Secured Credit Cards - Additional Options to Build Your Credit

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Secured credit cards from the below specialized banks can help build or rebuild credit history. These cards should be thought of as a bridge to get to the rewards credit cards offered for those consumers with prime credit scores (generally 670+).

FICO score ranges break down

- Excellent credit: 800 – 850
- Very Good credit: 740 – 799
- Good credit: 670 – 739
- Fair credit: 580 – 669
- Poor credit: 300 – 579

What is the difference between a secured credit card and an unsecured credit card?

For the secured cards, the card-issuing bank holds the security deposit (equal to your credit limit) to offset any credit losses in case you don’t pay your bill; you do get your deposit back when you close the account in good standing.

Generally, unsecured credit cards do not require any deposit and are usually offered for individuals with credit scores >670. Some banks do offer unsecured credit cards with small credit limits and a high annual fee for credit scores below <670.

Eventually once your credit score reaches 670+, you will want to close the secured cards to recoup your deposit (or close the unsecured cards for bad credit to stop paying the high annual fees).

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The quicker you begin the process, the faster you will begin to see results

In 3 easy steps, take advantage of the quick and hassle free applications listed here:

Finish the application in one sitting and get approved
Use your ATM card to fund your refundable deposit (for secured cards only)
Receive your credit card in a few days and start building your credit history

Bookmark this site for credit building tips. APPLY BELOW to build/re-build your credit.

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Credit Card

Ideal For

Highlights

Reflex Mastercard® Credit Card

Apply or Learn More

Those with fair/poor/bad/limited credit (all credit types welcome to apply for this unsecured credit card

No deposit required
Pre-qualify with no credit impact
Credit limit: $300-$1,000
Annual Fee: $75-$125
APR: 35.90% Fixed

Surge Mastercard® Credit Card

Apply or Learn More

Those with poor/fair/damaged credit (all credit types welcome to apply for this unsecured credit card)

No deposit required
Credit limit: $300-$1,000
Pre-qualify with no credit impact
Annual Fee: $75-$125
APR: 35.90% Fixed

Unsecured Credit Building Credit Cards

Unsecured Credit Cards for bad/poor credit scores are available and suggested for those individuals unable (or unwilling) to put up the security deposit required for the Secured Cards. The unsecured cards listed below can help build credit without having to place a deposit. However, please note that most of these cards generally have higher annual fees (than secured cards) and are usually recommended as a “last resort” for use only for a short term for credit building (or rebuilding).

Reflex® Platinum Mastercard® – Unsecured (No Deposit) Credit Card

Ideal for: Those with fair/poor/bad/limited credit (all credit types welcome to apply), and looking for a short term solution to build credit score without placing a deposit for secured cards.

Ideal Vantage 3.0 Score Range: 500 to 680. Average approved customer score is around 600.

Apply

Product Highlights:

· Credit Limit Range: $300 – $1,000 ($300, $500, $750, $1,000)

· AF: Varies between $75-$125 (See Terms)

· APR: 35.90% Fixed

Product Description:

Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Reflex Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit
Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
Checking Account Required
See if you are Pre-Qualified with no impact to your credit score

Apply Now or Learn More

The Reflex® Mastercard® Credit Card and the Surge® Mastercard® Credit Card are issued by Celtic Bank, a Utah-Chartered Industrial Bank, Member FDIC under license from Mastercard International and serviced by Continental Finance Company, LLC.

Applications cannot be accepted from CO, WV, WA & MN at this time for Reflex and Surge cards.

Surge® Platinum Mastercard® – Unsecured (No Deposit) Credit Card

Ideal for: Those with poor/fair/damaged credit (all credit types welcome to apply), and looking for a short term solution to build credit score without placing a deposit for secured cards.

Ideal Vantage 3.0 Score Range: 500 to 680. Average approved customer score is around 600.

Apply

Product Highlights:

· Credit Limit Range: $300 – $1,000 ($300, $500, $750, $1,000)

· AF: Varies between $75-$125 (See Terms)

· APR: 35.90% Fixed

Product Description:

Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Surge Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit
Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)
Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
Fast and easy application process; results in seconds
Online account access 24/7
Checking Account Required

Apply Now or Learn More

Important point to remember is that regardless of which credit card you use, you should pay your monthly balance on time, pay in full to avoid interest charges, and keep your utilization rate (balance outstanding/total card limit) to under 30%. This means for a $300 limit card, spend no more than $90 a month on your card.

If you are interested in loan options for all credit scores instead (including receiving cash within one business day), please click here.

Click here to learn how to save for a secured card deposit (or for any other purpose) with FDIC insured market leading high yield savings accounts

How Long Does It Take to Build Good Credit?

Building good credit takes time and depends on your financial habits. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the timeline:

1. Why Does Credit History Matter?
Your credit history makes up about 15% of your FICO score. A longer history gives lenders more information about how you’ve managed debt, such as making payments on time and keeping balances low.

2. How Long to Establish a Fair Credit Score?

If you’re starting with no credit, you can achieve a fair credit score (600–699) in 1 to 2 years.
Key habits to follow:
- Pay bills on time.
- Keep your credit utilization low (use less than 30% of your credit limit).
- Avoid unnecessary hard inquiries on your credit report.

3. How Long to Build Good Credit?

Moving from fair credit to good credit (700–749) usually takes a few more years.
Maintaining responsible credit behavior, such as paying on time and managing debt wisely, is essential.

4. How Long to Reach Excellent Credit?

Achieving an excellent credit score (750 and above) is a long-term goal.
It typically requires 5–10 years of consistently good habits like:
- Making on-time payments.
- Managing various types of credit (e.g., credit cards, loans).
- Keeping balances low.

5. What Else Should I Keep in Mind?

Credit-building timelines vary based on individual circumstances.
Focus on building good financial habits, such as consistent payments and responsible credit use.
Your credit score is a snapshot of your financial behavior at a given time, and it will evolve as new information is added to your credit report.

FICO score ranges break down

What is the difference between a secured credit card and an unsecured credit card?

The quicker you begin the process, the faster you will begin to see results

Finish the application in one sitting and get approved

Use your ATM card to fund your refundable deposit (for secured cards only)

Receive your credit card in a few days and start building your credit history

Lets get started

Those with fair/poor/bad/limited credit (all credit types welcome to apply for this unsecured credit card

No deposit required

Pre-qualify with no credit impact

Credit limit: $300-$1,000

Annual Fee: $75-$125

APR: 35.90% Fixed

Those with poor/fair/damaged credit (all credit types welcome to apply for this unsecured credit card)

No deposit required

Credit limit: $300-$1,000

Pre-qualify with no credit impact

Annual Fee: $75-$125

APR: 35.90% Fixed

Unsecured Credit Building Credit Cards

Ideal for: Those with fair/poor/bad/limited credit (all credit types welcome to apply), and looking for a short term solution to build credit score without placing a deposit for secured cards.

Ideal Vantage 3.0 Score Range: 500 to 680. Average approved customer score is around 600.

Product Highlights:

· Credit Limit Range: $300 – $1,000 ($300, $500, $750, $1,000)

· AF: Varies between $75-$125 (See Terms)

· APR: 35.90% Fixed

Product Description:

Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit

See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score

Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Reflex Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit

Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit

Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses

Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus

Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)

Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations

Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)

Checking Account Required

See if you are Pre-Qualified with no impact to your credit score

Ideal for: Those with poor/fair/damaged credit (all credit types welcome to apply), and looking for a short term solution to build credit score without placing a deposit for secured cards.

Ideal Vantage 3.0 Score Range: 500 to 680. Average approved customer score is around 600.

Product Highlights:

· Credit Limit Range: $300 – $1,000 ($300, $500, $750, $1,000)

· AF: Varies between $75-$125 (See Terms)

· APR: 35.90% Fixed

Product Description:

Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit

See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score

Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Surge Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit

Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit

Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses

Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus

Access to your Vantage 3.0 Score from Experian (when you sign up for e-statements)

Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations

Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)

Fast and easy application process; results in seconds

Online account access 24/7

Checking Account Required

How Long Does It Take to Build Good Credit?

Building good credit takes time and depends on your financial habits. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the timeline:

1. Why Does Credit History Matter?Your credit history makes up about 15% of your FICO score. A longer history gives lenders more information about how you’ve managed debt, such as making payments on time and keeping balances low.

2. How Long to Establish a Fair Credit Score?

If you’re starting with no credit, you can achieve a fair credit score (600–699) in 1 to 2 years.

Key habits to follow:

Pay bills on time.

Keep your credit utilization low (use less than 30% of your credit limit).

Avoid unnecessary hard inquiries on your credit report.

3. How Long to Build Good Credit?

Moving from fair credit to good credit (700–749) usually takes a few more years.

Maintaining responsible credit behavior, such as paying on time and managing debt wisely, is essential.

4. How Long to Reach Excellent Credit?

Achieving an excellent credit score (750 and above) is a long-term goal.

It typically requires 5–10 years of consistently good habits like:

Making on-time payments.

Managing various types of credit (e.g., credit cards, loans).

Keeping balances low.

5. What Else Should I Keep in Mind?

Credit-building timelines vary based on individual circumstances.

Focus on building good financial habits, such as consistent payments and responsible credit use.

Your credit score is a snapshot of your financial behavior at a given time, and it will evolve as new information is added to your credit report.

By sticking to these principles, you’ll steadily improve your credit over time.

1. Why Does Credit History Matter?
Your credit history makes up about 15% of your FICO score. A longer history gives lenders more information about how you’ve managed debt, such as making payments on time and keeping balances low.