In this guide, we’ll break down the best secured credit cards of 2025, detailing everything from their fees and benefits to what sets them apart. Whether you’re a first-time credit cardholder or looking to improve your score, we’ve got you covered.
If you are confused on which card is best for you check out our comprehensive Credit Cards Guide first.
💳 What Are Secured Credit Cards and Why Are They Important?
Before we dive into the specifics of the best options available, let’s quickly touch on what a secured credit card is and how it can help you:
A secured credit card requires you to make a security deposit that acts as collateral for your credit limit. This is different from a traditional credit card, where your credit limit is determined by your creditworthiness. Secured cards are designed for people with little or no credit history, or those looking to repair their credit after past mistakes.
Benefits of Secured Credit Cards:
- Easy to qualify for (even with bad or no credit)
- Helps build or rebuild your credit score
- Opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card over time
🔍 How to Choose the Best Secured Credit Cards
When selecting a secured credit card, there are a few key factors to consider:
1. Security Deposit Requirements
The size of your security deposit will typically dictate your credit limit. Most secured cards require a deposit that’s equal to your credit limit, though some may allow a smaller deposit with a higher limit.
2. Annual Fees
Look for a secured card with no or low annual fees. High annual fees can eat into the benefits, making it harder to save money while building your credit.
3. APR and Interest Rates
If you carry a balance, APR (Annual Percentage Rate) will determine how much you’ll pay in interest. Choose a card with a low APR if you think you might occasionally carry a balance.
4. Credit Reporting
Make sure the secured card reports to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This is essential for building your credit score.
“Disclosure: We currently have no partnerships with these products. Links are informational only. If this changes, we’ll update this notice.”
Compare the Best Secured Credit Cards 💳
| Card Name | Key Features & Rewards | Annual Fee | Security Deposit | Rewards | Why Choose This Card? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card | 2% cash back at gas stations/restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter), 1% elsewhere, double cash back first year, upgrade review | $0 | $200 | Yes (cash back) | Maximize rewards while building credit. Double cash back in year one makes it a standout choice. |
| 2. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card | Low deposit ($49, $99, or $200), no annual fee, credit line increase possible, reports to all bureaus | $0 | $49+ | No | Perfect for limited funds upfront. Easy approval and no annual fee help you start building credit. |
| 3. Capital One Quicksilver Secured | 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 5% on hotels/rental cars via Capital One Travel, upgrade path, $0 annual fee | $0 | $200 | Yes (cash back) | Earn cash back on every purchase with no annual fee. Great for everyday spending and travel. |
| 4. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card | No credit check, flexible approval, $35 annual fee, reports to all bureaus, high credit limit potential | $35 | $200 | No (occasional retailer offers) | No credit check makes it accessible for all. Good for rebuilding or new to credit. |
| 5. Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® | No security deposit, pre-qualification with no impact on credit, quick approval, $0–$99 annual fee | $0–$99 | None | No | Ideal for those who want to rebuild credit without a deposit. Fast pre-qualification process. |
| 6. Surge Mastercard® Secured Card | Cash back rewards, $300 minimum deposit, monthly reporting to all bureaus, credit line increases possible | Varies | $300 | Yes (cash back) | Earn cash back while building credit. Free credit score access and upgrade opportunities. |
🌟 In-Depth Look at Each Secured Credit Card
Now that you know what to look for, let’s review some of the best secured credit cards of 2025.
“Disclosure: We currently have no product partnerships. Links are informational only. If this changes, we’ll update this notice.”
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for: Cash Back & No Annual Fee
- Security Deposit: $200 minimum
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 22.99% Variable
- Rewards: 2% cashback on up to $1,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter, 1% on all other purchases
Why it’s great: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best options for those looking to earn rewards while rebuilding credit. It offers cash back and a $0 annual fee, making it an attractive choice for first-time cardholders. Plus, Discover automatically reviews your account after 8 months to see if you can upgrade to an unsecured card.
Learn more about the Discover it® Secured Credit Card
2. Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
Best for: Low Deposit Requirements
- Security Deposit: $49, $99, or $200 (depending on creditworthiness)
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 26.99% Variable
- Rewards: None
Why it’s great: The Capital One® Secured Mastercard® is known for its low security deposit options, starting as low as $49 for some applicants. It’s perfect for those who may not have a lot of savings to use as collateral but still want to build their credit responsibly. There’s also no annual fee, which helps keep costs down.
Apply for the Capital One® Secured Mastercard®
3. Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Unlimited Cash Back
- Security Deposit: $200 minimum
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 29.74% Variable
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on every purchase, 5% on hotels/rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Why it’s great:
Earn unlimited cash back with no annual fee-rare for a secured card. This card also offers a straightforward upgrade path to unsecured Capital One cards and regular reviews for credit line increases.
Apply for the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards
4. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Best for: No Credit Check
- Security Deposit: $200 minimum
- Annual Fee: $35
- APR: 19.64% Variable
- Rewards: None
Why it’s great: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is unique because it doesn’t require a credit check to apply, making it a great option for those who have poor or no credit. While it does have a $35 annual fee, the lack of a credit check makes it stand out for individuals who might not be approved for other secured cards.
Get Started with OpenSky® Secured Visa®
5. Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
Best for: Rebuilding Credit with No Security Deposit
- Security Deposit: None
- Annual Fee: Varies ($0–$99)
- APR: 24.9% Variable
- Rewards: None
Why it’s great:
Ideal for those who want to rebuild credit without a security deposit. Pre-qualification with no impact on your credit score and quick approval process make it a convenient option.
Apply for Indigo® Platinum Mastercard®
6. Surge Mastercard® Secured Card
Best for: Building Credit with Cash Back
- Security Deposit: $300 minimum
- Annual Fee: Varies
- APR: Varies
- Rewards: Yes (cash back)
Why it’s great:
Earn cash back while building credit. The Surge Mastercard® Secured Card offers free credit score access, monthly reporting to all bureaus, and automatic account reviews for credit limit increases.
Apply for Surge Mastercard® Secured Card
🏆 Which Secured Credit Card is Right for You?
Choosing the best secured credit card depends on your unique needs. Here’s a quick recap:
- Best for Rewards: Discover it® Secured – 2% cash back, no annual fee.
- Best for Low Deposit: Capital One® Platinum – deposits from $49, no fee.
- Best for Unlimited Cash Back: Capital One Quicksilver – 1.5% back, no fee.
- Best for No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured – easy approval, $35 fee.
- Best for No Deposit: Indigo® Platinum – no deposit, quick approval.
- Best for Higher Limits & Rewards: Surge Mastercard® – cash back, $300 deposit.
📝 Conclusion – Best Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards are an excellent tool for building or repairing your credit. By carefully considering the fees, APR, and other features of each card, you can find the best option for your financial goals.
If you’re ready to start building your credit, consider applying for one of the secured cards listed above. It’s an investment in your financial future!
👆Ready to Start Building Your Credit?
Compare these top secured credit cards and take the next step toward building stronger credit.
🧠 Related Articles:
The Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Credit Cards
How to Build Your Credit Score in 6 Months
What to Do if You’re Denied for a Secured Credit Card