Credit One Secured Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A woman in a white shirt smiling while holding a credit card indoors, showcasing modern banking convenience.
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The Credit One Secured Card is a great option for those looking to rebuild credit or establish a credit history. It has a credit limit of $300 to $1,500, which is a relatively low amount compared to other secured credit cards.

To be eligible for the Credit One Secured Card, you'll need to have a valid Social Security number and be at least 18 years old. You can apply online or by phone, and approval is usually instant.

The Credit One Secured Card doesn't charge an annual fee for the first year, but it's $95 per year after that. This fee is waived for the first year, making it a relatively affordable option for those who want to improve their credit score.

Credit One Secured Card Overview

The Credit One Secured Card is a great option for people who want to establish or rebuild credit. You can make a $49, $99, or $200 minimum deposit to open your account.

This deposit also serves as your initial credit line, which is $200. You can increase your credit line by depositing more than the minimum amount, up to a maximum of $1000.

With responsible card use, you can earn back your deposit and even upgrade to an unsecured Platinum card.

One Bank

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The Credit One Bank Secured Card is a great option for those who want to earn interest on their deposit, with an average credit limit of $2,479 and the most common limit being $300.

You can qualify for this card even with bad credit, and there are no membership fees. However, be aware that it has a high regular APR and a foreign fee.

One of the benefits of this card is that it earns 1% cash back rewards on gas and groceries, as well as mobile phone, internet, cable, and satellite TV services.

The Credit One Bank Secured Card also reports your credit card activity to the three major credit reporting agencies, which can help you establish a positive credit history. Your security deposit account earns interest, and you have zero fraud liability.

You can also access your credit score for free and use the easy-to-use mobile app with customizable notifications.

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Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy with this card:

This card is a relatively easy decision for anyone with poor credit or no borrowing history. It's particularly good for commuters who can earn 1% back on all gas purchases, and short-term credit builders who want to quickly build or improve their credit.

Tips for Building

Building good credit takes time and effort, but it's worth it.

Always make your minimum monthly payment on time to avoid fees and potential black marks on your credit report.

Using less credit is key - aim to borrow less than 30% of your total credit limit at a time.

Monitoring your credit score regularly can help you identify areas for improvement.

To keep track of your credit score, take advantage of the free credit scores offered by Credit One.

Here are the essential tips for building good credit:

  • Always pay on time
  • Use less credit (less than 30% of your total credit limit)
  • Keep up with your credit score

Card Details

The credit one secured card has some important details to consider.

You'll need to provide a security deposit to open a secured credit card account, which will be used as your credit limit.

This deposit can be as low as $49, and it's refundable when you close your account.

Card Details

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The interest rates on this card are pretty straightforward. The purchase APR is 28.24% (variable), which is something to keep in mind when making purchases.

There are no foreign transaction fees, which is great for travelers. No replacement card fees either, so you won't be charged if you need a new card.

The minimum interest charge is $1.00, which is a small price to pay if you're not paying off your balance in full.

Discover more: Amex Credit Card Fees

Rewards

The rewards offered by this card are definitely a perk. You'll earn 1% cash back on eligible groceries and gas, as well as your monthly cellphone, internet, cable, and satellite TV services.

This cash back is a great way to save money on everyday expenses. I've seen people use this benefit to offset the cost of their monthly bills.

Here are some specific details on how the rewards program works:

  • 1% cash back on eligible groceries and gas as well as your monthly cellphone, internet, cable, and satellite TV services
  • 10% cash back from top retailers through special offers in Credit One's "More Program"

The 10% cash back offer through the "More Program" is a fantastic way to earn even more rewards. Just be sure to check the terms and conditions to see which retailers are participating.

What is a Card?

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A secured credit card is a type of credit card that offers you an opportunity to build or rebuild your credit with responsible use.

This card type requires a refundable security deposit that's held as collateral while the account remains open, similar to the security deposit given to a landlord to rent an apartment.

No interest is applied to the security deposit, which means you can get it back if you pay off your balance in full.

Card Requirements

To get approved for a Credit One Secured Card, you'll need to meet some basic requirements, but the good news is that they're relatively straightforward.

The credit score requirement is 300, which is lower than many other credit cards, making it a great option for those who are rebuilding their credit.

To be eligible, you'll need to have a valid Social Security number, be at least 18 years old, and have a physical address in the United States.

The Credit One Secured Card is designed for those who need to establish or rebuild their credit, so having a limited credit history is not a barrier to approval.

Score Required

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Credit One doesn't specify what credit score you'll need to qualify for the Credit One Bank Secured card, but most secured credit cards are aimed at those with weaker credit scores.

Having a credit score of 669 or less may still qualify you for the card, as the deposit serves as collateral against bad borrowing behavior.

You might be able to get approved even with a lower score, but be aware that this is a secured card and not a regular credit card.

Reporting

Reporting is crucial for building a good credit history. The information your issuers report to the credit bureaus is used to update your credit report and related credit score.

If you're new to borrowing, make sure your credit activity will be reported to the bureaus. This will help you establish a credit history and improve your score over time.

Your credit report is a snapshot of your borrowing history, including payments, credit limits, and account closures.

Security Deposit

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You can make a security deposit of $49, $99, or $200 to open your account with an initial credit line of $200. This deposit is refundable when you close your card, and you'll even earn interest on it.

To make your security deposit, you can choose from three different amounts: $49, $99, or $200. You can also raise your initial credit line by depositing more than the minimum amount, up to a maximum limit of $1000.

You can pay your security deposit in whole dollar increments of at least $20, and you have 35 days to make your full deposit after being approved for the card. If you don't make your deposit within the time frame, your account won't be opened.

To increase your initial credit line, simply deposit more than your minimum required security deposit within 35 days of being approved and before you activate your card. You can raise your initial credit line by the amount of your additional deposit, up to $1,000.

With responsible card use, like making payments on time, you could earn back your deposit and upgrade to an unsecured Platinum card. Set up personalized email or text reminders to help you stay on top of your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Credit One secured card work?

A Credit One secured card requires a refundable deposit, typically equal to the credit limit, which serves as collateral to secure the account. This deposit amount may vary based on your credit history and the issuer's policies.

What is the highest credit limit for Credit One?

The highest reported credit limit for a Credit One credit card is $5,000, although this may vary. Initial credit lines typically start at $300 to $500.

What is the Credit One $95 fee?

The Credit One $95 annual fee reduces your initial credit limit of $500. Consider cards with higher spending limits if you want to avoid this fee.

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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