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What is a Secured Credit Card? How to Get and Use One

Timothy Moore • May 11, 2023

How does a secured credit card work? We'll cover how to use a secured credit card to build credit – and how they differ from unsecured credit cards.

What is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card is a type of credit for borrowers with poor or no credit history. To get a secured card, you’ll make a small security deposit as collateral. Over time, responsible card usage can help boost your credit score.

A secured credit card is an alternative to a traditional credit card. Secured credit cards can make it easier for people with no or bad credit to improve their credit scores. Unlike a traditional credit card, a secured credit card requires an initial security deposit to open the account.

Secured credit cards can be instrumental in taking control of your credit. They’re a helpful resource if you have a limited credit history or need a second chance with your finances.

Does that sound like the right kind of credit card for you? Read on to learn how a secured credit card works, how to get a secured credit card, and what makes them different from unsecured credit cards.

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What is a secured credit card?

secured credit card is a card that requires you to make a cash deposit as collateral when you open the account. The deposit is an insurance policy for the credit card company in case you can’t make your payments or default on paying back your balance.

If you use your secured credit responsibly, you can expect your credit score to increase. The secured credit card issuer may allow you to upgrade to an unsecured credit card; if not, you can apply for a credit card elsewhere once your credit score is strong enough.

Security deposit requirements

The opening deposit amount needed for a secured credit card varies by card issuer. Typically, the deposit is equal to your credit limit on that card.

For example, if you open a secured credit card with a $500 deposit, your credit limit might also be $500.

Credit score requirements

The deposit reduces the risk for the credit card company. In other words, if you don’t pay your bill, the issuer can take the money from your deposit to get their funds back.

This is a major reason secured credit cards are available to people with poor or no credit. Often, borrowers with bad credit can’t get approved for any other type of credit card.

How to get a secured credit card

The first step to getting a secured credit card is researching the best option for your finances. Once you decide on a card, fill out an application with your personal information, including a bank account that can be tied to the card. Once approved, the issuer will give you instructions for making your security deposit.

The main difference with a secured credit card application is that it will require your bank account and routing number to process the security deposit.

Once the issuer receives and processes your security deposit, you’ll get your new credit card in the mail, ready to use.

Since secured cards require collateral from borrowers as part of their agreement, paying off your balance in full every month will help you avoid high interest charges or losing your deposit altogether.

How does a secured credit card work?

A secured credit card can be a valuable tool in building your credit score if you spend responsibly and stay on top of payments.

But how do secured credit cards work? You make an initial security deposit, then use your secured credit card on everyday purchases and monthly bills without exceeding your credit limit (usually equal to the security deposit amount).

Most creditors report those on-time payments to credit bureaus, which can help boost your score. That’s why paying off your card in full and on time each month is crucial. Eventually, with enough responsible usage, you may be able to graduate to an unsecured credit card.

How to use a secured credit card

Here are some tips to effectively use a secured credit card:

  1. Spend wisely. Use the card strictly for necessary expenses, ideally only if you already have the money in a checking or savings account to pay it off. For an unsecured credit card, only spend what you can afford to pay each month.
  2. Pay it off. Pay your balance in full every month before the due date. When you pay in full, you won’t be charged interest. Interest rates on secured cards are generally higher than those on unsecured cards.
  3. Monitor your score. Keep an eye on your credit score over time. When it has improved, ask your issuer about potentially upgrading to an unsecured card to help boost your score even more. If the issuer doesn’t approve you for an unsecured credit card, research other lenders and consider applying if you have a good chance of approval.

Pros and cons of secured credit cards

Secured credit cards can benefit new borrowers or borrowers with bad credit, but they also come with drawbacks.

ProsCons
Secured credit cards can help you boost your credit score over time.You generally receive a smaller credit limit with a secured credit card.
You can use your card to make secure purchases online.You may encounter annual fees and high interest rates.
You don’t need a high credit score to get a secured credit card approved.If you default on payments, you may lose your initial deposit.

How to use a secured credit card to built credit

Secured credit cards can be a great starting point when you’re trying to establish or repair your credit score.

FICO® credit scores, which lenders most often use, are based on five factors:

  1. Payment history (35%)
  2. Credit utilization (30%)
  3. Length of credit history (15%)
  4. Applications for new credit (10%)
  5. Types of credit used (10%)

That’s pretty straightforward. So how do you use a secured credit card to build (or rebuild) your score?

It’s all about your credit card habits. Adopting two specific practices for using a credit card can be instrumental in improving your score:

  • Pay your bill on time each month.
  • Keep a low balance.

Paying your bills on time each month accounts for 35% of your overall credit score, so this is the best way to build up a good credit history and demonstrate to the credit card issuer and credit bureaus that you’re a responsible user.

Your credit utilization – the credit you have used compared to your available credit – is something to keep an eye on as well. Aiming to keep this ratio at 30% or less is a good goal, but staying under 10% is even better.

Stick to these two habits with your secured credit card, and you might be able to qualify for a regular credit card in a few months.

Pro Tip: The longer your account stays open, the older your credit history becomes. This has a direct impact on your credit score over time.

Other types of cards

Secured credit cards are helpful for borrowers who are repair or establishing credit, but there are other types of cards available that may make more sense for your finances, including unsecured credit cards and prepaid cards.

Secured credit cards vs. unsecured credit cards

So what is the difference between secured and unsecured credit cards? The most significant difference is the security deposit. Unsecured credit cards don’t require a deposit, which poses more risk to the issuer. Because of this risk, unsecured cards usually require average or good credit for approval.

Secured and unsecured cards work the same in terms of how you use them. When you make a purchase with an unsecured card, your credit limit is reduced by that amount, and your available credit increases again when you make a payment.

It doesn’t matter if a card is secured or unsecured to the credit bureaus. Your account activity can still appear on your credit reports as long as your secured credit card issuer reports it.

Secured credit cards vs. prepaid cards

And what about the difference between prepaid debit cards and secured cards? Here, the most significant distinction is where the money on the card comes from. With secured credit cards, you’re spending money you borrow from the credit card company, which you pay back at some point after the purchase. With prepaid debit cards, you spend your money as you load money onto the card before making a purchase.

Because it involves borrowing and repaying money, a secured credit card can help you build your credit, but it can also harm your credit when not used responsibly. Prepaid debit cards, on the other hand, do not affect your credit score.

Alternatives to secured credit cards

If you’re trying to build or repair your credit score, secured credit cards are a good option – but they’re not your only option. Consider some of these alternatives for improving your credit score:

  • Become an authorized user: If a partner or family member has a strong credit score and uses their card responsibly, you could benefit from being added to their card as an authorized user.
  • Apply for a student credit card: As a student, you may qualify for a student credit card. Although these cards are for borrowers without a credit history, they usually don’t require a security deposit.
  • Focus on paying down your debt: If you’re trying to rebuild your credit score because of past mistakes, paying off any credit card debt you already have might make more sense. Though it’s hard work, it will reduce your credit utilization and boost your credit score, which could eventually position you to qualify for an unsecured credit card.

Boost your credit with a secured credit card

A secured credit card is a helpful tool for building and repairing credit. While you’ll have to pay a security deposit, responsible card usage over time can lead to a jump in your score. It may help you graduate to an unsecured credit card with no fees, no deposit, and maybe even some rewards.

That said, credit cards aren’t your only option for building credit. Learn how to build credit without a credit card.

FAQs

How do you get your security deposit back with a secured credit card?

After you make a security deposit for a secured credit card, the credit card company holds onto it. Generally, there are two ways you can get it back.

The first way to get your deposit back is to graduate to an unsecured credit card. Your credit card company may review your secured card account periodically. If you’ve established a record of using your card responsibly, it may switch you to an unsecured card. In that case, your deposit will be refunded.

The other way to get your deposit back is to close your account. To do so, you’d have to pay off your balance first. Otherwise, the credit card company could keep part or all of your deposit as payment. Closing a credit card can impact your credit score by reducing your overall credit utilization and decreasing your average length of credit history.

Can you get denied for a secured credit card?

As with any credit card, getting approved for a secured card isn’t guaranteed. Each credit card company has its own policies and requirements. A credit card issuer may have additional approval requirements beyond the security deposit.

What is a good APR for a secured credit card?

Every secured credit card is different regarding the fees and APRs they charge. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Lower credit scores usually equate to higher interest rates. You should expect a higher APR if you’re starting from scratch with credit.

Secured cards can come with more than one APR, and you may have different ones for:

The fees you pay can also vary. Some secured cards charge an annual fee, while others charge anything. Some may also charge a monthly service fee or a fee for increasing your deposit.

The takeaway? Read the fine print on secured card fees, rates, and terms to know exactly what you’re paying.

How much will a secured credit card raise my score?

It’s hard to say precisely how much a secured credit card will raise your credit score or how fast your score will improve.

Assuming you pay your bills on time and maintain a low credit utilization rate, you can expect to see improvements in your credit score after about six to 12 months. And if you start with a bad credit score, you can expect to qualify for an unsecured credit card for fair credit within 12 to 18 months.

Chime’s secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card users can see an average 30-point increase in their credit score over eight months.1

What is the difference between secured and unsecured credit cards?

Unlike unsecured credit cards, secured credit cards require an initial security deposit, which typically serves as your credit limit. If you deposit $500, your credit limit will likely also be $500. This reduces risk to the credit card issuer; that’s why people with low or no credit have an easier time getting approved.

Do secured credit cards build credit?

When you sign up for a secured credit card, ensure the card issuer reports activity to the major credit bureaus. If they do, the card can help you build credit if you make on-time payments in full each month.

But remember how credit cards work: If you miss a payment on your secured credit card, your credit score could go down. Just because it’s “secured” by your deposit doesn’t mean it can’t lower your credit.

How many credit cards should a person have?

The number of credit cards you should have depends on how you use them. If you can juggle multiple payment dates and pay the cards in full each month, having several credit cards open can be beneficial.

Multiple cards mean a higher credit limit, which can help keep your credit utilization low. If you have a good or excellent credit score, you may even qualify for various rewards credit cards that earn you cash back or travel points. If you’re starting on your credit journey or have a history of credit card debt, it may be wise to stick to one credit card – ideally, a secured credit card.

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card
  • Build credit safely
  • No credit check to apply
  • No annual fees
  • No interest~
Get Started