10 Best Low-income Credit Cards
Here are our top 10 best low-income credit cards.
Good For Entertainment Spending
Capital One SavorOne Credit Card
Sign-up Bonus: $200 Cash Bonus
Sign-up Bonus: $200 Cash Bonus
Reward Details:
- Enjoy a one-time cash bonus ($200) after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months.
- On eligible purchases made through the Uber and Uber Eats apps, you will receive 10% cash back.
- 8% cash back on purchases from Capital One Entertainment.
- 5% cash back on rental vehicles and hotels booked through Capital One Travel.
- 3% cash back on qualified streaming services, entertainment, grocery stress, and dining.
- 1% cash back on all other transactions.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
0%, 15 months
Intro (Transfers)
0%, 15 months
Regular APR
19.24%-29.24% variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
740 or more (Excellent)
Great For Maximizing rewards On Specific Routine Purchases
Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card
Sign-up Bonus: Unlimited cash back Match
Sign-up Bonus: Unlimited cash back Match
Reward Details:
- Cash back match for the initial 12 months
- Earn 5% cash back on daily purchases (Up to $1500) in select categories every quarter from grocery stores, gas stations, and Amazon
- Earn unrestricted 1% cash back on every other purchase
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
0%, 15 months
Intro (Transfers)
0%, 15 months
Regular APR
16.24%-27.24% variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
670 - 850 (Good to Excellent)
Great For Building Credit
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
Reward Details:
- Earn 1-1.5% cash back
- 2% to 10% cash back at specific retailers
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
N/A
Intro (Transfers)
N/A
Regular APR
16.74% - 30.74% Variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
Credit Needed Under 669 (Fair or No Credit History)
Best For College Students Who Want To Build Credit
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Sign-up Bonus: Cash Back Match
Sign-up Bonus: Cash Back Match
Reward Details:
- Unlimited Cash back match for the initial 12 months.
- Earn 5% cash back on daily purchases (Up to $1500) in select categories every quarter from grocery stores, gas stations, and Amazon.
- Earn unrestricted 1% cash back on every other purchase.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
0%, 6 months
Intro (Transfers)
10.99%, 6 months
Regular APR
17.24%-26.24% variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
No Credit History
Best Flat Rate Cash Back Credit Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Sign-up Bonus: $200 Cash Back
Sign-up Bonus: $200 Cash Back
Reward Details:
- Earn a $200 cash rewards incentive if you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- 2% unlimited cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, after which a variable rate of 18.74%-28.74% applies. Balance transfers done in 120 days are eligible for the 3% introductory rate, followed by a fee of up to 5% for at least $5.
- No select categories have different cash back rates
- When you finance your monthly phone bill with a valid Wells Fargo card, you'll receive up to $600 in insurance against theft or damage (after a $25 copayment).
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
0%, 15 months
Intro (Transfers)
0%, 15 months
Regular APR
19.24%-29.24% variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Good For Maximizing Rewards On Select Bonus Categories
Citi Custom Cash Credit Card
Sign-up Bonus: 20,000 ThankYou® Points
Sign-up Bonus: 20,000 ThankYou® Points
Reward Details:
- Up to $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within 6 months. This bonus is delivered in redeemable 20,000 ThankYou® Points.
- 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. The variable APR ranges between 17.74% and 27.74%, depending on your credit history.
- Earn a 5% reward on purchases in your top qualified spending category for up to $500 in every billing cycle.
- 1% cash reward for any other purchase.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
0%, 15 months
Intro (Transfers)
0%, 15 months
Regular APR
18.24%-28.24% variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
670 - 850 (Good to Excellent)
Good For Flexible Cash Rewards
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card
Sign-up Bonus: $200 Cash Back
Sign-up Bonus: $200 Cash Back
Reward Details:
- Earn a $200 reward after spending $500 in the first three months.
- 5% rewards in all quarterly expenditures of up to $1,500 on select bonus classes. These categories need activation.
- 5% cash back on all travel booked using Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 3% cash back on dining expenses and pharmacy purchases.
- 1% off on all additional purchases.
- 5% cash back on all eligible Lyft rides.
- Free DashPass membership for 3 months. After that, you’ll enjoy a 50% discount on your membership for the next 9 months.
- Free Instacart+ membership for 3 months.
- 12 months free ShopRunner membership and free 2-day shipping and returns at select merchants.
- Receive $5 off on at-home purchases or movie tickets after spending $20 on Fandango.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
0%, 15 months
Intro (Transfers)
0%, 15 months
Regular APR
18.74%, 27.49% variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
670 - 850 (Good to Excellent)
Good For The Average American Household
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Sign-up Bonus: Up to $250 cash back.
Sign-up Bonus: Up to $250 cash back.
Reward Details:
- Earn up to a $250 reward; $100 as a statement credit if you spend $2,000 on purchases during the first six months. Also, receive $150 if you use your card to settle purchases with retailers through PayPal in the same period.
- 3% cash back at U.S. retailers, gas stations, and supermarkets after spending $6,000 on each category.
- 1% off on any other purchase.
- When you use your card to pay for a monthly membership to The Disney Bundle (Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu with Live TV) totaling $13.99 or more, you'll receive $7 off monthly. Sign-ups are necessary.
- Enjoy accelerated cash back by incorporating additional cards for your friends and family. Their transactions also earn you rewards. You could also receive cash back on regular expenses like your mobile bill.
- Earn up to $15 monthly statement credits after purchasing from Home Chef with your card.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
0%, 15 months
Intro (Transfers)
0%, 15 months
Regular APR
18.24% - 29.24% variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
670 - 850 (Good to Excellent)
Good Cash Back On Unlimited Purchases
Citi® Double Cash Card
Reward Details:
- Earn 1% on every purchase and an extra 1% once you settle.
- Get exclusive access to thousands of events' early bird tickets, as well as tickets to the most awaited concerts, sporting events, dining experiences, and other events of the year.
- Timely minimum payment is necessary to get cash back.
- 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers.
- 3% intro balance transfer fee (minimum of $5) made within the initial 4 months. The cost after that will be 5% of every transfer, with a minimum of $5.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
N/A
Intro (Transfers)
0%, 18 months
Regular APR
18.24%-28.24% variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
670 - 850 (Good to Excellent)
Good For Building Credit
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Annual Fee
$0
Intro (Purchases)
N/A
Intro (Transfers)
N/A
Regular APR
29.74% Variable APR
Credit Needed A credit score in or greater than the recommended range increases your chances of approval but does not guarantee approval. The credit score ranges are based according to the FICO credit scoring. It is one of the scoring methods, but there’s a possibility that your credit card issuer uses another for your application.
Under 600 (Fair Credit or No Credit History)
Compare Credit Cards For Low Income
Credit Card |
USP |
Annual Fee |
Intro (Purchases) |
Intro (Transfers) |
Regular APR |
Rewards Rate |
Intro Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One SavorOne Credit Card | Best For Using On Entertainment | $0 | 0%, 15 months | 0%, 15 months | 17.99% - 27.99% (variable) | 1% - 10%? On eligible purchases made through the Uber and Uber Eats apps, you will receive 10% cash back. It’s eligible only for non-commercial users and valid from 12 a.m. ET on November 15 through 11:59 p.m. ET on November 14 in 2024. You can also earn 8% cash back on transactions made through the Capital One Entertainment ticketing platform, 5% cash back on hotels and rental car reservations made through Capital One Travel, 3% on dining, qualified purchases on entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery store, and 1% cash back on all other transactions. The terms and conditions may apply. |
$200? Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on transactions within the first three months of opening your account. |
| Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card | Best For Rewards Maximization | $0 | 0%, 15 months | 0%, 15 months | 16.24% - 27.24% (variable) | 1% - 5%? Earn 5% cash back on regular purchases (up to $1,500) at various locations every quarter, such as Amazon.com, supermarkets, dining establishments, and gas stations. This can be earned up to the quarterly maximum from the time you have activated. Earn unlimited 1% cash back automatically on all other purchases as well. |
cash back Match? cash back Match with No Limits at the end of your first year, Discover will automatically complement all the cash back you've earned! There is no minimum or maximum reward amount. You could exchange $150 in cash for $300. |
| Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card | Best For Building Credit Score | $0 | N/A | N/A | 16.74%, 30.74% (variable) | 1% - 1.5%? You'll receive up to 1.5% cash back on eligible everyday purchases. You may also get 2% - 10% cash back on selected purchases with local and national merchants. |
N/A |
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | Best For College Students To Build Credit | $0 | 0%, 6 months | 10.99%, 6 months | 17.24% - 26.24% (variable) | 1% - 5%? When you activate, you can earn 5% cash back on regular purchases (Up to $1,500) at a variety of locations every quarter, including grocery stores, drug stores, select streaming services, Amazon.com, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum. Additionally, receive unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Unlimited cash back Match? At the ending of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you have accumulated. Therefore, you could exchange $50 in cash for $100. or $200 from $100. There is no minimum or maximum reward amount. |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Best For Flat Rate Cash Backs | $0 | 0%, 15 months | 0%, 15 months | 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) | 2%? Earn receive 2% unlimited cash back on eligible purchases. |
$200? Spend $1,000 in purchases within the first three months to receive a $200 cash rewards bonus. |
| Citi Custom Cash Credit Card | Best For Maximizing Rewards In Top Spending Category | $0 | 0%, 15 months | 0%, 15 months | 18.24% - 28.24% (variable) | 1% - 5%? In your top eligible spend category during each billing cycle, earn 5% cash back on transactions (you will first need to spend up to the $500), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
$200? After making purchases totaling $1,500 in the first six months of account opening, you will receive 20,000 ThankYou® Points. These points will be further redeemable for $200 in cash back to fulfill this bonus offer. |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card | Best For Flexible cash backs | $0 | 0%, 15 months | 0%, 15 months | 18.74%, 27.49% (variable) | 1% - 5%? Each quarter you activate, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories. On trips booked using Chase Ultimate Rewards®, get 5% cash back. Earn 3% cash back on all dining expenses at restaurants, including delivery services that qualify. Spend money at the drugstore and get 3% cash back. Get 5% cash back on eligible Lyft rides. And on all other purchases, get 1% cash back. |
$200? Spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening to receive a $200 bonus. |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Best For Using On Household | $0 | 0%, 15 months | 0%, 15 months | 18.24% - 29.24% (variable) | 1% - 3%? On annual purchases of up to $6,000, get 3% Cash Back on groceries at supermarkets in the United States, 3% Cash Back on U.S.-based online retail purchases, and 3% Cash Back at American gas stations. Get 5% Cash Back on Lyft rides. On all other purchases, get 1% Cash Back. Conditions and restrictions may apply. |
$250? After making $2,000 in purchases with your new card during the first six months of card membership, get $100 back as a statement credit. When you shop with PayPal, you can get up to $150 back. |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | Best For Earning Cash Back On Unlimited Purchases | $0 | N/A | 0%, 18 months? Introductory fee of 3% for every transfer made within the first 4 months of account opening, with a $5 minimum. Then 5% of every transfer ($5 minimum) after that. |
18.24% - 28.24% (variable) | 1% - 2%? Earn 1% on every purchase and an extra 1% once you settle. |
N/A |
| Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | Best For Credit Building | $0 | N/A | N/A | 29.74% (variable) | N/A | N/A |
What To Consider When Choosing a Low-income Credit Card for Low-income Earners
When deciding between credit cards as an individual with a low income, it's essential to think about certain things.
No Annual Fee
If you're on a strict budget, it's best to minimize unnecessary fees. Luckily, it's easy to find a credit card without annual fees, as numerous lenders today offer this perk. Avoid any credit card that charges you a yearly membership fee to avoid straining your budget and building your credit score.
Rewards & Bonus
For every purchase, credit cards offer rewards. Credit cards offer rewards and bonuses, including cash prizes, entertainment, and travel-related points. Cash back is an excellent option for a low-income credit card, as it functions as a small expenditure rebate.
Interest-Free Days
Credit cards featuring a 0% introductory APR won't charge interest for your first days after creating your account. This period can range from 6-18 months. Also, check whether the credit card offers an intro APR for purchases or balance transfers.
Low-Security Deposit (For Secured Credit Cards)
Secured credit cards require you to place a refundable deposit as collateral if you default. This makes the lender ease the qualification requirements necessary to approve a credit card application. Always check the minimum deposit requirement to see if it aligns with your budget.
Interest Rates
Opt for a low-purchase rate credit card. This purchase rate refers to the interest applicable if you fail to settle your card balance when it's due.
Additional Benefits
Also, check if the credit card has any additional perks or features that you value. For instance, if you want to use your card for shopping, select one that enables you to earn rewards with little spending requirements. Besides, select credit card companies monitored by top credit bureaus to protect yourself from fraud.
Eligibility
Lastly, before applying for any credit card, ensure you satisfy all eligibility requirements. Besides the income requirement, applicants should have valid identification documents and be above 18 years old.
Who Can Apply for a Low-Income Credit Card?
Here's a list of some individuals that are eligible for a low-income credit card:
Low-Salaried Individuals
Low-salaried persons can apply for a credit card, even if it means that you won't secure the best credit limits. Find a credit card that offers you a credit limit within your income range and build it slowly.
Casual Workers
Unlike employed individuals, casual workers don't have a stable income. Luckily, most lenders allow applicants with 100% casual income so long as they can manage their debts properly.
Seniors & Pensioners
Seniors and pensioners might have a poor income but still, have taxable income. If you're a senior or a disabled pensioner and can show income proof, you're eligible for a credit card.
College Students
Despite having low disposable income, college students can qualify for a credit card for low income. Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great credit card for students who want to build credit.
Unemployed People
Unemployment doesn't exclude applicants for credit card approval. Although lenders do want evidence of income, you can list other income sources when applying. You’ll hardly get approval if you’re unemployed and have poor credit. You’ll have to settle for higher interest rates or a secured credit card to improve your chances of approval.
A good fico score also improves your creditworthiness despite having no income. If you have no credit score or income, your best bet is a secure credit card. These cards request a one-time, refundable deposit as collateral.
Homemakers
So long as you're permitted accessibility to household finances, you can utilize that income to obtain credit card approval. Include your partner's income or other revenue streams on the application to secure a desirable credit limit.
What Is the Minimum Income To Get a Credit Card?
Essentially, there's no minimum income criterion to receive a credit card. A student's expendable income can be as little as $100, and they'd be eligible for a credit card. Nevertheless, better incomes often provide applicants with a better chance of getting authorized for a card and a greater credit limit.
Can I Get a Credit Card Without Income Proof?
Obtaining a credit card without income proof is hard but not impossible. In such cases, you may show an employment letter for when you’ll start working or show a bank account with a good balance. Still, you can team up with a creditworthy co-signer or opt for a secured credit card.
What Counts as Income When You Apply for a Credit Card?
Most direct payments you’ve received are income and can be anything from employment earnings, self-employment, insurance payments, and benefits. You can also include housing vouchers, social disability benefits, regular allowance, trust payouts, child support, alimony, separate maintenance, financial aid like grants, or your partner’s income.
However, if you’re under 21 years, the Credit CARD Act offers a different take on what counts as income when applying for a credit card. You can only use independent assets or income. While allowances are acceptable, the income of family members or friends willing to help you settle your payments is not.
How To Get Approved for a Low-Income Credit Card?
Here are some tips you can adopt to enhance your likelihood of getting approved for a low-income credit card:
- Find a co-signer (somebody who has good credit)
- Accept a low credit limit and manage it responsibly
- Consider applying for a secured card to improve your credit score
- Show proof of employment or some constant cash flow
How To Apply for a Credit Card With Low-Income?
When applying for a credit card with a low income, here's what you should consider:
Don't include false information on your credit card application
Settle any previous debts
Understand your credit limit; prioritize applying for credit cards that you can easily qualify for, based on your credit score, and income
What Is the Best Way To Use a Credit Card With a Limited Income?
Here are some of the most effective techniques to avoid running into defaulted credit if you have a low income and need guaranteed approval:
- Understand your credit card limit
- Use the card only as a compliment to your budget
- Avoid late repayments
- Capitalize on as many rewards as possible
Our Methodology
Selecting between the different credit cards for low income is no easy feat as numerous banks offer excellent offers. To help you narrow down your alternatives, we have researched, compared, and analyzed reviews for available options.
Here are some factors we considered when selecting this credit card for low-income options:
No Annual Fee
Credit cards are supposed to improve purchasing power. We evaluate the best low-income credit card by checking, which doesn't incur additional fees.
Rewards & Bonuses
We selected the credit cards that offer the best and most flexible rewards & bonus options.
Interest-free days
Most credit cards we've compiled on this list offer 6-18 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Low-security deposit and no deposit (for secured credit cards)
Secured credit cards are self-guarantee; thus, easier to get approval. We've selected low-security deposit cards as they leave you with some expendable income.
Interest Rates
We selected the credit cards that offer the most favorable interest rates to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Eligibility
The best credit cards for low income don't have complex eligibility requirements, only identification, and income proof.
Additional Benefits
We selected cards with numerous benefits users can capitalize on, including travel, entertainment, and shopping rewards. We’ve also considered credit card companies tracked by some top Credit Bureaus for insurance reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the commonly asked questions:
Which credit card is the best for low-income people?
There’s no single “best” credit card for low-income persons, as the most appropriate card will vary depending on your personal financial status and demands. However, if you’re looking to build credit, Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is a great pick.
Also, if you want to earn rewards without a threshold spending requirement, Citi® Double Cash Card offers the best deal. You can earn 1% cash back on every purchase and another 1% after you settle.
Is the credit card limit based on income?
Not really. The lender often sets the limit based on their impression of your ability to repay. However, they can sometimes consider your income. A higher income makes one more creditworthy.
Which card is easiest to get approved for?
It’s hard to predict which credit card will be the easiest to obtain, given that approval relies on various factors, including your credit score, credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio.
Nevertheless, if you have poor credit, a secured credit card is a viable pick as it’s risk-free for the lender, making it easy to get approval. In this case, we’d suggest you consider Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card.
Another credit card that could be easy to get approval for is the Discover it® Student Cash Back credit card. This card requires no credit history, and unlike Capital One Platinum, you don’t have to pay any collateral or security fee.
Do credit card companies verify your income?
Even though credit card companies can request income proof, it’s hardly the case. Instead, they’ll count on your word and your stated revenue.
What is the best way to build credit with a small income?
Start by paying all your credit card debts on time. Also, do not use over 30% of all your credit limitations.
What charges come with credit cards for low income?
Although not all, credit cards for low income sometimes charge yearly membership fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transfer fees. You can also incur a penalty for late repayment.
Is it better to get a secured or unsecured credit card?
Often, unsecured cards are ideal. Unlike a secured credit card, borrowers don’t have to pay collateral or deposit. Unsecured cards offer better rewards, perks, and lower interest rates and fees.
What do I do if I don't qualify for a credit card?
Request for reconsideration: If there is any data that your lender didn’t access or examine before declining the application, they might reconsider you.
Will being denied a credit card hurt my credit?
Rejection of a credit card won’t significantly impact your credit score. The effect of a hard inquiry on your credit rating might cause a temporary ding on your score. However, this effect lasts only several months.
Can you have a high credit score with a low income?
Your income won’t directly affect your credit score. However, your income might affect your ability to repay credit card debt, ultimately affecting your credit score.
What is considered poor credit?
Poor credit is a credit score between 300 and 579. Lenders might perceive you as a risk if you have such a score.
