1.Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Capital One
- No rewards breakdown available
N/A
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card primarily focuses on building credit, not rewards; it typically offers no rewards or cash back.
28.99% Variable APR
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card stands out as the top choice because it provides a straightforward path for individuals with bad or no credit to build their credit score through responsible use.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Potential for credit growth
Cons:
- High variable APR
- No rewards
- 5%Cash back on travel booked via Capital One
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
N/A
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus 5% on travel booked via Capital One.
28.99% Variable APR
What sets this card apart is its ability to earn unlimited cash back while helping users build credit, making it a strong contender for those looking to improve their credit score.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Cash back on every purchase
Cons:
- High variable APR
- Requires a security deposit
3.Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover
- 2%Cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 combined quarterly)
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, plus 2% back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 combined quarterly).
26.49% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the Unlimited Cashback Match, which effectively doubles your rewards for the first year, making it an attractive option for those looking to build credit while earning cash back.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Cash back rewards
Cons:
- High variable APR
- Limited to certain categories for higher cash back
4.opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
OpenSky
- 10%Cash back on everyday purchases
N/A
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card offers up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases.
24.14% Variable APR
This card shines for its high approval rate and the ability to earn cash back while building credit, making it a unique option for those looking to improve their credit score.
Pros:
- High approval rate
- Cash back rewards
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Not a traditional rewards card
5.First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard®
First Progress
- 1%Cash back on payments made towards your balance
N/A
The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® offers 1% cash back rewards on payments you make towards your balance.
13.49% Variable APR
The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® is positioned as a lower-interest option among secured cards, making it ideal for those who may need to carry a balance while building credit.
Pros:
- Low APR
- Cash back rewards
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited rewards structure
6.Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card
Firstcard
- 15%Cash back at partner merchants
N/A
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card offers up to 15% cashback at partner merchants.
0%
The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card is unique for its high cashback potential at partner merchants, making it an attractive option for those looking to build credit while earning rewards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High cashback potential
Cons:
- Monthly fee
- Limited to partner merchants
- No rewards breakdown available
N/A
The DCU Visa Platinum Secured Credit Card offers no direct spending rewards, focusing instead on building credit.
13.75% Variable APR
The DCU Visa Platinum Secured Credit Card is a solid choice for those focused on building credit without the burden of annual fees, although it lacks rewards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Low APR
Cons:
- No rewards
- Higher security deposit required
- 1.5%Cash back on rotating categories with direct deposit
N/A
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card offers 1.5% cash back on rotating categories with qualifying direct deposit.
0%
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is a unique option that allows users to build credit using their own money, with no fees or interest, making it an excellent choice for responsible spenders.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- No interest
Cons:
- Requires a Chime Checking Account
- Limited cash back categories
9.Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Bank of America
- 3%Cash back in a category of your choice
- 2%Cash back at grocery stores & wholesale clubs
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured card offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores & wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases.
27.49% Variable APR
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured card is an excellent option for those looking to build credit while earning cash back, especially with its flexible rewards structure.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Cash back rewards
Cons:
- High variable APR
- Requires a security deposit
Final Words
As you explore the best secured credit cards this January 2026, remember that the right choice can significantly enhance your credit profile. Take time to compare the options available, considering factors like fees, interest rates, and growth potential, to make an informed decision that suits your financial needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card has no annual fee and primarily focuses on building credit, making it a solid choice for those with bad or no credit. It requires a refundable security deposit starting at $49-$200 for a $200 credit line and reports to credit bureaus.
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus 5% on travel booked via Capital One. It has no annual fee and helps build credit while providing cash back rewards.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card provides unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, along with 2% back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 combined quarterly. Additionally, Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
Many secured credit cards, including the top options, have no annual fees, making them more accessible. However, you may need to provide a refundable security deposit, which serves as collateral for the credit line.
When choosing a secured credit card, consider factors like annual fees, rewards programs, and the minimum security deposit required. Look for cards that report to credit bureaus, as this will help you build your credit score effectively.
Applying for a secured credit card typically requires basic personal information and a security deposit. Many issuers allow you to apply online, and approval decisions are often made quickly, even for those with no credit history.
Secured credit cards help improve your credit score by allowing you to demonstrate responsible credit use, such as making on-time payments and keeping your balance low. These cards report to credit bureaus, which is essential for building or rebuilding your credit history.
