Best credit cards for 550 credit score with instant approval: If you have a 550 credit score, getting approved for a credit card can be challenging. However, some issuers specialize in subprime credit cards that offer instant approval (or near-instant decisions) even with poor credit.
Can You Get a Credit Card with a 550 Credit Score?
Yes! While most traditional credit cards require a good credit score (670+), some lenders offer secured and unsecured credit cards designed for poor or bad credit (300-579 FICO).
Key Features of Credit Cards for 550 Credit Scores:
✔ High approval odds – Designed for bad credit
✔ Secured or unsecured options – Some require a deposit
✔ Fast approval decisions – Some offer instant approval
✔ Credit-building tools – Reports to all 3 bureaus
✔ High fees & APRs – Common with subprime cards
5 Best Credit Cards for a 550 Credit Score (Instant or Quick Approval)
1. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit
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Type: Unsecured
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Credit Score Needed: 550+ (Poor/Bad Credit)
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Approval Time: Instant decision (full approval in days)
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Annual Fee: 0−99 (varies by creditworthiness)
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APR: 29.74% (Variable)
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Key Features:
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Pre-qualification with no hard pull
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Cashback rewards (1% on eligible purchases)
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Free credit score tracking
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Best for: Those who want an unsecured card with rewards despite bad credit.
👉 Check Eligibility (Soft Pull) – https://www.creditonebank.com
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
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Type: Secured (Requires deposit)
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Credit Score Needed: 550+ (No credit check for some applicants)
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Approval Time: Instant decision (full approval in days)
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Annual Fee: $0
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APR: 30.74% (Variable)
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Deposit Required: 49,99, or $200 (based on credit)
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Key Features:
Best for: Those who want a low-deposit secured card from a major issuer.
👉 Apply Here (Pre-Qualify Available) – https://www.capitalone.com
3. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
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Type: Secured (Requires deposit)
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Credit Score Needed: 550+ (Poor/Bad Credit)
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Approval Time: Quick decision (not instant)
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Annual Fee: $0
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APR: 28.74% (Variable)
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Deposit Required: 200−2,500
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Key Features:
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Cashback rewards (2% gas & dining, 1% else)
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Deposit refundable after 8 months of good use
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Free FICO score access
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Best for: People who want rewards + credit-building with a secured card.
👉 Check Eligibility (Soft Pull) – https://www.discover.com
4. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
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Type: Secured (No credit check)
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Credit Score Needed: None (Approves all credit types)
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Approval Time: Instant approval (after deposit)
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Annual Fee: $35
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APR: 21.64% (Variable)
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Deposit Required: 200−3,000
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Key Features:
Best for: Those with no credit or very poor credit who need guaranteed approval.
👉 Apply Here (No Credit Check) – https://www.openskycc.com
5. First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Card
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Type: Secured (No credit check)
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Credit Score Needed: None (Approves all credit types)
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Approval Time: Instant decision (after deposit)
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Annual Fee: $29
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APR: 20.24% (Variable)
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Deposit Required: 200−2,000
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Key Features:
Best for: People who need a secured card with a lower APR.
👉 Apply Here – https://www.firstprogress.com
Alternatives if You Can’t Get a Credit Card
If you’re denied for the cards above, try:
✅ Credit-Builder Loans (Self, Credit Strong)
✅ Authorized User Status (Ask a family member)
✅ Secured Cards with Lower Deposits (Chime Credit Builder)
How to Improve a 550 Credit Score Fast
To boost your score and qualify for better cards:
- Pay bills on time (35% of your score)
- Keep credit utilization below 30%
- Dispute errors on your credit report
- Avoid new hard inquiries
- Mix credit types (Installment + revolving)
Final Verdict: Best Card for 550 Credit Score
Card | Type | Approval Speed | Best For |
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Credit One Platinum | Unsecured | Instant Decision | Rewards + Bad Credit |
Capital One Secured | Secured | Quick Approval | Low Deposit |
Discover it Secured | Secured | Quick Approval | Cashback Rewards |
OpenSky Secured | Secured | Instant Approval | No Credit Check |
First Progress Secured | Secured | Instant Approval | Lower APR |
FAQ
1. Can I get a credit card with a 550 credit score?
Yes—secured and some unsecured cards are available.
2. What’s the easiest card to get with a 550 score?
OpenSky and First Progress (no credit check).
3. Do these cards report to credit bureaus?
Yes, all listed cards report to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
4. How can I get instant approval?
Pre-qualify first (soft pull), then apply for fast decisions.
5. How fast can I improve my 550 score?
With good habits, you could reach 600+ in 6-12 months.