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 two 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, and there’s no credit check. 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.
- No credit check.
- No checking account needed.
- Minimum deposit. $200
2. Green Dot primor® Visa® Classic Secured Credit Card
Green Dot primor® Visa® Classic Secured Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check. 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.
- No credit check.
- Monthly income of more than $100.
- Minimum deposit. $200
Other cards that come with easy approval
No-credit-check secured cards are pretty rare. Still, running into a credit check doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be approved for a card.
For a few cards that are easy to obtain, check out the DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card and the SDFCU Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card.
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card
You can get this card by joining the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU). If you don’t meet the membership requirements, all you need to do is join Reach Out for Schools for $10 at the same time you open a DCU account. Then fund your DCU savings account with a minimum of $5. The DCU runs a soft credit check when you apply for its secured card. Regardless, you’re extremely likely to be approved for the card.
- Easy approval, soft credit check.
- No annual fee.
- Minimum deposit. None, but you must open a savings account with a $5 minimum.
- Low interest rate. 13.75% variable APR for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances.
- Light on fees. No balance transfer, cash advance or foreign transaction fees.
SDFCU Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card
When you apply for the SDFCU Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card, the credit union checks your credit. However, it only does so to verify your identity — you’re very likely to be approved regardless of your credit. Keep in mind that the credit check may be a hard inquiry, which may result in a small hit to your credit score. To get this card, you need to become a member of the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU). To do that, you can join the American Consumer Council for $5 or one of the many other affiliates. You also need to open an SDFCU savings account with a minimum of $1.
- Easy approval.
- No annual fee.
- Minimum deposit. $250.
- Rewards. Earn 1 Flexpoint for every dollar you spend, and earn 5 Flexpoints when you pay through bill pay.
- Fewer fees. No balance transfer or foreign transaction fees.
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.
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