{"id":302196,"date":"2026-08-07T16:31:01","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T11:01:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/?p=302196"},"modified":"2026-08-07T16:31:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T11:01:02","slug":"credit-cards-i-can-get-with-a-500-credit-score","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/credit-cards-i-can-get-with-a-500-credit-score\/","title":{"rendered":"What Credit Cards Can I Get With a 500 Credit Score in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#what-does-a-500-credit-score-actually-mean\">What Does a 500 Credit Score Actually Mean?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-most-major-credit-cards-will-reject-a-500-score\">Why Most Major Credit Cards Will Reject a 500 Score<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-best-credit-card-options-for-a-500-credit-score-in-2026\">The Best Credit Card Options for a 500 Credit Score in 2026<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#1-secured-credit-cards-your-strongest-option\">1. Secured Credit Cards (Your Strongest Option)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#2-credit-builder-cards-no-deposit-required\">2. Credit Builder Cards (No Deposit Required)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3-retail-store-credit-cards\">3. Retail Store Credit Cards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#4-becoming-an-authorized-user\">4. Becoming an Authorized User<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-improve-your-approval-odds\">How to Improve Your Approval Odds<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#check-your-credit-reports-for-errors\">Check Your Credit Reports For Errors\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#have-a-steady-income-source\">Have A Steady Income Source<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#start-with-the-lowest-deposit-you-can-manage\">Start With The Lowest Deposit You Can Manage<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#avoid-applying-for-several-cards-at-once\">Avoid Applying For Several Cards At Once<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-use-your-new-card-to-actually-raise-your-score\">How to Use Your New Card to Actually Raise Your Score<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#common-mistakes-to-avoid\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#tracking-your-progress-along-the-way\">Tracking Your Progress Along the Way<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1786099676908\">1. Can I get an unsecured credit card with a 500 credit score?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1786099680508\">2. Will applying for a secured credit card hurt my credit score?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1786099684660\">3. How long does it take to raise a 500 credit score with a secured card?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1786099689223\">4. Do I get my deposit back on a secured credit card?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1786099693171\">5. Is a credit builder card better than a secured card for a 500 credit score?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A credit score of 500 can feel like a locked door. Most popular cash-back and travel rewards cards require a score well above 650; applying with a score of 500 often results in an automatic denial and another hard inquiry on your report. Fortunately, a 500 score is not the end of the road. It is a starting point, and there are legitimate credit cards built specifically for people in this situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains what a 500 credit score means, which cards will realistically approve you in 2026, and how to use these tools to climb into fair and then good credit territory without wasting money on unnecessary fees. Whether you are rebuilding after a difficult financial stretch or establishing credit for the first time, there is a practical path forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-does-a-500-credit-score-actually-mean\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does a 500 Credit Score Actually Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the standard FICO scale, which ranges from 300 to 850, a 500 is categorized as &#8220;poor&#8221; or &#8220;bad credit.&#8221; Lenders view this range as high risk, typically due to a history of missed payments, high balances, bankruptcy, or a thin credit file with limited payment history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This does not mean you are locked out of every credit product. Instead, your options are narrower, and issuers often require extra reassurance before extending credit\u2014most commonly in the form of a refundable security deposit. Secured credit cards are designed for this purpose and remain the best entry point for a 500 score in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=301866&amp;action=edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">My Credit Score Is 630: What Can I Do to Improve It?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"why-most-major-credit-cards-will-reject-a-500-score\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Most Major Credit Cards Will Reject a 500 Score<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Major issuers like Chase, American Express, and Citi generally require scores in the high 600s or above because their products prioritize strong repayment histories and rewards optimization. Even Discover, historically friendly to newer credit users, generally requires a score of 700 or higher for most unsecured products. Applying for these with a 500 score almost always results in denial and a hard inquiry, which can briefly lower your score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A smarter strategy is to target cards explicitly designed for this score range. These issuers take on less risk by requiring a deposit or offering a smaller starting credit line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-best-credit-card-options-for-a-500-credit-score-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Best Credit Card Options for a 500 Credit Score in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"1-secured-credit-cards-your-strongest-option\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Secured Credit Cards (Your Strongest Option)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secured cards require a refundable cash deposit that typically serves as your credit limit. Because the issuer holds your funds as collateral, approval odds are much higher; many secured cards approve applicants with scores between 500 and 580, or even lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>OpenSky Secured Visa:<\/strong> OpenSky is one of the most accessible cards because it does not require a credit check at the time of application. You will need a deposit of at least $200 (which can be increased for a higher limit), and it carries a modest annual fee. Crucially, it reports to all three major credit bureaus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card:<\/strong> This is a strong choice because it sometimes requires only a partial deposit rather than a full match of your credit limit. Deposits can range from $49 to $200 for a $200 credit line, with no annual fee. Capital One also frequently graduates responsible users to unsecured cards after several months of on-time payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card:<\/strong> This rare secured card offers a real rewards structure, including cash back in categories like gas, groceries, or online shopping. It is an excellent option for <a href=\"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/how-beem-card-users-are-building-credit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">building credit<\/a> while earning rewards, and Bank of America has a solid history of upgrading accounts as credit profiles improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card:<\/strong> Similar to the Bank of America option, this card allows you to choose bonus cash-back categories. It has no annual fee and reports monthly to the credit bureaus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note on the Discover it Secured Card: While it was long recommended for its cash-back match, Discover has stopped accepting new applications for this card as of 2026. Check current availability before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"2-credit-builder-cards-no-deposit-required\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Credit Builder Cards (No Deposit Required)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If providing a security deposit is not feasible, credit builder cards offer an alternative by skipping the deposit requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kikoff Credit Account:<\/strong> Kikoff provides a small credit line and reports on-time payments to all three bureaus. With no credit check and no annual fee, it is one of the easiest ways to establish a payment history with a 500 score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Self Credit Builder Account:<\/strong> Self combines a small credit builder loan with a future secured Visa card. You make fixed monthly payments into a locked savings account; once you build up sufficient funds, the balance can be converted into a secured card deposit. It is a slower path that also encourages savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chime Credit Builder Card:<\/strong> Your available balance is tied to funds transferred into a linked Chime account. There is <a href=\"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/instant-cash-advance-with-no-credit-check\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">no credit check<\/a>, and it functions like a secured card without a large upfront deposit, though it requires an existing Chime account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"3-retail-store-credit-cards\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Retail Store Credit Cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Store cards from retailers like Walmart or Target often have more relaxed approval criteria than general-purpose cards. While easier to obtain with a 500 score, they usually carry high interest rates and low limits, making them better suited as supplements to a primary credit-building card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"4-becoming-an-authorized-user\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Becoming an Authorized User<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a trusted friend or family member has an account in good standing, they can add you as an authorized user. Their positive payment history and low utilization will appear on your report, potentially raising your score. You do not even need to use the card for this to be effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=270156&amp;action=edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Free Apps to Monitor Your Credit Score in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-improve-your-approval-odds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Improve Your Approval Odds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even secured products consider basic financial factors. Addressing these areas before applying can improve your chances of a smooth approval process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"check-your-credit-reports-for-errors\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check Your Credit Reports For Errors&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Errors like incorrect late payments or accounts that do not belong to you can unfairly drag down your score. You are entitled to free reports from all three bureaus; disputing inaccuracies can provide a <a href=\"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/build-credit-without-credit-card-boost-your-score\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">quick score boost<\/a> before you apply for new credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"have-a-steady-income-source\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Have A Steady Income Source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Issuers want to ensure you can make monthly payments. Having recent pay stubs or bank statements ready can expedite approval, especially for issuers that perform soft credit checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"start-with-the-lowest-deposit-you-can-manage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start With The Lowest Deposit You Can Manage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A larger deposit does not necessarily speed up approval. Starting small keeps your cash accessible while still building the same payment history as a larger line of credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"avoid-applying-for-several-cards-at-once\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid Applying For Several Cards At Once<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multiple hard inquiries in a short window can lower your score and signal desperation to lenders. Choose one or two cards that best fit your needs and apply for those first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=301471&amp;action=edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Credit Card Can I Get With a 630 Credit Score?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-use-your-new-card-to-actually-raise-your-score\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Use Your New Card to Actually Raise Your Score<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Approval is just the first step. Your habits over the coming months will determine whether your score actually improves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aim to keep your balance below 10\u201330% of your limit, as utilization is a major scoring factor. Set up autopay for at least the minimum amount to ensure you never miss a due date. Use the card for small, predictable expenses like streaming services, and pay it off in full each month to avoid interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most users see meaningful improvement within 6 to 12 months. Many issuers will eventually offer to convert your account to an unsecured card and refund your deposit once you have proven your reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"common-mistakes-to-avoid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beware of cards marketed toward poor credit that charge steep annual fees ($75\u2013$150) and interest rates above 30%. These &#8220;fee-harvesting&#8221; cards can be costly; a no-fee secured card or credit builder account is usually a better financial choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid programs that demand large upfront payments before disclosing terms or those that pressure you into &#8220;credit repair services.&#8221; Legitimate products are transparent about their fees and deposit requirements from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=302117&amp;action=edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Manage Credit Card Debt Through a Financial Plan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"tracking-your-progress-along-the-way\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tracking Your Progress Along the Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have a card, monitor your progress. Most issuers provide free credit score tracking in their apps, updated monthly. Credit monitoring services are also useful for catching errors or forgotten payments before they cause lasting damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Checking your score once a month is sufficient. Scores fluctuate based on reporting cycles, and checking too often can cause unnecessary stress. Instead, focus on reviewing your full credit report every few months for accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 500 credit score limits your options, but it does not eliminate them. Secured cards from Capital One, Bank of America, or OpenSky remain the most dependable paths in 2026. No-deposit options like Kikoff or Self are also available if you cannot provide a deposit immediately. Ultimately, responsible use\u2014keeping balances low and paying on time\u2014is what moves your score upward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rebuilding credit takes time, but it is achievable. Many who start with a 500 credit score reach the mid-600s within a year of consistent, on-time use. Choose a card that fits your budget, use it carefully, and let the process work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/budget-tracker-planner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beem<\/a>&nbsp;for on-point financial insights and recommendations to spend, save, plan, and protect your money like an expert.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/beem-cash-advance-banking\/id1525101476\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download the&nbsp;Beem&nbsp;app today!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1786099676908\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">1. Can I get an unsecured credit card with a 500 credit score?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It is possible but rare. Some unsecured cards marketed to people with bad credit will approve applicants with a 500 credit score, but they often carry high fees and interest rates. A low-fee secured card is typically the better financial move.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1786099680508\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">2. Will applying for a secured credit card hurt my credit score?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Some secured cards perform a soft credit check, which doesn&#8217;t affect your score. Others perform a hard inquiry, which may cause a minor, temporary dip. Cards like OpenSky skip the credit check entirely.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1786099684660\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">3. How long does it take to raise a 500 credit score with a secured card?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Most people see improvement within 6 to 12 months of consistent, on-time payments and low utilization. The exact timeline depends on your unique credit history and the overall state of your report.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1786099689223\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">4. Do I get my deposit back on a secured credit card?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. As long as your account is in good standing, your deposit is refunded when you close the account or when the issuer upgrades you to an unsecured card.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1786099693171\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">5. Is a credit builder card better than a secured card for a 500 credit score?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It depends on your needs. Credit builder cards like Kikoff or Self are ideal if you cannot afford a security deposit. Secured cards are better if you have some savings and want a card for everyday purchases while building credit.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A credit score of 500 can feel like a locked door. Most popular cash-back and travel rewards cards require a score well above 650; applying with a score of 500 often results in an automatic denial and another hard inquiry on your report. Fortunately, a 500 score is not the end of the road. It [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":266547,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2309],"tags":[4790,531,701,107],"edited-by":[],"class_list":["post-302196","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-credit","tag-beem","tag-credit-card","tag-credit-score","tag-financial-planning"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/302196","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=302196"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/302196\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":302204,"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/302196\/revisions\/302204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/266547"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=302196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=302196"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=302196"},{"taxonomy":"edited-by","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trybeem.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/edited-by?post=302196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}