Situational Guide · January 9, 2026

Best Secured Credit Cards for Building Credit

Best Secured Credit Cards for Building Credit

Secured cards require a deposit but build credit like any other card. Here are the best options.

Top Picks

Discover it Secured: Cash back rewards, graduates to unsecured, Cashback Match first year

Capital One Platinum Secured: $49-200 deposit for $200 limit, may graduate quickly

Chime Credit Builder: No deposit required, unique model

What to Look For

  • Reports to all three bureaus
  • Path to unsecured card
  • Low or no annual fee
  • Deposit matches credit limit

The Bottom Line

Discover it Secured is the best option for most—it offers rewards, graduates to unsecured, and doubles your first-year cash back.

Last updated: January 9, 2026

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