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What’s the Best Credit Card for Low-Income Earners?
July 1, 2025
When life comes knocking, having instant access to credit can be a huge lifeline. And although there are plenty of exclusive triple platinum cards out there that are only available to high rollers, the truth is there is also a range of credit cards designed for individuals on a low income.
When you apply for a credit card, you’ll generally need to enter details about your existing income. But having a low income doesn’t hurt your credit score, so it shouldn’t affect your ability to get approved for a credit card. You just have to do your research and find the best credit card for low-income earners.
That’s where we come in.
This guide explains why building credit is important, whether having a low income affects your credit score, and the three best credit cards for low-income earners.
Why Is It Important To Build Your Credit?
Before we speed right into the best credit card for low-income earners, let’s pump the brakes for just a minute and talk about why building credit is so important in the first place.
Every time you want to get a financial product like a credit card, a loan, or financing for a big purchase, your lender or the credit card issuer you’re purchasing from is going to want to check your credit history. More specifically, your lender or credit card issuer will want to know your credit score.
Having a decent credit score with a positive credit history shows lenders that you pay your bills on time and spend responsibly. As a result, you’re more likely to be approved when you apply for a new financial product like a car loan or a mortgage.
More importantly, good credit will often sweeten the deal you are offered — meaning that a better credit score will often help you secure a lower interest rate or a longer repayment term. With a low interest rate, you’ll save money because you’ll end up repaying less over the course of your loan.
By contrast, defaulting on a loan, late payments, or delinquent accounts will stand out as a red flag. Believe it or not, employers have been known to pull credit reports. That means your credit history could mean the difference between getting a job or not.
Can You Have a Credit Card on a Low Income?
The short answer is: yes, you can get a credit card if you’re on a low income. But as always, there’s a little more to it.
Having a low-income job (or even being unemployed) isn’t going to stop you from getting a credit card. A wide range of credit cards are designed for those on low incomes or those looking to build their credit scores back up.
That being said, you may not get offered the best credit card on the market (or even the best interest rate) if you’re on a low income. It’s also pretty important that you think very carefully before getting a credit card. After all, taking on debt may not be a responsible decision if you’re not working — as this could mean even bigger financial problems in the future.
But if you feel like you’re in a position to take on a credit card and want to use it responsibly to build your credit score, a credit card can be a great option to boost your financial capability.
In terms of your credit score, it’s worth noting that your income has no direct impact on your credit score. That means you can have an amazing credit score even if you’re not earning very much money.
But if you suffer from a sudden loss in earnings or a reduction in the hours you’re getting at work, it could hinder your ability to make on-time payments — and that will definitely hurt your credit score.
What’s the Best Credit Card for Low Income Earners?
At the end of the day, you don’t need to be on a high roller’s salary to get a credit card.
There are plenty of credit cards available that are designed specifically for individuals with low income. A lot of these products are secured credit cards that focus on helping customers build credit over time, while others act more like traditional unsecured credit cards and simply give you access to extra spending power.
Because there are so many options out there, it’s really important that you understand what type of credit card you’re looking for, what you want to use it for and do your research before applying.
Here are a few of the standout options on the market to help you get started on your search for the best credit card for low income earners.
Best Credit Card for Low Income Students
Discover It® Student Cash Back
The Discover It® Student Cash Back credit card could be a smart option for college students and young adults trying to build up a credit history and earn a few perks along the way.
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Best Low Income Credit Card With 0% APR
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
If you’re looking for a credit card that you can use to make big purchases and spread the cost over time, you’ll want a 0% interest credit card — and if you’re on a low income, your best option is probably going to be the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3351", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Those Seeking No Interest Charges", "headerHint": "No Annual Fee"} ]]
Best Credit Card for Those Without a Credit History
Petal 2 Card
If you have little-to-no credit history and you’re not a college student, one of your best bets is going to be the Petal 2 Card.
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2905", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back and No Fee Seekers", "headerHint": "0 Fees"} ]]
Conclusion
You shouldn’t let your lack of bad credit history or a low income stop you from working to build your credit. Many credit cards are designed for low income earners or those with bad credit.
You just have to know what to look for in a credit card and make sure the card you’re applying for is going to be right for you.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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