You can build your credit, even if you have poor or no credit history.
If you’re applying for a secured card, your credit score may not be where you want it. This can limit your overall credit card options and prevent you from taking advantage of the more lucrative credit card rewards available.
To avoid multiple hard pulls on your credit report and protect the credit score you have now, apply for a secured card that doesn’t require a credit check. Pick one, pay your bill in full on time and build your credit slowly — and, eventually, you may be able to upgrade to an unsecured card.
Our pick for no credit check
Secured credit cards that don’t require a credit check
Secured credit cards that don’t require a credit check are quite rare. Currently, there are five such cards we feel are worth mentioning.
1. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card makes applying simple as you don’t need a credit history. All you’ll need is a Social Security number, annual income and proof of identity. To open the card, you pay a $35 annual fee and put down at least a $200 security deposit.
- Easy approval.
- No checking account needed.
- Minimum deposit. $200
2. Green Dot primor® Visa® Classic Secured Credit Card
To get the Green Dot primor® Visa® Classic Secured Credit Card it is recommended that your monthly income is at least $100 more than your monthly expenses. When applying, you’ll need to show a valid identification and Social Security number.
- Easy approval.
- Monthly income of more than $100.
- Minimum deposit. $200
3. SDFCU Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card
To apply for the card, you must be a State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) member. Members who already have SDFCU products where credit check is required will enjoy the SDFCU Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card application with no credit check. Unfortunately, new SDFCU members who apply for the card will get a credit check.
- No annual fee, no balance transfer or foreign transaction fees.
- Minimum deposit $250.
- Rewards. Earn 1 Flexpoint for every dollar you spend, and earn 5 Flexpoints when you pay through bill pay.
4. Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card
According to Applied Bank, approval for the Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold Preferred® Credit Card is guaranteed. Once approved, you can deposit any amount between $200 and $1,000, which will act as your credit line. But you’ll pay a $49 annual fee.
- Guaranteed approval.
- Fixed APR on purchases at 9.99%.
- Minimum deposit of $200.
5. Green Dot Platinum Visa® Credit Card
The Green Dot Platinum Visa® Credit Card is a secured card where you can deposit anywhere between $200 and $5,000 to use as your credit line. You also get a fixed APR on purchases, although not as low as some other cards may offer. But there’s a $39 annual fee.
- Easy approval.
- Fixed APR on purchases at 19.99%.
- Minimum deposit of $200.
Why do secured cards have credit checks?
Despite your security deposit acting as collateral, most secured cards still require credit checks for a few reasons. The first is to verify your identity — credit checks are a common and useful method for verification.
The second reason is for risk assessment. Some secured credit cards let you choose your own down payment up to a cap. If you make a high down payment but have a poor history of credit card usage, your lender might not feel secure giving you the card.
Application tips for secured cards with a credit check
Getting a secured credit card with no credit check may sound enticing. But you shouldn’t fear credit checks; they only cause a small dip on your credit score, but with responsible use, you could easily recover and even improve your credit score.
Here are some application tips for secured cards with a credit check:
- Compare multiple options. Don’t jump in for the first card that comes your way. Take your time and compare multiple cards until you find the best one for your financial needs.
- Define your needs. Do you want to earn rewards? Do you want to build credit? Do you need to make a balance transfer? These are all questions you should ask to find the right card with the optimal combination of these perks.
- Include all income in your application. When applying for secured credit cards, your debt-to-income ratio can sometimes be worth more than your credit score. Make sure you include all income, including part-time or full-time job income, child support, trust fund payouts, investment income, pensions and scholarships. You can also include your spouse or partner income.
- Don’t give up. If you’re denied, you can ask for reconsideration. You also have the right to ask why you were denied. Use the reason to improve for your next credit card application.
What do I do if I’m denied a secured credit card?
Lenders can deny your application for a secured credit card for a variety of reasons, including a poor credit score, a history of credit misuse or bankruptcy or recent unemployment. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to determine why you were denied and start working toward improving your credit score. Learn the first steps you can take if you’re denied a secured credit card in our full guide.
Compare secured cards
Bottom Line
If you want to rebuild your credit, but you’re afraid you’ll be denied based on your past credit history, these no-credit-check secured cards can help. While they might lack the same features as secured cards requiring a credit check, they can help you build credit all the same provided you spend responsibly and pay off your card in full each month. In time, you’ll be able to graduate to an unsecured credit card.
Learn more about secured credit cards to find out whether these cards are for you.
I need a secured credit card with no credit checks without the deposit that acts as your credit line With a minimum of credit line of $3000, Can you help me?
Hello Bvms,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
You are on the correct page as the Secured Credit Cards listed above doesn’t perform credit check or if they do, it will only to verify your identity. With regards to the Minimum Deposit, unfortunately, all Secured Credit Cards requires Security Deposit as it serves as your collateral for the Credit Card and your initial Credit Limit. At this page you may compare the Secure Credit Cards that has Low Security Deposit.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions.
Cheers,
Ash