The short answer is yes, but with significant conditions. While your overall credit score (e.g., a FICO of 500) might not matter to some brokers, the individual credit card account you are selling must have an impeccable record.
Here is how you can still monetize your credit cards even if your general credit profile is poor:
1. Account-Level vs. Profile-Level Credit
Most tradeline brokerages focus on the specific card's health rather than your entire credit report. To be eligible for sale, the specific card must meet these 2025 standards:
Perfect Payment History: There must be zero late payments on that specific account, regardless of other accounts you may have.
Low Utilization: The balance on the card must typically be below 10% of its limit.
Account Age: The card must usually be at least 12 to 24 months old to be valuable to a buyer.
2. Why High Scores Are Usually Preferred
While some brokers claim your score doesn't matter, the most reputable companies often require a personal credit score of 700 or higher. This is because:
Buyer Trust: Buyers pay for a "piggyback" on good credit; if your profile is riddled with recent defaults, brokers may view your accounts as high-risk for closure.
Bank Stability: Banks are more likely to shut down accounts for "authorized user abuse" if the primary cardholder already has a risky credit profile.
3. The "Seasoned" Exception
If you have an old credit card (10+ years) that you have kept in good standing, it can be highly valuable even if your recent credit history is poor.
Actionable Tip: If you have an old, unused card with no late payments, use a tool like the Tradeline Supply Company Payout Estimator to see if that specific line qualifies despite your overall score.
4. Alternatives for Those with Bad Credit
If your personal cards don't qualify, focus on rebuilding your profile first so you can sell lines in the future:
Credit Builder Accounts: Use services like Self or Kikoff to establish a positive payment history.
Secured Cards: Open a secured card from a major issuer like Discover or Capital One. Once these graduate to unsecured cards after 6–12 months of on-time payments, they become eligible to sell as tradelines.