Best Credit Cards for 500 Credit Score of 2024
Best for Travel Rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Capital One's Website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Limited, Bad
Our Expert Take
For those who don’t mind paying a security deposit to unlock access to rewards earning, this card may be worth considering.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back reward on all eligible purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- High APR
Card Details
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Streaming Credits
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card *
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 4X Reward Rate
Earn 4x points on dining and takeout, 2x points at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services and 1xRead More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
29.99% variable
Credit Score
Bad/Poor(0 - 649)
Our Expert Take
If your biggest expenses are on dining and takeout, this is one of the best secured card offers available.
Pros & Cons
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- No annual fee
- Comes with a $15 annual streaming credit for eligible services
- Minimum deposit of $300 is required
- Non-bonus categories earn so-so rewards
- Other secured cards may offer rewards that better align with your spending
Card Details
- Earn 4 points per dollar spent on dining and takeout
- Earn 2 points at grocery stores, gas stations and on streaming services and 1 point on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a $15 streaming credit for annual streaming service purchases like Netflix and Spotify
- $0 annual fee
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Elevated Cash Back in Select Categories
U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card *
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 5X Reward Rate
5% cash back on on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of choice, 2%Read More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
29.99% variable
Credit Score
Bad/Poor(0 - 649)
Our Expert Take
Not only does it earn rewards, which is rare among secured cards but you can choose your own bonus adventure from a list of several everyday common spending areas.
Pros & Cons
- High rewards potential for a secured card
- $0 annual fee
- Useful convenience benefits
- Requires a deposit as any secured card does
- High variable APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each foreign transaction
Card Details
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose
- Earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants)
- Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- Also earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotel, car, or air reservations when booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
- Choose payment due date
- $0 annual fee
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Flat-Rate Cash Back
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Unlimited 1.5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
28.24% variable
Credit Score
Bad/Poor(0 - 649)
Our Expert Take
Earns an easy-to-manage 1.5% cash back on all your spending without tracking categories or spending caps.
Pros & Cons
- Simple rewards structure is easy to manage
- Potential to graduate to an unsecured card with good payment behavior
- Free access to your FICO Score
- There are other secured cards that may earn you higher rewards.
- There’s a foreign transaction fee
- Minimum deposit of at least $200 required
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Cash rewards don’t expire
- Establish, strengthen or rebuild your credit
- No annual fee
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Custom Cash-Back Categories
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card *
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 3% Reward Rate
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug storesRead More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
28.24% variable
Credit Score
New to Credit
Our Expert Take
A secured card with no annual fee and the ability to earn rewards, this Bank of America card can provide a way forward for those needing to build their credit profile.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Earns cash-back rewards on eligible purchases
- Potential for an upgrade to an unsecured card
- The rewards system can be complicated to track
- An opening deposit of $200 is required
- There’s a foreign transaction fee
Card Details
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement & furnishings
- Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- You’ll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%
- A minimum refundable security deposit of $200 (maximum of $5,000) is required to open this account
- Now, you can access your FICO® Score updated monthly for free, within your Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking
- No annual fee
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Low APR
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
On First Progress's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now
On First Progress's Website
1% Cash Back
1% Cash Back Rewards on payments
Welcome Bonus
None
Annual Fee
$49
Regular APR
15.24% (Variable)
Credit Score
Poor/Limited/No Credit
Our Expert Take
Here is First Progress’ lowest APR secured card, but it charges a hefty $49 annual fee. A low APR is a valuable feature in an unsecured card, but it doesn’t make sense to carry a balance on a secured card; you’re paying interest to the bank on your own money. It’s a better idea to use a secured card with a lower annual fee to build your credit.
Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card provides a clear path towards a healthy credit history including cash-back incentives for on-time payments.
Pros & Cons
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Lower than average standard APR
- May be an option for those with bad credit seeking an approval
- $49 annual fee
- Foreign transaction fee
- Deposit required
Card Details
- 1% Cash Back Rewards on payments
- Choose your own credit line – $200 to $2000 – based on your security deposit
- Build your credit score. Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- No minimum credit score required for approval!
- Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
None
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Bad Credit
First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
On First Progress's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now
On First Progress's Website
1% Cash Back
Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards on payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
Regular APR
19.24% (Variable)
Credit Score
Bad Credit(0 - 649)
Our Expert Take
One of a small handful of secured cards where a recently discharged bankruptcy won’t automatically disqualify you from getting approved.
Pros & Cons
- Provides a way for those with low credit scores to rebuild
- Low variable APR for a secured card
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Can apply even with a discharged bankruptcy in your file
- $39 annual fee
- Lower-than-average credit line maximum
Card Details
- 1% Cash Back Rewards on payments
- Choose your own credit line – $200 to $2000 – based on your security deposit
- Build your credit score. Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- No minimum credit score required for approval!
- Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Members of the Military
Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card *
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
1X Reward Rate
Earn 1X points per dollar spent
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.00% variable
Credit Score
Bad/Poor(0 - 649)
Our Expert Take
A secured card with no annual fees, no balance transfer fees and rewards, the NRewards is a solid choice for those who qualify and are eligible for the Navy Federal Credit Union.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 1 point per dollar spent
- No cash advance fees at Navy Federal branches or ATMs
- Navy Federal requires membership, which means you need to have at least a grandparent or grandkid that’s a veteran or active military member
- As a secured card, the account requires a deposit
Card Details
- Cell phone protection
- No annual fee, cash advance fees, or balance transfer fees (terms apply)
- Earn 1X points per dollar spent
- No rewards limit
- Points can be redeemed for cash, statement credit, gift cards and merchandise
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
