Overview
Find the best secured credit cards to build or rebuild credit. Compare deposits, fees, and upgrade paths to unsecured cards. Finding the right option depends on your specific needs, spending habits, and financial goals. Below we break down the key factors to consider and the top choices available.
Best Secured Credit Cards
| Card | Min. Deposit | Annual Fee | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it Secured | $200 | $0 | ⭐ 4.8 |
| Capital One Platinum Secured | $49-$200 | $0 | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Citi Secured Mastercard | $200 | $0 | ⭐ 4.3 |
How Secured Cards Work
You provide a refundable security deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. The card functions like any other credit card — use it, pay it off, and your payment history reports to credit bureaus, building your credit history over time.
Getting Your Deposit Back
Most secured cards allow you to "graduate" to an unsecured card after 6-12 months of responsible use, at which point your deposit is refunded — Discover it Secured is particularly well-regarded for this transition process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your deposit is only used to cover unpaid balances if you default. As long as you pay your bill, the deposit remains untouched and is refunded when you close the account or graduate to unsecured.
Some do — Discover it Secured notably offers cash back rewards, which is uncommon among secured cards and makes it a standout option.