Are you looking to build or rebuild your credit? Secured credit cards can be an excellent tool to help you achieve your financial goals.
Best Secured Credit Cards – Quick Answer
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for Cash Back Rewards
- Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for Low Initial Deposit
- Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for No Credit Check and Flexible Deposit
Remember that activating a credit card has financial consequences. Only you can decide which option is best for you, based on your specific financial needs.
Find the Best Credit Card for Your Needs
| Company | Card name | Annual Fee | APR: | Max. Credit | Card System | Travel Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destiny® Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | Master Card | No | Explore more |
| Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | Master Card | No | Explore more |
| First Latitude Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $25 | 23.74% | $2,000 | Master Card | No | Explore more |
| OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card | $0 | 29.99% | $3,000 | Visa | No | Explore more |
| First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $29 | 24.49% | – | Master Card | No | Explore more |
| PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | Explore more |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | Explore more |
| PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | Explore more |
| Milestone® Gold Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | Master Card | No | Explore more |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card | $35 | 25.64% | $3,000 | Visa | No | Explore more |
| Surge® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 29.99% | $2,000 | Master Card | No | Explore more |
| Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card | $75 | 35.99% | $300 | Visa | No | Explore more |
| Upgrade Card | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | Explore more |
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| Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | Explore more |
| Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | Explore more |
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| Company | Overall Rating | Card name | Annual Fee | APR: | Max. Credit | Card System | Travel Insurance | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Destiny® Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | Master Card | No | Explore more | |
|
| Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | Master Card | No | Explore more | |
|
| First Latitude Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $25 | 23.74% | $2,000 | Master Card | No | Explore more | |
|
| OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card | $0 | 29.99% | $3,000 | Visa | No | Explore more | |
|
| First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $29 | 24.49% | – | Master Card | No | Explore more | |
|
| PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | Explore more | |
|
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | Explore more | |
|
| PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | Visa | No | Explore more | |
|
| Milestone® Gold Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | Master Card | No | Explore more | |
|
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card | $35 | 25.64% | $3,000 | Visa | No | Explore more | |
|
| Surge® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 29.99% | $2,000 | Master Card | No | Explore more | |
|
| Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card | $75 | 35.99% | $300 | Visa | No | Explore more | |
|
| Upgrade Card | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | Explore more | |
|
| Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | Explore more | |
|
| Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | Visa | No | Explore more |
What Is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a cash deposit as collateral. This deposit typically determines your credit limit and provides security for the issuer if you can’t make payments.
This is how secured credit cards work:
- You provide a security deposit (usually $200-$2,500)
- The deposit often equals your credit limit
- You use the card like a regular credit card
- Your activity is reported to credit bureaus
- Responsible use can help build or improve your credit score
Questions About Secured Credit Cards
Do secured credit cards really help build credit?
Yes, secured credit cards can be highly effective for building credit when used responsibly. They report to the major credit bureaus, allowing you to establish a positive payment history.
How long does it take to build credit with a secured card?
With consistent, responsible use, you may see improvements in your credit score in as little as 6 months. However, substantial improvements typically take 12-18 months.
Can I get my security deposit back?
Yes, you can typically get your security deposit back when you close the account in good standing or upgrade to an unsecured card, provided there’s no outstanding balance.
What credit score do I need for a secured credit card?
Many secured credit cards are available to people with poor or no credit. Some cards, like the Chime Credit Builder, don’t even require a credit check.
Top Secured Credit Cards of 2024
We’ve analyzed the latest offerings to bring you the best secured credit cards available this year:
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- $0 annual fee
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants
- 27.49% Variable APR
- Refundable security deposit minimum $200
Line of credit
$0
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$0
Travel Insurance
No
ATM fee
Interest
27.49% – 27.49%
This card offers cash back rewards (2% at gas stations and restaurants, 1% on all other purchases) with no annual fee. It requires a minimum $200 deposit and provides automatic monthly reviews starting at 7 months for possible transition to an unsecured card.
2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Capital One Platinum MasterCard®
- No annual fee
- 29.74% variable APR
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatic credit line reviews
Line of credit
$300
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$0
Travel Insurance
No
ATM fee
Interest
29.74% – 0.00%
This card has no annual fee and offers a unique feature where you may qualify for a line of credit with a deposit of $49, $99, or $200, based on your creditworthiness. It also provides an opportunity for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with responsible use.
3. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
- No credit check to apply
- 0% APR – No interest or annual fees
- Get cash at over 60K fee-free ATMs
- No minimum security deposit required
Line of credit
$10,000
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$0
Travel Insurance
No
ATM fee
0
Interest
0.00% – 0.00%
This card has no annual fee, no interest (as it uses money you’ve already deposited), and no minimum security deposit requirement. It doesn’t require a credit check and reports to all three major credit bureaus, making it an excellent option for those new to credit or rebuilding their credit history.
How to Choose the Best Secured Credit Card
When selecting a secured credit card, consider the following factors:
Annual fee
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
Minimum security deposit required
Rewards program (if any)
Path to upgrading to an unsecured card
Reporting to all three major credit bureaus
Additional fees (e.g., foreign transaction fees)
Key Factors to Consider
How to Use a Secured Credit Card to Build Credit
To maximize the credit-building potential of your secured credit card, follow these best practices:
- Make all payments on time
- Keep your credit utilization below 30% (ideally below 10%)
- Use the card regularly for small purchases
- Monitor your credit score regularly
- Avoid applying for multiple cards at once
- Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Pro Tip:
Consider setting up a small recurring payment (like a streaming service subscription) on your secured card and enabling auto-pay. This ensures regular activity and on-time payments, both crucial for building credit.
Latest Trends in Secured Credit Cards (2024)
The secured credit card market has evolved significantly in recent years. Here are some key trends to be aware of:
- Rewards Programs: More secured cards are offering cash back and other rewards, previously rare in this category.
- Flexible Deposits: Some issuers now offer cards with variable deposit requirements, making them more accessible.
- Graduation Paths: Many cards now offer clear paths to graduate to unsecured cards with responsible use.
- Credit-Building Features: Enhanced credit education tools and resources are becoming common add-ons.
Final Thoughts
Remember:
While secured credit cards can be helpful, they’re just one part of a comprehensive credit-building strategy. Always consider your overall financial situation and goals when choosing a credit product.
Secured credit cards can be powerful tools for building or rebuilding credit when used responsibly. By choosing the right card and following best practices for credit building, you can improve your financial health and work towards qualifying for better financial products in the future.
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