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Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit
India is a Bankrate editor with expertise in credit cards that focus on students, building credit and small businesses. She also focuses on content that discusses debt relief guidance and Gen Z financial advice.
Seychelle is a credit card writer and Certified Financial Education Instructor with 12 years of experience. She breaks down complex money topics into clear steps and helps you take control of your credit — no jargon, no judgement.
Re'Dreyona Walker is an editor for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, focusing on product guides and reviews. As a personal finance expert, she is dedicated to providing honest product reviews as well as in-depth, comprehensive guides to assist readers in building credit and finding the best credit cards for their needs.
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It can be tough to find a travel credit card if your credit score has seen better days, as many of the best travel rewards credit cards require a FICO score of 670 or higher. While options may be limited, you can still earn rewards toward travel and everyday categories like gas, dining or entertainment through cash back cards. Even with bad-to-fair credit or limited credit history, the right rewards card can help offset vacation costs while you work on improving your score.
Take a look at our picks for the best travel credit cards for bad-to-fair credit, along with tips on how to make the most of your travel rewards.
5%Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.5%Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Bankrate’s view
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card gives people with fair credit the chance to earn 5 percent cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5 percent cash back on general purchases. That’s an above-average flat rate that ensures you’re getting a decent amount of cash back on every purchase. Cardholders also get to take advantage of Capital One’s travel portal, which is filled with travel features that can make booking travel easier.
Pros
Capital One may automatically consider cardholders for a higher line of credit in as little as six months with on-time payments.
This card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Cons
There’s an annual fee to take into account.
This card doesn’t offer a welcome bonus.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn’t expire for the life of the account. It’s that simple
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you’re all set
10X10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner
5X5X points on eligible dining, gas, and travel purchases
1X1X points on all other purchases
Bankrate’s view
The Credit One Wander Card is one of the few unsecured travel rewards cards accessible to people with fair credit. It comes with an annual fee of $95, but that may not be a problem for frequent travelers who can earn enough in rewards to offset that fee.
Cardholders earn 10X points on hotel and car rental bookings made through the Credit One Bank Travel portal, plus 5X points on all other eligible travel (including airfare from any airline), dining and gas purchases (followed by 1X points on all other purchases). That flexibility, combined with a welcome bonus and no cap on how much you can earn, makes the Wander card easily one of the best travel credit cards available at this credit level.
Pros
This card earns generous rewards on travel, comparable to premium travel cards
You can get prequalified without a hard inquiry on your credit.
Cons
The rewards program and redemption options have more restrictions than many competing cards.
The card has a $95 annual fee, which is high for a card for fair credit.
Card Details
5X points on eligible dining, gas, and travel purchases
1X points on all other purchases
10X points on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner
Rent a car at Avis, Hertz, or SIXT and receive exclusive Amex Card member discounts, complimentary upgrades, and more*
No Foreign Transaction Fee
There’s no limit to the number of points earned
Points may be redeemed for statement credit, gift cards, travel, and more
If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
Terms Apply*
Best for flat-rate travel rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card
*Hover to learn more
N/A
Hover to learn more
Intro offer
Hover to learn more
N/A
Rewards Rate
Hover to learn more
1.5 points
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Reward Details
1.5 pointsEarn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time.
Bankrate’s view
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card is one of the few secured cards offering travel rewards. Unlike most secured cards, you’ll earn the same rewards rate as the unsecured version of the card while having the opportunity to build or rebuild your credit score with responsible use. This card also keeps costs low with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Plus, booking flights or hotels through the Bank of America Travel Center earns an elevated rate of 3 points per dollar spent. However, it could be difficult to book travel with this card given the potentially low line of credit. The minimum security deposit of $200 will get you an initial credit limit of just $200. To prioritize rewards alongside rebuilding your credit score, you may want to consider a larger security deposit to get the most from this card.
Pros
You’ll earn unlimited flat-rate rewards of 1.5 points for each eligible dollar you spend.
It’s an affordable option with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee.
For travel booked through the Bank of America Travel Center, you’ll earn 3 points for each $1 you spend in net purchases.
Cons
This card doesn’t qualify for the same welcome offer as the unsecured Travel Rewards credit card.
If you opt for the minimum security deposit of $200, your $200 line of credit may not be enough to handle regular card use.
5%Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.5%Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Bankrate’s view
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card gives you a rare blend of accessibility and long-term potential, offering a genuine path to a stronger financial footing without sacrificing solid travel value. It offers unlimited flat-rate cash back on every purchase, plus a boosted rate on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel — plus the opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card.
Pros
You can earn on everyday spending while building credit, with a higher rewards rate on specific travel purchases.
You have the opportunity to earn your security deposit back as statement credit and upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use.
Cons
Not only do you have to put down a security deposit, but the initial credit limit could be extremely low if you only put down the minimum.
The APR is a bit high, which could be burdensome if you carry a balance.
Card Details
No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get at least a $200 initial credit line
Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone
3%3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings
2%2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
1%Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Bankrate’s view
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is another rare secured card that offers better-than-average rewards. You can pick one category from a list of six to earn 3 percent cash back while also earning 2 percent back on grocery and wholesale club purchases (on up to $2,500 in combined purchases in the 3 percent and 2 percent categories each quarter, then 1 percent).
The customizable categories include travel, which covers airfare, hotels, transit, campgrounds, resorts, tourist attractions, booking agencies and more. You can even get cash back on purchases at places like amusement parks and aquariums. That level of flexibility is a rare feature that will appeal to daytrippers and other travelers who don’t spend as much on airfare and hotels.
Pros
You can earn rewards on everyday and travel purchases, a rarity on cards available to people with bad credit.
There’s no annual fee to cut into your rewards.
Cons
You’ll need to put down a $200 minimum security deposit to open the account.
The card charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, which makes it pricey to use while abroad.
8%Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
5%Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
3%Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
Music and sports fans looking for exclusive events will appreciate this card’s impressive 8 percent cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. On top of this entertainment perk, this card also offers a great rate on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This is also one of the few student credit cards to offer a welcome bonus and no foreign transaction fees, which can help cut down on the cost of travel over the holidays, for school breaks or during study abroad opportunities.
Pros
This card earns generous rewards on entertainment, hotels and rental cars.
The welcome offer is very accessible for students with limited incomes.
Cons
The card is only available to students.
The APR you may qualify for with fair to bad credit is higher than most student cards.
Card Details
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
Build your credit with responsible card use
Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
2%Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
1%Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Bankrate’s view
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card earns 2 percent cash back on gas and restaurant purchases up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1 percent) and an unlimited 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. But the standout feature is the card’s welcome bonus, which matches all the rewards you earn in your first year. You’ll have to wait until the end of year one to see this bonus.
Discover also has some nice credit-building features, like the ability to graduate to an unsecured card in as little as seven months based on your creditworthiness.
Pros
Discover will match all the rewards you earn in your first year, making it one of the few welcome bonuses without a minimum spend.
You’ll pay no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no penalty APR and no fee on your first late payment (up to $41 thereafter).
Cons
Outside of some standard card features, the perks on this card are slim.
Discover is not as widely accepted abroad as some other networks’ cards.
Card Details
No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO® Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on the dark web. Activate for free.
The information about the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card was last updated on Sept 11 2025.
Comparing the best travel cards for bad-to-fair credit
Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
How to choose the best travel card for fair or bad credit
The best travel cards for people with bad-to-fair credit have features that can make your travel or everyday purchases more rewarding and help cover the cost of your next trip. But choosing the right one for you will depend on a few factors. Follow these tips to help you compare travel cards for fair or bad credit.
Knowing your credit score and researching which cards typically accept applicants below 670 can help you focus on the right options and avoid unnecessary hard inquiries that may further impact your score.
If you have bad credit (FICO score below 580), a secured credit card could be your best option, but with fair credit (FICO score of 580 to 669), you’ll have more options, including unsecured cards.
To get maximum value, you’ll need a travel card that rewards you on as much of your travel or everyday spending as possible. For example, if you spend the most on groceries and household items each month, the rewards you earn with the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card could make that card a great fit, especially since you can earn on travel purchases alongside your everyday spending.
Many travel cards for bad or fair credit, secured or unsecured, report to the major credit bureaus, and there are secured cards that have possible upgrade paths to unsecured options if you demonstrate responsible use. Applying for cards with these features help pave the way for better cards in the future.
Pay attention to the fees that come with each card you’re considering, especially foreign transaction fees for a travel rewards card, as this can become expensive if you travel abroad or make online purchases with overseas merchants.
How to make the most of a travel card for bad-to-fair credit
Once you have the right card for you, it pays to have a strategy in place to help you build credit and maximize the rewards you earn. Here are some steps you should take to get the best value out of your travel card.
Take advantage of the perks. If your card issuer has a travel portal, use features like price-drop predictions to find the best deals, but always compare prices on third-party sites before booking. Earning rewards is great, but be sure to avoid debt.
Create a budget. Knowing how to budget can help you keep track of your money so you can avoid most missteps that derail your travel plans or financial goals. If you don’t pay attention to your money, you run the risk of overusing your credit card or not having enough credit available in an emergency.
Don’t lose track of building credit. Focusing too much on earning rewards runs the risk of slowing down your credit-building journey. Make sure to keep up with responsible habits to avoid negative marks on your credit report and work toward a stronger credit score.
Having less-than-stellar credit doesn’t mean you have to miss out on travel perks. You can score a rewards card even if you don’t have good credit, and with responsible use and a sound strategy to maximize your rewards, your next flight, hotel stay or day trip could be a lot less expensive. Just make sure to stay on budget so you don’t undo all your hard work.
Frequently asked questions
If you tend to travel multiple times throughout the year, a travel credit card can be a good investment. On top of earning rewards on bookings, you can also get benefits that can help you while traveling, such as purchase protection and emergency card replacement. Just make sure to find a card that matches your budget and spending habits to make it worth your while.
The easiest travel card to get is one that matches your own credit history and score. If you have excellent credit and a track record of responsible card use, you may have an easy time getting approved for even premium credit cards. If you’re working on building your credit from the bad or fair range, you’ll still want to look for cards that are designed for where you are in your credit process.
It can be difficult to get a specific airline card with bad credit as most require good to excellent credit. They also are more likely to have high annual fees due to the perks and rewards rates they offer, which can make rebuilding your credit score more difficult.
The information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card and Bank of America® Travel Rewards Secured Credit Card* has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
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Davis, I., & Thomas, CFEI®, S. (2025, September 11). Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit. Bankrate. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://venture-ascend.live/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/
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Davis, India & Seychelle Thomas, CFEI®. "Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit." Bankrate. 11 September 2025, https://venture-ascend.live/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/.
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Davis, India & Seychelle Thomas, CFEI®. "Best travel credit cards for people with bad or fair credit." Bankrate. September 11, 2025. https://venture-ascend.live/credit-cards/travel/travel-credit-cards-bad-fair-credit/.
