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The Discover it Secured card is a great way to start building credit, and the process of opening one is relatively straightforward. You can apply online in just a few minutes.
To be eligible, you'll need to have a Social Security number and be at least 18 years old. You'll also need to have a valid address in the US.
Once you're approved, you'll receive a credit limit of $500, which is a reasonable amount to start with. This limit will be determined by Discover based on your creditworthiness.
With the Discover it Secured card, you'll have access to a variety of benefits, including free FICO credit scores and a rewards program.
For more insights, see: When Did Discover Card Start
Understanding the Card
The Discover it Secured card is a great option for those looking to build credit or establish a credit history. It's issued by Discover, a reputable bank with a long history of financial stability.
To qualify for the Discover it Secured card, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a valid Social Security number and being at least 18 years old.
The Discover it Secured card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for those looking to build credit.
The credit limit for the Discover it Secured card is tied to the security deposit you provide, which can range from $200 to $2,500.
You can apply for the Discover it Secured card online, by phone, or through the mail, and the application process typically takes around 30-60 seconds.
The Discover it Secured card reports to all three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, which can help you build a strong credit profile.
Security Deposit Basics
You can make a security deposit to open a Platinum Secured Credit Card account, which will give you an initial credit line of $200. This deposit can be $49, $99, or $200, and it's used as collateral against the credit line.
A security deposit can be made in whole dollar increments, starting at $20. You can make partial payments, but you must make your full, required deposit within 35 days of being approved.
Worth a look: Secured Credit Card Bad Credit with No Security Deposit
To increase your initial credit line, you can deposit more than the minimum amount, up to a maximum limit of $1000. This will raise your credit line by the amount of your additional deposit.
Your security deposit will be held as collateral against the credit line, and you can earn it back as a statement credit by using your card responsibly. This means making on-time payments and using your card wisely.
You can pay your security deposit over time, but you must make your full, required deposit within 35 days of being approved. If you don't, your application will be returned, and any partial deposits will be refunded.
Your security deposit will be returned and your account unsecured when you close your account and pay your balance in full. This is a great way to get your deposit back and move on to a new credit card.
Here's an interesting read: $100 Deposit Secured Credit Card
Card Features
The Discover it Secured card offers a range of features that can help you manage your finances and build credit.
The card has no annual fee, which means you can use it without worrying about extra charges. This is a great option for those who want to keep their expenses low.
One of the key benefits of the Discover it Secured card is its cashback rewards program, which offers 1% cashback on all purchases. This can add up quickly, especially if you use your card for everyday expenses.
A different take: How to Use a Secured Credit Card with $300 Limit
No Annual Fee
Having a no annual fee credit card can be a huge relief, especially for those who are just starting to build their credit. The Discover Secured credit card is a great example of this, with no annual fee to worry about.
This means you can use the card without incurring a yearly charge, which is a big perk.
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Upgradable and Unsecured
With responsible card use, you could earn back your deposit and upgrade to a standard, unsecured Platinum card. This is a great opportunity to improve your credit without having to close and open new accounts.
You can add an authorized user to your account, making it easier to track spending and stay on top of your credit. This feature is especially helpful for parents or partners who want to keep an eye on their finances.
You can manage your account anywhere, anytime, paying your bill, viewing your balance, and transactions, even checking your credit for free with CreditWise. This level of control and transparency is a major advantage of this card.
If your credit card is lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement card. This is a reassuring feature that gives you peace of mind, especially when traveling or in situations where your card may be compromised.
Upgrading to an unsecured card after six consecutive on-time payments and six months of good status on all your credit accounts can get your deposit back. This is a significant benefit that can help you save money and build your credit history.
Additional reading: Opening Joint Credit Card Account
Benefits and Advantages
The Discover it Secured card is a great option for building your credit score, and here's why. No annual fee makes it cheaper to get started, and you can build your credit history in a short space of time.
You can earn great cashback potential, especially in the first year, with a minimum of 1% cashback on spend and rising to 2% for gas and restaurant bills. This is worth having, and at the end of the year, Discover will automatically reward you with their cashback match, doubling your rewards.
Discover will review your card use on an ongoing basis, and you may be offered a standard unsecured card in under a year. This means you can move forward with a regular credit card product, all while building a solid track record for future financing applications.
To make the most of the card, you'll need to manage your money responsibly, paying back your debts every period and avoiding late fees and penalties. This is key to building a strong credit history.
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Here are some key benefits of the Discover it Secured card:
Card Limit and Requirements
To open a Discover it Secured Card, you'll need to meet certain requirements. You must be at least 18 years old.
The Discover it Secured Card requires a security deposit, which will determine your credit limit. Your credit limit will be equal to the amount of your security deposit, with a minimum deposit of $200.
You can apply for the Discover it Secured Card online, but you'll need to have a US address, a US bank account, and a Social Security number. You can also call Discover at 1-800-347-3085 to apply.
Here are the specific requirements to apply for the Discover it Secured Card:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a SSN
- Have a US address
- Have a US bank account
- Fill the online application form
The maximum security deposit with the Discover it Secured Card is $2,500, and your credit limit will be up to $2,500 if you make this deposit.
It Limit
The credit limit for the Discover It secured credit card can be a bit confusing, but it's actually pretty straightforward. The maximum limit you can have is $2,500 USD, which is a decent amount to start with.
Your available credit limit will depend on two factors: the amount of your security deposit and the issuer's discretion. This means that the amount you have available will be equal to your deposit, so make sure you see what you can afford before requesting your card.
If you're approved for the Discover It Secured Credit Card, your credit limit will be equal to the amount of your security deposit, which is at least $200. This means you'll want to deposit at least $200 to get started, but you can deposit more if you want a higher credit limit.
The amount of your security deposit will determine your credit limit, so it's essential to choose a deposit amount that works for you.
Here's an interesting read: How Much Will a Secured Credit Card Raise My Score
It Requirements
To apply for a Discover It secured credit card, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. Be at least 18 years old is the minimum age to apply.
You'll also need to have a valid Social Security number (SSN) to provide. A US address is also required, so make sure you have a current and valid address.
Having a US bank account is another essential requirement. This is where Discover will send your card and statements.
To complete the application process, simply fill out the online application form. Be prepared for additional information or documentation to be requested, so read the application steps carefully.
Explore further: Discover Card Application Process
Alternatives and Comparison
If you don't have the required $200 for the Discover it Secured Credit Card's security deposit, there are other cards worth considering, such as the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, and the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card.
You can also check for pre-qualified offers on credit card websites, which can show you which cards issuers think you'll qualify for, and comparing these offers across different issuers can help you find the best rates and benefits.
The Discover it Secured Credit Card is compared favorably to other secured credit cards, and it's consistently one of our top credit card choices for building credit, thanks to its cash back rewards and lack of expensive fees or confusing terms.
Consider reading: Discovercard Rewards
Understanding Pre-qualified Offers
You have 7 days to apply for your pre-approved offer before it expires. After that, you can request a new pre-approved offer.
Checking for pre-qualified credit card offers usually won't impact your credit score because financial institutions place a soft inquiry on your credit report.
You can see your pre-qualified offers by checking a credit card website for 'pre-approved offers' or 'pre-qualified offers'.
A hard inquiry on your credit report will be placed when you apply for a pre-approved offer, which could impact your credit score.
On a similar theme: Secured Credit Card Fund with Checking Account
Reports to All Bureaus
Discover is one of the few secured cards that reports to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means you'll have a comprehensive credit history that lenders can access.
Building credit history with all three bureaus is a huge advantage, especially when applying for credit in the future. You'll be covered no matter which credit report the lender requests.
Some secured cards only report to one or two of the bureaus, which can limit your credit-building potential.
Alternate for Bad
If you don't have $200 on hand for the security deposit, there are other cards worth considering. The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, and the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card are all options for rebuilding from bad credit or starting from scratch. The Discover it Secured Credit Card is an excellent tool for this purpose, but it's not the only game in town.
Compared?
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If you're considering the Discover It secured credit card, you might be wondering how it compares to other options. Many card issuers have their own secured credit cards, and they can be a good alternative.
The Discover It secured card has a cashback rewards program, which can be a major perk. This card offers 1% - 2% cashback on purchases, depending on the category.
Other card issuers offer similar rewards programs, but with different terms and conditions. For example, Capital One's secured credit card offers 1% cashback on all purchases.
The Discover It secured card also has a relatively low annual fee of $0 first year, then $0 annually after that. This can be a significant cost savings compared to other secured credit cards.
However, the credit limit on the Discover It secured card can be relatively low, typically ranging from $200 to $2,500. This may not be sufficient for larger purchases or everyday expenses.
Ultimately, the best secured credit card for you will depend on your individual needs and financial situation.
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Increasing Your Limit
You can earn credit line increases based on your payment history and creditworthiness with no additional deposit needed.
To increase your Discover it Secured Credit Card credit limit, wait at least 31 days after opening your account and call Discover at 1-800-347-3085.
You'll need to add the additional amount to your deposit when requesting a credit limit increase.
The maximum security deposit with the Discover it Secured Credit Card is $2,500.
You can raise your initial credit line by depositing more than the minimum amount, up to a maximum limit of $1,000.
To make a security deposit, you can choose from a $49, $99, or $200 minimum deposit, which opens your account with an initial credit line of $200.
You must make your required security deposit payment within 35 days of being approved for a Platinum Secured Credit Card.
You can make partial payments, but you must make sure you've made your full, required deposit within 35 days of being approved.
All deposits must be at least $20 and in whole dollar increments.
Curious to learn more? Check out: When Should You Open a Credit Card Account
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a $200 secured credit card work?
A $200 secured credit card requires a $200 refundable security deposit, which becomes your credit limit, allowing you to make purchases up to that amount. This deposit is similar to a security deposit for an apartment, and it may be used to establish your credit line.
Sources
- https://www.discovercard.com/application/preapproval/initial
- https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/platinum-secured/
- https://wise.com/us/blog/discover-secured-credit-card
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/discover-secured-credit-card-to-build-credit/
- https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/review/discover-it-secured/
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