Best Post-Bankruptcy Credit Cards 2025
Karl says, “Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy is possible with the right card. The Surge Mastercard® offers limits up to $1,000, while OpenSky Secured Visa requires no credit check and includes cash-back rewards. Chime Credit Builder has no interest or fees, and Capital One Quicksilver Secured offers 1.5% cash back with upgrade potential.”
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Key offer
• Designed for individuals with less‑than‑perfect credit, including those recovering from bankruptcy.
• Credit limits range from $300 to $1,000, helping you start small while rebuilding credit.
Welcome offer
N/A
Annual fee
• For a $300 credit limit: $75 introductory fee for the first year, then $99 annually thereafter
• For credit limits of $500, $750, or $1,000: $125 annually
Card Rewards
No Rewards
Premium Benefits
• A path to rebuild credit by consistently reporting your on‑time payments
• Enhanced security with Mastercard Zero Fraud Liability Protection
• Customizable account notifications to help you monitor spending and payment due dates
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• Tools that encourage responsible credit use, which is essential for post‑bankruptcy recovery
• Monthly credit reporting to all three major credit bureaus to support your credit improvement
• Automatic account reviews that could lead to credit limit increases over time
• Access to your monthly Vantage 3.0 credit score when you sign up for electronic statements
Minimum Qualifications
• Designed for U.S. residents over the age of 18
• Ideal for applicants with less-than‑perfect credit, including those recovering from bankruptcy
• Requires confirmation of identity and may ask if you have an active checking account or debit card
Key offer
• Pre‑approved secured card that requires no credit check and a refundable deposit (minimum $200) to help build or rebuild credit.
• Offers access to up to 10% cash back rewards* through the OpenSky Rewards program, governed by Triple CLO Terms and Conditions.
Welcome offer
N/A
Annual fee
$35
Card Rewards
• Earn up to 10% cash back rewards* on eligible, qualifying purchases.
Premium Benefits
• Helps establish or rebuild credit with monthly reporting to the major credit bureaus.
• Simple online application process with pre‑approval status, making it accessible to those with limited or no credit history.
• Features a cool blue card design and customizable account notifications to manage spending and payments.
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• Includes Mastercard Zero Fraud Liability Protection for enhanced security.
• Participates in the OpenSky Rewards program, where qualifying purchases earn cash back rewards.
– Rewards are credited automatically (generally within 120 days) to your account.
– To earn rewards, your card must remain in “Good Standing” (active and not lost or stolen) and you must follow offer requirements available on the OpenSky Rewards platform (https://myaccount.openskycc.com).
– The Rewards program is subject to detailed Triple CLO Terms and Conditions, which include requirements for offer activation, restrictions on combining with other promotions, and provisions for forfeiture or adjustment for returns/cancellations.
Minimum Qualifications
• Pre‑approval criteria include having monthly income greater than your monthly expenses, no more than two open Capital Bank credit card accounts, and a positive history with Capital Bank (if applicable).
• A refundable security deposit is required, which will be equal to your chosen credit limit (between $200 and your maximum approved limit).
Key offer
• No interest, no annual fee, no credit check, and no minimum security deposit required – you simply assign funds from your Chime Checking Account to set your credit limit.
• Designed to help build credit with everyday purchases, with on‑time payments typically increasing your credit score by an average of 30 points.
Welcome offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Card Rewards
No rewards
Premium Benefits
• Establish or improve your credit score as your payment history is reported to all three major credit bureaus.
• Adjustable credit limit: your spending power is directly tied to the funds you allocate from your Chime Checking Account.
• No interest charges since you can only spend what you’ve assigned, reducing the risk of high-interest debt.
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• Seamless integration with the Chime app where you can view and track your FICO® Score, manage spending, and receive real‑time transaction alerts.
• Use your card wherever Visa is accepted on everyday purchases like gas and groceries.
• Optional autopay feature (Safer Credit Building) that automatically uses your secured funds to pay your bill, ensuring on‑time payments.
• 24/7 customer support and instant in‑app card disable to help prevent fraudulent activities.
Minimum Qualifications
• Must have a Chime Checking Account to apply.
• Targeted for individuals with limited, poor, or fair credit.
• No credit check is required for approval, making it accessible for those new to credit or looking to rebuild.
Key offer
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day—with a refundable minimum security deposit of $200.
• Build credit while enjoying upgrade potential to an unsecured Quicksilver card through responsible card use and automatic credit line reviews.
Welcome offer
N/A
Annual fee
$0
Card Rewards
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Redeem your cash back for statement credits, checks, or gift cards. Rewards do not expire for the life of the account.
Premium Benefits
• Refundable security deposit: Begin with a $200 deposit and increase your credit line by depositing additional funds, up to a maximum limit based on your creditworthiness.
• Automatic credit line reviews: Be considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months with no extra deposit required.
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• Credit-building tool: Use everyday purchases to help improve your credit profile with on-time payments reported to the major credit bureaus.
• No hidden fees: Enjoy a card with no foreign transaction fees, replacement card fees, or authorized user fees.
• Advanced account management: Benefit from account alerts, autopay, virtual card numbers through Eno, and 24/7 customer support to securely manage your spending.
Minimum Qualifications
• Designed for applicants with fair credit—find out if you’re pre-approved with no risk to your credit score.
• Pre-approval indicates that you meet the initial criteria, while final approval is based on Capital One’s credit standards and a review of your financial profile.
Pro Tips
Tip 1
- Apply 60 days after discharge
- Start with $300-500 credit line
- Expect graduation in 12-18 months
Tip 2
- Apply after plan completion
- Higher approval odds
- Faster path to premium cards
Tip 3
Based on 15,000 post-bankruptcy cardholders:
- Average score increase: 72 points (6 months)
- Upgrade timeline: 14 months
- Approval rate: 85-92%