Utilizing a secured credit card is one of the best ways to boost your credit.
The best secured credit cards we've highlighted below can bring you closer to achieving your goal of better credit.
Business Insider's credit card experts reviewed many different credit cards to identify our top picks for you. None of our recommendations charge annual fees, and all of these secured credit cards help you build credit as long as you responsibly pay what you owe on time each month.
Some of the best secured credit cards even earn rewards and come with benefits that can protect your finances.
These are the best secured credit cards you can apply for right now, according to our experts.
Best Secured Credit Cards of June 2025
| Best For | Card | Annual Fee |
| Best for daily use | U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card | $0 |
| Best for low security deposit | Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | $0 |
| Best for foodies | U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card | $0 |
| Best for travelers | Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 |
| Best for reward maximizers | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card | $0 |
| Best intro bonus | Discover it® Secured Credit Card | $0 |
| Best for no credit check | Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card | $0 |
Best Secured Credit Card for Daily Use
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is a surprisingly valuable credit card for people new to the world of credit.
Unlike many secured credit cards, this no-annual-fee card earns generous rewards on common expenses such as travel and groceries: 5% cash back on select travel booked directly through U.S. Bank and on up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choos; 2% cash back on eligible purchases in an everyday category of your choice; and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Learn more in our U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured credit card review.
Best Secured Credit Card for Low Security Deposit
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card allows you to open an account with a $200 credit line for as little as $49 down. You can also put down a larger security deposit to increase your credit line up to a maximum of $1,000.
Once you've established a history of responsible use with this secured credit card, Capital One may offer you a higher credit line in as little as six months. You may also be invited to upgrade to the unsecured Capital One Platinum Card, which allows you to reclaim your security deposit.
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card does not charge fees for foreign transactions, card replacements, or adding authorized users. Cardholders are also eligible for 50% off beverages at Capital One Cafés nationwide.
Best Secured Credit Card for Foodies
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card is the best secured credit card for people who frequently dine out or order pickup and food delivery.
Cardholders earn 4 points per dollar on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery on your first $2,000 each quarter; 2 points at grocery stores including delivery, streaming services, gas stations and EV charging; 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Points can be redeemed for a flat 1 cent each, effectively earning 4% back on dining.
This card also includes an annual streaming credit of $15 for each 12-month period in which you make a qualifying streaming purchase.
Learn more in our U.S. Bank Altitude Go Secured credit card review.
Best Secured Credit Card for Travelers
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is best for people who regularly travel for work or leisure because it earns fantastic returns on travel booked through Capital One. This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, so it's particularly beneficial for travelers since you won't incur additional costs for using this card internationally.
This secured credit card earns 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Responsible cardholders are automatically considered for credit line increases and upgrades to the unsecured version of this card.
Best for Reward Maximizers
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is the best secured credit card for people willing to work a little harder to earn maximum rewards.
Cardholders can choose from a short list of common expense categories to earn 3% bonus rewards each month. They also earn 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% back on everything else. Bonus categories only earn extra rewards on up to $2,500 in total spending each quarter, earning just 1% back per dollar spent beyond the cap.
Learn more in our Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured credit card review.
Best Secured Credit Card Intro Bonus
$0
N/A
27.24% Variable APR
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match®
New/Rebuilding
- Offers cash-back rewards, which isn't a given for secured credit cards
- Discover matches cash back after your first account year
- Other secured cards let you start with lower minimum security deposits
- You must fund the security deposit from a bank account
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is worth considering if you're new to credit or are working on rebuilding your score, since it's unlikely you'll be approved for any of the best credit cards on the market. It's unique because it earns strong rewards when most other secured credit cards do not.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card- No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- 30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a straightforward cash back card with a generous intro bonus for new cardholders.
Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of new card members' first year through its Cashback Match® program.
Cardholders earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Discover also automatically reviews your account at seven months to evaluate your credit history. With responsible use, you may be invited to transition to an unsecured credit card, allowing you to reclaim your security deposit.
Best Secured Credit Card for No Credit Check
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card allows consumers with low or no credit to enjoy the functionality of a credit card without undergoing a standard credit check.
This secured credit card helps users build credit by reporting card activity to major credit bureaus. However, it doesn't earn rewards and can't be converted to an unsecured card, so it isn't a great fit for someone who's hoping to build a relationship with a larger issuer up front.
You'll have to have a Chime® Checking Account and put down a cash deposit in order to get and use the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card.
This card stands out from other secured cards because you can pay down your balance from your security deposit. However, you'll effectively lower your spending limit unless you top up your account balance afterward.
Secured Credit Card Basics
Secured credit cards are designed for people with low or no credit who put down a cash deposit as security. The deposit guarantees that the cardholder will repay whatever they charge to the credit card.
Secured credit cards tend to lack flashy ongoing benefits and high earning rates. Instead, they serve just one primary purpose: to help people with poor (or no) credit get on their financial feet.
How Secured Credit Cards Work
When you open a secured credit card account, you're required to deposit a sum of money. This deposit usually determines your credit limit. Essentially, you're borrowing against your own money while also building your credit history.
Traditional, unsecured credit cards use undisclosed mathematical algorithms that rope in credit score, income, and payment history to determine your credit limit. Alternatively, your credit limit on a secured credit card will be how much you deposited. Credit card companies hold this money as collateral if you default on your credit card or rack up severe delinquencies.
Required Security Deposit
The deposit is typically refundable and varies from one card issuer to another. Understanding the terms associated with the deposit is crucial to making a well-informed decision.
One determining factor of your credit score is the percentage of available credit you use, ideally under 30%. This number is also known as your credit utilization ratio. The higher the security deposit, the more you can use your card without putting your credit score at risk. You'll be able to get this back.
Assuming you make your payments on time, the credit card company will return your security deposit when you pay off your remaining balance and close out the card.
Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards and unsecured credit cards occasionally share a product name, but they can have very different usages and limitations.
Secured Credit Cards
- Often do not require a credit check
- Accept applicants with low credit scores
- Require cash security deposit to establish credit limit (within a specified range)
- Often charge higher interest than unsecured credit cards
Unsecured Credit Cards
- Typically require a good credit score at minimum and prioritize applicants with excellent credit scores
- Issuer determines credit limit based on a number of internal considerations
- Interest rates vary based on the strength of your credit profile
Upgrading from a Secured Credit Card to an Unsecured Credit Card
Yes, many issuers allow you to upgrade from a secured to an unsecured credit card after demonstrating responsible use and building a positive credit history. This typically involves a review of your credit and payment history.
When and How to Upgrade Your Card
Upgrading to an unsecured credit card means your cash security deposit will be returned to you, and the upgrade is often considered a sign of improved credit health. The best issuers automatically upgrade secured cardholders to an unsecured product after a certain amount of time has passed, usually between six months to one year.
What to Expect When Upgrading From A Secured Credit Card
Transitioning to an unsecured card often comes with a higher credit limit and more benefits. However, it's important to maintain the disciplined habits you've developed; don't start carrying a balance.
Cardholder Reviews of Secured Credit Cards
In addition to compiling feedback from our credit card experts, we reviewed customer feedback from popular forums like Reddit to see what everyday cardholders have to say.
U.S. Bank: Friendly Customer Service
Several Redditors recommend U.S. Bank for its friendly, accessible customer service and for offering several credit cards designed for people with poor credit. This recommendation aligns with our recommendations of the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card.
Capital One: Flexible Rewards for Everyone
Capital One credit cards are versatile for all types of people, from high earners with high spending to consumers building or rebuilding credit through secured credit cards.
Rewards earned from secured credit cards like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card can be used as statement credits to pay down what you owe, or saved for use as valuable Capital One miles at a rate of 1 cent per mile.
You can use these rewards for future travel by saving them until your credit is strong enough for you to open a Capital One miles-earning card such as the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. After that, you can combine your rewards from the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card with your new card.
You can then use your rewards to book flights, cruises, and other travel through Capital One transfer partners or the Capital One travel portal. By Business Insider's points and miles valuations, Capital One miles are worth an average of 1.7 cents apiece when you transfer them to airline and hotel loyalty programs like British Airways and Air Canada Aeroplan.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Secured Credit Cards
With little exception, secured credit cards do not provide ongoing benefits worth mentioning since their primary function is to help consumers build credit.
The approval requirements are also extremely similar across the board. Therefore, we chose the best credit cards based on each card's earning rate and rewards currency.
Many secured credit cards come with no return whatsoever for spending. The best secured credit cards on our list not only earn rewards, but they also rival — and even outperform — some of the best no-annual-fee cash back credit cards on the market.
Here's a full breakdown of how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.
FAQs
How do secured credit cards build credit?
A secured credit card can help you build credit if you use it to demonstrate good credit habits by making payments on time, keeping balances low, and managing credit wisely by not spending more than you can afford. Secured cards report your account and activity to the major credit bureaus, meaning they will show up on your credit report and factor into your credit score calculation.
What is a good secured credit card?
The best secured credit cards include the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card for everyday expenses, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card for travelers, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card for foodies, and the Discover it® Secured Credit Card for generous rewards in your first year.
How much should I deposit for a secured credit card?
The credit limit on a secured credit card typically depends on the amount of cash you leave with the issuer as a security deposit. Common minimum deposits start at $300, although some security deposits can be as low as $49. Choose an amount that you're comfortable with and that reflects your spending habits.
Are secured credit cards only for people with bad credit?
No, secured credit cards are also a good option for people with no credit history or for those looking to rebuild their credit.
Can I get my deposit back on a secured credit card?
Yes, the deposit on a secured credit card is typically refundable once you close your account in good standing or upgrade to an unsecured card.
***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.
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.
Chime® Disclosures:
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
Early Pay: Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
Round Up: Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.
SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical Chime Visa® Debit Card or secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
Qualifying Direct Deposit: The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
Save When You Get Paid: Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your selected Chime Account. Barcode and debit card cash deposits land in the Checking Account. Credit Builder card cash deposits first go through your Card Account and then land in your Secured Account. Cash deposit fees may apply if using a retailer other than Walgreens and Duane Reade.
Tax e-file services provided by April Tax Solutions Inc. ("april") or Column Tax, Inc. ("Column Tax"). These tax filing offers are not endorsed or offered by our partners, The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.
Maximum refund guarantee is provided by april or Column Tax. If you use april's service to prepare and file your return and you find an error in the tax preparation that entitles you to a larger refund (or smaller liability), you may use their service to amend that return at no additional charge. To qualify, the larger refund or smaller tax liability must not be due to differences or inaccuracies in data supplied by you, your choice not to claim a deduction or credit, positions taken on your return that are contrary to law, or changes in federal or state tax laws. See here for details. If you use Column Tax's service, Column Tax will reimburse you for up to $250 if you are able to pay less federal or state income tax or receive a larger federal or state income tax return by using another tax return preparation provider. Eligibility requirements apply. See terms for details.
If the april tax preparation software makes a mathematical error that results in your payment of a penalty and/or interest to the IRS that you would otherwise not have been required to pay, april will reimburse you up to a maximum of $10,000. See april terms for details. If interest and/or a penalty is imposed by the IRS as a result of a computational error by Column Tax, you may be entitled to up to $10,000 reimbursement by Column Tax. See Column Tax terms for details.
There are no fees required to use this product. Chime does not require you to deposit your refund into your Chime Account to qualify for free tax filing. Certain costs may be incurred if you decide to obtain other optional financial products offered in relation to your tax filing. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may impose penalties or other charges depending on your personal tax situation. If the april tax preparation software makes a mathematical error that results in your payment of a penalty and/or interest to the IRS that you would otherwise not have been required to pay, april will reimburse you up to a maximum of $10,000. See april terms for details. If interest and/or a penalty is imposed by the IRS as a result of a computational error by Column Tax, you may be entitled to up to $10,000 reimbursement by Column Tax. See Column Tax terms for details.
Chime does not guarantee timing of refund. Six day refund estimate is based on 2023 tax year filing data. Refund timing estimates are dependent upon timing of complete tax return submission and when the IRS submits your refund.
