The easiest credit cards to get approved for often include secured cards and options specifically designed for individuals with bad or no credit. Among the top choices, according to a January 2025 assessment, are the OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card, the Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card, and The secured Self Visa® Credit Card.
Top Easiest Credit Cards for Approval
When you're looking to build credit or recover from past credit challenges, certain cards offer more lenient approval requirements. These cards typically cater to individuals with limited credit history, bad credit, or those who prefer to avoid hard credit checks.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most accessible cards:
| Card Name | Key Feature for Easy Approval | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card | No credit check and no bank account required | Building credit with no prior history or bad credit |
| Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card | Unsecured option for bad credit | Individuals with poor credit who want an unsecured card |
| The secured Self Visa® Credit Card | No upfront deposit or hard credit check | Those starting with no credit or rebuilding |
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
This card stands out as one of the easiest to acquire because it does not require a credit check or even a bank account for approval. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who are starting from scratch with no credit history, or those who have significant credit challenges and struggle to open traditional bank accounts. Because it's a secured card, you provide a refundable security deposit, which typically sets your credit limit. This deposit minimizes risk for the issuer, making approval much simpler.
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
For those with bad credit who are seeking an unsecured card, the Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card is often a viable option. Unlike secured cards, it doesn't require an upfront security deposit. While it's designed for individuals with less-than-perfect credit, approval is still subject to review, but its criteria are generally more forgiving than those of traditional unsecured cards. This card can be a stepping stone to improving your credit score without tying up your funds in a deposit.
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card
The Self Visa® Credit Card offers a unique approach to credit building. It's connected to a Credit Builder Account, which helps you build savings and credit simultaneously. A significant advantage for approval is that it requires no upfront deposit for the secured card itself, and there's no hard credit check to open the credit builder account initially. Your eligibility for the secured card comes after you've made a certain number of on-time payments to your Credit Builder Account, making it a structured pathway to credit. This can be particularly beneficial for those who prefer a guided approach to building their financial standing.
Why Are These Cards Easier to Get?
These cards are generally easier to get approved for due to several factors:
- Secured Nature: Many easy-to-approve cards are secured, meaning you provide a cash deposit that acts as collateral. This significantly reduces the risk for the lender.
- Focus on Credit Building: Their primary purpose is to help individuals establish or rebuild credit, so their approval criteria are less stringent than those for rewards cards or cards requiring excellent credit.
- Alternative Approval Methods: Some may bypass traditional credit checks or offer approval based on other factors, such as income or a unique financial product like a credit builder loan.
By choosing one of these options, you can begin your journey toward building a positive credit history, which is crucial for future financial endeavors like loans, mortgages, and more.
