How to Get a Secured Credit Card for Bad Credit

Author

Reads 1.1K

A rusty metal box secured by a padlock on a rocky shoreline in Donghae-si, South Korea.
Credit: pexels.com, A rusty metal box secured by a padlock on a rocky shoreline in Donghae-si, South Korea.

If you're struggling with bad credit, getting a secured credit card can be a great way to start rebuilding your credit score. Secured credit cards are designed for people with poor or no credit history, requiring a security deposit to open an account.

To qualify for a secured credit card with bad credit, you'll need to meet the issuer's requirements, which can vary. Some issuers may require a minimum deposit, while others may have stricter credit score requirements.

Applicants with bad credit may be able to get approved for a secured credit card, but be prepared for higher fees and interest rates.

Getting a Secured Credit Card

Getting a secured credit card can be a great way to establish or rebuild your credit. You can make a $49, $99, or $200 minimum deposit to open your account with an initial credit line of $200.

To increase your credit line, you can deposit more than the minimum amount, up to a maximum limit of $1000. This will give you more flexibility to make purchases and build your credit.

Setting up Autopay for your account can make paying your bill on time easier, and it's a good idea to do so to take advantage of the benefits of responsible card use.

How to Get

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Mistakes to AVOID When Getting a Secured Credit Card

Getting a secured credit card can be a great way to start building or rebuilding your credit. To get started, you'll need to choose a card that suits your needs.

First Progress offers two options: the Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card and the Platinum Select Mastercard Secured Credit Card. Both cards offer 1% Cash Back Rewards, but the Platinum Prestige card allows you to fund your security deposit over 90 days with the option to make partial payments.

To apply, you can visit the First Progress website and fill out the online application. All credit types are welcome to apply, so don't worry if you have poor or no credit.

The security deposit for the Platinum Select card can be as low as $200, and you can choose to increase it up to $5,000 over time. The annual fee for this card is lower compared to other secured credit cards.

Credit: youtube.com, High Limit Secured Credit Cards That Graduate To Unsecured | Best $5000 Secured Cards 2023

To build your credit history, you'll need to use the card responsibly and make on-time payments. Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.

Here's a comparison of the two cards:

Remember, building credit takes time and effort, but with the right card and responsible usage, you can start improving your credit score.

From Our Partners

If you're looking for a secured credit card, there are several options available from our partners.

One option is the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card, which offers a way to build credit.

You can also consider the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, which has no annual fee.

Another option is the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

If you're not sure which card to choose, here are some options to consider:

  • OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card
  • Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
  • Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Application Process

Credit: youtube.com, How Do You Apply For A Secured Credit Card? - CreditGuide360.com

To get a secured credit card, you'll need to fill out an application. You must be at least 18 years old.

You'll also need to provide identification, such as a Social Security number, an ITIN, or a passport, along with a non-P.O. Box U.S. address.

Most secured credit card applications require you to choose your deposit amount, which will usually become your credit line.

Application Form

To fill out an application for a secured credit card, you'll need to be at least 18 years old.

You'll also need to have a Social Security number, an ITIN, or a passport, along with a non-P.O. Box U.S. address.

Most secured credit card applications require you to choose your deposit amount, which will usually become your credit line.

You'll need to provide your bank account information or open a savings account with the card issuer to pay the deposit.

Some card issuers let you pay the deposit later, but this will depend on the card issuer.

What Banks Offer?

Credit: youtube.com, Security Bank Gold Credit Card, Paano Ako Nag Apply and Naapprove?

If you're looking to apply for a secured credit card, you're in luck because several banks offer this type of card.

One of the best banks for secured credit cards is Capital One, which offers multiple options with $0 fees and low security deposits.

Capital One's Platinum Secured Credit Card and Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card are two popular options, both with $0 annual fees.

Bank of America also offers a secured credit card, the BankAmericard Secured Credit Card.

Here's a list of some banks that offer secured credit cards:

  • Bank of America: Secured credit card (BankAmericard Secured Credit Card)
  • Capital One: Secured credit card (Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card)
  • Citibank: Secured credit card (Citi Secured Mastercard)
  • PNC Bank: Secured credit card (PNC Bank Secured Credit Card)
  • Truist Bank: Secured credit card

These banks offer a range of options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

First Prestige Master

The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard is a great option for those looking to rebuild their credit. You can earn 1% Cash Back Rewards with this card.

To get started, you can apply now and fund your security deposit over 90 days with the option to make partial payments. This flexibility can be a huge help if you're not sure how to cover the full deposit upfront.

Close-up of two brass padlocks securing a vibrant graffiti-painted door, symbolizing security.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of two brass padlocks securing a vibrant graffiti-painted door, symbolizing security.

All credit types are welcome to apply for the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard. You can't rebuild credit with a debit card, so it's worth considering this option.

By using the card responsibly and paying your bill on time, you can build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is a crucial step in getting your credit history in line with your financial goals.

Here are some key benefits of the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard:

  • Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards
  • Apply now and fund your security deposit over 90 days
  • Build your credit history across 3 major credit reporting agencies
  • All credit types welcome to apply

Work

At work, you'll typically start by submitting your application, which usually involves filling out an online form or sending in a paper application.

Most companies require a resume and cover letter as part of the application process.

A well-written resume is crucial, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for, showing how you can contribute to the company.

Credit: youtube.com, How does our application process work?

The hiring process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the company and the position.

You may be asked to participate in an interview, either in person or over the phone, to discuss your qualifications and experience.

Preparation is key, so make sure you're familiar with the company and the job requirements.

In some cases, you may be asked to complete a skills test or assessment to evaluate your abilities.

This is a chance to showcase your skills and experience, so be sure to highlight your achievements and qualifications.

Payment Application Status

Your payments are applied to your Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card in a specific order. We generally apply payments up to your minimum payment first to the balance with the lowest APR, including 0% APR.

Payments above the minimum are applied to the balance with the highest APR, and then to balances with lower APRs.

This means that if you have multiple balances on your card, the payment will be split accordingly, with the highest APR balance getting the extra amount first.

Eligibility and Requirements

Credit: youtube.com, 3 Secured Credit Cards to Start Building Credit That NOBODY Talks About!

To get a secured credit card, you'll need to meet the issuer's minimum requirements, which typically include being at least 18 years old, having a U.S. address, an SSN, and enough income to pay the bills.

You'll also need to have the money to make the initial deposit and minimum payments.

Approval is not guaranteed with secured credit cards, but they're designed for people with no credit history or damaged credit, and there are several you can apply for with no credit check.

Secured cards tend to have more lenient requirements than unsecured credit cards, and some issuers will consider applicants with fair credit score ranges, as seen with the U.S. Bank Secured Visa card.

However, some issuers, like Capital One, may decline your application if you don't meet certain conditions for your income and existing debt.

Find What's Right for You

You can qualify for a secured card if you're at least 18 years old and have the money to make the initial deposit and minimum payments. Approval is not guaranteed, though.

A bicycle secured to a stand on a city street
Credit: pexels.com, A bicycle secured to a stand on a city street

Lots of people focus on the minimum deposit amount, but it's refundable. Consider annual fees instead, which aren't refundable.

The U.S. Bank Secured Visa card has fair credit score ranges, but the exact score needed isn't specified. Secured credit card products are designed for people with no credit history or damaged credit.

You can apply for several secured cards with no credit check. Credit and income requirements vary, but you'll need to have a decent credit history to qualify for some secured cards.

Secured cards tend to have more lenient requirements than unsecured credit cards. You can find a handful of secured cards with no annual fee, which is a great option if you're on a tight budget.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a secured credit card, you'll typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a U.S. address, an SSN, and enough income to pay the bills.

Secured cards often have minimum requirements that applicants must meet, and failing to do so can result in a denied application.

A stylish red bike secured in an urban setting, captured during the evening with blurred lights.
Credit: pexels.com, A stylish red bike secured in an urban setting, captured during the evening with blurred lights.

Major negative items on your credit report, such as a bankruptcy, can also lead to a denied application.

Incomplete or inaccurate information on your application can cause it to be rejected.

Some secured credit cards, like the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, have additional requirements that applicants must meet, such as income and existing debt conditions.

Who Qualifies?

You're probably wondering who qualifies for a secured credit card. Well, it's not just anyone - you typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a U.S. address, an SSN, and enough income to pay the bills.

To qualify, you'll also need to meet the issuer's minimum requirements, which may include having a fair credit score range. Some secured credit cards don't require a credit score to apply, but you'll still need to meet certain conditions for your income and existing debt.

You can qualify for a secured card if you have the money to make the initial deposit and minimum payments. Approval is not guaranteed, though they are designed for people with no credit history or damaged credit.

Two Gray Bullet Security Cameras
Credit: pexels.com, Two Gray Bullet Security Cameras

Secured cards tend to have more lenient requirements than unsecured credit cards, and there are several you can apply for with no credit check. Credit and income requirements vary by issuer, so it's essential to check the specific requirements for the card you're interested in.

Here are some common requirements for secured credit cards:

  • Age: 18 years old
  • U.S. address and SSN
  • Enough income to pay bills
  • Fair credit score range (or no credit score required)
  • Initial deposit and minimum payments

Keep in mind that you can be denied for a secured card if you don't meet these requirements, or if you have major negative items on your credit report, such as a bankruptcy.

Refundable Deposits

To qualify for a secured credit card, you'll need to make a security deposit, which can be as low as $49 or $99, or up to $200.

The deposit is used to open a U.S. Bank Secured Savings Account, which is FDIC-insured and earns interest. This means your deposit will be safe and even earn some extra money over time.

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 score and get back on track with your financial goals.

Credit: youtube.com, What Is A Refundable Deposit On A Credit Card? - CreditGuide360.com

You can raise your initial credit line by depositing more than the minimum amount, up to a maximum limit of $1000. This will give you more flexibility and freedom to use your card.

Here's a breakdown of the deposit amounts and their corresponding credit lines:

By making on-time payments and using your card responsibly, you'll be well on your way to earning back your deposit and upgrading to an unsecured Platinum card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest secured credit card to get?

The easiest secured credit card to get is the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card, which requires no credit check and has no annual fee. This card is ideal for those with poor or no credit history, offering a straightforward application process.

Will a $3000 secured credit card improve my credit score?

A secured credit card can help improve your credit score if used responsibly and reported to at least one major credit bureau. To see significant improvement, consider a card with a higher credit limit, like a $3000 secured credit card, and make on-time payments.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.