Most people think secured credit cards are basic tools with no perks. But a growing number of secured cards now offer cash back on everyday purchases, meaning you can earn rewards while building your credit score at the same time.
Can You Really Get Cash Back With a Secured Card?
Yes. Cash back used to be reserved for premium credit cards aimed at people with excellent credit. But several secured credit card with cashback programs now let you earn a percentage back on purchases or points you can redeem for cash.
The key is knowing which secured cards actually deliver on this promise. Some offer flat-rate cash back on all purchases. Others earn points on specific categories like dining or groceries.
Keep in mind: earning cash back on a secured card is helpful, but it shouldn't be your only priority. Bureau reporting, annual fees, and APR all matter more for your long-term financial health.
Best Secured Credit Cards With Cash Back
Current Build Card
The Current Build Card earns 1 point per dollar spent on dining and groceries, with a $0 annual fee and 0% APR. It requires no credit check and no minimum deposit, making it one of the most accessible reward-earning credit builder cards available. It reports to all three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
For people who spend regularly on food, this card can deliver real value while building credit at no annual cost.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee, 0% APR. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on dining and groceries. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on dining & groceries (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum, no APR
Ava Credit Builder Card
The Ava Credit Builder Card charges $8/month on an annual plan or $10/month on a monthly plan, and reports to all three bureaus weekly, one of the fastest reporting frequencies among credit builders. Ava's suite also includes a credit builder loan and rent reporting. Check Ava's website for current reward or cash back features available with the card.
Ava Credit Builder Card
Ava Credit Builder Card
Ava gives you access to a suite of credit-building products including Credit Builder Card, Credit Builder Loan, and Rent Reporting. 74% of members seeing an increase in score in the first week.
Fee
$8/mo (annual) or $10/mo (monthly)
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
None
Benefit
Ava reports account activity weekly to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
Perpay Credit Card
The Perpay Credit Card has a $9/month plus $9 account opening fee and reports to all three credit bureaus. Users see an average 32-point score increase in the first 3 months. It requires no hard credit check and no deposit. Check Perpay's website for any cash back or reward details.
How Cash Back Works on Secured Cards
Cash back on secured cards works the same way as on regular cards. You make purchases, and the card issuer credits a percentage of your spending back to your account.
The cash back may appear as:
- Statement credits that reduce your balance
- Points you can redeem for cash, gift cards, or merchandise
- Direct deposits to a linked bank account
One important note: if you're paying high interest because you carry a balance, cash back earnings can be quickly wiped out by interest charges. Cards with 0% APR, like the Current Build Card, avoid this problem entirely.
Secured Cards With Cash Back vs Without: Is It Worth It?
Cash back is a nice bonus, but it shouldn't be the main reason you choose a secured card. Here's what matters more:
- Three-bureau reporting: A card that reports to all three bureaus builds credit faster and more broadly.
- Low or no annual fee: High annual fees can cost more than you earn in cash back.
- Low APR or 0% APR: If you ever carry a balance, the APR matters a lot.
- No credit check: Easier approval means you can start building sooner.
If keeping upfront costs minimal is a priority, see our guide to low deposit secured credit cards.
If a secured card with cash back also has three-bureau reporting, no annual fee, and low APR, it's a strong choice. The Current Build Card checks all these boxes.
How to Maximize Cash Back on a Secured Card
Getting the most from a secured card with cash back requires a few simple habits:
Use it for your highest-spend categories. If your card earns extra points on dining, use it every time you eat out or order food delivery.
Pay your balance in full every month. Carrying a balance with interest will cost more than any cash back you earn.
Don't overspend for rewards. Stick to your normal budget. The goal is to earn cash back on spending you'd do anyway, not to spend more to earn more.
Redeem rewards regularly. Some reward programs have expiration dates or minimum redemption thresholds. Don't let your points accumulate unused.
Track your credit progress alongside rewards. Use Creditship.ai to monitor how your secured card is improving your score, so you can plan your next credit move.
When to Upgrade From a Secured Cash Back Card
Secured cards are stepping stones. After 12–18 months of responsible use, many cardholders qualify to upgrade to an unsecured credit card with higher rewards and larger credit limits.
Signs you may be ready to upgrade:
- Your credit score has improved by 50+ points since opening the card
- You've had no missed or late payments for 12+ months
- Your credit utilization has stayed consistently below 30%
- You're getting pre-qualification offers from unsecured card issuers
When you upgrade, your secured card deposit is typically returned within 1–2 billing cycles. Keep your new card account open if possible, since the length of your credit history matters to your score.
Firstcard's credit-building card can be a strong next step after your secured card, with features designed to help you grow your credit profile.
FAQ
Which secured credit cards offer cash back?
The Current Build Card earns 1 point per dollar on dining and groceries. Several other secured cards may offer rewards; check each card's current terms on their website for details.
Is cash back worth getting on a secured card?
Cash back is a nice benefit but shouldn't be your top priority. Look for cards with three-bureau reporting, low or no annual fee, and 0% or low APR first. Cash back is a bonus on top of those basics.
Can I earn cash back while building credit?
Yes. Cards like the Current Build Card let you earn points on everyday spending while reporting your payment history to all three credit bureaus.
Do secured cards with rewards charge higher fees?
Not always. The Current Build Card has a $0 annual fee and earns rewards. Always compare fees, APR, and reporting before choosing a card.
How much cash back can I earn with a secured card?
This depends on your spending and the card's reward rate. A card earning 1 point per dollar on $500/month of qualifying spending would earn roughly $60 in rewards per year, before any fees.
