Best secured credit cards of March 2025
No credit? Building credit? Rebuilding it? A secured credit card can likely help. These cards require a refundable security deposit, which then establishes your credit line—often matching the deposit amount. While this might seem less glamorous than other options, secured cards are excellent credit-builders. They pave the way for cards with better perks and higher credit limits (that don’t require deposits!). Responsible use—keeping your balance low and paying on time—demonstrates your creditworthiness to lenders. Consistent responsible use can boost your credit score, opening doors to more rewarding credit card options down the road.
CardRatings’ top picks for the best secured credit cards
Building or rebuilding your credit can feel like an uphill battle, but a secured credit card can be a powerful tool in your financial journey. These cards offer a pathway to establishing a positive credit history, even if you’ve had trouble qualifying for traditional credit cards in the past. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best secured credit cards on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits, to help you find the perfect fit for your needs and start building a brighter financial future.
Why we like it
This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases made with the card with no caps or categories to worry about. This level of flexibility and potential is a nice perk for someone working on their credit score.
This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases made with the card with no caps or categories to worry about. This level of flexibility and potential is a nice perk for someone working on their credit score.
- There's no limit on the amount of cash back you can earn, and the categories aren't restricted. Earn 1.5% on every purchase made with the card. It's as simple as that.
- This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so it's a suitable option to bring along on your next international vacation.
- Capital One allows you to find out if you're pre-approved for the card with no risk to your credit score.
- The ongoing APR is a bit high, so be careful not to carry a balance if you can help it.
- There is a $200 minimum refundable deposit required.
Why we like it
Discover is pretty well known for their cash-back match offer, but the fact that they extend this offer to those working on their credit with a secured credit card is impressive. With this card, new cardholders can earn a cash-back match on all the cash back earned during the first year of card membership. That means that earning $200 cash back will effectively mean you've earned $400 cash back in that first year.
Discover is pretty well known for their cash-back match offer, but the fact that they extend this offer to those working on their credit with a secured credit card is impressive. With this card, new cardholders can earn a cash-back match on all the cash back earned during the first year of card membership. That means that earning $200 cash back will effectively mean you've earned $400 cash back in that first year.
- Most secured cards do not offer bonuses to new cardholders but this card will match the rewards you earn the first year, at the end of the year.
- No foreign transaction fee, which can save you money if you need to make purchases outside of the U.S.
- This card includes access to your FICO score so you can track and manage your credit.
- You'll need a security deposit to get started with this card.
- If you spend a lot with this card, your 2% cash back on gas and restaurants is capped when you hit $1,000 in spending each quarter and then those purchases will only earn 1% cash back. Still, it's a minor quibble given that many secured credit cards don’t offer rewards.
Why we like it
This card helps you secure your financial future, build a solid credit history, and provides a convenient Visa® credit card—all in one. No credit check or prior credit is needed, making it accessible to a vast audience. Start building credit with a minimum $100 security deposit and use your card anywhere Visa® is accepted in the U.S.
This card helps you secure your financial future, build a solid credit history, and provides a convenient Visa® credit card—all in one. No credit check or prior credit is needed, making it accessible to a vast audience. Start building credit with a minimum $100 security deposit and use your card anywhere Visa® is accepted in the U.S.
- This card does not require a hard credit check for approval, so a hard inquiry will not appear on your credit report.
- A mix of credit products will show up on your credit report, since both the loan and the credit card will be reported.
- To earn the credit card, you must first open a Self Credit Builder account. You would then need to make at least three monthly payments on time, save a minimum of $100, and keep the account in good standing.
- There is an annual fee to keep in mind.
Why we like it
A great feature of this card is the flexible low threshold some applicants will have for securing their line of credit. Many cards require at least a $200 security deposit, but with this card, you can put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line.
A great feature of this card is the flexible low threshold some applicants will have for securing their line of credit. Many cards require at least a $200 security deposit, but with this card, you can put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line.
- Don't forget to pack this card on your next trip abroad! With this card there are no foreign transaction fees to worry about.
- With this card, you can also select your billing due date, which should make it that much easier to pay on-time, every time.
- There's no welcome bonus offered to new cardholders.
- There are no ongoing rewards associated with this card.
Why we like it
The CardName provides an opportunity to rebuild your credit. One difference between this card and other secured cards is the option to choose the payment due date that works best for your budget. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser, Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
The CardName provides an opportunity to rebuild your credit. One difference between this card and other secured cards is the option to choose the payment due date that works best for your budget. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser, Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
- Your payments are reported to all three credit bureaus, which can help you rebuild or build credit if you manage your account responsibly.
- You can choose the payment due date that works best for your finances.
- There is no annual fee for this card.
- This card does not offer any rewards or new cardholder bonuses.
- The focus and primary purpose of this card is to help rebuild a positive credit rating through responsible management of the account. So, there aren't too many benefits or perks.
Why we like it
This card doesn't require a credit check during the application process, which means you can dodge that step that does generally lower your credit score, if only temporarily. Furthermore, your credit limit depends upon the amount of your deposit, so if you want a higher limit you have the ability to deposit more.
This card doesn't require a credit check during the application process, which means you can dodge that step that does generally lower your credit score, if only temporarily. Furthermore, your credit limit depends upon the amount of your deposit, so if you want a higher limit you have the ability to deposit more.
- The variable fee is somewhat on the low side for a secured credit card. You should still try and avoid carrying a balance, though.
- High credit limit, up to $3,000, and, no, you won’t necessarily have to put $3,000 down to get that credit limit. The card reviews your situation periodically and may give you a credit limit higher than your security deposit.
- You can add authorized users to the card – with no authorization fee. And the purchases from the authorized users, if they use the card responsibly, may help you build your credit.
- There's no path for upgrading with this card. Many secured credit cards allow you to transition to the company's unsecured credit card. With this one, you'll have to apply for another credit card and then either keep this card or close it.
Why we like it
There is no minimum credit score or credit history required and the ongoing interest rate is among the lowest you'll likely find with a secured card.
There is no minimum credit score or credit history required and the ongoing interest rate is among the lowest you'll likely find with a secured card.
- This card offers one of the lowest variable APRs of any secured card.
- No minimum credit score or credit history is required to qualify for this card.
- Although it offers a low variable APR, you’ll pay a slightly higher annual fee with this card.
- There aren't really many extra perks associated with this card. It’s primarily for focusing on building or rebuilding credit.
Compare the best secured credit cards by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for the best secured credit cards stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to threetwo cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
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Ask CardRatings’ experts
Are secured credit cards a good way for someone to build credit?
Secured credit cards offer a pathway to building credit almost anyone can pursue. While a security deposit is required as collateral, these cards report to the credit bureaus each month. This means users can build credit by making on-time payments and keeping debt levels low.
In the right circumstances, a secured credit card can be a legitimate way to build credit. I used one when repaying debt, and having it aided me in developing wise credit habits that still serve me today.
Secured cards can be an excellent way to build credit, especially if they report your good payment behavior to all three of the major credit reporting bureaus. Many of the best secured cards will also review your account after several months to see if you qualify to get a higher credit limit or even convert your account to an unsecured one and return your deposit.
What tips do you have for someone using a secured credit card to help build their credit?
If you're using a secured credit card for the first time, your best bet is charging small purchases each month and always paying your balance in full. Also be mindful of keeping your balance low if you have a low credit limit, which secured cards often have. This is important since credit utilization makes up 30% of your FICO scores.
I find it's best to select a card with limited fees and reports payments to at least two reporting agencies. You also want to choose a card with a deposit you can afford and, hopefully, a clear path to upgrade to an unsecured card.
Make sure to always pay your bill on time, or set up automatic payments if you aren’t sure you can remember on your own. Also, try to keep your balance as low as possible. Secured cards require a deposit that’s equal to the limit you’re given and if you only have, say, a $200 limit, if you make a $100 charge, that’s using up half of your credit.
Our CardFinder tool is also a great way to find the right card for you!
Tired of searching for the right credit card? CardFinder makes it quick and easy. Simply tell us your preferences and we’ll do the heavy lifting. Our three-step process saves you time and effort, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the rewards. Get started today!
Frequently asked questions about secured credit cards
What is a secured credit card?
Secured credit cards require a deposit, typically $49 to $200 or more, that becomes your credit line. This deposit protects the card issuer if you don't pay your bills or exceed your limit, and failing to meet your obligations will likely end your credit-building efforts. After several months of responsible use (on-time payments, staying within your limit), the issuer may review your account and approve you for a higher line of credit or an unsecured card. Just like a regular credit card, a secured card can build your credit history, and your deposit is usually refunded when you upgrade to an unsecured card.
Learn more about how secured credit cards work.
What is the best secured credit card?
The best secured credit card for you will be a card that reports your account activity to the three major credit bureaus so that, with responsible use, you can improve your credit score. It will also depend on your creditworthiness whether you have the security deposit the issuer requires.
Do secured credit cards help build credit?
Yes, secured credit cards are a great way to build or rebuild credit, especially if you have limited or poor credit history. By making on-time payments, which are typically reported to credit bureaus, you demonstrate responsible credit use which can help improve your credit score. Just be sure the card issuer reports to the credit bureaus. Keep your balance low, ideally paying it off each month, and consider keeping the card open even after you qualify for an unsecured card to build a longer credit history. Use the card wisely and only spend what you can afford to repay.
What is the secured credit card limit?
Your secured credit card limit is a reflection of your own financial commitment. It's the amount of your security deposit, plain and simple. That deposit becomes your credit line—a dollar-for-dollar match in most cases. So, the limit isn't determined by the card issuer, but by you. It's your investment in building (or rebuilding) your credit, a tangible demonstration of your willingness to take responsibility for your spending. You're essentially borrowing against your own money, using it as a stepping stone to better credit.
Can I get a secured credit card with no credit history or bad credit?
Absolutely. That's precisely who secured credit cards are designed for. Think of it as a fresh start, a chance to prove yourself even if your credit history is blank or blemished. Traditional credit card companies often shy away from those with no or bad credit, seeing them as too risky. But secured cards flip the script. Your cash deposit removes the lender's risk, making them much more willing to give you a chance. It's like saying, "I'm serious about building/rebuilding my credit, and I'm putting my money where my mouth is." So, whether you're starting from scratch or trying to repair past mistakes, a secured card can be your entry point into the world of credit.
How to get a secured credit card
Getting a secured credit card involves a few simple steps. First, compare offers and choose a card with a deposit amount you're comfortable with and that reports to all three credit bureaus. Then, apply and make the required deposit. Once approved, you'll receive your card and can start building your credit.
Can I use a secured credit card for everyday purchases?
Absolutely! A secured credit card works just like any other credit card when it comes to everyday purchases. You can use it for groceries, gas, online shopping, dining out – basically anything you'd normally use a credit card for. The key difference isn't how you use it, but why. With a secured card, you're not just buying things; you're building (or rebuilding) your credit history with every responsible swipe. So, while you can use it for everyday expenses, it's smart to be mindful of your spending and keep your balance manageable.
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Rating methodology: CardRatings’ experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
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