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The Best Secured Credit Cards 2024

Uncover the leading secured credit cards renowned for their robust security features and benefits, catering to individuals seeking to establish or rebuild their credit.

Written by
Grace Lemire
Last Update on Jan 10, 2024

Secured credit cards have emerged as a practical solution for individuals aiming to establish or rebuild their credit. These cards offer enhanced security features and advantages that not only provide peace of mind but also pave the way to take you out of bad credit and into improved financial standing. 

By requiring a security deposit, secured credit cards minimize risk for both cardholders and issuers, making them an accessible and viable option for those with limited credit history or past credit challenges. Whether you’re a young professional starting your credit journey or someone looking to bounce back from financial setbacks, exploring the best secured credit cards can unlock a path to greater financial stability and future opportunities.

The Best Secured Credit Cards 2024

Secured Credit CardRatingBest For…Deposit RequirementAnnual Fee
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card4.2Customizable cash back categories$200None
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card3.7Simple rewards$200None
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card4.0Earning your deposit back$200None
Discover It Secured Card5.0Cash back bonuses$200None
First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard Secured Credit Card3.2Low interest rate$200$39
Navy FCU nRewards Secured Credit Card4.5Navy Federal Members$200None
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card4.6Cash back on dining$300None
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card3.8Rewards and overall cash back value$300None
BEST FOR CUSTOMIZABLE CASH BACK CATEGORIES

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

4.2
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Limit Ranges
$300 to $4,900
Welcome Bonus
None
Unique Features
Ability to select your highest cash back category
Deposit Requirements
Minimum of $200
Annual Fee
None
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The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers a strong cash back program, flexible credit limits, and the ability to view your FICO score for free online and through the connected mobile app.

Application Process: To apply, complete the application on Bank of America’s website. You do not need an extensive credit history to qualify.

Rewards: This secured credit card provides a competitive cash back offer:

  • 3% cash back on your choice of gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement and furnishings
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
  • Unlimited 1% cash back on everything else

Pros:

  • Competitive rewards
  • No annual fee
  • Option to upgrade later to a secured card
  • Free FICO score

Cons:

  • No welcome bonus
Additional Details

Cash back can be redeemed for a statement credit or for contributions to a qualifying Merrill account, like a 529 account.

BEST FOR SIMPLE REWARDS

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

3.7
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Limit Ranges
Up to $5,000
Welcome Bonus
None
Unique Features
Flat-rate rewards system
Deposit Requirements
$200
Annual Fee
None
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The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card offers a simple, flat-rate cash back rewards program, making it easy to manage.

Application Process: To apply, complete the application on Bank of America’s website. People with bad or poor credit can qualify.

Rewards: This card offers a flat, 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Pros:

  • Simple rewards system
  • Free FICO score
  • No annual fee

Cons:

  • No welcome bonus
Additional Details

Cash rewards can be redeemed for:

  • A deposit into an eligible Bank of America checking or savings account
  • A credit in an eligible Merrill account, including 529 accounts
  • A statement credit to your credit card
BEST FOR EARNING BACK YOUR DEPOSIT

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Limit Ranges
$200 initial credit line; Maximum ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 based on creditworthiness
Welcome Bonus
None
Unique Features
Ability to earn back the security deposit before closing the account
Deposit Requirements
$200
Annual Fee
None
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The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card requires a refundable $200 security deposit. If you demonstrate responsible card use, the deposit can be returned before even closing the account. This is unique, making this card option stand out against competitors.

Customers are also automatically considered for a higher credit line as early as six months after opening the card. This does not require an additional deposit.

Application Process: To apply, complete the application online. People with limited and bad credit can qualify.

Rewards: This card has two ways to earn cash back:

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital
  • One Travel portal

Customers also get up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership credits through 11/14/2024.

Pros:

  • Free credit monitoring
  • Ability to earn back your deposit without closing the account
  • Competitive cash back program
  • No annual fee

Cons:

  • High APR
  • No welcome bonus
  • No bonus categories
Additional Details

If you’re paying your credit card bill in full each month, the interest rate shouldn’t matter all that much, but it is important to be aware of. This card has a high interest rate of 29.99%.

BEST FOR CASH BACK BONUSES

Discover It Secured Card

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Limit Ranges
Up to $2,500
Welcome Bonus
Unlimited Cash Back Match; Discover will match 100% of the cash back earned within the first year.
Unique Features
Cash Back Match
Deposit Requirements
$200
Annual Fee
None
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The Discover It Secured Credit Card offers a compelling cash back program, no annual fee, and the ability to transition to a secured card after just seven months.

Application Process: Discover’s application process is simple. Just complete the form online to see if you qualify.

Rewards: This card offers an incredibly competitive cash back rewards program, giving cardholders:

  • 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
  • Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Unlimited Cash Back Match. Discover will automatically match all cash back earned within the first year.

Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • Competitive cash back program
  • Free FICO score
  • Ability to transition to a secured card after seven months

Cons:

  • Lower maximum credit limit than some competitors
Additional Details

Discover’s credit cards also come with free online privacy protection, which monitors the Dark Web for information like your Social Security Number and alerts you of suspicious activity.

BEST FOR LOW INTEREST RATE

First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard Secured Credit Card

3.2
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Limit Ranges
Between $200 and $2,000
Welcome Bonus
None
Unique Features
Low interest rate of 18.74%
Deposit Requirements
$200
Annual Fee
$39
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The First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is one of the few credit cards that doesn’t automatically deny customers with a discharged bankruptcy. This makes it accessible to a population of customers that would otherwise be out of luck.

While we don’t recommend ever carrying a balance, the card does come with an interest rate of 18.74%, which is significantly lower than most competitors.

Application Process: To apply, visit the First Progress website. There are no credit history or minimum credit score requirements, making it a strong option for people with bad credit.

Rewards: This card has a unique rewards system, offering 1% cash back on payments made to the account. It does not offer cash back on purchases.

Pros:

  • Low interest rate
  • Available to people with a bankruptcy record
  • Unique rewards program

Cons:

  • $39 annual fee
  • No welcome bonus
  • Lower credit limit than some competitors
Additional Details

First Progress reports credit information to all three of the major credit bureaus, which can help cardholders establish credit.

BEST FOR NAVY FEDERAL MEMBERS

Navy FCU nRewards Secured Credit Card

4.5
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Limit Ranges
Up to $5,000
Welcome Bonus
None
Unique Features
No balance transfer fees
Deposit Requirements
$200
Annual Fee
None
Show More Details

The Navy FCU Secured Credit Card comes with no annual fee, a straightforward rewards program, and no balance transfer fees, making it a strong option for Navy FCU members.

Application Process: To apply for this card, you’ll need to be a Navy Federal Member. Members are required to have a familial or household connection to a veteran or military member. If you don’t, this card won’t be for you.

Rewards: This card earns one point per dollar spent. Points can be redeemed for statement credit, cash, gift cards, and merchandise.

Pros:

  • Ability to transfer to a secured card after six months
  • Low interest rate
  • No balance transfer fees
  • Free credit scores

Cons:

  • Navy Federal Membership is required
Additional Details

After three months, Navy FCU will review your account. If eligible, they may increase your credit limit without an additional deposit. At the six month mark, they will review your account again to gauge your eligibility to transition to an unsecured card.

BEST FOR CASH BACK ON DINING

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card

4.6
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Limit Ranges
$300 to $5,000
Welcome Bonus
None
Unique Features
Competitive points offer for dining and takeout; Ability to choose your own payment due date
Deposit Requirements
$300
Annual Fee
None
Show More Details

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card comes with no annual fee and a competitive points program ideal for people who dine out or order takeout frequently.

Application Process: Apply online on U.S. Bank’s website. Individuals with fair credit score ranges are likely to qualify.

Rewards: This card offers the following point structure:

  • 4x points on dining and takeout
  • 2x points on grocery, gas stations, and streaming services
  • 1x points on everything else

Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, cash back, and gift cards.

Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • Competitive points program
  • Ability to pick your payment due date

Cons:

  • Higher deposit requirement than some competitors
Additional Details

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Secured Card also comes with a $15 streaming credit for annual streaming services like Netflix and Spotify.

BEST FOR REWARDS AND CASH BACK VALUE

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card

3.8
★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Credit Limit Ranges
$300 to $5,000
Welcome Bonus
None
Unique Features
Customizable rewards categories
Deposit Requirements
$300
Annual Fee
None
Show More Details

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card offers an incredibly competitive rewards program, no annual fee, and flexible payment due dates.

Application Process: Apply online on U.S. Bank’s website. Individuals with bad or poor credit can qualify.

Rewards: Cardholders earn:

  • 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of their choice
  • 2% cash back on eligible purchases in their choice of one everyday category (eg. gas, grocery, dining)
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Pros:

  • No annual fee
  • Customizable rewards categories
  • Ability to choose your own payment due date

Cons:

  • Rewards program may be complicated to follow
  • High APR of 29.99%
  • Higher deposit requirement than some competitors
Additional Details

This card also allows you to choose your own payment due date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is A Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a cash deposit from the cardholder that serves as collateral and determines the credit limit of the card. These cards are often used by individuals who are looking to build or rebuild their credit.

How Does A Secured Credit Card Work?

A secured credit card works just like a regular credit card. The difference is that you’re required to make a security deposit, which typically becomes your credit limit. You can still use it to make purchases, pay your bill every month, and incur interest if you don’t pay off your balance in full.

Can A Secured Credit Card Help Improve My Credit Score?

Yes, if used responsibly, a secured credit card can help improve your credit score. Most companies report your activity to the major credit bureaus, so making your payments on time and keeping your balance low can help improve your credit over time.

What Should I Look For In A Secured Credit Card?

Look for a card with low fees and the option to transition to an unsecured card in the future. It’s also important to make sure the card issuer reports to all three major credit bureaus to help you build credit.

How Much Do I Need To Deposit For A Secured Credit Card?

The deposit for a secured credit card can vary but is typically between $200 and $500. The amount you deposit usually becomes your credit limit.

Can I Get My Deposit Back From A Secured Credit Card?

Yes, your deposit is typically refundable when you close your account and pay your balance in full. Some card issuers may also return your deposit after a certain period of responsible card use.

Can I Upgrade My Secured Credit Card To An Unsecured Credit Card?

Many credit card issuers will allow you to upgrade your secured credit card to an unsecured one after a period of responsible use. The process and requirements for upgrading can vary by
issuer.

Does A Secured Credit Card Have An Annual Fee?

Some secured credit cards have an annual fee, but not all. Be sure to check the card’s fee structure before applying.

Can I Use A Secured Credit Card Abroad?

Yes, you can typically use a secured credit card anywhere that accepts credit cards. However, some cards may charge foreign transaction fees.

How Can I Apply For A Secured Credit Card?

You can apply for a secured credit card online, over the phone, or, in some cases, in person at a bank. You’ll need to provide personal information and fund the security deposit.

Grace Lemire is a full-time content writer and part-time social media creator with a passion for helping people navigate life's toughest financial decisions – from moving out of your parents' house to buying a home.