Looking for the best secured credit card in January 2026? If you’re searching for the best secured credit card, you’re likely looking for a high approval rate, no credit check, and a fast way to build your credit score.

A secured credit card can help you build credit, but not all secured credit cards work the same way. Some secured cards require a refundable security deposit. Others let you use your own money with no locked deposit. Some secured credit cards offer rewards, while others charge monthly or annual fees.

In this guide, we handpicked the 10 best secured credit cards for 2026 and compared their fees, required deposits, APRs, credit check requirements, and who each secured credit card is best for. We did the research so you can easily choose the best secured credit card for your situation.

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What is a secured credit card?

A secured credit card is a credit card that uses money you provide as “security” for the account. In many cases, that money becomes a refundable security deposit, and the deposit amount sets your credit limit. 

Some modern “secured credit builder” cards work differently. They may not lock a deposit at all. Instead, the amount you add to the account becomes the amount you can spend, and you can withdraw unspent funds. Firstcard uses this approach and also has no minimum deposit requirement. 

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How can a secured credit card help me build credit?

If you have no credit or a low credit score, you may have trouble getting approved for a regular, unsecured credit card. Many traditional credit cards require an established credit history, which makes approval difficult for people who are new to credit or rebuilding. A secured credit card is designed to solve this problem.

A secured credit card does not rely on your credit score alone. Instead, the card is backed by your own money, either through a refundable security deposit or a linked account balance. This structure reduces risk for the issuer, which is why a secured credit card usually has a higher approval rate and may not require a credit check.

A secured credit card can help you build credit because most secured credit cards report your account activity to at least one of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. When you make on-time payments and keep your balance low, your secured credit card helps establish positive payment history on your credit report.

For people who have been denied a regular credit card, a secured credit card offers a realistic path forward. You get access to a credit line, your activity gets reported to the credit bureaus, and you can gradually improve your credit profile with responsible use of a secured credit card.

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How to pick the best secured credit card

Choosing the best secured credit card depends on more than just the deposit. When comparing a secured credit card, focus on these key factors to find the option that fits your credit goals and budget.

1. Total cost of the secured credit card. Do not look at the annual fee alone. Some secured credit cards charge monthly membership fees, subscription fees, or other hidden costs. The best secured credit card keeps total costs low and transparent.
2. Secured credit card deposit rules. Check the minimum deposit required for the secured credit card and whether the deposit stays locked. Some secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit, while others let you use your own money without locking it up.
3. APR and interest rates. If you plan to carry a balance, the APR on a secured credit card matters. A high APR can become expensive over time. Some secured credit cards advertise no interest or low interest, which can reduce overall cost.
4. Credit check requirements. Many people choose a secured credit card to avoid a hard credit pull. If this matters to you, look for a secured credit card with no credit check or no hard inquiry.
5. Rewards and perks. Some secured credit cards offer cash back or other perks. For example, the Discover Secured Credit Card offers cash back rewards, which is not common among secured credit cards.

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How to apply for a secured credit card? Who is eligible for a secured credit card?

Most secured cards follow a similar application flow:

1. Pick a card.
2. Apply online and go though KYC (Know Your Customer) process.
3. Subscribe to a plan or pay an annual fee (if required).
4. Fund the deposit (if required).
5. Activate the card
6. Set up autopay.

Eligibility varies by issuer. Some issuers rely on a traditional credit check, and some cards emphasize no credit check.

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Pros and cons of secured credit cards

Pros

• Higher approval odds than many unsecured cards, since the issuer has collateral or a controlled spend model.
• Can help establish positive payment history when the issuer reports to bureaus.
• Can limit overspend risk when your limit equals your deposit.

Cons

• Many require upfront cash for a deposit, often $200 or more (varies by issuer). 
• Fees can add up (annual fees or monthly memberships).
• Some secured cards have high APRs, so carrying a balance can get expensive fast. 

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Our picks: the 10 best secured credit cards (2026)

Below are 10 options that people often consider for the best secured credit card in 2026. Each pick includes what makes it stand out, pros and cons, and who it fits best.

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1) Firstcard 

Why we picked it
Firstcard positions its card as a secured credit card with 0% APR and a subscription cost of $4.99/month, plus no minimum deposit requirement. There is also no credit check. We also love that Firstcard accepts international and immigrant customers without an SSN. If you subscribe to a premium plan, you will also get unlimited 1% cashback which is great for someone who values cashback in a credit card.

Pros

• 0% APR 
• No minimum deposit requirement 
• No credit check
• Reports to all three credit bureaus
• 1% unlimited cashback

Cons

• The annual fee of $144 is on the higher end of credit builder card

Best for: People who want no interest and cashback rewards and immigrants and internationals without an SSN

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2) Self 

Why we picked it
We like Self because it offers a comprehensive credit-building ecosystem beyond just a secured credit card. With rent and utility reporting plus a credit-builder loan on top of the secured credit card, Self helps you build a stronger credit mix. If you are serious about building credit, Self is a great place to rebuild your credit.

Pros

• Low minimum deposit: $100 
• No credit checks
• Reports to three credit bureaus
• Offers other credit-building products 

Cons

• High APR: 27.49%
• No rewards
• Annual fee after year one: $25 

Best for: people who prefer a comprehensive suite of credit-building products, can pay in full each month, and feel fine with an annual fee later.

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3) Ava 

Why we picked it

Ava stands out as the best secured credit builder option because it doesn’t require a hard credit check, a cash deposit, or charge interest so you can start building credit without upfront barriers or risk of debt. It reports your on-time payments to all three major credit bureaus. All of this helps you establish positive credit history fast without worrying about high APR or high fees.

Pros

• No APR (no interest) 
• No minimum deposit requirements
• Reports to three credit bureaus

Cons

• No cashback
• Limited spend use case: subscription payments only

Best for: people who prefer no interest and no minimum deposit requirement, and are ok with using the card for subscription payments only.

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4) Kikoff 

Why we picked it
Kikoff is a strong choice for credit building because it lets you establish a positive payment history and a low utilization profile without a credit check, interest, or hidden fees, making it accessible even if you have little or no credit history. Like Self, it offers a comprehensive credit-building ecosystem beyond just a secured credit card, including rent reporting and credit builder loans.

Pros

• No credit check 
• No interest 
• Low minimum deposit requirement $50 
• Reports to three credit bureaus

Cons

• No cashback

Best for: People who prefer a comprehensive suite of credit-building products and no interest.

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5) OpenSky

Why we picked it
OpenSky is a secured credit card designed for people who want to build or rebuild credit without a credit check. Instead of relying on your credit history, approval is based on a refundable security deposit that determines your credit limit. Compared with many other secured credit cards, OpenSky offers a relatively low fee and a low minimum deposit requirement. According to OpenSky, users see an average credit score increase of 47 points within six months. Unlike most secured credit cards, OpenSky also offers a cashback program of up to 10%, which adds real value while you work on improving your credit.

Pros

• No credit check
• Minimum deposit: $100-$300 depends on the card product
• Rewards up to 10% (program-based)

Cons

• High APR from 23.89% to 28.24%

Best for: People who value no credit check, low annual fee and earning cashback while building credit.

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6) Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Why we picked it
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best secured credit cards because it helps users build credit while earning real rewards. This secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit to set your credit limit and reports to all three major credit bureaus. Unlike most secured credit cards, it offers cash back on purchases and reviews accounts after about seven months to see if you qualify for an unsecured card and get your deposit back, making it a strong choice for long-term credit building.

Pros

• No annual fee 
• Trusted brand 
• Generous cash back rewards 

Cons

• Hard inquiry 
• Deposit required: starts at $200

Best for: people who values earning cash back rewards while building credit with a trusted brand.

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7) Bank of America 

Why we picked it
With no annual fee and access to Bank of America’s full digital banking tools and customer support, the Bank of America secured credit card is an ideal choice for people who want stability, trust, and a big bank to help them improve their credit.

Pros

• No annual fee
• Up to $5,000 deposit which also means larger credit limit 
• Big, trusted bank 

Cons

• High APR of 24.49% 
• Hard inquiry 
• No cash back

Best for people who prefer a large bank and wants the option to set a higher secured limit with a higher deposit.

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8) Chime 

Why we picked it
The Chime Card does not require a credit check, which makes it a great choice for people with poor credit or limited credit history to build their credit. Cardholders who have made at least $200 in qualifying direct deposits within the past 34 days can earn 1.5% cash back on rotating categories like gas, groceries, dining, and utility bills. This is a great cash back offer for a credit builder card! Chime also offers a range of additional fintech and banking features within its ecosystem so its cardholders can take advantage of its comprehensive fintech offers.

Pros

• No annual fees 
• No credit check
• No interest
• No minimum deposit required
• 1.5% cash back on rotating categories like gas, groceries, dining

Cons

• Many features require qualifying direct deposits

Best for whom and why
Best for people who want to build credit score while earning cashback and want a trusted big fintech brand.

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9) Capital One 

Why we picked it
We picked the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card because it offers a simple, trusted way to build or rebuild credit with a major bank. Though there is no cash back offer, the card has no annual fee. This is a card for someone who wants to build credit with a trusted big bank.

Pros

• Flexible low deposit - choose between $49, $99 or $200 
• Big bank

Cons

• High APR: 28.99% 
• Hard inquiry when you apply 
• No cash back

Best for whom and why
Best for someone who wants a traditional issuer and hopes for a lower deposit requirement.

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10) First Progress (example: Platinum Select Secured)

Why we picked it
Lastly, we picked the First Progress Secured Credit Card because it makes building or rebuilding credit straightforward and accessible. With an easy refundable security deposit that sets your credit limit, you can start building a positive payment history quickly. It reports to all three major credit bureaus, which helps you strengthen your credit profile over time. At the same, you can earn 1% cashback. 

Pros

• 1% Cash back
• No credit checks

Cons

• Annual fee: $39
• Has an APR but lower than many secured credit cards: 17.49%

Best for whom and why
Best for someone who might carry a small balance and wants a lower APR relative to many secured cards, while still getting some cash back rewards.

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5 FAQs

1) What is the best secured credit card if I want no credit check?

OpenSky, Chime, Firstcard, and Kikoff all advertise no credit check options. The best choice depends on your priorities. Decide whether you are comfortable with an annual fee, prefer no interest and no annual fee, want a zero-interest secured credit card, or value earning cash back.

2) Does a best secured credit card require a $200 deposit?

Many do start at $200, such as Discover and Bank of America. But not all. Self lists a $100 deposit, and some models state no minimum deposit requirement such as Firstcard and Chime.

3) Will a secured card application hurt my score?

A hard inquiry can cause a small, temporary drop in your credit score. While some secured credit cards require a hard pull, all the secured credit cards we selected in this article do not. That means they will not hurt your credit score.

4) Which best secured credit card has cash back?

Discover it® Secured has the most cash back rewards. Firstcard has unlimited 1% cashback with its Premium Plan. Chime advertises 1.5% cash back in rotating categories with eligibility requirements. 

5) What is the best secured credit card if I worry about interest?

Focus on options that state no interest or 0% APR, and still make on-time payments. Firstcard, Chime, Kikoff, Ava all offer 0% APR secured credit card.

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Final take: choose the Best secured credit card for your situation

If you want a traditional secured card with a refundable deposit and a big name issuer, Discover, Capital One and Bank of America would be the best choice. If you want no credit check, OpenSky, Chime, Kikoff, and Firstcard focus on that angle. If you want rewards, compare Discover, Chime, Firstcard and OpenSky can be your best pick. No matter which best secured credit card you choose, one habit does more than any feature: pay on time, every month. It’s never too late to start. Build your credit with one of the best secured credit card in 2026 in this article today!

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