James DiLellio Breaks Down the Best Ways to Boost Credit with Low-Score Credit Cards

As consumers with poor credit look for reliable ways to rebuild their financial standing, WalletHub's latest credit card analysis highlights how secured cards can offer the strongest path forward. Contributing to the discussion, James DiLellio, faculty member at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, emphasizes that improving credit begins with consistent, on-time payments and responsible credit use.

DiLellio notes that many credit cards for bad credit allow users to set up automatic payments, a simple but powerful tool to ensure no payments are missed. “Individuals with poor or bad credit can improve their scores by taking steps to ensure they do not miss any future payments,” he explains, adding that reliability is one of the most important factors in rebuilding credit.

He also advises cardholders to avoid maxing out their credit limits, recommending that they use only a portion of their available credit to demonstrate responsible borrowing behavior. When more flexibility is needed, DiLellio suggests reaching out to the credit card company to request a higher limit instead of overspending.

WalletHub's analysis compared more than 1,500 credit cards using its proprietary 100-point rating system and found that secured credit cards typically offer lower fees, higher approval odds, and a more effective structure for rebuilding credit. While unsecured cards can provide short-term funding, especially for emergencies, they often come with higher costs.

For consumers committed to long-term credit improvement, DiLellio’s guidance underscores a consistent theme: responsible habits today unlock access to better financial opportunities in the future.

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