Rebuilding a damaged credit score isn’t easy—but the right credit card can make a big difference. Whether you’ve had late payments, charge-offs, or limited credit history, second-chance credit cards are designed to help you get back on track.
Some of these cards require a refundable deposit, while others don’t. If you don’t want to tie up a few hundred dollars in a secured card, you still have options. Below, we’ve ranked the best second-chance credit cards of 2025—starting with the ones that don’t require a security deposit.
5 Best Second-Chance Credit Cards With No Security Deposit
These unsecured second-chance credit cards are a popular choice for people who want to rebuild their credit score without putting down a deposit. They come with fewer upfront costs, though they may charge higher annual fees or interest rates. All of the cards below report to the three major credit bureaus and are designed for people with poor or limited credit history.
Prosper® Card
- Annual Fee: $59 (waived the first year if you enroll in autopay)
- Regular APR: 23.24%–34.74% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Poor (typically 550–600)
- Rewards: None
Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
- Annual Fee: $75 for the first year, then $99 annually (billed at $8.25/month)
- Regular APR: 29.99% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Bad (typically below 580)
- Rewards: 1% cash back on eligible gas, grocery, and select utility purchases
Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0–$59, depending on credit profile
- Regular APR: 26.99%–29.99% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Poor to fair
- Rewards: None
Surge® Platinum Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $75–$99
- Regular APR: 24.99%–29.99% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Bad
- Rewards: None
Revvi Card
Annual Fee: $75 first year, then $48 annually
Regular APR: 34.99% fixed
Credit Score Needed: Poor
Rewards: 1% cash back on purchases
5 Best Second-Chance Secured Credit Cards
If you don’t mind putting down a refundable deposit, secured credit cards often come with better terms and higher approval odds. They can be a safer long-term choice with lower fees and interest rates. These are some of the most reliable secured cards available in 2025.
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: None (no interest charges)
- Credit Score Needed: No credit check required
- Rewards: None
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 28.24% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Bad to fair
- Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 30.74% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Bad to fair
- Rewards: None
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $35
- Regular APR: 25.64% variable
- Credit Score Needed: No credit check required
- Rewards: None
Self Secured Visa® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $25
- Regular APR: 26.99% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Poor to fair
- Rewards: None
What Is a Second-Chance Credit Card?
A second-chance credit card is designed for people with bad credit or limited credit history who want to rebuild their credit score. These cards offer a way to show positive payment behavior and build a track record with the three major credit bureaus.
There are two types of second-chance credit cards:
- Secured cards: Require a refundable deposit, usually starting around $200. Your deposit acts as collateral and typically equals your credit limit.
- Unsecured cards: Don’t require a deposit, but often come with higher fees and interest rates. Approval may be more selective, depending on your credit profile.
Both types report your payment activity, which is the key to improving your credit score over time.
How to Choose the Right Card for Rebuilding Credit
Not all second-chance credit cards are worth your time. Here’s what to look for when comparing your options:
- Credit bureau reporting: Only choose cards that report to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Without this, your good payment behavior won’t help your credit score.
- Fees: Look closely at annual fees, monthly maintenance charges, and any hidden costs. Some cards seem appealing up front but chip away at your balance with unnecessary fees.
- Rewards: Some second-chance cards offer limited cash back, which can be a bonus if you’re paying your balance in full. Just don’t prioritize rewards over low fees and reporting.
- Credit limit increases: A good card should offer the chance to grow your credit limit over time, especially after several months of on-time payments.
- Upgrade potential: Some cards automatically review your account for an upgrade to an unsecured card or better terms. This can help you reduce fees and access better offers down the line.
How to Use a Second-Chance Card to Improve Your Credit Score
Getting approved is just the first step. Here’s how to actually improve your credit score with a second-chance card:
- Payment history: Always pay on time—this is the single most important factor in your credit score. Set up autopay if you can.
- Utilization: Keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. Paying in full each month is ideal.
- Time horizon: Don’t expect instant results. It can take a few months of consistent payments for your credit score to start improving. The longer you show positive activity, the better your results will be.
Final Thoughts
A second-chance credit card is a useful tool for rebuilding your credit score, as long as you choose the right card and use it the right way. Whether you go with an unsecured card that skips the deposit or a secured card with better long-term terms, the most important thing is how you manage it.
Pay on time, keep your balance low, and avoid unnecessary fees. With consistent effort, you can turn a second-chance card into a fresh start.
