Best Secured Credit Cards to Rebuild Credit in 2025
Rebuilding your credit can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you’ve dealt with charge-offs, collections, or past delinquencies. But one of the most reliable tools in your corner is the secured credit card a low-risk way to prove your creditworthiness and rebuild your score over time.
In 2025, issuers are offering better secured card options than ever: lower deposits, higher approval odds, and even upgrade paths to unsecured cards. Whether you’re starting over or building for the first time, here’s a breakdown of the best secured credit cards available right now.
What Is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured credit card works like a regular credit card, but you provide a refundable security deposit that usually becomes your credit limit. This minimizes risk for the lender and gives you a safe way to build credit when traditional cards aren’t an option.
Every on-time payment and responsible use is reported to the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), helping to raise your credit score.
Quick example: You deposit $300 to open a secured card. You use $75 on groceries, pay it off in full, and the issuer reports this to the credit bureaus. Over time, this positive activity can help you qualify for unsecured credit cards or loans.
Top Secured Credit Cards for Rebuilding Credit in 2025
Here’s a roundup of the best secured credit cards in 2025 each chosen for its approval accessibility, reporting habits, upgrade potential, and overall user experience.
1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Why it stands out: Rare among secured cards, this one offers cashback and regular upgrade reviews starting at 7 months.
- Deposit: $200 minimum
- Annual fee: $0
- Credit check: Yes, but forgiving
- Reports to bureaus: All 3
- Rewards: 2% cash back at gas stations & restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly), 1% on everything else
- Upgrade path: Yes, auto-review for graduation after 7 months
Best for: Those who want to rebuild credit and earn rewards.
2. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Card
Why it stands out: No hard credit pull and no minimum deposit your spending limit is based on how much you move to the Credit Builder account.
- Deposit: Flexible; no fixed minimum
- Annual fee: $0
- Credit check: No hard inquiry
- Reports to bureaus: All 3
- Rewards: None
- Upgrade path: Not traditional, but easy to manage and grow responsibly
Best for: People with very low or no credit score who want to avoid credit checks and annual fees.
3. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Why it stands out: Potential for a lower-than-usual deposit (starting at $49) based on your credit profile.
- Deposit: $49, $99, or $200 for a $200 limit
- Annual fee: $0
- Credit check: Yes
- Reports to bureaus: All 3
- Upgrade path: Yes, eligible after 6 months
Best for: Rebuilders with slightly better credit who want to put down less money upfront.
4. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Why it stands out: No credit check at all, making it one of the easiest to get approved for.
- Deposit: $200 minimum
- Annual fee: $35
- Credit check: No credit inquiry
- Reports to bureaus: All 3
- Upgrade path: Limited — no automatic graduation, but you can reapply for an unsecured card
Best for: Those with bad credit or recent delinquencies who need guaranteed approval.
5. U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card
Why it stands out: Offers 5% cash back on rotating categories rare for a secured card.
- Deposit: $300 minimum
- Annual fee: $0
- Credit check: Yes
- Reports to bureaus: All 3
- Rewards: 5% on two categories you choose, 2% on one everyday category
- Upgrade path: Yes, eligible after 12 months of on-time payments
Best for: Rebuilders who want a secured card with strong cash-back options.
Quick Comparison Table
| Card | Deposit | Annual Fee | Rewards | Upgrade Option | Credit Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Secured | $200 | $0 | Yes | Yes (7 mo.) | Yes |
| Chime Credit Builder | Flexible | $0 | No | No | No |
| Capital One Secured | $49–$200 | $0 | No | Yes (6 mo.) | Yes |
| OpenSky® Secured | $200 | $35 | No | Limited | No |
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured | $300 | $0 | Yes | Yes (12 mo.) | Yes |
How to Choose the Right Secured Card for You
Consider the following when picking your card:
- Deposit flexibility: Do you need a low or adjustable deposit?
- Credit check: Is your credit poor enough to avoid hard inquiries?
- Reporting behavior: Ensure the issuer reports to all 3 credit bureaus
- Upgrade path: Can you transition to an unsecured card later?
- Fees and rewards: Does it offer perks, or does it eat into your budget?
If your main goal is to build credit fast, look for cards that report promptly and allow early graduation to an unsecured card.
How to Use a Secured Card the Right Way
Getting approved is only step one how you use your secured card is what makes the real difference in rebuilding your credit.
Here’s how to make it count:
- Keep your credit utilization low: Aim to use under 30% of your limit — even better if you stay under 10%
- Pay on time, every time: Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score
- Don’t carry a balance: Interest rates are usually high; avoid paying interest unless absolutely necessary
- Set alerts or autopay: Prevent late payments by automating or setting reminders
- Check your credit reports monthly: Watch your score rise and correct any reporting errors
- Keep the account open: Length of credit history helps improve your score over time
Done right, a secured card isn’t just a financial tool it’s a bridge to a better credit future.
Next up: Learn exactly how to maximize your progress with our guide on How to Use a Secured Card the Right Way.
