Credit score guides to obtain the best secured credit cards in 2021? If your issuer can’t or won’t upgrade you — and keep in mind that not all secured-card issuers even offer unsecured cards — you can apply for unsecured cards separately. Eventually you’ll want to close the secured card to recoup your deposit. Several issuers specialize in unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit, but NerdWallet generally doesn’t recommend them. That’s because these “subprime specialist” cards tend to charge high fees that can easily add up to much more than a typical minimum security deposit — annual fees up to $99, application fees, “activation” and “processing” fees, monthly maintenance fees and so on. And unlike the deposit on a secured card, those fees are money you can’t get back. Our roundup of the best and worst cards for bad credit has more information on cards to avoid.
Who should get this card? If you don’t have a bank account and/or your credit check would make a traditional credit card issuer avoid your calls, an OpenSky secured credit card may be just what you’re looking for. But there’s no reason for most people to pay the $35 annual fee. We caution most consumers to avoid paying such fees on secured cards, as there are plenty of annual-fee-free options for consumers with limited credit.
When you consider the rewards, the lack of an annual fee and the opportunity for an upgrade, the Discover it® Secured is the best secured credit card we’ve seen. The rewards on this card — 2% cash back on up to $1,000 worth of spending per quarter on restaurants and gas, and 1% on all other spending — would be pretty decent on a regular card. For a secured credit card, they’re unheard of. After eight months, Discover automatically evaluates your account for possible upgrade to an unsecured card. And the annual fee is $0. The initial deposit must be paid with a bank account; if you’re unbanked, you’re out of luck. For some people, the $200 minimum deposit will be a stretch. For others, the maximum $2,500 credit limit will be too low.
The Discover it Secured is our choice for best for rewards because it offers valuable cash rewards and no annual fee. It’s is a solid choice to build good credit habits and potentially boost credit score over time with responsible credit behavior. After eight months as a responsible cardholder, Discover will begin reviewing your account to determine if you can transition to an unsecured card. The Discover it Secured is the closest card you can find to a standard rewards credit card.
The APR on this card is one of its standout benefits; it’s astonishingly low for a secured credit card and competitive with standard credit cards. While it’s usually best not to carry a balance on a secured credit, if you do need to do so, then the Primor card is one of the best options. Is There An Annual Fee? Yes, $39 per annum. Read more: ‘Unbiased Primor Secured Credit Card Review’ » Do They Perform A Credit Check? No, so you don’t have to be concerned about a record of a search on your credit file, and you can definitely obtain a card. See additional information at 2021’s Best Secured Credit Cards.