Some share secured credit cards offer a credit limit that's tied to the balance in your savings or checking account, with a maximum credit limit of $25,000.
These cards often report to all three major credit bureaus, which can help you build credit over time.
With a share secured credit card, you'll typically need to make a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit limit will be $500.
What is a Share Secured Credit Card?
A share secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a deposit, which becomes your credit limit, and is secured by a savings account or certificate of deposit (CD).
You can use a portion of your savings to secure the card, and the deposit amount determines your credit limit.
Your deposit is usually held in a separate savings account, earning interest and still accessible if you close the account.
To qualify for a share secured credit card, you typically need to be a member of a credit union or bank that offers this type of card.
The interest rate and fees associated with a share secured credit card can vary depending on the issuer and your creditworthiness.
Having a share secured credit card can help you build credit or repair bad credit, as it reports to the major credit bureaus.
How Share Secured Credit Cards Work
A share secured credit card is a type of secured credit card that requires a security deposit to open an account.
You can open a share secured credit card with a minimum deposit of $49, $99, or $200, which will give you an initial credit line of $200.
To raise your credit line, you can deposit more than the minimum amount, up to a maximum limit of $1000.
Using your card responsibly, such as making payments on time, can help you earn back your deposit and upgrade to an unsecured card.
This can happen as early as six months with no additional deposit needed.
There are two ways to get your security deposit back: by having your card issuer upgrade you to an unsecured card after you've demonstrated responsible use, or by closing your account and paying your balance in full.
Most secured credit cards require you to match your credit line with an equivalent deposit. For example, if you want a $500 line of credit, you must pay a $500 deposit.
To avoid fees, it's essential to pay your bill on time and in full, especially since the APR on a secured card is usually higher, around 24.99%.
Here's a breakdown of the deposit amounts and initial credit lines:
Keep in mind that a secured card is a great way to build credit, but it's not an ideal long-term option since you have to deposit money to receive a credit limit.
Benefits and Features
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers several benefits and features that can be helpful for those looking to build or rebuild their credit.
You can be approved with no credit or bad credit, making it a great option for those who want to start fresh. The card has no annual or hidden fees, and you can see if you're approved in seconds.
Some key features of the card include the ability to add an authorized user, track spending by user, and receive notifications via text, email, and phone if Capital One notices potential suspicious transactions on your account.
You'll also have $0 fraud liability, meaning you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges. And, if your card is lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement card.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card:
- No annual or hidden fees
- Building your credit? Using the card responsibly could help
- $0 Fraud Liability
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visa Benefits
Customers with low or no credit can benefit from carrying a Secured Visa Card, as it allows them to build or repair their credit history.
The Secured Visa Card is a great option for those who want to establish a positive credit history, but may not have been able to get approved for a regular credit card in the past.
Having a Secured Visa Card can also help individuals with poor credit to start rebuilding their credit score over time, giving them a fresh start.
Capital One Platinum Benefits
The Capital One Platinum Secured card offers some fantastic benefits that can help you manage your finances and protect your credit. You can add an authorized user to your account and track their spending by user, making it easier to keep an eye on your finances.
One of the benefits of the Capital One Platinum Secured card is the ability to get notified via text, email, and phone if the bank notices potential suspicious transactions on your account. This can give you peace of mind and help you catch any potential issues before they become a problem.
If your card is lost or stolen, you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges, which is a huge relief. You can also pay for online purchases with virtual card numbers, keeping your actual card number safe and secure.
The Capital One Platinum Secured card also offers account alerts, which can notify you if the bank detects a potential mistake or unexpected charge. This can include things like a potential duplicate purchase or a sudden recurring bill increase.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Capital One Platinum Secured card:
- No annual or hidden fees
- $0 Fraud Liability so you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Get notified via text, email, and phone if potential suspicious transactions are detected
- Pay for online purchases with virtual card numbers
- Receive account alerts for potential mistakes or unexpected charges
With the Capital One Platinum Secured card, you can also monitor your credit score with CreditWise, which is free for everyone. This can give you a better understanding of your credit health and help you make informed financial decisions.
Overall, the Capital One Platinum Secured card offers a range of benefits that can help you manage your finances and protect your credit. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can have peace of mind and stay on top of your financial game.
Refundable Deposits & Upgrades
You can earn back your deposit and upgrade to a standard, unsecured Platinum card with responsible card use.
The initial credit line is $200, and you can raise it by depositing more than the minimum amount.
You can make a $49, $99, or $200 minimum deposit to open your account and get started.
With responsible card use, like making payments on time, you could earn back your deposit in as little as six months.
You can transfer your higher-rate balances onto a Capital One card, but you'll need to learn more about balance transfers to do so.
Security and Fees
You won't find any unexpected charges with this secured credit card, including no foreign transaction fees, replacement card fees, or authorized user fees.
Security Deposit
A security deposit is required to establish your credit limit, and it can be as low as $49, $99, or $200.
Deposit More, Raise Your Credit Line
The more you deposit, the higher your initial credit line will be, up to a maximum of $1000.
Use Your Card Responsibly, Get Your Deposit Back
By making on-time payments and using your card responsibly, you can earn back your deposit and even upgrade to an unsecured Platinum card.
Capital One Platinum
The Capital One Platinum Secured credit card is a great option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit. You can be approved with no credit or bad credit.
A minimum required security deposit is needed to get started, which can be paid all at once or with installments over 35 days. This deposit can be refunded in two ways: by earning it back if you're upgraded to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible use, or by having it refunded when you close your account and pay your balance in full.
One of the key benefits of the Capital One Platinum Secured card is that it reports to the three major credit bureaus, allowing you to build your credit with responsible use. Unlike prepaid cards, which do not report to the major credit bureaus and cannot help you build your credit.
You can start with a $49 refundable security deposit for a $200 initial credit line, and you could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit if you use your card responsibly. Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Capital One Platinum Secured card:
- No annual or hidden fees
- Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
- Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
Note that a secured card is not an ideal long-term option since you have to deposit money to receive a credit limit.
How to Improve Your Score
Improving your credit score with a secured credit card is a great way to start rebuilding your credit. Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO credit score, so making payments on time is crucial.
To boost your credit score, focus on making payments on time and in full, as this information is sent to the three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This will put you on the path to qualifying for an unsecured card.
Keeping a low credit card balance is also essential, as your credit utilization ratio is responsible for 30% of your FICO score. Aim to pay off all or most of your balance to keep that ratio low.
Here are some key factors to focus on when improving your credit score:
- Payment history
- Credit utilization
- Length of credit history
- Credit mix
- New credit
Avoid unnecessary hard credit inquiries that can lower your credit score. By following these tips, you can improve your credit score relatively quickly – typically in under six months.
Using and Transitioning
You can transition from a secured to an unsecured card, but the process varies by company. With the Discover it Secured Credit Card, for example, your account is automatically reviewed after seven months.
To transition, you can ask your issuer to upgrade your card, but be aware that a credit check may be performed. Some card issuers may not offer a transition process, so you would have to close your secured card account and open a new card.
Before you close a secured card, make sure you apply for a new card and are approved. If you close your card before opening a new one, it may be more difficult to be approved.
Using a secured credit card responsibly can help you build good credit habits. Paying your bills on time, keeping your balance at less than 30% of the total credit limit, and keeping your credit accounts open for a long time are all key habits to develop.
Here are some tips for using your secured credit card effectively:
- Paying your bills on time.
- Keeping your balance at less than 30% of the total credit limit.
- Keeping your credit accounts open for a long time.
- Not opening a slew of credit cards in a short period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two people be on a secured credit card?
Joint secured credit cards are rare, but one option is for one person to apply and add the other as an authorized user. This allows both individuals to benefit from the account, but with different levels of responsibility.
Sources
- https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/secured-visa-credit-card.html
- https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/platinum-secured/
- https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/credit/build-credit-with-secured-credit-card/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-secured-cards-work/
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/what-is-a-secured-credit-card-do-you-need-one
Featured Images: pexels.com