Most Used Credit Cards in the USA for Women with Bad Credit

Introduction

Your current credit score might not be so good, but that doesn’t mean that you are unable to enjoy the advantages that come along with being a credit cardholder. In this regard, for women in the USA having less-than-ideal credit scores, there are a few options that can help rebuild credit while providing fundamental features like cashback, rewards, and low interest rates. If you’re looking for an offer that can not only help you buff up your credit score but also earn rewards for your ubiquitous regular expenditures or help ease the management of your finances, there are credit cards available for all these purposes.

In this guide, we will explore the most popular credit cards for a bad credit score among women, including those that are easier to get approved for, offer competitive APRs, and have features that enable one to manage credit responsibly. Some of these cards offer credit-building tools, such as credit score tracking and reporting, while others have perks. The perfect card can allow the women contemplating credit-building to effectuate their dream of financial life while enjoying the flexibility and convenience that come with being a cardholder. 

Summary Table (TLDR)

Top 6 Most Used Credit Cards in the USA for Women with Bad Credit [2025]

Best Credit Cards in the USA for Women for [March 2025]

1. Capital One Secured MasterCard

The Capital One Secured Mastercard builds credit with a refundable security deposit. It provides access to higher credit limits with responsible use and offers credit monitoring tools.

Credit Building

Issuer	Capital One
Payment Gateway	Mastercard
Credit Score	Bad/Fair
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	26.99%
Sign-up Bonus	N/A
Best For	Students Defaulters, Low-Credit Users

The Capital One Secured Mastercard is designed for those looking to build or rebuild credit. Issued by Capital One, it requires a security deposit and offers a credit limit equal to the deposit.

With a variable APR of 29.74% and no annual fee, the card helps users build credit with responsible use. It includes tools for credit monitoring and budgeting, and there’s no foreign transaction fee.

Key Features:

• Building Credit

Reward Rate:

• Build credit with responsible usag

Other Information:

• 3% of the amount

Pros & Cons of Capital One Secured MasterCard

Expert Advice:

For optimal benefits, keep a low credit utilization and make regular on-time payments. Steer clear of late charges, and once your credit score is better, upgrade to an unsecured card. Leave the deposit in the account to establish a good credit history.

2. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card builds credit while providing cash-back rewards. It offers free access to your FICO score and no annual fee, making it a good option for those who want to enhance their credit history.

Credit Building

Issuer	Discover
Payment Gateway	Discover
Credit Score	Limited/No Credit
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	Variable APR of 25.24%.
Sign-up Bonus	N/A
Best For	Individuals Building Credit N/A

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card, issued by Discover, is ideal for individuals looking to build or rebuild credit. Its standout feature is cashback rewards—earn 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. The card benefits users by reporting to all three major credit bureaus, helping establish a strong credit history.

There is no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice. The minimum security deposit is $200, which determines the credit limit. A fair credit score (580+) is required. Discover reviews accounts after seven months for possible graduation to an unsecured card. The Cashback Match feature doubles all cashback earned in the first year, making it highly rewarding for new users.

Key Features:

• Building Credit
• Cash Back
• No Annual Fee

Reward Rate:

• Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Expert Advice:

Use this card wisely to establish your credit, and maximize rewards by prioritizing categories with the most cash back. Pay your balance in full every month to eliminate interest charges and increase your credit score.

3. Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card allows business owners to establish or re-establish credit while providing the flexibility to spend. It’s a security deposit card with helpful tools for keeping expenses in line, including reporting for businesses.

Credit Building

Issuer	Wells Fargo
Payment Gateway	Visa
Credit Score	N/A
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	Prime Rate + 11.90%
Sign-up Bonus	N/A
Best For	Small Business Owners N/A

Designed for business owners looking to build or rebuild credit, this secured credit card from Wells Fargo requires a security deposit as collateral. It offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase or the option to earn 1 point per dollar spent, plus 1,000 bonus points when spending $1,000+ in a month. The card also provides free employee cards, allowing small businesses to manage expenses and establish a stronger credit profile.

The annual fee is $25 per card, making it a budget-friendly option. Credit limits are determined by the security deposit, which can range from $500 to $25,000. Applicants typically need a fair to good credit score (580+). This card doesn’t have a referral program, but it includes auto rental collision coverage, travel accident insurance, and zero liability fraud protection, making it a solid choice for business credit-building.

Key Features:

• Building Credit
• Cash Backs

Reward Rate:

• Earn 1.5% cash back on every $1 spent
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent and receive 1,000 bonus points when the company spends $1,000 or more in any monthly billing period

Other Information:

• 4% or $10, whichever is greater; max $175

Pros & Cons of Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

Expert Advice:

To get the most out of it, make sure your company utilizes the card regularly, paying in full and on time to build good credit. Additionally, track expenses carefully with Wells Fargo’s business tools to keep your finances in order and have a positive credit score.

4. Citi Secured MasterCard®

The Citi Secured Mastercard® is designed to assist with establishing or re-establishing credit. It has a simple way of doing this with a refundable security deposit and access to your FICO score, so it’s an excellent choice for someone who’s new to credit.

Credit Building

Issuer	Citibank
Payment Gateway	Mastercard
Credit Score	Poor-Fair
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	26.74%
Sign-up Bonus	N/A
Best For	Credit Builders Newcomers

Designed for those looking to build or rebuild credit, the Citi Secured Mastercard® requires a refundable security deposit and helps establish a positive credit history. Issued by Citi, this card reports to all three major credit bureaus, making it an effective tool for improving credit scores over time.

The card has no rewards program but charges a $0 annual fee. The security deposit sets the credit limit (minimum $200). No referral program exists, but responsible use can lead to an upgrade to an unsecured Citi card.

Key Features:

• Credit Building
• Allows Cardholders to Choose Payment Dates
• Simplicity

Reward Rate:

• No rewards, but helps build credit responsibly

Other Information:

• 5% or $10

Pros & Cons of Citi Secured Mastercard®

Expert Advice:

Keep utilization levels low and make timely payments to establish credit efficiently. When your credit has developed, look for switching to an unsecured card. Do not carry a balance to save money on interest charges and keep a healthy credit score.

5. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card helps people establish or restore credit with a refundable security deposit. It does not have an annual fee and gives access to an increased credit limit if used responsibly.

Credit Building

Issuer	Capital One
Payment Gateway	Mastercard
Credit Score	Bad/Fair
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	26.99%
Sign-up Bonus	N/A
Best For	Students Defaulters, Low-Credit Users

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is designed for those looking to build or rebuild credit. Issued by Capital One, it requires a security deposit and offers a credit limit equal to the deposit.

With a variable APR of 29.74% and no annual fee, the card helps users build credit with responsible use. It includes tools for credit monitoring and budgeting, and there’s no foreign transaction fee.

Key Features:

• Building Credit

Reward Rate:

• Build credit with responsible usage

Other Information:

• 3% of the amount

Pros & Cons of Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Expert Advice:

To get the maximum benefits, keep using this card frequently and make payments on time. Keep the balance low so that your credit score remains good. Once your credit is enhanced, upgrade to an unsecured Capital One card for additional benefits and reduced charges.

6. American Express Serve® (Prepaid Card)

American Express Serve allows everyone to manage their prepaid spending by checking any credit score. This card is an easy option for people with bad credit terms.

Credit Building

Issuer	AMEX
Payment Gateway	Amex
Credit Score
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	N/A
Sign-up Bonus	N/A
Best For	Credit Builders Newcomers

The American Express Serve® Prepaid Card is a reloadable prepaid card that allows users to manage spending without the need for a credit check. It offers free direct deposit, online bill pay, and fee-free withdrawals at certain ATMs, making it ideal for budgeting and everyday purchases.

There is a $6.95 monthly fee (waived with direct deposit). It does not have a credit limit or affect credit scores. Users can load funds via cash, bank transfers, or direct deposit. Additional benefits include fraud protection and Amex Offers.

Key Features:

• Bad Credit
• No Credit Check
• Prepaid Reloadable

Reward Rate:

• Works like a debit card
• No credit check required

Other Information:

• 5% or $10

Pros & Cons of American Express Serve® (Prepaid Card)

Expert Advice:

The American Express Serve® Prepaid Card is a reliable alternative for individuals who require a flexible, easy-to-manage spending choice without the need for a credit check. It’s outstanding for those who want to budget effectively, avoid overspending, or revamp credit without depending on traditional credit cards.

Comparison Table

Methodology

To highlight the top credit cards in America for women with poor credit ratings, several main aspects had to be put into consideration to draw up a list that is not only accessible but also favorable in rebuilding their credit scores. First, we detailed the credit requirements such that these cards can also be offered to consumers with bad credit scores, the commonest being below 650. Cards that have a higher application success rate were prioritized there.

Next, fees charged by individual cards, giving attention to those with low or no annual fees and a low annual percentage rate (APR), were also assessed. With regard to secured cards on their scorecard basis, a low amount or no security deposit was considered because these cards might be hard to come by.

We took into consideration the credit-building features each card offers, preferring those that provide access to evaluate credit score monitoring, regular updates, and reports to each of the major credit bureaus; all valuable tools that allow individuals to monitor their progress and slowly rebuild their credit ratings over time.

Choosing the Most Used Credit Cards in USA for Women with Bad Credit

When selecting credit cards for women with bad credit, several key factors should be considered:

1. Approval Chances for Bad Credit:
   • The card should be designed for those with bad credit or limited credit history. Cards are often easier to be approved for by women with credit scores under 650.
2. Low or No Annual Fees:
   • Credit cards with low or no annual fees are essential for minimizing costs while working on improving your credit. Cards such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offer no annual fee, making them affordable options for rebuilding credit.
3. Credit Score Monitoring:
   • Look for cards that provide access to tools for tracking your credit score. Card like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offer free access to your FICO score, which helps you monitor your credit-building progress.
4. Rewards Programs:
   • Even with bad credit, some credit cards offer rewards for purchases. Cards offer cashback on all purchases, making them an attractive option for women looking to earn rewards while building credit.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees:
   • Many cards aimed at individuals with bad credit still have foreign transaction fees. For frequent travelers, look for cards with no foreign transaction fees, and offer benefits for both local and international purchases.
6. Security Deposit (For Secured Cards):
   • If opting for a secured card, consider how much of a deposit is required. Cards allow cardholders to set their own deposit amount, which can help tailor the credit limit to their budget.

Why Do Women Need Credit Cards with Bad Credit? 

Credit cards for women with bad credit offer numerous benefits, particularly for rebuilding and managing finances. Using a credit card responsibly can significantly improve a credit score, which opens doors to better financial opportunities, such as lower interest rates on loans and better terms on other financial products.

For women with bad credit, a credit card is an effective tool to rebuild credit history and demonstrate responsible financial behavior. Many credit cards, like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, report to the major credit bureaus, which ensures that timely payments are reflected in the cardholder’s credit report, boosting their credit score over time. Regular use of a credit card can increase the credit utilization ratio, which is a key factor in improving credit scores.

Additionally, credit cards offer flexibility and convenience in everyday transactions. Women with bad credit can use their credit cards to make necessary purchases while benefiting from cashback, rewards, and fraud protection. Using a card for essential expenses, such as groceries and gas, allows for manageable spending while earning rewards and improving credit. Over time, this consistent use can also help women access higher credit limits and even better credit cards in the future.

Does Citibank Offer Credit Cards for Women with Bad Credit? 

Yes, Citibank offers credit card options that can be suitable for women with bad credit, particularly their Citi® Secured Mastercard®. This card is ideal for individuals who are rebuilding their credit and offers the opportunity to establish or rebuild credit with responsible use. Like other secured cards, the Citi® Secured Mastercard® requires a refundable security deposit, which determines the credit limit.

Citibank’s Citi® Secured Mastercard® provides essential features, including access to credit score tracking and reporting to the major credit bureaus, helping women monitor their progress as they work to improve their credit score. While it may not come with the rewards or perks of a traditional unsecured credit card, it provides an easy way to establish a positive credit history without paying high fees or interest rates.

Additionally, Citibank’s long history of providing reliable and secure banking options means that cardholders can trust their services. The Citi® Secured Mastercard® provides the foundation for women with bad credit to rebuild and qualify for better cards in the future, making it a standout option.

How Do Credit Cards Help Women with Bad Credit? 

Credit cards are crucial for women with bad credit, as they offer an opportunity to rebuild credit and improve financial standing. By responsibly using a credit card, such as paying the balance on time and keeping credit utilization low, women can demonstrate to lenders that they can manage their finances effectively. This can result in a higher credit score and better credit offers in the future.

Some credit cards, like the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, offer automatic credit limit increases with responsible use, which further helps improve credit scores. As the credit score improves, women can qualify for higher-limit cards with better rewards and lower interest rates, enabling them to take advantage of more competitive financial products.

Credit cards for bad credit also help women establish a credit history, which is essential for future financial decisions, such as buying a car, renting an apartment, or securing a mortgage. Without a solid credit history, many financial institutions may refuse services. Credit cards provide an accessible way for women to prove their creditworthiness, offering greater financial freedom in the future.

Advantages of Credit Cards for Women with Bad Credit 

1. Rebuilding Credit – Using a credit card responsibly can help women with bad credit rebuild their credit score over time by reporting timely payments to credit bureaus.
2. Access to Rewards and Cashback – Some credit cards for bad credit, offer cashback on purchases, allowing women to earn rewards while improving their financial health.
3. Credit Score Monitoring – Cards like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card offer free access to credit scores, helping women track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
4. Flexibility and Convenience – Credit cards offer a convenient way to manage daily expenses and make purchases without relying on cash. They also provide fraud protection, which adds an extra layer of security when shopping.

FAQs

What are the best credit cards for women with bad credit? 

The best credit cards for women with bad credit include the Discover it® Secured Credit Card and the Citi® Secured Mastercard®. These cards offer tools for credit rebuilding, rewards, and low fees.

Can I get a credit card with a score below 600?

 Yes, many secured credit cards and some unsecured cards, like the Capital One Platinum Credit Card, are specifically designed for individuals with scores under 600. These cards often have lower credit requirements and help rebuild credit.

How do secured credit cards work? 

A secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit that serves as your credit limit. The card issuer reports your payment history to credit bureaus, which helps rebuild your credit score when used responsibly.

Do credit cards for bad credit offer rewards? 

Some credit cards for bad credit, offer cashback on purchases, allowing cardholders to earn rewards while rebuilding credit.