The 10 Worst Credit Cards You Can Own – And Why You Should Avoid Them
Credit cards can be powerful financial tools when used correctly, offering convenience, security, and even rewards for responsible use. However, not all credit cards are created equal. While some help you build credit and earn benefits, others seem to exist purely to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. With excessive fees, sky-high interest rates, and misleading policies, these predatory cards can wreak havoc on your finances and make it nearly impossible to escape debt.
Understanding the worst credit cards on the market can help you make smarter financial decisions. The following list highlights the 10 worst credit cards you can own and explains why they should be avoided at all costs. If you’re searching for a credit card that will genuinely benefit your financial well-being, these are the ones to steer clear of. By knowing what to look out for, you can avoid falling into a financial trap and instead choose a card that will help you achieve your financial goals. Stick around for my favorite cards of 2025 at the end of the article!
1. First Premier Bank Credit Card – The Fee Monster
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 36%+
- Fees: $95 processing fee, $75 annual fee (first year), plus monthly maintenance fees
- Credit Limit: $300 (but fees eat up most of it)
This card is notorious for its outrageous fees and sky-high interest rates. Before you even make a single purchase, a huge chunk of your credit limit is eaten up by fees. Many customers report struggling to pay off their balances due to high interest rates and monthly maintenance charges. This is the classic example of a card that preys on those with bad credit, only to keep them in financial distress.
2. Credit One Bank Platinum Visa – The Fake “Capital One” Card
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 28.99%
- Fees: $75–$99 annual fee, hidden account maintenance charges
- Rewards: 1% cashback, but it’s hardly worth it
Credit One is often mistaken for Capital One due to its similar name and logo. But unlike Capital One, Credit One Bank offers a terrible customer experience riddled with hidden fees. Many cardholders complain about unpredictable interest charges, fees for making payments online, and misleading cashback rewards that are difficult to redeem. If you’re considering this card, just know there are far better options for rebuilding credit.
3. Indigo Mastercard – The Credit Builder That Does the Opposite
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 24.90%
- Fees: $75–$99 annual fee
- Credit Limit: $300
Indigo markets itself as a credit-building card for people with poor credit, but the problem is it offers very little benefit while charging you a hefty fee just to have it. With an extremely low credit limit, you’ll be in constant danger of having high credit utilization, which could actually hurt your credit score rather than help it.
4. Total Visa Card – A Total Disaster
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 34.99%
- Fees: $89 processing fee, $75+ annual fee, $6.25/month maintenance fee
- Credit Limit: $300
The Total Visa Card makes you pay just to apply, then hits you with an annual fee and monthly maintenance charges that make it nearly impossible to use without constantly paying fees. With one of the highest APRs in the industry, any balance you carry can quickly spiral out of control.
5. Surge Mastercard – A Surge of Fees
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 29.99%
- Fees: $125+ in first-year fees
The Surge Mastercard claims to be a credit-building card, but it really just sets you up for failure with excessive fees and high-interest rates. Even if you manage to pay off your balance each month, you’re still stuck with monthly maintenance fees that never go away.
6. Destiny Mastercard – Destined for Financial Trouble
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 35.90%
- Fees: $59–$99 annual fee
- Credit Limit: $300
With one of the highest interest rates on the market, the Destiny Mastercard is a financial trap for anyone trying to rebuild credit. You’ll struggle to maintain a low balance because the fees alone will take up most of your credit limit. This card does nothing to help your financial future.
7. Milestone Gold Mastercard – An Expensive Step Backward
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 24.90%
- Fees: $75–$99 annual fee
- Credit Limit: Usually only $300
The Milestone Gold Mastercard offers zero benefits, yet still comes with high fees and interest rates. Many users report issues with payments being processed late, leading to unnecessary late fees. If you’re trying to build credit, this card will likely do more harm than good.
8. Reflex Mastercard – Reflexively Bad
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 29.99%+
- Fees: $125+ in first-year fees
The Reflex Mastercard has a terrible reputation for charging fees at every turn. Cardholders often complain that their balance grows mysteriously, even when they make payments on time. It’s another card that preys on those desperate to build credit but offers nothing of value in return.
9. Verve Credit Card – A Hidden Fee Nightmare
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 29.99%+
- Fees: $125+ in first-year fees, monthly maintenance charges
The Verve Credit Card is filled with hidden fees that make it one of the worst credit-building options. Some cardholders even report having their credit limit reduced for no reason, making it an unpredictable and unreliable option.
10. First Access Visa Credit Card – The Ultimate Scam
Why It’s One of the Worst:
- APR: 35.99%
- Fees: $89 processing fee, $75 annual fee in year one, then $48 annually + monthly fees
- Credit Limit: $300 (minus fees)
This card is so bad that some users say it feels like they’re being scammed. You pay a huge fee just to open the account, and then additional fees pile up before you even use it. With one of the highest APRs on the market, this card is a financial burden rather than a benefit.
Better Alternatives for Building Credit
If you’re looking to rebuild credit, avoid these predatory cards and consider these far better alternatives:
- Discover it Secured Card: No annual fee, cashback rewards, and a path to upgrade.
- Capital One Platinum Secured Card: No hidden fees and helps build credit with responsible use.
- Chime Credit Builder Visa: No interest, no fees, and reports to all three credit bureaus.
My Favorite Credit Cards of 2025
Now that I’ve fully covered the absolute worst credit cards you can have, I’ll give you the some of my favorite! Below are my top 3 credit cards overall:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® – Favorite Overall Card
- Intro Offer: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (up to $750 in travel through Chase).
- APR: 21.24% – 28.24% variable.
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Rewards Rate: 5x points on travel through Chase, 3x on dining, 2x on other travel, 1x on all other purchases.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: This card offers flexible rewards, high points value, and is excellent for frequent travelers.
American Express® Platinum Card – For The Luxurious Traveler
- Intro Offer: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
- APR: Variable, typically a charge card with no preset spending limit.
- Annual Fee: $695.
- Rewards Rate: 5x points on flights and hotels through Amex Travel; 1x on other purchases.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Premium benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits, and concierge services make it a standout.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – A Powerful Intro Travel Card
- Intro Offer: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (equal to $750 in travel).
- APR: 21.24% – 28.24% variable.
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Rewards Rate: 2x miles on all purchases.
- Why It’s a Top Pick: Ideal for travelers who value simplicity and flexibility in redeeming miles.
Conclusion
When choosing a credit card, it’s important to find one that supports your financial goals rather than sets you up for failure. The cards listed above are designed to take advantage of those with poor credit rather than help them improve their financial standing. With high fees, extreme interest rates, and deceptive terms, they are some of the worst credit cards you could possibly own.
If you’re serious about rebuilding or improving your credit, there are far better options available that won’t trap you in an endless cycle of fees and debt. Always read the fine print, compare different credit card options, and choose a card that genuinely benefits your financial future rather than one that works against it.
