How to Apply for a Credit Card With Bad Credit

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 02/17/24 •  5 min read

Credit cards are widely seen as one of the simplest types of credit to get. They are often recommended to people as a line of credit ideal to start building (or rebuilding) their credit record. A credit card can be a valuable tool for managing expenses as well as building your credit history. Many offer perks and rewards that could save you cash, too. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

If you have an actively bad credit history, rather than no or limited credit history, applying for any type of credit will be tough. Even a credit card! However, there is some good news- you might be able to secure yourself a credit card despite that poor credit score. Today we will walk you through everything to know about applying for a credit card with bad credit, and how you can improve the situation. 

Can I Get a Credit Card if my Credit Score is Low?

Facing a low credit score can be daunting, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re barred from accessing credit cards altogether. While traditional credit cards from major banks may pose challenges for those with less-than-stellar credit histories, there are alternative options designed specifically for people with bad credit like yourself. Additionally, even the biggest institutions will sometimes take a gamble on people with otherwise great applications, but a lower than average credit score. Sometimes it is worth taking that chance. 

However, do remember that you should be applying for a new credit card for the right reasons. If you’re hoping for a tool to help you in your quest for better credit, it can be a smart move. As long as you have learned how to properly manage your credit, and are not going to simply sink into even more debt. If you’re looking for fast, easy cash, or want an excuse to go on a shopping spree, it’s a really bad move. 

How to Apply for a Credit Card With Bad Credit

If you have bad credit and want to apply for a credit card, you will need to select your vendor very carefully. We looked at some credit cards that are (relatively) easy to qualify for below. Ensure you are otherwise the best possible match for the product regarding salary and other criteria.

It can help (but isn’t a guarantee) if you already bank with the institution in question. This means they can access your entire financial history and make a more thorough evaluation than just by your credit score.

There are also specialized credit cards available for individuals with lower credit scores, often with more lenient eligibility criteria. You could also see if the institution will allow someone you trust (like a family member) to cosign with you. This means they will be forced to take on your debt if you default, so be absolutely honest with the potential cosigner and make sure you really can afford the repayments. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

If you’re working on improving your credit or need a credit card despite a less-than-ideal credit history, secured credit cards can also be a viable option. They are rarer in SA than in the US, but there are some. These cards need you to ‘prepay’ funds into the card to act as collateral and reduce the risk for the lender. Additionally, some lenders offer credit builder programs or starter credit cards tailored for individuals looking to establish or rebuild their credit profiles.


Of course, it would also be a smart idea to work on boosting your credit score, so you don’t find yourself in this predicament in the future. 

What is the Minimum Credit Score for a Card?

The minimum credit score requirements you need will vary, depending on the issuer and the type of credit card. Remember, as this is unsecured lending, the lender has a lot of discretion about what they will accept. In South Africa, major banks typically prefer people with credit scores in the good to excellent range, which starts from 650 and above. They will often accept applications for low-balance or secured credit cards with lower scores, however. Think in the 610 range or so. This is highly dependent on the rest of your profile, such as your salary and other financial behavior. 

What is the Easiest Credit Card to Get with a Low Score?

While no credit card is truly ‘easy’ to get with a low credit score, here are some that have slightly less stringent eligibility criteria:

These are all entry-level products, which will only have small balances- but that’s enough to start rehabilitating your credit. Each bank will also want to see a specific salary range and other key facts, so evaluate them carefully and make sure you are the best possible match, poor credit history aside. 

What Credit Card Companies Will Approve Me With Bad Credit?

If you have bad credit and don’t otherwise qualify for the products we’ve mentioned, your last hope will be to seek out a specialty lender focusing on the bad credit market. They may be able to help you find a credit card you will qualify for. Make sure they are a trusted and reputable, NCR-registered financial service provider.

It can be tough to access any credit, even credit cards, if you have bad credit. However, you do have some options open to you. Good luck!

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

Do Multiple Bank Accounts Affect Your Credit Score?

Do Multiple Bank Accounts Affect Your Credit Score?

If you're one of the people wondering if multiple bank accounts affect credit score, we've you covered in this article.     

How to Get Your Free Experian Credit Score

How to Get Your Free Experian Credit Score

We’re here today to walk you through how to get your free Experian credit score the easy (and safe) way. 

How to Download Your Credit Score Via Checkers

How to Download Your Credit Score Via Checkers

This initiative hopes to empower South Africans to better understand and use their credit report as a tool for growth. Curious to know more? Let’s take a deeper look.

What Does “Favourable” In A Credit Score Mean

What Does “Favourable” In A Credit Score Mean

But we must first understand what it means to have an average credit score, poor credit score or good credit score. What defines these remarks?

How To Check Credit Score On Capital One App

How To Check Credit Score On Capital One App

Let's plunge into these topics further, in the course of which you will get more insight into Capital One credit monitoring in an attempt to make more informed decisions on the issues concerning your financial life.

Which Accounts Have the Biggest Impact on Your Credit Score?

Which Accounts Have the Biggest Impact on Your Credit Score?

Today we will unpack some of the things to know about the heavy-hitting accounts on your credit report

How To Check Credit Score On The Absa App

How To Check Credit Score On The Absa App

This article will take you through checking your credit score on ABSA App, delving into the credit rating of ABSA Bank

What Do Employers Look for in Credit Checks in South Africa?

What Do Employers Look for in Credit Checks in South Africa?

What Do Employers Look for in Credit Checks. This article explores what employers look for when they do credit evaluations in South Africa

Why Does Checking My Credit Score Lower It?

Why Does Checking My Credit Score Lower It?

This article explores everything you want to know about checking your credit history and its impact on your credit score

How To Apply For A Loan With Low Credit Rating

How To Apply For A Loan With Low Credit Rating

We take a detailed look at borrowing with a bad rating, how a poor loan reading affects the overdraft application, and ways to effect an increase in your loan scores.

Do All Banks and Lenders Use Your Credit Score?

Do All Banks and Lenders Use Your Credit Score?

How to Improve My Credit Score on FNB

How to Improve My Credit Score on FNB

How to Improve My Credit Score on FNB?. This article explores the measures you can take to improve your credit score on FNB.  

Loans Without a Credit Score: What to Know

Loans Without a Credit Score: What to Know

If this is you, what can you do? How do you get loans without the credit history needed to…well, get loans? This article is for you!

How Your Credit Score Affects Your Car Insurance

How Your Credit Score Affects Your Car Insurance

This blog will be a great guide for those who may need to learn about credit scores and car insurance. 

Can I Get A Credit Score Report From My Bank?

Can I Get A Credit Score Report From My Bank?

To maintain financial stability and make wise choices, it is crucial to monitor your finances regularly.