Best Secured Credit Cards of December 2024
Updated: Dec 13, 2024
+ 2 more+ 2 more
Whether you're building credit from scratch or rebuilding after a setback, a secured credit card can help. Secured cards require a cash security deposit, usually equal to your credit line, which makes them easier to qualify for. Keep your balance low and pay on time every month, and you can begin strengthening your credit.
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NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Whether you're building credit from scratch or rebuilding after a setback, a secured credit card can help. Secured cards require a cash security deposit, usually equal to your credit line, which makes them easier to qualify for. Keep your balance low and pay on time every month, and you can begin strengthening your credit.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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Whether you're building credit from scratch or rebuilding after a setback, a secured credit card can help. Secured cards require a cash security deposit, usually equal to your credit line, which makes them easier to qualify for. Keep your balance low and pay on time every month, and you can begin strengthening your credit.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Whether you're building credit from scratch or rebuilding after a setback, a secured credit card can help. Secured cards require a cash security deposit, usually equal to your credit line, which makes them easier to qualify for. Keep your balance low and pay on time every month, and you can begin strengthening your credit.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Secured Credit Cards of December 2024
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for Rewards, bonus offer & upgrading
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Rewards and upgrading
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for Low deposit
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card: Best for No upfront deposit or hard credit check
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for No credit check + no annual fee
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for No credit check + lower deposit
Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card: Best for International students and immigrants
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best for Low fees and interest
Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card: Best for Adjustable credit limit
Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card: Best for Military
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Secured Credit Cards
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Intro APR | Regular APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The secured Self Visa® Credit CardApply Now on Self's website on Self's website | Best for No upfront deposit or hard credit check | $25 | N/A | 28.49% Variable | Apply Now on Self's website on Self's website |
 Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Rewards and upgrading | $0 | N/A | 29.99% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Capital One Platinum Secured Credit CardApply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Low deposit | $0 | N/A | 29.99% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Discover it® Secured Credit CardApply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Rewards, bonus offer & upgrading | $0 | 10.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 6 months | 27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024. | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
 OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit CardApply Now on Capital Bank's website on Capital Bank's website | Best for No credit check + no annual fee | $0 | N/A | 29.24% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital Bank's website on Capital Bank's website |
 Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder CardApply Now on Firstcard's website on Firstcard's website | Best for International students and immigrants | $4.99-$12.99 monthly or $48-$120/year depending on subscription plan | N/A | N/A | Apply Now on Firstcard's website on Firstcard's website |
 OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit CardApply Now on Capital Bank's website on Capital Bank's website | Best for No credit check + lower deposit | $35 | N/A | 24.89% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital Bank's website on Capital Bank's website |
 DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card | Best for Low fees and interest | $0 | N/A | 16.25% Variable | |
 Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card | Best for Adjustable credit limit | $0 | N/A | 25.99% Fixed APR | |
 Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card | Best for Military | $0 | N/A | 18.00%, Variable |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Our pick for: No upfront deposit or hard credit check
Card details
- With no credit check or prior credit required, anyone can start building credit. Fund your card with a minimum security deposit of $100 and use it anywhere Visa® is accepted in the U.S. Build credit by making on-time payments and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio. Every on-time payment helps build credit history.
- If you don’t have the $100 security deposit today, consider a Credit Builder Account² starting at $25 a month⁴ . Consistent, on-time payments help you build credit and build savings to secure the secured Self Visa® Credit Card³.
- *The secured Self Visa® Credit Card is issued by Lead Bank or First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC.
- ²Credit Builder Accounts & Certificates of Deposit made/held by Lead Bank, Sunrise Banks, N.A., First Century Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.
- ³Qualification for the secured Self Visa® Credit Card is based on meeting eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements and establishment of security interest. Criteria Subject to change.
- ⁴$25/mo, 24 mos, 15.92% APR; $35/mo, 24 mos, 15.69% APR; $48/mo, 24 mos, 15.51% APR; $150/mo, 24 mos, 15.82% APR. See self.inc/pricing
NerdWallet's take
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers those with no credit or poor credit a unique path to establishing a credit history. Unlike typical secured cards, it doesn't require an upfront security deposit or a hard credit check. But it does make you jump through some hoops that other secured cards don't.
Instead of requiring a traditional deposit, this card has you open a Self Credit Builder Account and make regular payments on a secured installment loan. (See our review for more detail on how it works.) Your payments essentially go into a certificate of deposit; once you have enough saved up with Self, you can use that money as a deposit on the card. The minimum deposit is just $100, lower than on most secured cards. There's no hard credit check, either.
There's an annual fee of $25. And there's no sugar-coating it: The process of opening the Credit Builder Account, making payments and then funding the card deposit is complicated. But for those struggling to establish credit, it can be worth the effort.
Our pick for: Rewards and upgrading
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers the ability to build or rebuild credit while also enjoying a simple, straightforward rewards rate.
The $0-annual-fee card earns 1.5% cash back on most purchases — a decent rate even among unsecured cards. It offers an automatic credit limit review after six months and a possible upgrade path to a traditional, unsecured card with Capital One. Plus, you'll earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
As with all secured cards, an upfront deposit is required. The $200 minimum might be a tough hurdle for some to clear.
Our pick for: Low deposit
Card details
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
- Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card may not be a good fit for folks recovering from major credit damage, but it could be an excellent match for someone getting a credit card for the first time.
With most secured cards, your deposit must be equal to your credit limit. But with the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, you can get a limit of $200 for a deposit of $49, $99 or $200. If you can’t come up with your whole deposit upfront, you can pay it in installments before activating your card. Pay your bill on time, and you can also be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
Underwriting standards are tighter than for many other secured cards. You generally won’t qualify if you don’t have a checking or savings account, if you have non-discharged bankruptcy, or if your rent is almost as high as your monthly income, among other reasons.
Our pick for: Rewards, bonus offer & upgrading
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
When you consider the rewards, the lack of an annual fee and the opportunity for an upgrade, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is the best secured credit card we've seen.
The rewards on this card — 2% cash back on up to $1,000 worth of spending per quarter on restaurants and gas, and 1% on all other spending — would be pretty decent on a regular card. For a secured credit card, they’re terrific. After seven months, Discover automatically evaluates your account for possible upgrade to an unsecured card. And the annual fee is $0.
The initial deposit must be paid with a bank account; if you’re unbanked, you’re out of luck. For some people, the $200 minimum deposit will be a stretch. For others, the maximum $2,500 credit limit will be too low.
Our pick for: No credit check + no annual fee
Card details
- New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- No annual fee
- No credit check to apply. Find out instantly if you are approved- Zero credit risk to apply!
- Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2/3 of cardholders receive a 48+ point improvement after making 3 on-time payments
- Monitor your credit progress with free access to your FICO Credit Score.
- Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus monthly to establish and build credit history.
- Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
- Secure your credit line with a refundable security deposit - as low as $300.
- Easy application, apply in less than 5 minutes right from your mobile device
- Offers flexible payment due dates which allow you to choose any available due date that fits your payment schedule
- Now you can make smaller partial payments towards funding your security deposit over 60 days
- Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
NerdWallet's take
Like OpenSky's regular card, the OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn't require a credit check or a bank account. But this one also doesn't charge an annual fee — although the minimum security deposit and the interest rate are both significantly higher.
The benefits are largely the same as with the annual-fee OpenSky card: The issuer doesn’t run a credit check, and you can make your deposit and pay your bills with a debit card, wire transfer, check or money order, making it an option for those without a traditional bank account. On top of that, there's no annual fee.
The minimum security deposit on this card is higher than on OpenSky's standard card. The APR is also considerably higher, so avoid carrying a balance. Also, your options for upgrading to an unsecured card are limited.
Our pick for: International students and immigrants
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Build credit faster, cheaper, and safer
- No credit checks and no credit history are required to open a credit card
- Accepts immigrants and internationals without an SSN - apply with a passport and visa.
- 0% APR. Don’t worry about overspending. What you deposit is what you can spend.
- No account minimum, no interest, and no overdraft fee
- Get up to 15% Merchant Cashback at 29,000 partner merchants
- Get up to 10% Random Cashback on all qualifying transactions
- Earn 4.00% APY with Firstcard Premium, 2.00% APY with Firstcard+, or 0.75% APY with Firstcard Standard on the money in your Firstcard
- Earn an additional 1% Unlimited Cashback with Firstcard Premium on all qualifying transactions on top of the two cashback offerings (Merchant Cashback and Random Cashback)
- Monitor your credit score right in the app
- Get an in-depth monthly credit report with Firstcard+ and Firstcard Premium
- Instant access to your virtual card once your account is approved and you add your virtual card to your phone’s digital wallet
- Your money is protected with Firstcard — automatically insured up to $250,000 by FDIC (backed by the U.S. government)
NerdWallet's take
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card has extremely low barriers to entry and also earns rewards.
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card doesn't require a credit check, and it's even possible to get it without a Social Security number. Unlike other secured credit cards, there's no minimum required deposit amount, nor are there any interest charges.
There's an annual fee: $4.99-$12.99 monthly or $48-$120/year depending on subscription plan. And if you want a higher-end version of the card, you'll have to pay for that.
Our pick for: No credit check + lower deposit
Card details
- New feature! Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- No credit check to apply. Zero credit risk to apply!
- Looking to build or rebuild your credit? 2/3 of cardholders receive a 48+ point improvement after making 3 on-time payments
- Get free monthly access to your FICO score in our mobile application
- Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion
- Add to your mobile wallet and make purchases using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay
- Fund your card with a low $200 refundable security deposit to get a $200 credit line
- Apply in less than 5 minutes with our mobile first application
- Choose the due date that fits your schedule with flexible payment dates
- Fund your security deposit over 60 days with the option to make partial payments
- Over 1.4 Million Cardholders Have Used OpenSky Secured Credit Card To Improve Their Credit
NerdWallet's take
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a strong option for people struggling to build or rebuild credit, as well as for those without access to traditional banking services. Click 'apply now' to see additional terms.
Unlike most other secured cards, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check, so even people with badly damaged credit may be able to qualify. (You’ll still need to meet income standards, however.) Also setting this card apart from other secured cards: You don’t need a bank account. You can make your deposit and pay your bill by debit card, wire transfer, check or money order.
The card charges an annual fee. Also, your options for upgrading your account to an unsecured card are limited.
Our pick for: Low fees and interest
Card details
- Could help with building or rebuilding your credit – with responsible use.
- No annual, balance transfer, foreign transaction, or cash advance fees
- Fraud notifications and the ability to freeze/unfreeze your credit card
- Great Visa benefits on travel, live music, and more.
NerdWallet's take
If you're trying to build credit, it's best not to carry a balance on your credit card. But if you have to do so, the DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card might be the least painful way.
The card has no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, cash advance fees or balance transfer fees, and its ongoing APR is relatively low for a card aimed at the credit-building population. Your account is secured with funds you put in a savings account with Digital Federal Credit Union. That makes it possible to get a really high credit limit if you've got a deposit to match, which in turn would allow you to use this card more like a "regular" card.
The $500 minimum deposit is quite pricey for a secured card and drags down the rating of what is an otherwise solid option. You also have to be a member of Digital Federal Credit Union, although anyone can join through membership in a partner organization.
Our pick for: Adjustable credit limit
Card details
- Deposit an amount from $300 up to $3,000 into a Credit Builder Savings Account which will set the credit limit you request.
- Increase your credit limit by adding funds in increments of $50 or more to the Credit Builder savings account
- No application fee
- No over-the-limit fee
- Automatic reporting to the three major credit bureaus to help you build or repair your credit history
- With improvements to your credit score, graduate to an Unsecured Credit Card
NerdWallet's take
The Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card from Armed Forces Bank isn't fancy, but that's OK. There's no annual fee, and you can add to your security deposit (and thus your credit limit) at any time.
This no-fuss secured credit card has an annual fee of $0 and allows for credit lines of up to $3,000. You must open the account with at least a $300 deposit in your Credit Builder savings account, but you can add to your limit by depositing more (in $50 increments). The card reports to all three credit bureaus. And no, despite the bank's name, you don't need any military affiliation.
The $300 minimum initial deposit is higher than most cards require. Though the card has no annual fee, there's a $5 quarterly charge if you want a bill sent in the mail rather than receiving electronic statements.
Our pick for: Military
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST SECURED CREDIT CARDS
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Our pick for: Rewards, bonus offer & upgrading
Like other secured credit cards for people building or rebuilding credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card requires a cash security deposit. Unlike most others, it offers rewards. But what really makes it stand out from the competition is its upgrade possibilities. The issuer has a process in place for automatically reviewing accounts for possible transition to an unsecured card. Read our review.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Rewards and upgrading
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an impressive combination of features for those with poor credit. A deposit is required, but in exchange you get a $0-annual-fee card that reports to all three credit bureaus (see rates and fees); an automatic credit limit review after six months; and a possible upgrade path to an unsecured Capital One card. Oh, and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, plus 1.5% back on all other purchases, which equals what you'd find on many unsecured cards. Read our review.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Our pick for: Low deposit
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card requires a security deposit, as do all secured credit cards. But while most cards require you to put down a deposit equal to your credit line, this one allows some qualifying applicants to get a $200 credit line with a deposit starting at $49. Further, you can be automatically considered for a higher credit line with no additional deposit in as little as six months (see rates and fees). Read our review.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Our pick for: Basic card for thin credit
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a straightforward card for people new to credit — put down a security deposit, use the card to establish a positive credit history and then move up to a better card (and get your deposit back). One note: This card is for people just starting out with credit, rather than people with bad credit from past mistakes. Read our review.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: No credit check + lower deposit
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card charges an annual fee, but a lot of people will still want to take a look at it for two reasons. First, there's no credit check required. Second, you don't need a traditional bank account; you can fund the deposit or pay your bill with a money order or Western Union payment. Read our review.
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: No credit check + no annual fee
Like the regular OpenSky card, the OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn't require a credit check or a bank account. This card, however, charges an annual fee of $0 — at the cost of a higher minimum deposit and a higher interest rate. Read our review.
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Easy account management
This card has no minimum deposit requirement, charges neither an annual fee nor interest, and doesn't require a credit check, and you can automate your payments so you're never late. But to get it, you must be a Chime® banking customer, which is an extra hoop to jump through — and which comes with its own considerations when it comes to customer service. Read our review.
See more from Chime®
Chime says the following:
The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime® Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2022 and October 2022 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: No upfront deposit or credit check
The secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers a unique path to building credit. Unlike typical secured cards, it doesn't require an upfront security deposit or a hard credit check. But it does make you jump through some hoops that other secured cards don't. You start by making payments on a secured loan, which become savings that you can use for your deposit. It's complicated, but for those struggling to establish a credit history, it can be efficient and effective. Read our review.
Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card
Our pick for: International students and immigrants
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card doesn't require a credit check, doesn't charge interest, and even pays interest on your deposit. You can earn cash back on purchases. International students can even apply without a Social Security number (though they must provide visa or passport information). The only drawback: an annual fee. Read our review.
Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
Our pick for: Adjustable credit limit
The Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card from Armed Forces Bank makes it easy to increase your credit line over time to give you greater flexibility and keep your credit utilization low. You can increase your limit in $50 increments simply by depositing more money at any time. Read our review.
Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card
Our pick for: Military
The no-annual-fee Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card earns rewards, offers an upgrade path and even features some perks, which is a lot from a secured product — if you can swing the membership and security deposit requirements. Read our review.
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card
Our pick for: Low fees and interest
The DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card is a secured card for bad credit, but it offers a lower interest rate than many unsecured cards for people with good credit. You must be a member of Digital Federal Credit Union to get this card, although you can join by becoming a member of a partner organization for as little as $10. Read our review.
• • •
OTHER RESOURCES
Getting a secured credit card to build credit
Who can be approved?
Even though secured credit cards are available to people with bad credit, and even though the security deposit reduces the risk to the issuer, approval is not guaranteed for everyone:
The issuer will usually (but not always) check your credit report for signs that you're an unacceptable credit risk. If you're in the middle of a bankruptcy, for example, or you're currently delinquent on other accounts, or you've opened a bunch of new accounts recently, you're unlikely to be approved.
You'll also have to show that you have income so you can pay your credit card bill. Yes, the issuer has your deposit, but it will use that money to cover your bill only as a last resort. You're expected to pay your bill every month, so you'll need income.
How does the process work?
Every issuer handles things a bit differently, but the process of applying for, receiving and using a secured credit card works like this:
You apply for the card. The issuer evaluates how risky they think it would be to extend you credit (a process called underwriting), and if your application meets their standards, you're approved.
You fund the deposit. Before the issuer will open your account, you have to pay your security deposit. In some cases, you must provide bank account information with your application so the deposit can be transferred right away. Other times, the issuer will give you some time to pull together the deposit. If you neglect to fund the deposit, the issuer will change the status of your application from approved to rejected.
You receive the card. Once your deposit is funded, the issuer will send you your card. You can then use it just like any other credit card. In general, it's best to use less than 30% of your available credit at any given time, so don't go maxing out your secured card. Use it for a few small purchases each month and pay them off promptly.
You get your bill and pay it each month. Because secured cards tend to charge very high interest rates, it's best to pay your bill in full every month to avoid finance charges. The issuer reports your payments to the credit bureaus, which helps you build credit.
You upgrade. As your credit moves from bad to average to good, you'll be in a position to qualify for better cards:
Some issuers automatically review your account for potential upgrade to an unsecured card. For example, Discover does this with the Discover it® Secured Credit Card after seven months. Navy Federal Credit Union starts automatic reviews after six months when you have the Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card. When your issuer moves you to an unsecured card, you get your deposit back.
With other issuers, you may have to specifically request an upgrade. That might mean converting your secured account to unsecured or closing your secured card and opening a new unsecured account. Either way, you get your deposit back.
If your issuer can't or won't upgrade you — and keep in mind that not all secured-card issuers even offer unsecured cards — you can apply for unsecured cards separately. Eventually you'll want to close the secured card to recoup your deposit.
Alternatives to secured credit cards
Unsecured cards for bad credit
Several issuers specialize in unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit, but NerdWallet generally doesn't recommend them. That's because these "subprime specialist" cards tend to charge high fees that can easily add up to much more than a typical minimum security deposit — annual fees up to $99, application fees, "activation" and "processing" fees, monthly maintenance fees and so on. And unlike the deposit on a secured card, those fees are money you can't get back.
Prepaid debit cards
Prepaid debit cards offer convenience and are a safer alternative than carrying cash, but they don't help you build credit. With a prepaid debit card, you "load" money onto the card, and the purchases you make are paid for with that money. Because you're not borrowing money, there's no effect on your credit score. See NerdWallet's best prepaid cards.
Credit-builder loans
Offered mostly by smaller financial institutions, such as credit unions and community banks, these loans are designed to help you build a good payment history. The money you "borrow" isn't actually given directly to you. Instead, it's held on your behalf in a savings account while you repay the loan in monthly installments. Once you're done, the money is released to you — and your credit report shows a paid-off loan. Learn more about credit-builder loans.
Personal loans
These loans can be secured or unsecured. Unsecured loans (those without collateral, such as a car title) generally have higher interest rates than secured loans. The better your credit, the lower your rate is likely to be. Conversely, those with bad credit can expect to pay very high rates, if they can get a loan at all. Learn more about personal loans.
Last updated on December 13, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best secured credit cards to build credit based on overall value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation include annual and other fees, security deposits (both the minimum required and maximum allowed), APRs, whether a card offers an option to upgrade to an unsecured account, the availability of free credit scores and other credit education, reporting to credit bureaus, and other noteworthy features such as a rewards program or the ability to qualify without a credit check. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between secured and regular credit cards?
Secured credit cards require a cash security deposit, while regular "unsecured" cards do not. The card issuer requires that you deposit some money — typically $200 or more — to open your secured card account. The deposit is there to protect the issuer in case you don't pay your bill. Because secured credit cards pose less risk to the issuer, they are generally easier to qualify for.
How much do I have to deposit for a secured credit card?
Secured credit cards usually require you to deposit at least $200 to $300, although some have minimum requirements as high as $500. See the chart of deposit requirements above. In most cases, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit. So if you deposit $300, you'll have a $300 credit limit on your card. If you deposit $1,000, you'll have a $1,000 limit, and so on. Most cards set a maximum amount you can deposit — say, $2,500 or $5,000 — which also limits your credit line.
With some cards, you can increase your credit limit just by depositing more money. With others, you must apply for an increase. Some cards will automatically consider you for a credit line increase if you use the card responsibly for a while — not going over your limit and paying your bill on time every month. Also depending on the card, you might be able to get a higher credit line without depositing more money.
Is the deposit "loaded" onto a secured credit card?
No. A secured credit card is different from a prepaid debit card that you "load" with money. With prepid debit, you put money on the card, and then you spend that money when you make purchases. A secured card works just like a regular credit card: You make purchases with the card, and then you pay them off later. The deposit comes into play only if you don't make your payments. In that case, the issuer can use it to pay your debt.
Can I get my deposit back on a secured credit card?
Yes, when you close your account in good standing (meaning you've paid off your balance) or when you upgrade to an unsecured card from the same issuer, your security deposit will be returned to you.
Am I guaranteed approval for a secured credit card?
No. Even though the risk is lower, issuers of secured cards still have eligibility criteria. For example, you'll need to be able to pay your bill each month, so your application could be rejected if you don't have a job or if you have only a small income. If you have filed for bankruptcy and the case is still pending (meaning a court could wipe out any debt you put on a new card), you could be rejected. Some secured cards are designed only for people new to credit, rather than those with bad credit, so you could be rejected based on negative information on your credit report.
Can I get a card for bad credit without a deposit?
Yes, but be careful. Several specialist companies offer unsecured credit cards designed for people with bad credit, but we generally advise consumers to be cautious when applying for them. They tend to charge high fees that secured cards do not — application or "processing" fees at the beginning, annual fees as high as $99, monthly maintenance fees, and so on. And unlike a secured card deposit, none of these fees are refundable.
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