The 9 Best Secured Credit Cards For Bad Credit In 2025

If your credit score is low or you have limited credit history, a secured credit card can help you rebuild your financial standing while giving you access to everyday spending tools. These cards require a refundable deposit that serves as your credit limit and collateral for the issuer. The good news? Many secured cards now offer perks, upgrade paths, and even cash back. Here's a practical list of the best secured credit cards to consider in 2025.

1.     Discover it® Secured Credit Card.

Best for: Earning cash back while building credit

Security Deposit: $200 minimum

Annual Fee: $0

Cash Back: 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 quarterly), 1% on everything else

Bonus: Cashback Match in first year — all rewards doubled

Upgrade Option: Yes, possible review after 7 months

This card stands out for offering real rewards on everyday spending, something rare in the secured card space. There’s no annual fee, and you can track your FICO® score monthly.

2.     Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for: Low initial deposit with access to higher limits

Security Deposit: $49, $99, or $200 (based on creditworthiness)

Annual Fee: $0

Credit Limit: Starts at $200, can increase with additional deposit or on-time payments

Upgrade Option: Yes, auto-review for an unsecured card after 6 months

Capital One allows some applicants to access a $200 limit with as little as $49. This flexible deposit system is helpful for people who want to minimise upfront costs.

3.     Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card

Best for: Flexible deposits and no credit check

Security Deposit: No fixed amount; deposit from Chime’s Spending Account

Annual Fee: $0

Credit Check: None required

Cash Back: None

Upgrade Option: Not applicable — works more like a debit-secured card

Unlike traditional secured cards, Chime's option doesn't have a set limit or a hard credit pull. It reports to all three bureaus and is tied directly to your Chime account. It's a strong pick if you're starting from scratch.

4.     OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Best for: No credit check

Security Deposit: $200–$3,000

Annual Fee: $35

Credit Check: None

APR: 25.64% (variable)

Upgrade Option: Yes, after 6 months

OpenSky's key advantage is its no-credit-check policy, making it accessible to people with severe credit challenges. While it charges an annual fee, it reports to all major bureaus and has a solid track record of helping users improve their scores over time.

5.     Bank Of America® Customised Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card

Best for: Rewards with customisation options

Security Deposit: $300–$4,900

Annual Fee: $0

Cash Back: 3% in a category of your choice (like gas or online shopping), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, 1% elsewhere

Upgrade Option: Yes, after 12 months

This secured version of Bank of America's popular rewards card lets you choose your 3% category. It’s a strong pick if you’re looking for rewards and already bank with BofA.

6.     U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card

Best for: Gradual rebuilding without distractions

Security Deposit: $300–$5,000

Annual Fee: $0

APR: 29.99% (variable)

Cash Back: None

Upgrade Option: Yes, eligible after 12 months

U.S. Bank’s card keeps things simple — no rewards or flashy perks, just basic credit-building tools. You can set alerts, manage your account via their mobile app, and review eligibility for an unsecured card after a year.

7.     Citi® Secured Mastercard®

Best for: Basic credit building with a known name

Security Deposit: $200–$2,500

Annual Fee: $0

APR: 27.49% (variable)

Cash Back: None

Upgrade Option: Yes, reviewed after 18 months

This card focuses on helping you build a track record of on-time payments. While it doesn’t offer rewards or a short-term upgrade, it’s backed by Citi’s long-standing credit tools and app support.

8.     Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card

Best for: Military members and their families

Security Deposit: $200 minimum

Annual Fee: $0

Rewards: 1 point per $1 spent

APR: 18% variable (much lower than average)

Upgrade Option: Yes, eligibility after 6 months of responsible use

For members of the military community, this is one of the most rewarding secured cards. You'll earn points on purchases and have the potential to upgrade with consistent payments.

Note: Requires membership with Navy Federal Credit Union.

9.     Self Visa® Credit Card (By Self Financial)

Best for: Building savings and credit at the same time

Security Deposit: From Self’s Credit Builder Account (CBAs required)

Annual Fee: $25

How It Works: First, you open a CBA and make payments. Once you have enough funds, you're eligible for the secured card.

Upgrade Option: Not direct, but credit improves as you save

This card is unique. You can’t apply directly — you must first join Self’s savings program. It’s ideal for someone committed to a structured credit-building path and who wants to build savings alongside their credit.

How To Choose The Right Secured Card?

When comparing secured credit cards, focus on these key details:

Deposit flexibility: If your budget is tight, look for cards like Capital One’s that offer low or variable deposits.

Annual fees: Many good options don't charge one. If they do, weigh it against other perks, such as rewards or upgrade speed.

Upgrade potential: Cards that convert to unsecured after 6–12 months of on-time payments can speed up your credit journey.

Reporting: Make sure the card reports to all three credit bureaus — this is essential for improving your credit score.

Rewards: If you want to earn while you spend, look at Discover, Bank of America, or Navy Federal.

Which Card Is Best For You?

• Looking for rewards and no fees? Discover it® Secured or Bank of America Customised Cash.
• Want the lowest upfront cost? Capital One Platinum Secured.
• Need to skip the credit check? Chime or OpenSky.
• Focused on building savings, too? Self Visa® Credit Card.
• Military-connected? Navy Federal nRewards Secured offers unmatched value.

Conclusion

Secured credit cards are practical tools for rebuilding credit while managing everyday expenses. The best options in 2025—like Discover it® Secured, Capital One Platinum Secured, and Chime Credit Builder—combine low fees, simple deposits, and real credit-building benefits. Choose one that matches your budget and spending habits, then focus on paying on time and keeping your balance low.

Most cards offer automatic reviews after several months, giving you a path to an unsecured card and a refund of your deposit. With patience and responsible use, these cards can help you build a strong financial standing and open doors to better borrowing opportunities.