
If you have bad credit, it can be tough to get approved for a regular credit card, but there are still options available. A secured credit card for bad credit can be a good way to start rebuilding your credit.
Secured credit cards are designed for people with poor or no credit history, and they often come with higher fees and lower credit limits. They require a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit, and you can use it to make purchases and pay bills.
Some secured credit cards for bad credit have annual fees that can range from $25 to $100, depending on the card issuer. This fee is usually non-refundable and can be a significant expense.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Secured credit cards can be a great way to establish or rebuild credit, but like any financial tool, they have their pros and cons.
One of the main benefits of a 53 secured credit card is that it requires little to no credit check, making it accessible to people with poor or no credit history.

Another advantage is that secured credit cards can help you build credit over time, as they report payment history to the three major credit bureaus.
However, one of the drawbacks of a secured credit card is that you're required to make a security deposit, which can be a significant upfront cost.
Bank Benefits
Banking offers a range of benefits that can improve your financial situation.
You can earn interest on your savings, which can add up over time. For example, a savings account with a 2% interest rate can earn you $20 on a $1000 balance.
Having a bank account can also provide you with a sense of security, knowing that your money is protected in case of theft or loss. Many banks offer zero-liability policies, which means you're not responsible for unauthorized transactions.
Online banking allows you to manage your account from anywhere, at any time. This can be especially helpful if you're traveling or have a busy schedule.
Some banks also offer rewards programs, such as cashback or points, for using their credit cards or debit cards.
Who Benefits from the Visa Card?

If you're struggling to establish a good credit history, the Secured Visa Card can be a great option. Customers with low or no credit can benefit from carrying one, as it allows them to build or repair their credit history.
People who want to start rebuilding their credit from scratch may find this card particularly helpful. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate responsible credit behavior and improve their credit score over time.
For those who have made mistakes in the past and want to start fresh, the Secured Visa Card can be a valuable tool. It helps them take the first step towards regaining financial stability and a healthy credit record.
Qualification and Upgrade
You can qualify for a Fifth Third Secured credit card graduation after 12 months of responsible account management.
Fifth Third Bank reviews secured card accounts after this time period and may offer customers unsecured cards afterwards.
By maintaining a good payment history and responsible credit habits, you'll be well on your way to upgrading to an unsecured credit card.
Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is a great option for those looking to upgrade from a secured card. It doesn't have an annual fee.
One of the benefits of this card is Mastercard identity theft protection, which can give you peace of mind when using your credit card online or in-store.
How to Qualify for Credit Graduation
To qualify for credit graduation, you'll need to have a Fifth Third Secured card account that's been reviewed after 12 months. Fifth Third Bank takes a close look at your secured card account after this time period.
Having a good payment history is crucial for credit graduation. The bank reviews your account to see if you've made all your payments on time.
If you've been responsible with your payments, Fifth Third Bank may offer you an unsecured card afterwards. This is a great opportunity to upgrade your credit status.
Having a secured card account for 12 months shows that you can manage credit responsibly. This is one of the key factors that the bank considers when reviewing your account.
Requesting a Credit Limit Increase

Requesting a credit limit increase is a great way to boost your credit score and enjoy more financial flexibility. You can get a Fifth Third Bank Secured Card credit limit increase by adding more funds to your security deposit.
The easiest way to add funds to your security deposit is online or by using the mobile app. Alternatively, you can do that at an ATM or by visiting your nearest Fifth Third Bank branch.
Increasing your credit limit can also give you a chance to use your secured card more responsibly and potentially upgrade to a regular credit card.
It'll take a maximum of 2 weeks to see if you were approved for the credit limit increase after you submit your application.
Security and Deposit
Some secured credit cards require a security deposit, which can be refundable or non-refundable, depending on the issuer.
A security deposit can range from $49 to $5,000, and it's usually required to open a secured credit card account.
This deposit is essentially a form of collateral that helps the issuer approve your application for a secured credit card.
Zero Fraud Liability

With zero fraud liability, you're protected against unauthorized transactions if your card is lost or stolen.
This means you won't be held responsible for any charges made without your permission.
What Is a Security Deposit For?
A security deposit is used to open a savings account, specifically a U.S. Bank Secured Savings Account. This account ensures the secured card balance can be paid.
The savings account is FDIC-insured, which means it's protected by the federal government and earns interest. This is a great perk for customers.
The deposit won't be touched as long as the credit card account remains open and in good standing. This gives customers peace of mind knowing their deposit is safe.
The deposit will be returned if the account is upgraded or closed. This is a clear and straightforward policy that benefits customers.
Reviews and Application
The Discover it Secured credit card has a relatively low credit limit, starting at $200, which can be a drawback for those who need more credit.
Discover is known for its customer-friendly approach, offering a free FICO credit score to cardholders, which can be a valuable tool for building credit.
Applicants with poor or no credit can apply for the Discover it Secured credit card, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Review

The Fifth Third Secured Card is a great option for those looking to build or rebuild credit. It requires a security deposit that the issuer uses as collateral in case you're not able to pay back money you borrow.
You won't find many perks or additional benefits with this card, but it does offer zero liability protection against fraudulent purchases, which is a standard feature across all credit cards.
Extended warranty on eligible transactions is also included, which can be a nice bonus for some users. Fifth Third offers extra coverage against damage and theft for your cell phone, making it worth considering for those who pay their wireless bills with the card.
Should You Apply?
If you're considering applying for the Fifth Third Secured Card, your primary objective should be to strengthen your credit health.
Paying your statement balances in full each month and not overspending can lead to positive behavior being reported to the major credit bureaus, such as TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

Carrying a balance with secured cards is not recommended due to their high purchase APRs, including the Fifth Third Secured Card.
A small annual fee is also common among secured cards, serving as additional protection for issuers.
You won't want to max out your spending limit or fail to pay your balance, as these actions will also be reported to the credit bureaus.
Compare Popular Alternatives
If you're considering the Fifth Third Bank Secured Card, you may want to take a look at some popular alternatives. The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card has a WalletHub rating of 3.9, which is slightly higher than the Fifth Third Bank Secured Card. This card also has an Editor's Rating of 4.5.
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has a WalletHub rating of 4.7, making it a strong contender. With an Editor's Rating of 5.0, this card is a great option for those looking to improve their credit. The minimum deposit required for this card is $200, which is lower than the Fifth Third Bank Secured Card's $300 minimum deposit.
Here's a comparison of the three cards:
The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card has a one-time fee of $0, while the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card also has a one-time fee of $0. The regular APR for the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card is 28.99%, while the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card has a regular APR of 29.74%. The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card also offers rewards, with a rewards rate of 1.5 - 5% Cash Back.
What Banks Offer
If you're looking for a bank that offers a wide range of services, Fifth Third Bank is a great option. They carry pretty much the full array of deposit accounts and services to meet the needs of consumers.
Their services include savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and credit cards. Fifth Third Bank is a one-stop shop for all your banking needs.
To qualify for some of their services, you'll need to meet certain requirements. For example, to earn rewards or interest on some accounts, you'll need to maintain an average monthly balance of $500 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fifth third secured card?
The Fifth Third Secured Card is a credit-building card that requires a security deposit, which helps establish or rebuild your credit score. It's a great option for those looking to improve their credit history.
Can I get a $1000 secured credit card?
Yes, you can get a $1,000 secured credit card, but you'll need to make a $1,000 security deposit to secure the credit limit. Consider applying for a high limit secured credit card like the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card.
Who gets denied a secured credit card?
You may get denied a secured credit card if you're unemployed, have a new job with no income history, or have a history of missed payments, defaults, or recent bankruptcy. These factors can indicate a high credit risk, making it harder to get approved.
What is the credit score for 5 3 credit card?
The average credit score for approved applicants of this card is 685, with 725 being the most common. However, credit score is just one factor in the approval process.
How much should I spend on a $200 secured credit card?
To keep your credit score healthy, aim to spend no more than $60 on a $200 secured credit card. Keeping your balance below this threshold can help you maintain a good credit utilization ratio
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/d/fifth-third-bank-secured-mastercard-credit-card-1644c
- https://www.brightmoney.co/card/fifth-third-secured-card
- https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/secured-visa-credit-card.html
- https://www.bestcards.com/credit-cards/fifth-third-secured-card/
- https://www.investopedia.com/fifth-third-bank-review-4802194
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