finder US
US
AU
NZ
UK
CA
HK
SG
MX
US
AU
NZ
UK
CA
HK
SG
MX
Home
Money
Credit Card Finder

Secured Credit Card Finder 2019

Build your credit to graduate to an unsecured card.

Kevin Joey Chen
Kevin Joey Chen

&

Steven Dashiell
Steven Dashiell

Last updated:

Compare Read more
Couple holding hands in a market

We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But we may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.

Most secured cards require you put down a cash deposit that serves as your credit limit and collateral if you miss a payment. Use your card responsibly and pay your balance in full each month to improve your score and graduate to an unsecured credit card.

What's in this guide?

Best secured credit cards

Here is a collection of secured cards we feel are most valuable for consumers this year. If you want to compare these cards side by side, jump down to our comparison table below.

Best secured card for no credit check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply now

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card skips the credit check, so those with no credit could qualify for this secured card.

  • No credit check necessary. You can apply regardless of your credit score.
  • Builds credit fast. OpenSky reports your card activity to all three major credit bureaus.
  • Low minimum deposit. You’ll need to deposit $200 as collateral for this card, which is average for secured cards.

Compare more secured credit cards with no credit check

Best secured card for low deposit: Capital One® Secured Mastercard®

Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
See offer
Capital One® Secured Mastercard® doesn’t require a deposit that corresponds to your credit limit. Instead, your credit score determines your security deposit. You can pay as little as $49 and still get a $200 credit limit.
  • Flexible minimum deposit. You’ll pay either $49, $99 or $200 for your security deposit, depending on your credit.
  • No annual fee. You won’t pay an annual fee to use this secured card.
  • Credit limit upgrades. Capital One® might increase your credit limit if you pay your first five monthly payments on time.

Compare more low deposit credit cards

Best secured card for no annual fee: Citi® Secured Mastercard®

Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Citi® Secured Mastercard® helps those with no credit history to build it. It has no annual fee and a $200 opening deposit — and an assortment of Mastercard perks.
  • No annual fee. You won’t pay an annual fee to use this card.
  • Mastercard perks. Purchase benefits, travel insurance and other Mastercard perks.
  • Minimum deposit. A fairly standard minimum deposit of $200 to open.

Compare more secured cards with no annual fee

Best secured card for rewards: SKYPASS Visa® Secured Card

SKYPASS Visa® Secured Card

The SKYPASS Visa® Secured Card comes with rewards and a signup bonus. Plus, when you renew your card, you’ll earn additional SKYPASS miles and travel accident insurance.

  • Reward access. Earn 1x SKYPASS mile for each dollar spent on eligible purchases. Redeem these miles on flights, hotel bookings, merchandise and more.
  • Signup bonus. Earn 5,000 SKYPASS miles after making your first purchase with your card.
  • Renewal bonus. Earn 1,000 SKYPASS miles after you renew your card. You’ll receive these miles after paying your annual fee.

Compare more secured cards with rewards

Best secured card for low APR: DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card

DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card

The DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card offers one of the lowest variable APRs for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances among secured cards, all while avoiding numerous fees. To apply for this secured card however, you’ll need to open a savings account at DCU.

  • No annual fee. You won’t pay an annual fee to use this secured card.
  • Low interest rate. The DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card sports a 13.5% variable APR on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances.
  • Few fees. You’ll pay no fees for balance transfers, cash advances or foreign transactions.

Compare more low APR secured credit cards

Best secured card for military members: nRewards® Secured Credit Card

nRewards® Secured Credit Card

The low rates and fees on the Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card help military members build credit without building debt.

  • No annual fee. You won’t pay an annual fee to use this card.
  • Few miscellaneous fees. There are no fees for balance transfers, foreign transactions or cash advances.
  • Rewards. You can earn 1 point per dollar spent on eligible purchases.

How we selected our top cards

We compared a number of factors shared across secured cards, including minimum security deposits, credit limits, intro and overall APRs, fees, qualification requirements and perks such as rewards programs. Cards that outperformed others, or fulfilled unique niches, were selected for our list.

What’s changed in 2019

Among major providers, Capital One still leads the way in secured cards. You’ll also continue to find great options among lesser-known providers, especially if you’re looking for unique perks like low APR or no credit check.

Our pick for a secured credit card

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

  • Build your credit with our monthly reporting to all three credit bureaus
  • Control your finances, start with a security deposit and credit line as low as $200
  • Apply in less than 5 minutes, no credit check necessary
  • Avoid paying interest, no interest charged on new purchases if the balance is paid in full by the due date each month
  • Extra credit when you need it, increase your credit line up to $5000*
  • *subject to approval
  • Easy funding options, with four ways to fund and no checking account needed
Read less
Read more
Apply now
Read review

Compare secured credit cards

While secured cards don’t typically offer the breadth of features and perks that come with unsecured cards, you’ll still find a decent variety of secured cards to suit your needs.

Name Product Filter values Purchase APR Annual fee Recommended minimum credit score
Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
26.99% variable
$0
300
Get access to a higher credit line after making your first 5 monthly payments on time.
See offer
View details
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
19.14% variable
$35
300
A secured Visa® credit card that helps you build your credit quickly.
Apply now
View details
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card
9.99% fixed
$48
300
This secured card can help you rebuild your credit with an initial deposit of $200 to $1,000.
Apply now
View details
First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card
First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card
20.74% variable
$29
300
Build your credit with all three major credit bureaus.
Apply now
View details
Green Dot primor® Visa® Classic Secured Credit Card
Green Dot primor® Visa® Classic Secured Credit Card
13.99% fixed
$39
300
Open a personal savings deposit account to secure a credit line from $200 to $5,000.
Apply now
View details

Compare up to 4 providers

What type of secured credit card do you need?

No Annual Fee

No Annual Fee

Low Deposit

Low Deposit

No Credit Check

No Credit Check

Get the right secured card

Just one click gives you our card recommendation.

How do secured cards work?

A secured credit card is designed to help you build your credit score and works similarly to a traditional credit card. The main difference is you need to put down a security deposit before you can open a secured card.

This security deposit typically works as your beginning credit limit – for example, if you put down $200, you’ll have $200 in credit on your card. This deposit helps protect the issuer in the event you fall behind on your payments or default.

How to choose a secured credit card

Secured credit cards are specific in their purpose and should be chosen with care. Given their limitations and function, consider the following factors before making your decision:

  1. Does the card report to all three major credit bureaus? If you want to raise your credit score as fast as possible, make sure your secured card reports to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
  2. Does the card let you graduate? Some secured cards will let you graduate to an unsecured version of the card if you can make a certain number of on-time payments.
  3. How much is the security deposit? Common security deposit requirements include $50, $75 and $200, though some can go higher. Make sure you can afford to part ways with that cash for a while since you won’t get it back until you close the account. Remember that this security deposit often serves as your credit limit as well.
  4. What are the rates and fees? The fewer the fees on a secured card, the better. Given that the purpose of a secured card is to help you build credit, spending money on fees will only hinder your larger goal. And while you should be paying off your balance in full each month, a low APR can help you save on interest should you need to carry a balance for a short time.
  5. Do you want rewards? While rewards are rare on secured cards and shouldn’t be your primary focus when using one, some do offer cash back or rewards on purchases.

Secured credit card deposits and payments

Credit card Deposit amount Deposit window Funding method
AeroMexico Visa® Secured Card $300–$5,000 Fund when you apply

Print an application and mail along with your deposit payment.

 Cashier’s check

Money order
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card $200–$1,000 Fund when you apply Open and fund an account with Applied Bank.
Armed Forces Bank Card $300 – $3,000 Fund when you apply Open and fund a Credit Builder Savings Account with Armed Forces Bank.
BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card $300–$4,900 Fund when you apply Bank transfer
Bremer Bank Visa® Secured Card $300–$5,000 Fund when you apply Open and fund an account with Bremer Bank, cashier’s check and money order.
Capital One® Secured Mastercard® $49, $99 or $200, based on your creditworthiness. 35 days Bank transfer
Citi® Secured Mastercard® $200–$2,500 14 days Bank transfer
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card $500–$1,000 45 days Bank transfer
Discover it® Secured $200–$2,500 Fund when you apply Bank transfer
Excent Secured Credit Card $200–$5,000 30 days Bank transfer
Fifth Third Secured Card $300–$5,000 Fund when you apply Open and fund an account with Fifth Third Bank
First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card $200–$2,000 Fund when you apply Open and fund an account with Synovus Bank
First Progress Platinum Prestige MasterCard® Secured Credit Card $200–$2,000 Fund when you apply Open and fund an account with Synovus Bank
First Progress Platinum Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card $200–$5,000 Fund when you apply Open and fund an account with Synovus Bank
Harley-Davidson® Visa® Secured Card $300–$5,000 Fund when you apply Bank transfer

Cashier’s check

Money order
Justice Federal Credit Union (JFCU) VISA Classic Secured Card $100 – 110% of pledged shares. Fund when you apply Bank transfer
Merrick Bank Secured Visa® Card $200–$3,000 30 days Bank transfer

Cashier’s check

Money order
nRewards® Secured Credit Card $200–$5,000 Fund when you apply Bank transfer (Applicant must be an NFCU member)
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card $200–$3,000 Fund when you apply Bank transfer, Money Order
Green Dot primor® Visa® Classic Secured Credit Card $200–$5,000 30 days Bank transfer
Green Dot primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit Card $200–$5,000 30 days Bank transfer
Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Gold Secured Credit Card $200–$5,000 30 days Bank transfer
Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card $200–$5,000 30 days Bank transfer
Green Dot Platinum Visa® Secured Credit Card $200–$5,000 60 days Bank transfer
Check or money order
Pay at a Green Dot partner retail store
SDFCU Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card $250 – $100,000 30 days Bank transfer
SKYPASS Visa® Secured Card $300 – $5,000 Fund when you apply Bank transfer, cashiers check and money order
SunTrust Secured Card $300, maximum deposit depends on your creditworthiness Fund when you apply Must open and fund an account with SunTrust Bank
Surge Mastercard® Credit Card $500–$500 30 days Undisclosed
TCF Bank Secured Visa® Card $300–$5,000 Fund when you apply Bank transfer
Union Bank® Secured Visa® Credit Card $300 – $5,000 Fund when you apply Undisclosed
UNITY Visa® Secured Credit Card $250–$10,000 Fund when you apply Bank transfer, check or money order
UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card - UGET25 Promotion $300–$5,000 Fund when you apply Bank transfer
U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card $300–$5,000 Fund when you apply Bank transfer

Cashier’s check

Money order
Wells Fargo Secured Credit Card $300–$25,000 30 days Bank transfer from Wells Fargo account

Check or money order

Cashier’s check

Read more about secured credit cards

Kevin Chen

Kevin Chen
Credit Cards Writer

Hi, I’m Kevin! My sister once asked me for a credit card recommendation, but her credit score wasn’t that great. I advised her to apply for a secured card. She did, and was approved. In several months, her provider — Bank of America — upgraded her to an unsecured card. If you need help building your credit, a secured card is a great idea — and you’ll find many excellent products. Here are a few articles to help you find the right one.



            

            


    

        Was this content helpful to you?
        No 
        Yes
    






        
    

      
    

    


    




    

        

          
Ask an Expert

          

        


        

                    

                

                  

                                            

                            

                                

                                    
                                    
                                

                            

                            

                                

                                    
                                    
                                

                            


                                                    

                    
                    

                        

                          
                          

                              
You are about to post a question on finder.com:

                              
    
                                  
  • 
                                    Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank
                                      details) as your question will be made public
                                  
    • 
                                  
  • 
                                    finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or
                                      product provider
                                  
    • 
                                  
  • 
                                    We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
                                  
    • 
                                  
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions
                                      below to see if yours has already been asked
                                  
    • 
                              

                              
                          

                        

                        

                            

                                

                                    
                                    
                                

                            

                            

                              

                                

                                
                              

                            


                            

                                

                                    
                                    
                                

                            

                        

                    

                  

                    
                    

    Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.


    By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.


    Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
                

            

        
        

                    

    


    
        

    






    

            
    






    
    









    







Go to site


      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
    













    
    

    









        
        

');