
A self-secured credit card is a type of credit card that's secured by a savings or checking account, which is used as collateral.
You can obtain a self-secured credit card from a bank or credit union, and it's often a great option for people with poor or no credit history.
The credit limit on a self-secured credit card is typically equal to the amount of money in your savings or checking account.
This type of credit card is less likely to have fees and interest rates compared to other credit cards.
What Is a Self Secured Credit Card?
A self-secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. This means you can't spend more than you deposited.
The deposit amount is typically equal to your credit limit, but it can be higher or lower in some cases. For example, if you deposit $1,000, your credit limit will be $1,000.

You can use a self-secured credit card to establish or rebuild your credit, as payments are reported to the credit bureaus. This can help you improve your credit score over time.
Self-secured credit cards often have higher interest rates and fees compared to unsecured credit cards. However, they can be a good option if you're unable to qualify for an unsecured credit card.
The security deposit is refundable if you pay your balance in full and close the account. This can be a good perk, but be aware that you may not get the full deposit back if you have outstanding balances or fees.
Benefits and Features
The Self Secured credit card is a great tool for building credit, and it's worth taking a closer look at its features and benefits.
One of the main benefits is that it's a secured credit card, which means you'll need to make a security deposit to get started.
This card offer is designed to help you build credit, and it's a great option for those who are just starting out.
The Self Secured credit card features a range of benefits, including the ability to make online payments and check your credit score for free.
How to Obtain and Use

To obtain a self-secured credit card, you'll need to apply through a lender or bank that offers this type of credit.
The application process typically involves providing financial information, such as proof of income and assets, to demonstrate your creditworthiness.
You can apply online, by phone, or in-person, depending on the lender's requirements.
Self-secured credit cards often require a minimum deposit or collateral, which can range from $500 to $5,000, as mentioned in our previous section on "Benefits of Self-Secured Credit Cards".
By making regular payments and keeping your credit utilization low, you can use your self-secured credit card responsibly and build credit over time.
Visa Accepted Everywhere
The Self Visa credit card is a secured card that's accepted wherever Visa cards are accepted in the U.S.
Having a Visa-accepted card is a huge advantage, especially when you're trying to build credit or make purchases. Many secured cards are issued by either Visa or Mastercard, so this feature is not unique to the Self Visa card.
You can use the Self Visa credit card to make purchases and build credit simultaneously, giving you the financial flexibility you need.
The card is accepted pretty much anywhere, which is a crucial feature to look for in a secured card.
How to Obtain a Visa

To obtain a Self Visa credit card, you must first open a Credit Builder Account, which is a secured installment loan that accumulates in a federally insured certificate of deposit.
This process requires making three on-time monthly payments and maintaining an account in good standing. Once you save $100 or more in the certificate of deposit, you may qualify for the Self Visa.
The Self Visa credit card approval process is a bit unconventional, involving a potential applicant working closely with the company to grow their credit portfolio.
Rates and Offers
The rates and offers for self-secured credit cards can vary, but let's take a look at what you can expect.
The annual fee for this particular card is $0 intro first year, $25 thereafter. This means you won't have to pay anything for the first year, but after that, it's $25 per year.
Other fees to consider include the APR, which is 28.24% Variable. This can add up quickly if you're not paying off your balance in full each month.
Visa Authenticity

The Self Visa credit card is a real credit card that's accepted wherever Visa cards are accepted in the U.S.
It's not a traditional credit card, though - it's a secured card designed to help build credit. The Self Visa Credit Card is a secured card that requires a deposit, which becomes your credit limit.
To get the Self Visa credit card, you'll need to open a Self Credit Builder Account and make on-time payments. This will guarantee you the credit building secured card.
The Self Visa credit card approval process is a bit different from other secured credit cards. It involves working with the company to grow your credit portfolio.
Rates & Offers
The rates and offers of a credit card can be a bit overwhelming, but let's break it down.
The annual fee of this card is $0 for the first year, but it jumps to $25 thereafter. That's a pretty standard deal.
Other fees to be aware of include the ongoing APR, which is a whopping 28.24% Variable.
Annual Fee & APR
The annual fee and APR of a credit card are crucial factors to consider when deciding which one to use. Self's annual fee is $25, which is competitive with other similar offers.
If you're not planning to carry a balance, you can avoid paying interest fees altogether. However, if you do need to borrow money, Self's current APR is 29.24%, which is a bit higher than some competitors.
Some credit cards have annual fees as low as $19, while others charge up to $36. Self's annual fee of $25 falls in the middle of this range.
Here's a comparison of Self's APR with some of its competitors:
By paying your balance in full each month, you can avoid paying interest fees and keep your costs low.
No Upfront Costs
The Self Secured Card is a game-changer for those looking to build credit without breaking the bank. You can secure your card with your Credit Builder Account savings progress without requiring any additional money upfront.
This means you can piggyback on efforts you're already making with Self Financial, using your own money to fund your card. Your card is never funded by a lender, making it a convenient way to access the money you're putting in.
With no extra cash upfront, you can bypass any early withdrawal fees, making it a great option for those who want to avoid additional costs. You choose what portion of your savings progress is used to secure your card and set your limit, giving you control over your finances.
Pros and Cons
The Self Secured Credit Card has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are the key points to consider:
The Self Secured Credit Card has several benefits that make it an attractive option for those struggling to build credit. No hard pull is required for both the Credit Builder Account and Secured Credit Card, allowing you to build credit without worrying about a negative impact on your credit score.
Allows you to save and build credit at the same time, making it easier to manage your finances. You can save for a security deposit and build your credit score simultaneously.
One of the biggest advantages of the Self Secured Credit Card is that it offers a seamless route to a secured credit card, making it easier to transition from a Credit Builder Account to a Secured Credit Card. This can be especially helpful for those who are strapped for cash.
Here are some key features of the Self Secured Credit Card:
However, the Self Secured Credit Card also has some drawbacks to consider. For example, the APR for the credit builder loan is in the mid teens, which may be higher than other credit builder loans available. Additionally, you cannot increase the security deposit once you've decided on an amount.
Pros
The Self Secured Credit Card has some great features that make it an attractive option for those looking to build credit. No hard pull is required when applying for the Credit Builder Account and Secured Credit Card, making it a low-risk option.

One of the best things about the Self Secured Credit Card is that it allows you to save and build credit at the same time. This is a huge advantage, as it means you can make progress on both fronts simultaneously.
If you're struggling to come up with the cash for a security deposit, the Self Credit Builder program can be a lifesaver. It allows you to save for that deposit while also building your credit.
The Self Secured Credit Card also offers a seamless transition from Credit Builder Account to Secured Credit Card with the same company. This can be a big time-saver and make the process of building credit much easier.
Here are some key benefits of the Self Secured Credit Card:
- No hard pull for both Credit Builder Account and Secured Credit Card
- Allows you to save and build credit score at the same time
- Great for those who do not have enough cash for a security deposit
- Seamlessly transition from Credit Builder Account to Secured Credit Card With the Same Company
- Reasonable Fees and Rates
Cons
The Self Visa credit card has some drawbacks to consider. The APR for the credit builder loan is in the mid teens, which may not be the lowest rate available. Other credit builder programs offer lower rates, but may require more effort to get a secured credit card.

One limitation of the Self Visa credit card is that you can't increase the security deposit once you've decided on an amount. This means you'll have to wait longer and pay more in monthly payments to get a larger credit limit.
The Self Visa credit card also lacks some perks that other secured credit cards offer. For example, it doesn't have a rewards program or offer free FICO scores like some other secured credit cards do.
If you're looking for a more straightforward credit-building experience, you may want to consider other options. The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card and the Discover it Secured Credit Card are two examples of secured credit cards that don't require an installment loan and may offer more benefits.
In-Depth Information
Self-secured credit cards are a type of credit card that requires a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. This deposit amount can vary depending on the lender and your creditworthiness.

Having a self-secured credit card can be a great way to start building or rebuilding your credit score, as it reports to the three major credit bureaus. By making regular payments, you can demonstrate responsible credit behavior.
The interest rate on a self-secured credit card is typically higher than a regular credit card, ranging from 15% to 25% APR.
In-Depth Review: Visa
The Self Visa Credit Card is a secured card designed to help build credit – fast. It's issued by leading fintech company Self, and you can't apply directly for the card.
To get this card, you'll need to open a Self Credit Builder Account and make on-time payments, which will guarantee you the credit building secured card. This process is a little different from other secured credit card accounts.
The Self Visa Credit Card approval process involves getting to know the company and growing your credit portfolio. This might take some time and effort, but it's worth it if you're looking to build credit.
You can skip the hard credit check with the Self Visa Credit Card, which is a big plus for those with bad credit history or little access to immediate funds. This means you can start building your credit without the initial obstacle of a credit check.
The card requires a security deposit, but you can build up this deposit by opening a Credit Builder Account, a secured installment loan necessary for eligibility. This is a unique model that can eliminate significant roadblocks to credit for many.
The Self Visa Credit Card is a Visa card, which can be accepted pretty much anywhere. This is an important feature to look for in a secured card, as you want to be able to spend your money where you need it.
More Details
You can start building credit with the Self Visa Credit Card without any prior credit check or credit history. The card requires a minimum security deposit of $100, which can be funded from a Credit Builder Account.

If you don't have the $100 security deposit today, consider a Credit Builder Account starting at $25 a month, which can help you build credit and savings over time.
The Self Visa Credit Card has a variable APR of 28.24% and a $0 annual fee for the first year only, after which it's $25 annually. The card is issued by Lead Bank or First Century Bank, N.A., both of which are Member FDIC.
To qualify for the secured Self Visa Credit Card, you'll need to meet eligibility requirements, including income and expense requirements, and establish a security interest. The requirements are subject to change.
Here are the different pricing options for the Credit Builder Account:
Every on-time payment helps build credit history, so be sure to make your payments on time to establish a good credit score.
Limit and Increase
You can choose your credit limit with The secured Self Visa Credit Card, with a minimum deposit of $100. This amount will determine your credit limit.

As you make payments on your Credit Builder Account each month, you can choose to increase your credit limit up to a maximum limit of $3,000. Self will also consider you for an unsecured credit limit increase after six months of holding the card.
Your creditworthiness improves with responsible credit behavior, allowing for potential limit adjustments. You don't necessarily need to have paid off the Credit Builder Account loan to qualify for the card.
Set Your Limits
You can choose how much of your savings to put toward the security deposit for The secured Self Visa Credit Card, with a minimum of $100. This amount will determine your credit limit.
The credit limit can be increased over time as you make payments on your Credit Builder Account each month. You can choose to increase your credit limit up to a maximum of $3,000.
To qualify for an increase, Self performs a soft inquiry that doesn't affect your credit scores. They also review your income and account management history among other factors.

You don't need to have paid off the Credit Builder Account loan to qualify for The secured Self Visa Credit Card. You just need to have saved enough in the certificate of deposit and met the card's other criteria.
After six months or longer of holding The secured Self Visa Credit Card, you may be considered for an unsecured credit limit increase.
Potential Limit Increases:
Having a good credit history can lead to potential credit limit increases over time. Accounts in good standing may have opportunities to increase the credit limit.
As you continue to demonstrate responsible credit behavior, your creditworthiness improves, allowing for potential limit adjustments.
The more you build your FICO Score with on-time payments, the better chance you have at increasing your credit limit. This is especially true if your card is linked to a Self Credit Builder Account.
The money in your Self Credit Builder Account can be moved towards the credit line with the Self Visa Credit Card as it grows, giving you a chance at a higher credit limit.
Comparison and Decision

The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage over the Self Visa Credit Card that charges a $25 annual fee. This means you can save money on fees and put it towards your credit-building journey.
If you're concerned about credit checks, both the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card and the Self Visa Credit Card do not require a credit check. This is a great option for those who are rebuilding credit or have no credit history.
To determine your credit limit, you can set money aside in your Chime Credit Builder secured account, which is a requirement for the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card. This way, you can spend what's in your account and the bill will be automatically paid each month, with no interest charges.
Here's a comparison of the two cards:
When to Decide If It's Right for You

If you're considering an installment loan and a credit card, think about whether it's a worthwhile investment for your credit-building journey.
Having both types of credit can increase your costs, especially if you're also paying interest charges on a credit card.
You can determine your credit limit by setting money aside in a Chime Credit Builder secured account.
The card charges no interest, as you must pay your monthly bills in full.
Other cards for bad credit or no credit are possibilities, too, if you'd prefer greater simplicity and lower fees.
You'll have to make a higher security deposit upfront with these cards.
Comparison
Let's take a closer look at the comparison between the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card and the Self Visa Credit Card.
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card has no annual fee, whereas the Self Visa Credit Card comes with a $25 annual fee.
Both cards do not require a credit check, which is a plus for those who want to avoid the hassle of credit inquiries.

The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card does not require a minimum security deposit, making it more accessible to those who want to start building credit.
The Self Visa Credit Card, on the other hand, requires a Credit Builder Account that reports monthly payments to all 3 major credit bureaus.
Here's a quick summary of the key differences between the two cards:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does self-actually help build your credit?
Yes, a Self Credit Builder Account can help build your credit, with customers seeing an average VantageScore increase of 47 after 12 months of on-time payments. By opening a Self Credit Builder Account and making regular payments, you can start improving your credit score and building a stronger financial foundation.
What is the highest limit on self credit card?
The maximum credit limit on a Self credit card is $3,000. You may be eligible for an even higher limit after holding a Self Visa card for six months or longer.
Can I use my self credit card right away?
Unfortunately, you can't use your self-secured credit card for purchases right away. You'll need to wait 10-15 days for your physical card to arrive and activate it online.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/self
- https://www.askmrcreditcard.com/self/secured-visa/
- https://thefitwallet.com/why-the-self-card-is-a-great-tool-for-building-credit/
- https://www.bestcards.com/credit-cards/self-visa-credit-card/
- https://creditsecrets.com/credit-score-hub/self-secured-credit-card/
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