, manageable APRs and a realistic path toward better credit products.
Is a secured card better than an unsecured card with bad credit?
Sometimes. A no-annual-fee secured card can be cheaper than an unsecured bad-credit card with substantial nonrefundable fees. Compare the total cost rather than assuming unsecured is automatically better.
Will applying for a credit card lower my score?
A full application can result in a hard inquiry, which may affect your credit score. Some issuers provide prequalification or pre-approval checks that do not affect your score, but check the issuer’s disclosures before proceeding.
What credit score should I reach before applying for better cards?
There is no universal cutoff. As your credit profile improves into fair and eventually good-credit territory, more options may become available. Issuers consider factors beyond the score itself.
What is the best credit card for a 500 credit score overall?
There is no single best card for everyone. Yendo may appeal to qualifying vehicle owners who don’t want a traditional cash deposit. Chime or OpenSky may appeal to people concerned about a credit check. U.S. Bank or Capital One may suit someone who prefers a conventional secured card. Compare the risks and costs before deciding.
What is the smartest thing to do if I keep getting denied?
Stop applying temporarily and determine why you’re being denied. Review the adverse-action notices from issuers, check your credit reports, address errors or high balances, and focus on products better matched to your credit profile.
Editorial note: Credit card offers, APRs, fees, credit limits and eligibility requirements can change. Check the issuer’s current terms before applying. Prequalification or pre-approval does not guarantee final approval. Credit-score improvement is not guaranteed.
