Whether you're looking to build credit from scratch or rebuild credit after a bad setback, a secured credit card can be an invaluable tool. Secured cards require you to provide a cash security deposit, usually equal to your credit line. The issuer holds the deposit in case you don't pay your bill; you get the deposit back when you upgrade to a regular "unsecured" card or close the account in good standing. Because the deposit protects the issuer from losing money, secured cards are easier for people with bad credit or no credit to qualify for.
As you use the card, the issuer reports your activity to the credit bureaus — the companies that compile the credit reports that form the basis of credit scores. Keep your balance relatively low and pay your bill on time every month, and you can begin to strengthen your credit.
Some of our selections for the best secured credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for some of the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet.
Show summary
Chime Card™: Excellent for Easy Account Management
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card: Excellent for No Annual or Hidden Fees
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Excellent for Low Deposit
Current Build Card: Excellent for Plenty of Perks for Credit Newbies
Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Intro APR | Regular APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent for Easy Account Management | $0 | N/A | N/A | Apply Now on Chime's website on Chime's website | |
![]() Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Excellent for No Annual or Hidden Fees | $0 | N/A | 28.99% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
Excellent for Low Deposit | $0 | N/A | 28.99% Variable APR | Apply Now on Capital One's website on Capital One's website | |
Excellent for Plenty of Perks for Credit Newbies | $0 (see terms) | N/A | N/A | Apply Now on Current's website on Current's website |
Chime says the following:
The Chime Card™ is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
Based on a representative study conducted by Experian® in January 2024, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder, an earlier version of the Chime Card™, between June 2022 and October 2022 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. A credit score improvement is not guaranteed. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Activity on other credit accounts may also impact your score.
On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
Money added to the Chime Card™ will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Chime Card™, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply.
SpotMe® on the card is an optional, no interest / no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card™. To qualify for the SpotMe service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Card™ or Chime Visa® Debit Card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe won’t cover non-card transactions. SpotMe Terms and Conditions.
With a qualifying direct deposit, earn 1.5% cash back on eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases.