New Discover Secured Card coming soon.
Improve your financial future
A good credit score can help you to: rent an apartment, pass employment checks, purchase a car.
Ways to build a credit history without a traditional credit card 2
Get a secured credit card
Discover has a new secured card coming soon. In the meantime, other credit card issuers may have a secured card with the benefits you want.
Some credit card issuers offer credit-building credit cards called “secured” credit cards. These are different from debit or pre-paid cards, but do require a security deposit.
Some credit card issuers offer credit-building credit cards called “secured” credit cards. These are different from debit or pre-paid cards, but do require a security deposit.
Understand your credit report
Review your credit report to see what activity is included. If you have a history of delinquent payments or active accounts in poor standing, work with your creditors to repay or resolve these issues. If you have no credit history at all, you’ll want to open an account that reports to the credit bureaus.
Report missing activity
If you have no credit history at all, but are responsible and pay your normal bills on time, try using a free service that lets you report your current bill payments (like rent, utilities, cell phone, etc.) to the major credit bureaus.
How to build credit with a secured credit card 2
When you want a credit card but have no credit history at all, the right credit card can help prepare you for the future when you know how to manage it.
If you’re interested in a secured credit card, make sure you understand the credit card issuer terms. Are there additional fees beyond the security deposit? Is the security deposit refundable? Will they automatically upgrade you to a standard credit card if you’re eligible?
Secured Credit Card FAQs
Learn more about secured credit cards
What is a Secured Credit Card?
Learn what secured credit cards are and tips for how to use your secured card.
What is a Secured vs. Unsecured Credit Card?
Learn what makes a secured credit card different than an unsecured credit card, including which card requires a deposit and how you can qualify for each.
Secured Credit Card Myths and Realities
Worried about not getting your security deposit back? Learn more about how secured cards work.
- Footnote 1:
Any pre-approved offers you receive may have offer terms that vary from other offers you see elsewhere. Some card products are not eligible for pre-approval.
- Footnote 2:
Many factors affect your credit, such as payment history and amount of credit extended and used. Using your credit responsibly may help you build good credit.
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