Best Secured Credit Cards of 2026
Build or rebuild your credit with a refundable deposit. No credit history required.
How Secured Cards Help You
Top Secured Credit Cards
Discover it Secured Credit Card
Earn 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 combined quarterly), 1% everywhere else. Cashback Match doubles rewards the first year.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured
Flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Automatic credit line reviews. $200 minimum deposit.
Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa
No credit check to apply. No interest charges. Spend what you load. Reports to all 3 bureaus.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured
3% in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, 1% everywhere else.
Your Credit Building Roadmap
Apply & Deposit
Choose a secured card and make your refundable deposit. Most require just $200.
Use Responsibly
Make small purchases and pay your bill in full every month. Keep usage under 30% of your limit.
Watch Your Score Grow
After 6-12 months, your credit score should increase significantly with consistent on-time payments.
Graduate to Unsecured
Your card upgrades to a regular card, your deposit is returned, and you qualify for better rewards cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. For example, a $500 deposit gives you a $500 credit limit. It works exactly like a regular credit card for purchases and reports to credit bureaus, helping you build or rebuild credit.
How long does it take to build credit with a secured card?
Most people see meaningful credit score improvement within 6-12 months of responsible use. After 12-18 months, many secured cards automatically upgrade to unsecured cards and return your deposit. Key factors are on-time payments and keeping utilization below 30%.
Do secured credit cards report to credit bureaus?
Yes, all reputable secured cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). This is the whole point of a secured card. Always verify a card reports to all three bureaus before applying.
Can I get my deposit back from a secured credit card?
Yes, your deposit is fully refundable. You get it back when you close the account in good standing, or when the card graduates to an unsecured version. Most issuers review your account for graduation after 6-12 months of on-time payments.
What credit score do you need for a secured card?
Most secured cards do not require a minimum credit score. They are designed for people with poor credit (below 580), no credit history, or a recent bankruptcy. Some cards like the Chime Credit Builder do not even run a credit check.
Start Building Your Credit Today
A secured card is the fastest path to a strong credit score. Compare your options now.
Compare Secured Cards