Best Secured Credit Cards of January 2026
Compare 12 expert-reviewed secured cards for building credit. Includes no-credit-check options for any credit situation.
By Michael Rodriguez • Updated Jan. 2, 2026
Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the card offers on this page are from partners who compensate us when you apply. This doesn't affect our rankings, ratings, or editorial content. Our opinions are our own. View our advertising policy.
APR Note: All APRs listed are variable and subject to change based on the Prime Rate and your creditworthiness. APR information is accurate as of January 2026. Please verify current rates with the card issuer before applying.
Our team analyzed 47 secured credit cards based on approval rates, credit bureau reporting, fees, and path to graduation. These 12 cards emerged as the best options for building or rebuilding credit, including 6 that require no credit check for approval.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® does not require a credit check or existing bank account for approval, making it accessible to applicants who may not qualify for other secured cards.
Bottom Line
OpenSky® Secured Visa® offers approval without a credit check or bank account requirement. On-time payments are reported to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion monthly. The card has a $35 annual fee and requires a security deposit of $200 to $3,000, which sets your credit limit.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • No credit check required to apply
- • Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus monthly
- • No checking account required
- • Build credit with responsible use
- • Accepted everywhere Visa is accepted
Cons
- • $35 annual fee
- • No rewards program
- • High APR if carrying a balance
Card Details
- No credit check required for approval
- No bank account required to apply
- Choose your credit limit: $200 - $3,000 (equals your deposit)
- 22.64% Variable APR
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Nationwide acceptance wherever Visa is accepted
- Online account management 24/7
- Fraud protection with zero liability
- $35 annual fee
- Issued by Capital Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
OpenSky® Plus is the premium tier of the trusted OpenSky secured card family. It offers a lower APR and higher starting credit limit for those serious about building credit without a credit check.
Bottom Line
The OpenSky® Plus offers enhanced features for credit builders willing to pay a slightly higher annual fee. The lower 19.64% APR saves money if you occasionally carry a balance, and the $300 minimum deposit ensures a more substantial credit line to start. Same trusted credit-building benefits with premium perks.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • No credit check required
- • Lower APR than standard OpenSky
- • Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- • Higher starting credit limit
- • Credit line increase opportunities
Cons
- • Higher $59 annual fee
- • No rewards program
- • Requires $300 minimum deposit
Card Details
- No credit check required for approval
- Lower APR: 19.64% vs 22.64% on standard OpenSky
- Credit limits from $300 - $3,000
- Reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion monthly
- Potential for credit line increases
- Online and mobile account access
- Visa's zero liability fraud protection
- $59 annual fee
- Issued by Capital Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
Self Visa® Credit Card
Self Visa works differently: you first open a Self Credit Builder Account (a savings loan), make payments for at least 3 months, then unlock the credit card with your savings as collateral.
Bottom Line
Self Visa requires patience but offers a unique approach. You must first open a Credit Builder Account, make on-time payments for 3+ months, and save at least $100 before you can get the card. Your savings become your credit limit. It's great if you're already using Self's savings program, but the multi-step process and $25 annual fee make it less convenient than traditional secured cards.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • No traditional deposit required
- • Builds credit through savings
- • No credit check
- • Reports to all 3 bureaus
- • Combines savings with credit building
Cons
- • Requires Self Credit Builder Account first
- • $25 annual fee
- • Must save for months before getting card
- • Complex setup process
Card Details
- No traditional security deposit (uses your Self savings)
- Requires Self Credit Builder Account (3+ months)
- $25 annual fee
- 26.99% Variable APR
- Must have $100+ in Self savings to qualify
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Visa acceptance
- Mobile app for account management
OpenSky® Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card
OpenSky Launch is the entry-level card in the OpenSky family, offering no annual fee for budget-conscious credit builders who want the OpenSky name without the yearly cost.
Bottom Line
OpenSky Launch removes the annual fee barrier for new credit builders. While the APR is higher than other OpenSky cards, you pay nothing yearly to build credit. This makes it ideal for those who pay their balance in full each month and want to minimize costs while establishing credit history.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • No annual fee
- • No credit check required
- • Lower barrier to entry
- • Reports to all 3 bureaus
- • Same OpenSky trust
Cons
- • Higher APR than other OpenSky cards
- • Basic feature set
- • No rewards program
Card Details
- No annual fee
- No credit check required
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Minimum $200 security deposit
- 29.99% Variable APR
- Visa acceptance everywhere
- Online account management
- Issued by Capital Bank, N.A., Member FDIC
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover it® Secured offers the best rewards program among secured cards, with 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants and 1% on everything else, plus Discover matches all your cash back after the first year.
Bottom Line
Discover it® Secured is the clear winner for rewards. It offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 per quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all your cash back at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. The card also automatically reviews your account for graduation to an unsecured card after 8 months of responsible use.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter)
- • 1% cash back on all other purchases
- • Cash back match after first year
- • No annual fee
- • Automatic graduation reviews
Cons
- • Requires credit check
- • Higher APR
- • Limited to $1,000 quarterly bonus cap
Card Details
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cash back match after first year
- No annual fee
- 26.74% Variable APR
- Minimum $200 security deposit
- Automatic graduation reviews after 8 months
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Issued by Discover Bank, Member FDIC
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Capital One Platinum Secured offers flexible initial deposit options, with some applicants qualifying for deposits as low as $49 or $99 instead of the standard $200 minimum.
Bottom Line
Capital One Platinum Secured stands out for its flexible deposit structure. Depending on your creditworthiness, you may qualify for a deposit of just $49, $99, or $200. The card automatically reviews your account for credit line increases and potential graduation to an unsecured card. No annual fee and Capital One's reputation make it a solid choice, though the higher APR and required credit check are considerations.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Low initial deposit options ($49, $99, or $200)
- • No annual fee
- • Automatic credit line reviews
- • Reports to all 3 bureaus
- • Well-established issuer
Cons
- • Requires credit check
- • Higher APR
- • No rewards program
- • Deposit amount based on creditworthiness
Card Details
- Flexible security deposit: $49, $99, or $200
- No annual fee
- 29.74% Variable APR
- Automatic credit line reviews
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Credit check required
- Potential for graduation to unsecured card
- Issued by Capital One, Member FDIC
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Citi Secured Mastercard is a straightforward secured card from one of the nation's largest banks, offering no annual fee and reliable credit bureau reporting.
Bottom Line
Citi Secured Mastercard offers the security and trust of a major bank issuer with no annual fee. It reports to all three credit bureaus and provides standard secured card benefits. The card requires a credit check and doesn't offer rewards, but Citi's reputation and banking infrastructure make it a reliable choice for credit building.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • No annual fee
- • Backed by major bank
- • Reports to all 3 bureaus
- • Mastercard acceptance worldwide
- • Online account management
Cons
- • Requires credit check
- • No rewards program
- • Higher APR
- • Less flexible than some competitors
Card Details
- No annual fee
- Minimum $200 security deposit
- 26.74% Variable APR
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Credit check required
- Mastercard worldwide acceptance
- Online and mobile banking
- Issued by Citibank, N.A., Member FDIC
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured offers flexible category rewards, allowing you to choose your 3% cash back category from options like gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement.
Bottom Line
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured combines credit building with rewards. You earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on everything else. The $300 minimum deposit is higher than some competitors, and a credit check is required, but the rewards structure is competitive for a secured card.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • 3% cash back in category of choice
- • 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- • 1% on all other purchases
- • No annual fee
- • Major bank backing
Cons
- • Requires credit check
- • Higher APR
- • $300 minimum deposit
- • Category selection required
Card Details
- 3% cash back in category of choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement)
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- 27.74% Variable APR
- Minimum $300 security deposit
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Credit check required
- Issued by Bank of America, Member FDIC
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card
U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured offers the highest category rewards among secured cards, with 5% cash back on two categories you choose and 2% on one everyday category.
Bottom Line
U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured offers impressive rewards with 5% cash back on two categories of your choice and 2% on one everyday category. The card requires a $300 minimum deposit and credit check, and the APR is on the higher side, but the rewards potential is significant for a secured card.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • 5% cash back on two categories of choice
- • 2% cash back on one everyday category
- • 1% on all other purchases
- • No annual fee
- • Regional bank option
Cons
- • Requires credit check
- • Higher APR
- • $300 minimum deposit
- • Category selection required
Card Details
- 5% cash back on two categories of choice
- 2% cash back on one everyday category
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- 29.24% Variable APR
- Minimum $300 security deposit
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Credit check required
- Issued by U.S. Bank, Member FDIC
Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card
Merrick Bank Secured Visa offers a unique Double Your Line program where responsible use can double your credit limit without additional deposit after 7 months of on-time payments.
Bottom Line
Merrick Bank's standout feature is the Double Your Line program. After 7 months of on-time payments, your credit limit can double without adding to your deposit. This accelerates credit building by improving your utilization ratio. The $36 annual fee and lesser-known issuer are downsides, but the credit line growth potential is valuable.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Double Your Line program after 7 on-time payments
- • No credit check
- • Reports to all 3 bureaus
- • Potential for credit increases
- • Lower APR than many secured cards
Cons
- • $36 annual fee
- • Less known bank
- • No rewards program
- • Limited online reviews
Card Details
- Double Your Line program after 7 on-time payments
- $36 annual fee
- No credit check required
- Security deposit: $200 - $3,000
- 21.70% Variable APR
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Visa acceptance worldwide
- Online account management
- Issued by Merrick Bank, Member FDIC
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard®
First Progress Platinum Prestige is a trusted secured card from Synovus Bank, offering no-credit-check approval and consistent reporting to all three credit bureaus. A reliable choice for building credit.
Bottom Line
First Progress Platinum Prestige delivers solid credit-building fundamentals without the credit check barrier. Backed by Synovus Bank with decades of banking experience, it offers reliable monthly reporting to all three bureaus. The 19.99% APR is competitive for the secured card market, making it a smart choice for rebuilding credit.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • No credit check required
- • Reports to all 3 bureaus
- • Backed by Synovus Bank
- • Mastercard acceptance worldwide
- • Reasonable APR for secured card
Cons
- • $49 annual fee
- • No rewards
- • $200 minimum deposit required
- • Lower maximum deposit limit
Card Details
- No credit check for approval
- Reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Credit limit equals your deposit ($200 - $2,000)
- 19.99% Variable APR
- Worldwide Mastercard acceptance
- Online account management
- Fraud protection included
- $49 annual fee
- Issued by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Chime Credit Builder works differently from traditional secured cards - it requires a Chime checking account and uses your account balance as collateral, with no separate security deposit needed.
Bottom Line
Chime Credit Builder eliminates the security deposit requirement by using your Chime account balance as collateral. You must have a Chime checking account and fund the card before use. There's no interest since you're spending your own money, and it reports to all three credit bureaus. The requirement to use Chime's banking platform is the main limitation.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • No security deposit required
- • No annual fee
- • No credit check
- • Reports to all 3 bureaus
- • No interest charges
Cons
- • Requires Chime checking account
- • Must fund card before use
- • Limited to Chime account balance
- • Newer fintech company
Card Details
- No security deposit (uses Chime account balance)
- No annual fee
- No interest charges
- Requires Chime checking account
- Must fund card before use
- Reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- No credit check required
- Mobile-first banking experience
- Issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC
Comparing the best secured credit cards
| # | Card Name | Annual Fee | Deposit | Credit Check | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Best No Credit Check | $35 | $200 - $3,000 | None | 4.9 | Apply now |
| 2 | OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card Premium No Credit Check | $59 | $300 - $3,000 | None | 4.8 | Apply now |
| 3 | Self Visa® Credit Card Credit Builder Account Holders | $25 | Based on savings | None | 4.7 | Apply now |
| 4 | OpenSky® Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card Entry-Level Credit Building | $0 | $200 minimum | None | 4.5 | Apply now |
| 5 | Discover it® Secured Credit Card Best Rewards Program | $0 | $200 minimum | Required | 4.5 | Apply now |
| 6 | Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card Lowest Initial Deposit | $0 | $49, $99, or $200 | Required | 4.5 | Apply now |
| 7 | Citi® Secured Mastercard® Major Bank Option | $0 | $200 minimum | Required | 4.4 | Apply now |
| 8 | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card Category Rewards | $0 | $300 minimum | Required | 4.4 | Apply now |
| 9 | U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card High Category Rewards | $0 | $300 minimum | Required | 4.3 | Apply now |
| 10 | Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Credit Card Credit Line Growth | $36 | $200 - $3,000 | None | 4.2 | Apply now |
| 11 | First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Established Alternative | $49 | $200 - $2,000 | None | 4.1 | Apply now |
| 12 | Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card No Deposit Required | $0 | None (requires Chime account) | None | 4 | Apply now |
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to common questions about secured credit cards.
What is a secured credit card?
A secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit that typically becomes your credit limit. For example, a $300 deposit gives you a $300 credit line. This deposit protects the issuer if you don't pay, making these cards accessible to people with no credit or bad credit. When you close the account in good standing or graduate to an unsecured card, you get your deposit back.
Do secured credit cards build credit?
Yes, secured credit cards build credit when the issuer reports to the credit bureaus. All cards on our list report to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Your payment history (35% of your FICO score) and credit utilization (30%) are tracked just like unsecured cards. Responsible use for 6-12 months typically results in significant credit score improvement.
Can I get a secured card with no credit check?
Yes! Cards like OpenSky® Secured Visa®, First Progress, and Chime Credit Builder don't require a credit check. These are ideal for people with very poor credit, no credit history, or those who want to avoid a hard inquiry. You'll still need to provide a security deposit.
How much should I deposit on a secured card?
We recommend depositing $200-$500 for most people. This gives you enough credit to make regular purchases while keeping utilization manageable. If you can afford more, a higher deposit (up to the card's maximum) helps keep your utilization ratio low, which benefits your credit score. Never deposit more than you can afford to have held.
How long until I graduate to an unsecured card?
Most issuers review your account for graduation after 6-12 months of responsible use. Discover typically reviews at 8 months, Capital One at 6 months. To maximize your chances: pay on time every month, keep utilization below 30%, and avoid maxing out your card. When you graduate, your deposit is refunded and your credit limit may increase.
What's the best secured card for bad credit?
For bad credit, we recommend OpenSky® Secured Visa® or First Progress cards because they don't require a credit check. If you can pass a credit check, Discover it® Secured is the best option because it offers cash back rewards and automatic graduation reviews.
Do I get my deposit back from a secured card?
Yes, your security deposit is fully refundable. You'll get it back when you: (1) graduate to an unsecured card from the same issuer, (2) close your account in good standing, or (3) the issuer refunds it after consistent on-time payments. The deposit is held in an FDIC-insured account while your card is active.
Which secured card has the best rewards?
Discover it® Secured is the clear winner for rewards. It offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 per quarter) and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all your cash back at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. No other secured card comes close.
Written by
Michael Rodriguez
Michael is a Senior Credit Card Analyst at Screened. He previously worked at two major credit card issuers and has 8+ years of experience helping consumers find the best cards for their needs.
Updated: Jan 2, 2026 · 12 min read