Best Credit Cards for Young Adults with Bad Credit in 2025

Introduction to the Best Credit Cards for Young Adults in 2025

Are you a young adult struggling with bad credit and searching for the best credit cards for young adults in 2025? If so, you’re not alone. Many young adults face challenges building credit due to limited credit history or past financial mistakes, making bad credit credit cards a popular solution.

Fortunately, credit cards for young adults offer opportunities to rebuild credit without strict requirements. In this guide, I’ll explore the top credit cards for young adults, including options like the Yendo Credit Card, secured cards like OpenSky, and student cards. By the end, you’ll know which card best suits your needs to start your credit-building journey. If you’re looking for even more options, check out our comprehensive credit card guide for young adults for a broader overview.

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1. Yendo Credit Card: Best for No Credit Check and Higher Limits

If you’re looking for the best credit cards for young adults with bad credit, the Yendo Credit Card stands out as a top choice in 2025. Unlike traditional secured cards, Yendo uses your vehicle title as collateral instead of a cash deposit, making it ideal for young adults who may not have extra cash on hand. For example, if your car is worth $10,000, you could qualify for a credit limit between $450 and $10,000—much higher than many secured cards.

If you want to learn more about the Yendo Credit Card, click the link to read our in-depth Yendo Reviews for 2025 blogpost.

Pros of the Yendo Credit Card for Young Adults

• No credit check required, perfect for bad credit.
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), helping you build credit with on-time payments.
• Higher credit limits based on your vehicle’s value.

Cons of the Yendo Credit Card for Young Adults

• Timely payments are important to avoid any risk of repossession.
• Comes with a 29.88% APR and a $40 annual fee.

In truth, Yendo is particularly appealing for young adults needing a higher credit limit without a cash deposit, offering flexibility to cover expenses like textbooks or emergencies. Additionally, its credit-building potential makes it a solid long-term option.

For a comprehensive review, check out my Yendo reviews for 2025 or apply now.

2. OpenSky Secured Visa: Best Credit Card for Young Adults with Low Fees

Moreover, another excellent option among credit cards for young adults with bad credit is the OpenSky Secured Visa. This card requires a cash deposit as collateral (starting at $200), which becomes your credit limit. However, it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to use a vehicle title as collateral.

Pros of the OpenSky Secured Visa for Credit Building

• No credit check, making it accessible for bad credit.
• Low annual fee of $35.
• Reports to all three credit bureaus, aiding credit building.

Cons of the OpenSky Secured Visa for Credit Building

• Requires a cash deposit, which can be tough for cash-strapped young adults.
• No rewards program, unlike some student cards.

OpenSky is a safer bet if you’re worried about repossession risks with Yendo. For instance, a $200 deposit gets you a $200 credit limit, offering a controlled way to build credit. Learn more about secured cards at Experian’s guide on secured cards.

3. Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for Students with Some Credit

While not specifically for bad credit, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card is worth considering among good credit cards for young adults who are students and have at least some credit history. Discover often accepts applicants with limited credit, making it a viable option for young adults transitioning from bad credit.

Pros of the Discover it® Student Cash Back for Young Adults

• 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%) and 1% on other purchases.
• No annual fee, which is budget-friendly for students.
• First-year cashback match, doubling your rewards.

Cons of the Discover it® Student Cash Back for Young Adults

• Requires a credit check, which may result in denial for very bad credit.
• Rewards require activation each quarter, which can be inconvenient.

This card is best for young adults who are students and can handle a credit check. For example, earning 5% cash back on dining can help with social expenses, while the first-year match adds extra value. However, if your credit is too poor, you might need to start with Yendo or OpenSky first.

4. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for Potential Upgrades

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is another strong contender for good credit cards for young adults with bad credit, especially those looking for a path to an unsecured card. In fact, like OpenSky, it requires a cash deposit (as low as $49 for a $200 credit limit), but Capital One offers potential upgrades to unsecured cards after responsible use.

Pros of the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card for Credit Building in 2025

• Low deposit requirement ($49–$200 for a $200 credit limit).
• No annual fee, saving you money.
• Opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card after 6 months of on-time payments.

Cons of the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card for Credit Building in 2025

• No rewards, which might disappoint young adults looking for perks.
• Requires a credit check, though Capital One is lenient with bad credit.

This card suits young adults who want a path to an unsecured card without annual fees. Additionally, its low deposit makes it accessible if you’re short on cash but still want to build credit responsibly.

Comparing Credit Cards for Young Adults: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the best credit cards for young adults depends on your priorities. If you need a card with no credit check and higher limits, Yendo is ideal, especially if you own a vehicle. For instance, a $5,000 vehicle might get you a $2,500 credit limit with Yendo, compared to OpenSky’s $200 limit for the same deposit. On the other hand, OpenSky and Capital One are better if you prefer a cash deposit over vehicle collateral, offering lower fees and potential upgrades. Meanwhile, the Discover it® Student Cash Back card suits students with some credit history who want rewards.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Yendo: Best for no credit check, higher limits; risk of repossession.
• OpenSky: Best for low fees, no rewards; requires a deposit.
• Discover it® Student: Best for rewards, students; requires a credit check.
• Capital One Platinum Secured: Best for upgrades, low deposit; no rewards.

Final Thoughts: Start Building Credit Today in 2025

In conclusion, finding the best credit cards for young adults with bad credit in 2025 is easier than ever with options like Yendo, OpenSky, Discover, and Capital One. The Yendo Credit Card stands out as one of the best bad credit credit cards. Its no credit check policy and higher credit limits make it a top pick for young adults needing flexibility.

Ready to build credit? Apply for the Yendo Credit Card today and start your journey immediately!

If you want to see a comprehensive review of Yendo, click on the link and check out my Yendo reviews for 2025 blogpost.

However, secured cards like OpenSky and Capital One offer other alternatives if you’re not sure about using your vehicle as collateral. For students with some credit, Discover’s rewards make it a compelling choice.

However, secured cards like OpenSky and Capital One

So, are you ready to take the next step? Explore these cards for credit building 2025 goals and start improving your credit today! Have you tried any of these cards? Share your experience in the comments below.

Do you have bad credit and need to improve it? Click on this link How to Improve Your Bad Credit Score in 2025 for a complete step-by-step guide.