Key takeaways
The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card “Chime CardTM” has no annual fee, no interest (see disclosure 1) charges on purchases, and no traditional minimum security deposit (see disclosure 2) – and eligible Chime Plus™ (see disclosure 3) and Chime Prime™ (see disclosure 3) members can earn cash back.
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card requires a refundable deposit, but the required amount may be as low as $49, depending on creditworthiness. A deposit can unlock a credit line starting at $200. (see disclosure 4)
Discover offers 5% cash back on everyday purchases in different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when activated, plus 1% cash back on other purchases. New cardmembers also get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of the cash back earned during their first year. (see disclosure 4)
Both cards report account activity to all three major credit bureaus, which can help you build or rebuild credit with responsible use. (see disclosure 4) , (see disclosure 5)
If you're comparing the Chime CardTM and Discover® secured credit card options, both can help you establish credit history – but they work differently.
The secured Chime Card™ doesn't require a traditional minimum security deposit (see disclosure 2) and doesn't charge interest¹ on purchases. Instead, you add money into your secured deposit account, and the amount added becomes your Chime Card limit.
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card works more like a traditional secured credit card. It requires a refundable security deposit, with the required amount set at $49, $99, or $200 based on creditworthiness. That deposit can unlock a credit line starting at $200. (see disclosure 4) Here's how the two cards compare.
Chime vs. Discover: W hich secured credit card is right for you?
Both cards are designed to give people an opportunity to build credit, but their deposit structures, rewards programs, and interest policies differ.
The secured Chime Card™ may stand out if you want to avoid interest (see disclosure 1) charges on purchases and don't want to meet a traditional minimum security deposit (see disclosure 2) requirement. There's no annual fee, and eligible members can earn cash back through Chime's membership tiers.
With Chime Prime™ (see disclosure 3) , eligible members can earn 5% cash back (see disclosure 6) on up to $1,500 of eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases in a monthly selected category. Eligible Chime Plus™ members can earn 2% cash back (see disclosure 6) on up to $1,500 of eligible purchases in a monthly selected category.
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card requires a refundable security deposit. Depending on creditworthiness, that required deposit may be $49, $99, or $200, and a deposit can unlock a credit line starting at $200. (see disclosure 4)
Discover also offers 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, plus 1% cash back on other purchases. New cardmembers receive an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back earned during their first year. (see disclosure 4)
Unlike the Chime Card, the Discover card may charge interest when you carry a purchase balance. Check Discover's current offer terms before applying for the applicable APR and other rates and fees. (see disclosure 4)
The Chime Card supports credit building (see disclosure 5) without purchase interest (see disclosure 1) or a traditional minimum security deposit (see disclosure 2) . The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card requires a refundable deposit and offers rotating 5% cash back categories and a first-year Cashback Match. (see disclosure 4) These differences can help you determine which card better aligns with your priorities.
Chime Card vs. Discover secured credit card comparison
Feature | Secured Chime Visa® Credit Card | Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card |
Minimum deposit | No traditional minimum security deposit (see disclosure 2) | Required deposit of $49, $99, or $200 based on creditworthiness (see disclosure 4) |
Spending/credit limit | Based on money moved to your secured deposit account (see disclosure 2) | Deposit can unlock a credit line starting at $200 (see disclosure 4) |
Annual fee | None | None (see disclosure 4) |
Purchase interest | None (see disclosure 1) | APR applies; check current offer terms (see disclosure 4) |
Cash back rewards | 5%⁶ with Chime Prime™ or 2% (see disclosure 6) with Chime Plus™ on up to $1,500 of eligible purchases in a monthly selected category | 5% on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when activated, plus 1% on other purchases (see disclosure 4) |
First-year rewards match | None | Unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of cash back earned during the first year for new cardmembers (see disclosure 4) |
Credit score requirement | No credit check required | No credit score required to apply; Discover may use credit scores if available (see disclosure 4) |
Other requirements | Chime Checking Account (see disclosure 7) | Approval and security deposit required (see disclosure 4) |
Foreign transaction fee | None | Check current terms (see disclosure 4) |
Reports to credit bureaus | Yes – all three major bureaus (see disclosure 8) | Yes – all three major bureaus (see disclosure 4) |
The Chime Card could be right for you if you:
Are starting with limited or no credit history and want to build credit (see disclosure 5)
Prefer a secured card without a traditional minimum security deposit (see disclosure 2)
Want to avoid interest charges on purchases (see disclosure 1)
Want a card with no annual fee
Would like to earn cash back (see disclosure 6) with an eligible Chime membership tier (see disclosure 3)
Want control over how much money is available to spend with the card
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card could be right for you if you:
Can provide the refundable security deposit required for your application (see disclosure 4)
Want the opportunity to earn 5% cash back in rotating categories when activated (see disclosure 4)
Want 1% cash back on other purchases (see disclosure 4)
Value an unlimited first-year Cashback Match (see disclosure 4)
Want the opportunity to get your deposit back and transition to an unsecured Discover card after establishing a positive track record (see disclosure 4)
The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card
The secured Chime Card™ is designed to help eligible members build credit (see disclosure 5) without some of the costs associated with traditional credit cards.
Chime reports account activity to all three major credit bureaus (see disclosure 8) . Based on a representative Experian® study conducted in September 2025, participants saw an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 28 points, though credit score improvement isn't guaranteed. (see disclosure 9)
Here are some of the Chime Card's key features:
No annual fee
No interest charges on purchases (see disclosure 1)
No credit check to apply
No traditional minimum security deposit (see disclosure 2)
Reporting to TransUnion®, Experian®, and Equifax® (see disclosure 8)
Cash back for eligible Chime Plus™ and Chime Prime™ members (see disclosure 6)
How does the Chime Card work?
There's no credit check required to apply for the Chime Card. You must have a Chime Checking Account and meet Chime's eligibility requirements. (see disclosure 7)
Once you're eligible, you can move money from your Chime Checking Account into your secured deposit account. The money held in that secured deposit account serves as collateral, and you can spend up to the amount available there. (see disclosure 2)
You can use the Chime Card anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Chime reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus (see disclosure 8) , so making on-time payments can help you build credit over time. (see disclosure 5)
You can move money into your secured deposit account manually. Chime's Safer Credit Building feature can also help you automatically pay your monthly balance using money in your secured deposit account.
Chime Card pros and cons
The Chime Card combines credit-building features with a structure designed to help members avoid additional debt and interest charges.
Pros
Applying doesn't require a credit check
No traditional minimum security deposit (see disclosure 2)
No interest charges on purchases (see disclosure 1)
No annual fee
Reports to all three major credit bureaus (see disclosure 8)
Eligible members can earn cash back (see disclosure 6)
Spending is backed by money in your secured deposit account (see disclosure 2)
Cons
The Chime Card requires a Chime Checking Account. (see disclosure 7) That's different from a traditional secured credit card, where you typically apply for the credit card and provide a separate security deposit.
Eligibility for Chime Plus™ (see disclosure 3) and Chime Prime™ (see disclosure 3) – and their associated cash back (see disclosure 6) benefits – also depends on meeting qualifying direct deposit requirements.
Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card is a traditional secured credit card that requires a refundable deposit. (see disclosure 4)
Discover says there's no credit score required to apply, although it may use a credit score if one is available. Applicants can also check whether they're pre-approved without affecting their credit score. (see disclosure 4)
The required security deposit is based on creditworthiness and may be $49, $99, or $200. A deposit as low as $49 can unlock a credit line starting at $200. (see disclosure 4)
Here are some of the card's key features:
No annual fee (see disclosure 4)
No credit score required to apply (see disclosure 4)
Refundable security deposit (see disclosure 4)
Credit line starting at $200 (see disclosure 4)
5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories, up to the quarterly maximum when activated (see disclosure 4)
1% cash back on other purchases (see disclosure 4)
Unlimited Cashback Match for new cardmembers at the end of the first year (see disclosure 4)
Reporting to all three major credit bureaus (see disclosure 4)
Opportunity to earn your deposit back and move to an unsecured Discover card after establishing a positive track record (see disclosure 4)
Discover is a division of Capital One®, N.A. (see disclosure 10)
How does the Discover secured card work?
If you're approved, Discover determines your required security deposit based on creditworthiness. That amount may be $49, $99, or $200. (see disclosure 4)
A deposit can unlock a credit line starting at $200. You can also deposit more than the required amount before activating your card to potentially increase your initial credit line, subject to Discover's terms. (see disclosure 4)
The security deposit is held as collateral for the account rather than being used to pay for your everyday purchases. You make purchases against your credit line and then repay your credit card balance.
Discover regularly reports the card's status to the three major credit bureaus. (see disclosure 4) Responsible use, including making on-time payments, may help you build credit history.
When you establish a positive track record, Discover says your deposit can be returned and your account upgraded to the Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card. Your deposit can also be refunded when you close your account and pay your balance in full, subject to Discover's terms. (see disclosure 4)
Discover cash back rewards
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card currently offers: (see disclosure 4)
5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate
1% cash back on other purchases
An unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned during the first year for new cardmembers
Discover's rotating 5% categories and quarterly maximums can change, so check the current rewards terms before applying. (see disclosure 4)
Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card pros and cons
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card may appeal to someone who wants a traditional secured card with a rewards program.
Pros
No credit score required to apply (see disclosure 4)
Ability to check for pre-approval without affecting your credit score (see disclosure 4)
Required deposit may be as low as $49 (see disclosure 4)
No annual fee (see disclosure 4)
5% rotating-category cash back when activated, subject to a quarterly maximum (see disclosure 4)
1% cash back on other purchases (see disclosure 4)
Unlimited first-year Cashback Match for new cardmembers (see disclosure 4)
Reports to all three major credit bureaus (see disclosure 4)
Opportunity to have the security deposit returned after establishing a positive track record (see disclosure 4)
Cons
The card still requires a refundable security deposit, even though the minimum required amount may now be lower than the traditional $200 deposit associated with many secured cards. (see disclosure 4)
Unlike the Chime Card, the Discover card is a conventional revolving credit card and may charge interest if you carry a purchase balance. Check the current offer terms for the APR that applies to your account. (see disclosure 4)
The 5% cash back rate also isn't automatic on every purchase. It applies to eligible purchases at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum, and activation is required. (see disclosure 4)
What is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card is generally a credit card backed by collateral, typically a refundable cash deposit.
With a traditional secured card, your deposit helps secure the credit line. Depending on the issuer, the amount of the deposit may determine or influence the amount of credit available to you.
For example, a secured card might require a deposit before the account can be opened. You then make purchases using the credit line and repay those purchases through your monthly credit card payments.
Some secured credit cards charge interest when you carry a balance, while others may have different payment structures. Fees, rewards, deposit requirements, and upgrade options can also vary considerably from card to card.
Secured credit cards are often designed for people who are establishing or rebuilding credit. When the issuer reports account activity to the credit bureaus, responsible use and on-time payments can help establish a positive payment history.
Learn more about how secured credit cards work.
How to choose a secured credit card
Not all secured credit cards work the same way. Before applying, compare several important features.
Fees: Look at the annual fee as well as other potential account and transaction fees.
Credit bureau reporting: If your goal is building credit, check whether the issuer reports account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Deposit requirements: Compare how much money you'll need to provide and whether the deposit is refundable. Also look at how the deposit relates to your available credit.
Interest rate: If the card charges interest, review the current APR. Paying a traditional credit card balance in full by the due date can generally help you avoid purchase interest, subject to the card's terms.
Rewards: Some secured cards offer cash back or other rewards. Compare the rewards rate, eligible purchase categories, spending caps, activation requirements, and other restrictions.
Upgrade path: Some issuers may eventually return your deposit and transition your account to an unsecured card after you demonstrate responsible use.
How to build credit with a secured card
Getting a secured card is only one part of building credit. How you manage the account matters, too.
Pay on time, every time: Payment history is an important factor in credit scoring. Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help you avoid missing a due date.
Manage your balances: The amount of available revolving credit you're using can affect your credit. (see disclosure 11) Keeping balances manageable and paying them down can help support responsible credit use.
Monitor your credit: Checking your credit reports and scores can help you understand how your credit history is changing over time.
Limit unnecessary applications: Applying for multiple credit products over a short period can result in multiple hard inquiries, depending on the products and issuers involved.
Give it time: Credit building doesn't happen on a guaranteed schedule. Your results depend on your overall credit profile and financial activity, not just one card.
Start building credit today
A secured credit card can give you a way to establish credit history while learning to manage a credit account.
The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card offers a different approach from many traditional secured cards. There's no traditional minimum security deposit², no annual fee, and no interest charges on purchases. (see disclosure 1) Eligible Chime Plus™ and Chime Prime™ members can also earn cash back. (see disclosure 6)
The Discover it® Secured Cash Back Credit Card requires a refundable deposit, but the required amount can be as low as $49 depending on creditworthiness. It also offers quarterly rotating 5% cash back categories, 1% cash back on other purchases, and an unlimited first-year Cashback Match for new cardmembers. (see disclosure 4)
The right choice depends on which features matter most to you. If avoiding purchase interest and a traditional minimum deposit are priorities, the Chime Card may be worth considering. If you prefer a traditional secured credit card and value Discover's rewards program and potential upgrade path, the Discover card may be a better fit.
Already have a Chime Checking Account? See whether you're eligible to apply for the Chime Card.
You can also see how the Chime Card compares to Capital One's secured credit card.