Everything You Need to Know About Credit Cards for Disability Recipients
Introduction: Can You Qualify for a Credit Card on Disability?
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be wondering:
💳 Can I get a credit card while on disability benefits?
💳 Does SSI or SSDI count as income for credit applications?
💳 Which credit cards are best for disability recipients?
The good news is:
✔ You can apply for a credit card while receiving disability benefits.
✔ SSI & SSDI can count as income on credit applications.
✔ There are secured and unsecured credit card options available.
However, approval depends on your credit score, income, and ability to repay.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Does SSI or SSDI count as income for credit card applications?
✅ Best credit cards for disability recipients
✅ Can having a credit card affect your SSI benefits?
✅ How to build or improve credit while on disability
✅ How Purple helps manage spending and credit
Let’s dive in!
Does SSI or SSDI Count as Income for Credit Card Applications?
Yes! Credit card companies consider disability benefits as a form of income.
When applying for a credit card, issuers will ask for:
✔ Your total monthly income (including SSI, SSDI, or other benefits)
✔ Your credit history (credit score, payment history, existing debts)
✔ Your ability to make minimum payments
💡 Even if you don’t work, you can list SSI or SSDI as income when applying.
However:
❌ SSI may not count as income with all lenders because it’s meant for basic living expenses.
❌ SSDI is more widely accepted since it’s considered long-term disability income.
Best Credit Card Options for SSI & SSDI Recipients
There are two main types of credit cards for people on disability:
1. Secured Credit Cards (Easier to Get)
✔ Require a security deposit (usually $200–$500).
✔ Help build or rebuild credit over time.
✔ Best for those with no credit or poor credit history.
💡 Best Secured Cards for Disability Recipients:
✅ Capital One Platinum Secured – No annual fee, refundable deposit.
✅ Discover It Secured – Earns cash back rewards on purchases.
✅ Chime Credit Builder Card – No interest, no fees, easy approval.
2. Unsecured Credit Cards (No Deposit Required, But Harder to Get)
✔ No security deposit required.
✔ Requires a higher credit score (580+ recommended).
✔ Higher credit limits, but may have fees or higher interest rates.
💡 Best Unsecured Credit Cards for People on Disability:
✅ Capital One QuicksilverOne – 1.5% cash back, no deposit required.
✅ Petal 2 Visa Credit Card – No fees, rewards program, accepts alternative income.
✅ Citi Double Cash Card – 2% cash back, but requires good credit.
Can Having a Credit Card Affect My SSI Benefits?
⚠️ Yes, but only if you don’t use it carefully.
SSI has a $2,000 asset limit ($3,000 for couples), so unused credit card funds could be counted as a resource if they stay in your bank account too long.
How to Use a Credit Card Without Risking SSI Benefits:
✔ Pay off balances each month – Avoid accumulating cash that could put you over the SSI limit.
✔ Use for necessary expenses like rent, utilities, and medical bills.
✔ Avoid taking cash advances – These count as income and could lower your SSI payment.
💡 SSDI recipients do NOT have an asset limit, so credit cards do not affect SSDI eligibility.
How to Build or Improve Credit While on Disability
If you’re on disability and want to improve your credit score, follow these tips:
✔ Get a secured credit card – Use it for small purchases and pay it off monthly.
✔ Pay bills on time – Late payments hurt credit scores.
✔ Keep credit utilization low – Try to use less than 30% of your available credit.
✔ Check your credit report – Use AnnualCreditReport.com to spot errors.
💡 Building credit takes time, but consistent payments can increase your score!
How Purple Helps Manage Credit and Disability Benefits
💜 Track Your Disability Deposits – Know when your SSI & SSDI checks arrive.
💜 Monitor Your Spending – Avoid exceeding the SSI $2,000 resource limit.
💜 Set Credit Card Payment Reminders – Prevent missed payments & late fees.
💜 Find the Best Credit Card for Your Needs – Learn which credit options fit your financial situation.
💡 With Purple, you can manage your disability benefits and credit wisely!
FAQs About Getting a Credit Card on Disability
Can I Get a Credit Card with Only SSI as Income?
Yes, but some issuers may not count SSI since it’s meant for basic needs. A secured credit card is the best option.
Can I Get a Credit Card with Only SSDI as Income?
Yes! SSDI is considered stable income, making it easier to qualify for unsecured credit cards.
Will a Credit Card Affect My SSI Payments?
Not directly—but unused funds in your bank account could put you over the SSI resource limit.
What’s the Best Credit Card for Someone on Disability?
If you have low credit, start with a secured credit card. If your credit is good, look for rewards credit cards with no fees.
Can I Get a Credit Card with No Credit History?
Yes! Secured credit cards are designed for people with no credit or low credit scores.
Conclusion: You Can Get a Credit Card While on SSI or SSDI—Here’s How to Do It Wisely
✅ SSI and SSDI recipients CAN apply for credit cards.
✅ SSDI counts as income for most credit applications.
✅ A secured credit card is best for people with low credit or no credit history.
✅ Using a credit card wisely can improve your credit score.
✅ SSI recipients should track bank balances to avoid going over the $2,000 limit.
💜 Sign Up for Purple to Manage Your Disability Benefits & Credit in One Place!