ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE
ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE:
Credit-Land.com is an independent, advertising-supported web site. Credit-Land.com receives compensation from most credit card issuers whose offers appear on our site. Compensation from our advertising partners impacts how and where their products appear on our site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within review lists. Credit-Land.com has not reviewed all available credit card offers in the marketplace.
Credit-Land.com is an independent, advertising-supported web site. Credit-Land.com receives compensation from most credit card issuers whose offers appear on our site. Compensation from our advertising partners impacts how and where their products appear on our site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within review lists. Credit-Land.com has not reviewed all available credit card offers in the marketplace.
January 2020. Best
secured credit cards FROM
OUR PARTNERS
Banks are cautious these days, and if you have limited or poor credit history, they may require a deposit to act as collateral on your credit card account. Think of it like a security deposit you'd put down on apartment. The bank protects itself, while still letting you build up your credit history. It's a win-win situation. Let the Credit-Land.com experts steer you toward the secured credit card with the lowest fees and best terms for your needs.
- Best of January 2020
- Visa Cards
- Mastercard
- No Annual Fee
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
26.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
$0
Annual Fee
$0
- Click "APPLY ONLINE" to apply now
- No annual fee, and all the credit building benefits with responsible card use
- Unlike a prepaid card, it builds credit when used responsibly, with regular reporting to the 3 major credit bureaus
- Access to an authorized bank account is required to make your $49, $99 or $200 refundable security deposit
- Make the minimum required security deposit and you'll get an initial credit line of $200. Plus, deposit more money before your account opens to get a higher credit line
- Get access to a higher credit line after making your first 5 monthly payments on time with no additional deposit needed
- Easily manage your account 24/7 with online access, by phone or using our mobile app
- It's a credit card accepted at millions of locations worldwide
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
10.99% (6 months)
Regular APR
24.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Annual Fee
$0
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
- It's a real credit card. You can build a credit history with the three major credit bureaus. Generally, debit and prepaid cards can't help you build a credit history.
- Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200 after being approved. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 8 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter, automatically. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Get 100% U.S. based customer service & get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score
- INTRO OFFER: We automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
- Click "APPLY NOW" to see rates, rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
n/a
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
n/a
Regular APR
9.99% (Fixed)
Balance Transfer Fee
n/a
Annual Fee
$48
- Better than Prepaid…Go with a Secured Card! Load One Time - Keep On Using
- Absolutely No Credit Check or Minimum Credit Score Required
- Automatic Reporting to All Three National Credit Bureaus
- 9.99% Low Fixed APR - Your Rate Won´t Go Up Even if You Are Late
- Activate Today with a $200 Minimum Deposit - Maximum $1,000. * Increase Your Credit Limit up to $5,000 by Adding Additional Deposits Anytime
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
23.99% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
Annual Fee
$0
- The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a no annual fee credit card that helps you build your credit when used responsibly.
- Unlike a debit card, it helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus. Once available, you will also have free access to your FICO score online.
- Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted — worldwide.
- A security deposit is required. Once approved, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit (minimum of $200).
- Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
- With Flexible Payment Due Dates, you can choose any available due date in the beginning, middle or end of the month.
- Manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in our mobile app.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 23.99%. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
18.89% (variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$35
- No credit check necessary to apply. OpenSky believes in giving an opportunity to everyone.
- The refundable* deposit you provide becomes your credit line limit on your Visa card. Choose it yourself, from as low as $200.
- Build credit quickly. OpenSky reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
- 99% of our customers who started without a credit score earned a credit score record with the credit bureaus in as little as 6 months.
- We have a Facebook community of people just like you; there is a forum for shared experiences, and insights from others on our Facebook Fan page. (Search “OpenSky Card” in Facebook.)
- OpenSky provides credit tips and a dedicated credit education page on our website to support you along the way.
- *View our Cardholder Agreement located at the bottom of the application page for details of the card.
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
13.99% (V)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
- Receive Your Card More Quickly with New Expedited Processing Option
- No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
- Quick and Complete Online Application
- Full-Feature Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
- Good for Car Rental, Hotels; Anywhere Credit Cards are Accepted!
- Monthly Reporting to all 3 Major Credit Bureaus to Establish Credit History
- Credit Line Secured by Your Fully-Refundable Deposit of $200 -- $2,000 Submitted with Application
- Just Pay Off Your Balance and Receive Your Deposit Back at Any Time
- 24/7 Online Access to Your Account
- Nationwide Program though not yet available in NY, IA, AR, or WI
- * See Card Terms.
- Apply in just a few moments with no negative impact to your credit score; no credit inquiry will be recorded in your credit bureau file
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
13.99% (Fixed)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
- Credit lines available from $200 to $5,000! Low fixed 13.99% interest rate on purchases - with no penalty rate!
- No minimum credit score requirements! We invite all credit types to apply! No processing or application fees!
- Helps strengthen your credit with responsible card use. Reports to three national bureaus
- Fast, easy application process. Choose your credit line and open your Personal Savings Deposit Account to secure your line.
- See additional Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card details
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
19.99% (V)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$29
- Receive Your Card More Quickly with New Expedited Processing Option
- No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
- Quick and Complete Online Application
- Full-Feature Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
- Good for Car Rental, Hotels; Anywhere Credit Cards are Accepted!
- Monthly Reporting to all 3 Major Credit Bureaus to Establish Credit History
- Credit Line Secured by Your Fully-Refundable Deposit of $200 -- $2,000 Submitted with Application
- Just Pay Off Your Balance and Receive Your Deposit Back at Any Time
- 24/7 Online Access to Your Account
- Nationwide Program though not yet available in NY, IA, AR, or WI
- * See Card Terms.
- Apply in just a few moments with no negative impact to your credit score; no credit inquiry will be recorded in your credit bureau file
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
n/a
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
n/a
Regular APR
9.99% (Fixed)
Balance Transfer Fee
n/a
Annual Fee
$48
- Better than Prepaid…Go with a Secured Card! Load One Time - Keep On Using
- Absolutely No Credit Check or Minimum Credit Score Required
- Automatic Reporting to All Three National Credit Bureaus
- 9.99% Low Fixed APR - Your Rate Won´t Go Up Even if You Are Late
- Activate Today with a $200 Minimum Deposit - Maximum $1,000. * Increase Your Credit Limit up to $5,000 by Adding Additional Deposits Anytime
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
18.89% (variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$35
- No credit check necessary to apply. OpenSky believes in giving an opportunity to everyone.
- The refundable* deposit you provide becomes your credit line limit on your Visa card. Choose it yourself, from as low as $200.
- Build credit quickly. OpenSky reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
- 99% of our customers who started without a credit score earned a credit score record with the credit bureaus in as little as 6 months.
- We have a Facebook community of people just like you; there is a forum for shared experiences, and insights from others on our Facebook Fan page. (Search “OpenSky Card” in Facebook.)
- OpenSky provides credit tips and a dedicated credit education page on our website to support you along the way.
- *View our Cardholder Agreement located at the bottom of the application page for details of the card.
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
19.99% (F)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
- Good credit or bank account not required
- Your application will not impact your credit score
- Initial security deposit can be as low as $200
- Raise your credit score with responsible card use
- See additional Green Dot Visa® Secured Credit Card details
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
13.99% (Fixed)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
- Credit lines available from $200 to $5,000! Low fixed 13.99% interest rate on purchases - with no penalty rate!
- No minimum credit score requirements! We invite all credit types to apply! No processing or application fees!
- Helps strengthen your credit with responsible card use. Reports to three national bureaus
- Fast, easy application process. Choose your credit line and open your Personal Savings Deposit Account to secure your line.
- See additional Green Dot primor® Visa® Classic Secured Credit Card details
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
9.99% (Fixed)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$49
- Credit lines available from $200 to $5,000! Super Low Fixed 9.99% interest rate on purchases - with no penalty rate!
- No minimum credit score requirements! We invite all credit types to apply! No processing or application fees!
- Helps strengthen your credit with responsible card use. Reports to three national bureaus
- Fast, easy application process. Choose your credit line and open your Personal Savings Deposit Account to secure your line.
- See additional Green Dot primor® Visa® Gold Secured Credit Card details
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
23.99% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
Annual Fee
$0
- The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a no annual fee credit card that helps you build your credit when used responsibly.
- Unlike a debit card, it helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus. Once available, you will also have free access to your FICO score online.
- Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted — worldwide.
- A security deposit is required. Once approved, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit (minimum of $200).
- Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
- With Flexible Payment Due Dates, you can choose any available due date in the beginning, middle or end of the month.
- Manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in our mobile app.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 23.99%. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
26.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
$0
Annual Fee
$0
- Click "APPLY ONLINE" to apply now
- No annual fee, and all the credit building benefits with responsible card use
- Unlike a prepaid card, it builds credit when used responsibly, with regular reporting to the 3 major credit bureaus
- Access to an authorized bank account is required to make your $49, $99 or $200 refundable security deposit
- Make the minimum required security deposit and you'll get an initial credit line of $200. Plus, deposit more money before your account opens to get a higher credit line
- Get access to a higher credit line after making your first 5 monthly payments on time with no additional deposit needed
- Easily manage your account 24/7 with online access, by phone or using our mobile app
- It's a credit card accepted at millions of locations worldwide
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
9.99% (Fixed)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$49
- Credit lines available from $200 to $5,000! Super Low Fixed 9.99% interest rate on purchases - with no penalty rate!
- No minimum credit score requirements! We invite all credit types to apply! No processing or application fees!
- Helps strengthen your credit with responsible card use. Reports to three national bureaus
- Fast, easy application process. Choose your credit line and open your Personal Savings Deposit Account to secure your line.
- See additional Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Gold Secured Credit Card details
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
13.99% (Fixed)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
- Credit lines available from $200 to $5,000! Low fixed 13.99% interest rate on purchases - with no penalty rate!
- No minimum credit score requirements! We invite all credit types to apply! No processing or application fees!
- Helps strengthen your credit with responsible card use. Reports to three national bureaus
- Fast, easy application process. Choose your credit line and open your Personal Savings Deposit Account to secure your line.
- See additional Green Dot primor® Mastercard® Classic Secured Credit Card details
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
13.99% (V)
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Annual Fee
$39
- Receive Your Card More Quickly with New Expedited Processing Option
- No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
- Quick and Complete Online Application
- Full-Feature Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
- Good for Car Rental, Hotels; Anywhere Credit Cards are Accepted!
- Monthly Reporting to all 3 Major Credit Bureaus to Establish Credit History
- Credit Line Secured by Your Fully-Refundable Deposit of $200 -- $2,000 Submitted with Application
- Just Pay Off Your Balance and Receive Your Deposit Back at Any Time
- 24/7 Online Access to Your Account
- Nationwide Program though not yet available in NY, IA, AR, or WI
- * See Card Terms.
- Apply in just a few moments with no negative impact to your credit score; no credit inquiry will be recorded in your credit bureau file
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
10.99% (6 months)
Regular APR
24.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Annual Fee
$0
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
- It's a real credit card. You can build a credit history with the three major credit bureaus. Generally, debit and prepaid cards can't help you build a credit history.
- Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200 after being approved. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 8 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter, automatically. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Get 100% U.S. based customer service & get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO® Credit Score
- INTRO OFFER: We automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
- Click "APPLY NOW" to see rates, rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
23.99% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
Annual Fee
$0
- The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a no annual fee credit card that helps you build your credit when used responsibly.
- Unlike a debit card, it helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus. Once available, you will also have free access to your FICO score online.
- Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted — worldwide.
- A security deposit is required. Once approved, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit (minimum of $200).
- Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
- With Flexible Payment Due Dates, you can choose any available due date in the beginning, middle or end of the month.
- Manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in our mobile app.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 23.99%. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion
our choice
our choice
Intro APR on Purchases
N/A
Intro APR on Balance Transfer
N/A
Regular APR
26.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
$0
Annual Fee
$0
- Click "APPLY ONLINE" to apply now
- No annual fee, and all the credit building benefits with responsible card use
- Unlike a prepaid card, it builds credit when used responsibly, with regular reporting to the 3 major credit bureaus
- Access to an authorized bank account is required to make your $49, $99 or $200 refundable security deposit
- Make the minimum required security deposit and you'll get an initial credit line of $200. Plus, deposit more money before your account opens to get a higher credit line
- Get access to a higher credit line after making your first 5 monthly payments on time with no additional deposit needed
- Easily manage your account 24/7 with online access, by phone or using our mobile app
- It's a credit card accepted at millions of locations worldwide
our choice
secured CREDIT CARDS
IN BRIEF
Secured credit cards require a small deposit of collateral and are subject to interest rates. Your security deposit may be refunded eventually if you pay off your entire balance each month. This also helps avoid high interest and improves your credit score.
The advantage of such cards is that they may be able to help build, rebuild, or reestablish your credit history if you make on-time minimum payments with all your creditors and maintain your account balances below the credit limits.
The Skinny on Secured Credit Cards
If you can't get approved for an unsecured credit card, you can still apply for a secured credit card. Secured cards require a deposit and give you a better chance of being approved.
Unlike prepaid cards, secured cards do report payments to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so using one can help rebuild a damaged credit history by making on-time payments with all your creditors and keeping balances below the credit limits. If you make payments successfully for a period of time, some issuers will convert your secured credit card account to a conventional, unsecured one.
Secured cards are recommended for people with past financial challenges and bad credit history. Banks are wary to approve people with bad credit and might deny their applications, even with a security deposit.
questionsABOUT
CREDIT CARDS
How can I have two people apply for a credit card / two people reflected on statement?
There are so-called joint credit card accounts. This means you can have a joint account holder, also known as a co-signer. Joint account holders can both use the credit card equally and are both liable for making...
Read moreAre there any cards available to Canadians?
We can recommend you consider Canadian credit card offers from our partners. Make sure you chose the card that corresponds to your credit score.
Read moreHow to get the best credit card?
With the credit card issuers coming up with newer plans and strategies every passing day, there is no dearth of good deals in the market today. But not all deals are suitable for all customers. There are many factors...
Read more
commentsABOUT
SECURED CREDIT CARDS
must read FEATURED NEWS
AND RELATED RESEARCH
Jan 16, 2020
Lyft and Chase teamed up to give more rewards to cardmembers who ride with Lyft. Beginning January...
Nights are still drawing out, the wind is cold, and the air smells like snow already - the winter...