Credit cards for less-than-perfect credit

Applying for a credit card is a big decision. That’s especially true if you’re trying to establish credit. Or if you’re looking to rebuild with a credit card for someone with average credit.

Whatever your starting point, Capital One has credit card options, some with rewards, that put you in control.

What you’ll learn:

• If you have less-than-perfect credit, you may have options with cards you can use to establish or rebuild credit. 

• When you’re looking for your first card, secured credit cards and student credit cards could be great starter options.

• If you’re just starting out, a credit card for fair credit may work for you.

• With no hidden fees, no liability for unauthorized charges and free account management tools, it’s easy to securely manage and personalize your account with Capital One.

Learn more about this popular option for building credit from the start or rebuilding it.

A secured credit card can be a helpful credit-building tool when it’s used responsibly over time. The Platinum Secured card is one example. It has no annual fee and no hidden fees. View important rates and disclosures. And if you make the minimum required security deposit, you’ll get an initial credit line of $200. You can also raise your initial credit line by depositing more than the minimum.

Plus, with automatic credit line reviews, you could be considered for a higher limit in as few as six months. And if you use the card responsibly, you could put yourself in position to get back your deposit and upgrade to an unsecured Capital One card.

Quicksilver Secured Rewards might also be worth considering. Like other secured cards, it requires a refundable deposit. But its $200 minimum deposit comes with the ability to earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, all with no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures. Plus, with responsible card use, you could earn your deposit back and upgrade to another Capital One rewards card.

If you’re just starting out, these options may work for you.

The Platinum Mastercard is another great starter card. It gives you the credit you need with no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures. And like the Platinum Secured card, you’ll automatically be considered for a higher credit line in as few as six months.

Want to earn rewards? Check out QuicksilverOne. You could earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Your rewards won’t expire for the life of the account. And you can redeem them in a variety of ways.

If you’re at a four-year university, a community college or another higher-education institution, you might be interested in one of these Capital One student credit cards. After you upgrade, your card, rewards and benefits all stay with you.

Like the Quicksilver cards you’ve already read about, this card offers the ability to earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. And with Quicksilver Rewards for Students, there’s no annual fee. View important rates and disclosures.

If going out to eat is your thing—and who doesn’t love to blow off a little steam after class—the Savor Student card might be for you. It lets you earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases—all with no annual fee.¹ View important rates and disclosures.

No matter which Capital One card you decide is right for you, you’ll get great features and benefits that can make using your card responsibly that much easier. Here are a few.

• No foreign transaction fees: You won’t pay a fee for purchases made outside the U.S. using your Capital One credit card. View important rates and disclosures.

• $0 liability for unauthorized charges: If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t be responsible for charges you didn’t authorize.²

• Eno, your Capital One assistant: Eno, your Capital One assistant, can help keep an eye on your accounts 24/7 and reach out if something unusual is spotted.³

• Capital One Mobile app: With the Capital One Mobile app, you can manage your accounts anywhere, anytime.⁴

• Ability to pick your own payment due date: Change your due date to get more control of your finances.

Whether you’re new to credit or rebuilding your score, there may be a Capital One card that’s right for you. 

You can find out whether you might be approved for a Capital One card before you apply. Capital One pre-approval is quick, secure and only requires some basic info. And checking to see whether you’re pre-approved won’t hurt your credit scores.