A low credit score knocking you down? We hear you. Thankfully there are plenty of great cash back cards eager to give second chances - while rewarding your everyday purchases. Cardholders with poor credit, listen up! Here are our top recommended picks for maximizing cash back as you march towards credit recovery.
Capital One QuicksilverOne
Kicking off our list is Capital One QuicksilverOne, flaunting an unmatched flat rate cash back earnings without the usual barriers to entry. All cardholders enjoy a sweet 1.5% cash back on every single purchase, every single day - with no rotating categories or sign-ups to track.
With no minimum credit score requirement, even borrowers with poor/limited credit get the green light. Manage your account responsibly and watch your score transform.
The 15 month 0% intro APR offer gives you over a year to pay down balances interest-free before the ongoing purchase and balance transfer APR ranges between 26.99%- 29.99% variable. Consider pairing this with one of Capital One’s credit building loans to really expedite your credit rehab!
Beyond phenomenal cash back earning potential, QuicksilverOne also serves up a $39 annual fee waived the first year and zero fraud liability. Read our full review or apply here!
Surge Mastercard from Bank of Missouri
Next up, the Surge Mastercard issued by Bank of Missouri sets its sights on helping cardholders build a positive payment history and credit score. Even borrowers with no FICO score can qualify for a starter credit line and begin constructing credit from scratch.
All Surge cardmembers score 1% unlimited cash back on each transaction which adds up quickly. There’s a $75 annual fee after the first year but no pre-set spending limits or over limit fees make this pick friendly for first timers. Experian BoostTM also lets borrowers add on-time telecom and utility payments to their credit file each month.
With reliable and responsible use, Surge will report your progress to all three major credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Ask for credit line increases over time as your score ascends the ranks.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Next, Discover’s Secured it® Card makes no secret of its mission to help cardholders construct creditworthiness brick by brick. The flexible security deposit ranges from just $200 up to $2,500 so pretty much any budget can get started. Discover fronts you a matching credit line and as long as your account stays in good standing, you can get your deposit back as early as 8 months in.
In return, Discover serves up 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus nab unlimited 1% cash back everywhere else. At the end of your first 12 months, Discover automatically matches the total value of all the cash back rewards you’ve snagged so far. Hello double earnings!
Discover reports monthly to the major credit bureaus as you build positive history. And get this - there’s no annual fee, sign up bonus or foreign transaction fee. Read our review or lock your approval here.
Petal 1 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa Credit Card
Petal distinguishes itself from traditional issuers by not relying solely on FICO scores for approval decisions. Instead they weigh factors like timely utility, phone bill, and rent payments which often better reflect an applicant’s financial credentials.
This makes the Petal 1 “Cash Back” card attainable for those with no credit or scores below 670. Qualified cardholders enjoy 1% - 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases right off the bat. Rates can climb up to 10% total via Petal’s unique “Pays You Back” program which rounds up each purchase and puts the surplus towards your cash back balance.
The other phenomenal perk is a $500 - $5,000 credit limit to start - very generous for rebuilding baselines. Ramp up to $10k+ in available credit as your established creditworthiness permits over time.
With no annual, foreign transaction or late fees, this pick truly allows cardholders to pay less as they build financial credentials back up - plus collect steady cash rewards all the while!
Give Your Credit Rebuild A Cash Infusion
A low credit score doesn’t relegate you to credit building purgatory. As you establish positive history month by month, these leading picks make sure you maximize savings and cash back along the way.
Just use your new card wisely, pay balances off punctually each month, and watch your credit transform. Your discipline will be rewarded with higher approval odds, credit lines, and APRs over time across all financial products.
Before you know it, you’ll graduate back to premium status - with a fat batch of cash back earnings to enjoy. Never settle for a credit journey that simply trudges along. Optimize for rebuild success and collect sweet cash rewards at the same time. We’re routing for you!
