Credit Cards
Best Credit Cards for a 500 Credit Score in 2026
A 500 credit score puts you in the bad credit range. These cards are designed to approve applicants in the 500-579 bracket — and help you get out of it.
Quick answer
With a 500 credit score, your best option is the Discover it® Secured — no annual fee, 2% cash back, and automatic upgrade review after 7 months. If you've been denied by Discover, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® requires no credit check and approves anyone with a $200 deposit.
Best credit cards for 500 credit score — compared
| Card | Annual fee | Min. deposit | Credit check | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Secured Best overall | $0 | $200 | Yes | Rewards + upgrade path |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $0 | $49–$200 | Yes | Low deposit |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® | $35 | $200 | None | Guaranteed approval |
| Chime Credit Builder | $0 | Any | None | No fees ever |
| Petal® 1 Visa® | $0 | None | Soft pull | No deposit needed |
What a 500 credit score means
A 500 credit score falls in the "bad credit" range (300-579). At this score level:
- Most standard credit cards will deny your application
- Secured credit cards are your most reliable option
- You can realistically reach fair credit (580+) within 12 months with the right strategy
- A single secured card used correctly can add 50-100 points within a year
How to get from 500 to 600 in 12 months
- Open one secured credit card. The Discover it Secured is the best choice. Avoid opening multiple accounts at once.
- Use it for one small recurring purchase. A $10-$20 monthly subscription keeps the card active without high balances.
- Pay the full balance every month. Never carry a balance. Set up autopay to avoid missed payments.
- Keep utilization below 10%. With a $200 limit, keep your balance under $20 at statement time.
- Dispute any credit report errors. Get your free report at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute inaccuracies.
Read our full guide: How to rebuild credit fast →
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a credit card with a 500 credit score?+
Yes. Secured credit cards are specifically designed for applicants with scores in the 500-579 range. The Discover it Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured, and OpenSky Secured Visa all approve applicants with a 500 credit score. The OpenSky requires no credit check at all.
How long does it take to go from 500 to 700 credit score?+
Going from 500 to 700 typically takes 2 to 4 years of consistent responsible behavior. Getting from 500 to 580 (fair credit) is achievable in 12 to 18 months with a secured card and on-time payments. The jump from 580 to 700 takes additional time to build account history and credit mix.
What is the best credit card for a 500 credit score?+
The best credit card for a 500 credit score is the Discover it Secured. It has no annual fee, earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, and automatically reviews you for an upgrade after 7 months. If Discover denies you, the OpenSky Secured Visa approves anyone with $200 and no credit check.
Advertiser disclosure: ApprovedCard.guide may earn a commission when you apply through our links. Card terms verified May 2026.