7 Best Travel Credit Cards for People With Bad or Fair Credit

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated August 21, 2025

Finding a travel credit card with bad or fair credit may seem difficult, but there are solid options available. Many of these cards offer rewards, credit-building tools, and perks to help travelers save money while improving their financial standing. This guide highlights seven accessible travel credit cards that combine ease of approval with practical travel benefits.

  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a strong option for those with fair credit looking to earn consistent rewards on everyday spending. It provides a flat 1.5% cash back on purchases and higher earnings on travel booked through Capital One.

    This card is accessible for credit builders and offers valuable features like fraud protection and credit monitoring. It also includes access to Capital One Travel and potential for credit line increases with responsible use.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
    • No rotating categories or limits on cash back

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not typically offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $39
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 29.74% (Variable)
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
    • Includes free access to CreditWise and contactless payment options

    Key Benefits:

    • Simple, flat-rate cash back rewards
    • Opportunity to build or improve credit
    • No foreign transaction fees for travel purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    This card is designed for people with fair credit, typically with no major negative marks but limited history.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The $39 annual fee and lack of a welcome bonus may reduce value for lower spenders.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps people with limited credit earn rewards while building credit, offering an easy-to-understand cash back program.

  • Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® With Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards

    The Credit One Bank Wander® American Express® card targets people with fair or average credit. It offers a way to earn rewards on travel, dining, and gas purchases while building credit.

    This card has no foreign transaction fees, which is helpful for international travelers. It also provides bonus points for certain bookings through the Credit One Bank travel partner.

    Earning Structure:

    • 10X points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner
    • 5X points on eligible dining, gas, and other travel purchases (including flights)
    • 1X points on all other purchases
    • No cap on rewards earnings

    Welcome Bonus:

    There is no welcome bonus offered with this card.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 29.49% (Variable)
    • Points redeemable for travel, gift cards, and statement credits
    • Includes rental car perks with Avis, Hertz, and SIXT

    Key Benefits:

    • High rewards rate on travel bookings through the bank’s travel partner
    • Opportunities to earn bonus points on dining and gas
    • Access to car rental perks and discounts
    • Helps build credit with responsible use

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and more through the issuer’s portal.

    Credit Requirements:

    This card targets individuals with fair to good credit, typically starting around a 600 score.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The $95 annual fee and some restrictions in the rewards program may not suit all users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It rewards everyday spending and travel even if credit is not excellent, making it a good starter travel card.

  • Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card

    The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card is designed for those looking to build or rebuild their credit while earning travel rewards. It requires a security deposit, making it easier for people with bad or fair credit to qualify.

    This card offers travel-related rewards without an annual fee. It helps users start earning points for everyday purchases and improve their credit score through responsible use.

    Earning Structure:

    • Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center
    • Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
    • No cap on points and they never expire

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 28.24% (Variable)
    • Requires refundable security deposit (minimum $200)
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn travel rewards on every purchase
    • No penalty APR for late payments
    • Mobile wallet compatibility
    • Access to fraud monitoring and alerts

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel statement credits, flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.

    Credit Requirements:

    The card is aimed at people with bad or fair credit who need to establish or rebuild their credit profile.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The credit limit equals the security deposit, which may limit available spending power.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a low barrier to entry with a small deposit and rewards for regular spending, helping users build credit and earn travel points simultaneously.

  • Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card helps people with limited or no credit earn meaningful rewards while building credit. It offers a flat cash back rate on everyday spending and bonus earnings through Capital One Travel.

    Cardholders can qualify for credit line increases and even earn back their security deposit with responsible use. There are no annual or hidden fees, making it a practical tool for financial growth.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 1.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
    • No expiration or caps on rewards

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 29.74% (Variable)
    • Security deposit: Minimum $200 (refundable)
    • Balance transfer fee: $0 at the Transfer APR; 4% for promotional APR transfers
    • Cash advance fee: Greater of $5 or 5% of each advance
    • Late payment fee: Up to $40
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn rewards while building credit
    • No monthly or annual fees
    • Potential to upgrade to an unsecured card
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or gift cards when the rewards reach a certain threshold.

    Credit Requirements:

    Designed for individuals with bad or no credit; prequalification available without a hard inquiry.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The $200 minimum deposit may be a barrier, and the starting credit limit may be low, limiting purchasing power.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps build credit with responsible use while rewarding purchases, making it a practical choice for people starting to improve their credit.

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

    This card is designed to help people build or rebuild their credit while earning rewards. It requires a security deposit, which sets the credit limit and reduces risk for the issuer.

    Users can choose to earn 3% cash back in a category they spend most on each month. It offers flexibility to switch categories as spending habits change.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3% cash back on one chosen category (e.g., gas, online shopping, travel)
    • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • APR: 28.24% (Variable)
    • Minimum security deposit: $200
    • Balance transfer fee: 4%
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build credit with responsible use
    • Offers a choice in cash back categories
    • No annual fee reduces cost for users
    • Good for people with bad or fair credit

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit, check, or for gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Available to individuals with bad or fair credit who can provide a refundable deposit.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    No upgrade path to unsecured status and limited high-rate earnings due to category restrictions and spending caps.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps build credit while rewarding everyday spending with flexible cash back options.

  • Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students who want to earn cash back on everyday spending. It targets typical student expenses like dining, groceries, and entertainment while helping users build credit.

    This card offers a straightforward way to earn rewards and does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an option for students who travel. It also has features that suit those with limited or average credit histories.

    Earning Structure:

    • 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
    • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, grocery stores (excluding superstores), and popular streaming services
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn a one-time $100 bonus after spending $300 in the first 3 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 19.24%–29.24% (Variable)
    • Balance transfer fee: None at regular APR; 4% for promotional APR transfers
    • Cash advance fee: Greater of $5 or 5%
    • Late payment fee: Up to $40
    • Eligible for students at all accredited higher education institutions

    Key Benefits:

    • High cash back rates on student-friendly categories
    • Helps build credit history with responsible use
    • No fees for international transactions
    • Easy to use and understand rewards program

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or direct deposits.

    Credit Requirements:

    Available to students with limited or average credit histories.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    High variable APR and no intro APR may make it costly to carry a balance.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple rewards with low fees and supports credit building, making it suitable for those new to credit cards.

  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card

    The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is designed for people who want to build or rebuild their credit. It works like a regular credit card but requires a security deposit to open.

    This card lets users earn cash back while they improve their credit score. It is easy to get with fair or bad credit and helps establish credit history over time.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Discover matches all cash back earned at the end of your first year with no cap or minimum spend.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • APR: 27.24% (Variable)
    • Penalty APR: None
    • Late payment fee: None on first occurrence; up to $41 afterward
    • Minimum security deposit: $200; maximum $2,500
    • Balance transfer intro APR: 10.99% for 6 months (3% intro fee, up to 5% after)
    • Reports to all three major credit bureaus

    Key Benefits:

    • Helps build credit with responsible use
    • Earns cash-back rewards without an annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Fraud alerts and $0 fraud liability protection

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards at any time.

    Credit Requirements:

    No credit score is required to apply, making it suitable for individuals with bad or no credit history.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Acceptance may be limited compared to other networks, and APR is higher than some secured competitors.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers a simple way to build credit and earn rewards, making it ideal for people new to credit or recovering from past credit issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best secured travel credit cards available for people with poor credit?

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured card offers flexible cash back, including 3% in travel if selected as your top category. It helps build credit while providing practical rewards. This makes it a strong choice for those with poor credit looking for travel value.

Which travel credit cards offer instant approval for fair credit scores?

Cards like the Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® offer prequalification without impacting your credit, helping you gauge approval odds. It provides strong rewards on travel, dining, and gas for those with fair credit. The application process is quick and friendly to improving credit profiles.

Are there any travel credit cards with guaranteed approval for a $1,000 limit despite bad credit?

Secured cards like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured may offer a $1,000 credit limit with a $200 deposit. Approval is tied to the security deposit, making access easier. It also provides travel rewards and reports to all three credit bureaus.

Can I obtain an airline credit card with bad credit without any deposit?

Most airline cards require good credit and do not approve applicants with poor credit without a deposit. Instead, secured travel cards like those in this guide offer better approval odds. While they don’t issue airline miles, they do reward travel spending and build your credit.

What options are available for a travel rewards card from a major bank for those with fair credit?

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured card is backed by a major bank and earns 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases. It offers 3 points per dollar when booking travel through the bank’s portal. This makes it a reliable option for travelers working on their credit.