
The Unity Secured Credit Card is a great option for those looking to establish or rebuild credit. It requires a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit.
This card offers a range of benefits, including no annual fee. The security deposit also earns interest, which is a nice bonus.
You'll need to make a deposit to get started, which can be as low as $49. This deposit will also become your credit limit, so be mindful of that when making purchases.
The Unity Secured Credit Card is designed for those who want to improve their credit score. By making timely payments and keeping your credit utilization ratio low, you can start to see improvements in your credit score over time.
Check this out: Secured Credit Card Bad Credit with No Security Deposit
Key Features
The UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card is a great option for those looking to build their credit score, especially if you have no credit history or bad credit.
The ongoing APR is lower than what some other secured cards charge, but it's still on the high end at 17.99% (Fixed).
One of the benefits of this card is that it doesn't impose a higher penalty APR if you're late with a payment, which is a relief.
Key Perks

The UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card is a great option for those with no credit history or bad credit. It helps you build your credit score by reporting to the three major credit bureaus.
With responsible use, you can give your credit score a boost by making on-time payments and keeping your balances low. This is a simple yet effective way to improve your credit health.
This card is perfect for those who want to start building credit from scratch. It's also a great option for those who need to repair their credit after a setback.
Balance Transfer Benefits
The UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card offers a low intro APR period for balance transfers, a 9.95 percent fixed rate for six months from the date of the account opening.
This is a great option for those who want to make a balance transfer onto a secured credit card, as many secured credit cards don't offer any type of lower APR period for balance transfers.
The fixed rate after the intro period is 17.99 percent, which is still relatively low compared to other secured credit cards.
Fees and Rates

The UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card comes with a $39 annual fee, which is a significant expense to consider. This fee is higher than some other secured credit cards on the market.
The regular APR for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances is 17.99 percent, which is fixed through the expiration date of the card. This rate is on par with the national average for a credit card.
There are also various transaction fees associated with this card, including a 3 percent fee for balance transfers and cash advances, or $10, whichever is greater, with a maximum fee of $150. Foreign transaction fees are also 3 percent of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Late payments can incur a fee of up to $10, which is lower than what some major issuers typically charge.
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Speedpay Option
The Speedpay Option is a convenient way to pay your bills on time. This system allows you to make one-time card payments online or over the phone.
You can use Speedpay to avoid missing a payment date, which is especially helpful if you're prone to forgetting to pay your bills.
Speedpay is a service that makes it easy to stay on top of your payments.
Explore further: Can You Pay off Credit Cards with Other Credit Cards
Rates and Fees

The UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card has a $39 annual fee.
The regular APR for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances is 17.99 percent, which is fixed through the expiration date of the card.
There's also a promotional rate for balance transfers: 9.95% on balance transfers for 6 months, and then the ongoing APR of 17.99% (Fixed).
The balance transfer fee is 3% or $10, whichever is greater, with a maximum $150 fee.
Foreign transaction fees are 3 percent of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Late payment penalty fees can be up to $10, which is lower than what major issuers typically charge.
The returned payment fee is up to $37.
Other fees associated with this card include $35 for expedited card delivery and $10 for a replacement or additional card.
Adding funds to the card to increase your credit limit costs a $10 fee.
The card does not impose a higher penalty APR if you're late with a payment.
Reporting

Reporting is an important aspect of credit cards, and this card takes it seriously. It reports to all three of the nationwide credit bureaus.
This means that your credit history will be updated regularly, giving you a clear picture of your creditworthiness. Your credit score will also reflect your responsible payment habits.
The card's reporting features help you build a positive credit history over time, which can be beneficial in the long run.
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Comparison and Selection
The UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card is a great option for building credit, but it's essential to consider other factors when choosing a credit card. The Discover it Secured Credit Card is one of the best secured cards on the market, offering a unique 2 percent cash back at restaurants and gas stations.
Its rewards potential is a major selling point, with unlimited 1 percent on all other purchases and a stellar welcome offer that includes Discover's full Cashback Match for all rewards earned at the end of your first year. The card also has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
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However, the UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card's rates beat the Discover it Secured Credit Card's intro balance transfer APR, so it's worth considering if you need to transfer a balance. Pairing the UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card with a rewards credit card or travel credit card can also be a good idea if you qualify.
Consider reading: Unity Bank Credit Card
How to Compare
To compare credit-building cards, start by looking at their intro and regular APRs, like with the UNITY Visa Secured and Discover it Secured Credit Card, which have 10.99% and 27.24% Variable APRs respectively.
The Discover it Secured Credit Card has a more valuable rewards potential, offering 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, plus unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Consider the security deposit requirements, as the Discover it Secured Credit Card's $200 to $2,500 deposit doesn't offer the highest potential credit limit.
Check for fees, such as the annual fee, and Discover it Secured Credit Card has a $0 annual fee, while the UNITY Visa Secured's rates beat the Discover it Secured Credit Card's six-month intro balance transfer APR.
The Discover it Secured Credit Card also offers a stellar welcome offer, including Discover's full Cashback Match for all rewards earned at the end of your first year.
Best Cards to Pair With

When building credit, it's best to start with a single secured credit card, such as the UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card.
Having too many cards at once can negatively impact your credit score. You can pair this card with a rewards credit card if you qualify, like the Bank of America Cash Back Secured credit card, to earn cash rewards.
This combination can provide both cash rewards and balance transfer benefits, making it a solid choice for those starting to build their credit.
For more insights, see: Cash Back Secured Credit Card
Should You Apply?
The Unity Visa Secured Card is a solid option for those looking to establish good credit practices, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons.
The card offers a decent fixed-rate APR and a six-month introductory interest rate on balance transfers, which can be a great benefit for those who can afford to pay off the balance within the first six months.
However, this introductory APR can quickly become a trap for those who don't pay off the balance, making it crucial to have a plan in place to avoid high interest rates.

OneUnited's educational programs are a unique aspect of the card, but it comes with a financial cost - a $39 annual fee, which is higher than some other cards.
This fee may be worth it for those who want to support their community and feel a sense of pride in contributing to the financial education and empowerment of their fellow residents.
Ultimately, the decision to apply for the Unity Visa Secured Card depends on your individual financial situation and goals.
Review and Evaluation
The Unity Visa Secured Card from OneUnited Bank has a high annual fee, which is a drawback for many users.
There's no rewards program, so you won't earn any points or cashback on your purchases. This is a notable omission, especially when compared to other secured credit cards.
You'll need to pay money to increase your credit limit, which may not be ideal for those looking to rebuild their credit.

The card does allow you to earn interest on your deposit, but there's no notification from the bank about this, so you'll need to keep track of it yourself.
You can only make payments by mail, which can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks to process. This may not be convenient for some users.
Review
The Unity Visa Secured Credit Card from OneUnited Bank is a secured credit card that seeks to empower all who use it.
It has a high annual fee and no rewards program, making it a less desirable option for those looking to rebuild their credit.
You have to pay money to increase your credit limit, which is an unusual requirement.
The card does not transition to an unsecured card, which is a major drawback for those looking to upgrade their credit.
You can only make payments by mail, which can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks to process.

Your deposit does gain interest, but the bank doesn't notify you about it, which is a missed opportunity to earn some extra cash.
The payment history is updated regularly, which is a positive aspect of the card.
It's helping the user keep a moderately decent bad credit score, which is a good outcome.
Bankrate's Take: Is It Worth It?
The UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card can be a good option if you need to make a balance transfer. It's worth considering if you want to build your credit score responsibly.
However, if you qualify for a card with rewards like cash back or travel points, you might want to look elsewhere. This card doesn't offer any welcome offers or rewards.
You might also want to explore other secured credit cards with no annual fee that allow you to increase your line of credit without extra charges.
Who Can Benefit
Building good credit can be tough, especially for those with limited financial knowledge. Many Americans struggle with this every year.

Secured credit cards offer a chance to take another shot at credit, and they operate just like unsecured cards. There's no stigma attached to using them.
For those who can't get approved for unsecured credit cards, secured cards are a great alternative. They require a security deposit to serve as collateral and set the credit limit.
Who Can Benefit from a Card?
Secured credit cards offer a second chance at building credit for those who can't get approved for unsecured credit cards.
Taking another shot at credit can be frustrating, especially for those with limited financial knowledge.
For those who struggle to build and maintain good credit, secured credit cards provide an opportunity to get back on track.
Secured cards don't come with a stigma, they're simply a credit card that requires a security deposit as collateral and sets the credit limit.
Many people can benefit from a secured credit card, including those who are rebuilding credit after a financial setback.
4. Education Program Provided by Issuer

The UNITY Visa Secured Credit Card issuer, OneUnited Bank, provides a credit-building education program. This program is designed to help users improve their credit scores.
OneUnited's How to Rebuild Credit Program offers tips and action items for rebuilding credit. It recommends pulling your credit reports for free, making more than the minimum monthly payment, and always paying your bills on time.
Excellent credit scores can get you the best terms on future loans and help you qualify for various needs, including cell phones, rental homes, and jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be denied for a secured credit card?
Yes, you can be denied for a secured credit card, just like any other credit card application. A hard credit pull is usually required, which can affect your credit score.
Sources
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/unity-visa-secured-credit-card/
- https://www.bestcards.com/credit-cards/unity-visa-secured-credit-card/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/oneunited-bank-unity-secured-credit-card-comeback-card
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/unity-secured-credit-card-application-status-1000032-2140763287/
- https://www.doctorofcredit.com/credit-cards/secured/unity-secured-visa-the-comeback-card-from-oneunited-review/
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