8 Best Low Limit Credit Cards
Credit cards with low limits make it easier to keep up with payments while allowing you the necessary credit for emergencies. We’ve reviewed the best low limit credit cards for students.
Table of Contents
- Best Low Limit Credit Cards for Students
- 1. Chase Freedom Rise™ Credit Card
- 2. Capital One® Platinum Secured Mastercard®
- 3. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 4. Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
- 5. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
- 6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
- 7. Savings Secured Platinum Rewards Credit Card
- 8. Discover It® Secured Credit Card
- What is the Easiest Credit Card to Get?
- Why Are My Credit Card Limits So Low?
- FAQs
When it comes to credit cards, having a higher credit limit may not always be the best option. While some consumers may prefer flashy cards with high credit limits, others may choose to maintain a lower credit limit for manageable repayments.
The lowest credit card limit generally starts at $200. It can be better to opt for such low-limit credit cards sometimes as they can help provide quick funding in case of an emergency while limiting one from overspending and falling into debt.
For secured credit cards, the applicant can decide their credit limit by making a security deposit equal to the amount of credit line they desire. However, most secured credit cards have a minimum security deposit requirement of $200. Student credit cards generally have a low limit as well, which is usually less than $1000. The credit limit for an unsecured card usually depends on the credit score of the applicant and the amount of income they earn. The higher the score and the income, the better the limit would be. After approval, you can request a lower limit with your credit card issuer if needed.
If you want a credit card with a low initial credit limit, here are some of the best options available.
Best Low Limit Credit Cards for Students
Lender | Scholaroo rating | Regular APR | Credit Score |
---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card Best for rewards without an annual fee Visit website | 26.74% | N/A | |
Capital One® Platinum Secured® Best for no credit history and no annual fee Visit website | 29.99% | No minimum credit score | |
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Best for cashback rewards Visit website | 19.99% - 29.99% | No minimum credit score | |
Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card Best for cash back rewards Visit website | 17.99% - 26.99% | N/A | |
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Best for borrowers with no credit Visit website | 22.14% | No minimum credit score | |
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card Best for a welcome bonus Visit website | 17.99% - 27.99% | Good (690 - 850) | |
Savings Secured Platinum Rewards Best for no annual fees Visit website | 16.74% | N/A | |
Discover It® Secured Credit Card Great for building credit Visit website | 27.99% | No minimum credit score |
Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card
Best for rewards without an annual fee
Capital One® Platinum Secured®
Best for no credit history and no annual fee
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
Best for cashback rewards
Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
Best for cash back rewards
OpenSky® Secured Visa®
Best for borrowers with no credit
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card
Best for a welcome bonus
Savings Secured Platinum Rewards
Best for no annual fees
Discover It® Secured Credit Card
Great for building credit
1. Chase Freedom Rise™ Credit Card
2. Capital One® Platinum Secured Mastercard®
3. Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
4. Discover It® Student Cash Back Credit Card
5. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card for Students
7. Savings Secured Platinum Rewards Credit Card
8. Discover It® Secured Credit Card
What is the Easiest Credit Card to Get?
The easiest credit cards to get are generally secured credit cards and cards designed for people with poor or no credit history. These cards often have more lenient approval criteria and sometimes don’t even require a credit check. They are a good starting point for those who want to build or rebuild their credit.
Unsecured credit cards have no deposit requirement, but approval standards are higher. Issuers rarely publish minimum requirements, making it tough to choose from many options.
Why Are My Credit Card Limits So Low?
Your credit limit is determined by the bank that issues your credit card. In order to determine the limit, the bank will review your credit history, current debt, income, and other factors. Some of these factors are unknown to consumers and are proprietary to the bank.
If any of these factors are problematic, your credit limit may be drastically lowered or your application may be rejected altogether. Even those with excellent credit may face rejections.
If you have no reported credit history, you may also find yourself with a lower limit. These individuals are known as “credit invisible” and their credit history is so limited that a reliable credit score cannot be generated.
Credit cards, like any other kind of loan, are all about risk. Banks want to lend money or extend credit to people who they think are likely to pay them back.
FAQs
Do low limit credit cards hurt credit?
If you fail to pay off your balance every month, your credit score can take a hit. This is especially true for those with a low credit limit, as it can lead to a high credit utilization ratio.
What is the lowest credit card limit?
When you get your first credit card from a retail store, your credit limit may start at $100. However, if you get your first credit card from a bank or credit card company, you could be approved for a slightly higher credit limit of up to $500.
Can I get a credit card with a $200 limit?
Yes, there are many secured cards that you can get with a $200 limit. Discover It® Secured Credit Card and OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card both give a credit line that is equal to the security deposit you make which starts at $200.
Can I get a credit card with a low credit limit?
Secured credit cards offer low-limit options that are highly customizable based on the refundable security deposit you decide to make. Whether you’re looking for a credit limit of $200 or $2,000, there are multiple secured card options to meet your needs.
What credit card can I get with a 570 credit score?
If you have a credit score of 570 and are looking for a good credit card option, the 2. Capital One® Platinum Secured Mastercard® could be a great choice. It doesn’t require a credit history for approval and has a lower minimum security deposit of $49.