If you’ve been searching for “guaranteed approval credit cards,” you’re not alone. Millions of Americans with bad or limited credit seek cards that are easy to qualify for. While no credit card truly guarantees approval, several options come very close — especially secured cards and cards designed for credit building.
Do Guaranteed Approval Credit Cards Exist?
Technically, no. No legitimate credit card issuer can guarantee 100% approval for every applicant. However, certain cards have extremely high approval rates, particularly:
- Secured credit cards (backed by a refundable deposit)
- Store credit cards (often easier to qualify for)
- Subprime credit cards (designed for bad credit)
Cards marketed as “guaranteed approval” are often secured cards where your deposit serves as your credit limit, significantly reducing the issuer’s risk.
Best Easy-Approval Credit Cards in 2026
1. OpenSky Secured Visa
- Credit Check: No credit check required
- Deposit: $200 – $3,000
- Annual Fee: $35
- APR: 22.54% variable
- Best For: No credit history or very bad credit
The OpenSky Secured Visa is the closest thing to “guaranteed approval” because it requires no credit check at all. Your credit line equals your security deposit. It reports to all three major bureaus.
2. Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa
- Credit Check: No credit check
- Deposit: No traditional deposit — uses your Chime Spending Account balance
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: No interest (you spend what you’ve loaded)
- Best For: Building credit with zero risk
Chime’s Credit Builder card works differently — you move money from your Chime account to your Credit Builder account, and that becomes your spending limit. No interest charges, no annual fee.
3. Capital One Platinum Secured
- Credit Check: Soft check for pre-qualification
- Deposit: $49, $99, or $200
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 30.74% – 33.74% variable
- Best For: Low deposit requirement with path to unsecured card
Capital One’s secured card stands out because some applicants qualify with a deposit as low as $49 for a $200 credit line. After responsible use, Capital One may upgrade you to an unsecured card and refund your deposit.
4. Credit One Bank Visa
- Credit Check: Yes (pre-qualification available with soft check)
- Deposit: None (unsecured)
- Annual Fee: $0 – $99
- APR: 28.99% – 35.99% variable
- Best For: Bad credit borrowers who don’t want a secured card
5. First Progress Platinum Prestige Secured
- Credit Check: No credit check
- Deposit: $200 – $2,000
- Annual Fee: $49
- APR: 18.24% variable
- Best For: Lower APR secured card option
How Secured Credit Cards Work
- Apply and submit a deposit: Your deposit typically equals your credit limit
- Use the card like a regular credit card: Make purchases and pay your bill monthly
- Build credit history: The issuer reports your activity to credit bureaus
- Graduate to an unsecured card: After 6-12 months of responsible use, many issuers will upgrade you and return your deposit
Comparison Table
| Card | Credit Check | Deposit | Annual Fee | APR | Reports To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenSky Secured | None | $200+ | $35 | 22.54% | All 3 bureaus |
| Chime Credit Builder | None | None (use balance) | $0 | 0% | All 3 bureaus |
| Capital One Secured | Soft check | $49 – $200 | $0 | 30.74% – 33.74% | All 3 bureaus |
| Credit One Bank | Soft check | None | $0 – $99 | 28.99% – 35.99% | All 3 bureaus |
| First Progress | None | $200+ | $49 | 18.24% | All 3 bureaus |
How to Choose the Right Card
- No credit check needed? → OpenSky, Chime, or First Progress
- Don’t want to pay a deposit? → Credit One Bank (unsecured)
- Want the lowest fees? → Chime Credit Builder ($0 everything)
- Want a path to upgrade? → Capital One Platinum Secured
- Want the lowest APR? → First Progress (18.24%)
Tips for Building Credit with Your New Card
- Keep utilization below 30% — if your limit is $300, keep your balance under $90
- Pay your bill in full every month — this avoids interest and shows responsible usage
- Set up autopay — never miss a payment
- Don’t apply for multiple cards at once — each hard inquiry slightly lowers your score
- Monitor your credit score monthly — track your progress
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a credit card with a 400 credit score?
Yes. Secured cards like OpenSky and First Progress don’t require a credit check at all. Chime’s Credit Builder also has no credit score requirement.
How long does it take to build credit with a secured card?
Most people see meaningful credit score improvement within 6-12 months of responsible use. Consistent on-time payments and low utilization are key.
Will I get my deposit back?
Yes. When you close your account in good standing or upgrade to an unsecured card, your security deposit is refunded (minus any outstanding balance).
Are there any truly guaranteed approval cards?
No legitimate issuer guarantees approval. However, cards with no credit check (OpenSky, Chime, First Progress) have approval rates close to 99% for applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements.
Bottom Line
While truly “guaranteed approval” credit cards don’t exist, several secured and subprime cards offer near-certain approval for applicants willing to make a security deposit or meet basic requirements. The most important thing is choosing a card that reports to all three credit bureaus, using it responsibly, and watching your score grow. For more options, explore our guides on bad credit solutions and personal loans.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Card terms, rates, and fees are subject to change. Always review the issuer’s current terms before applying.