In the world of personal finance, building a solid credit history is essential to access financial opportunities. For those starting their financial journey or looking to rebuild their credit, secured credit cards emerge as a valuable tool.
In addition, when immigrating to the United States with the intention of investing, the strength of your credit history can open doors to more favorable financial options, facilitating the acquisition of assets and the expansion of businesses. Therefore, it is not only a tool to build your credit history, but also a smart strategy in your investment in the country.
This article sets out to explore the features, benefits, and prominent options of secured credit cards in the United States to guide you toward financial stability. Start!
What are secured credit cards
Secured cards, also known as secured credit cards, are a type of credit card designed primarily for people who are looking to build or rebuild their credit history.
Unlike traditional credit cards, to get a secured credit card, the cardholder must make a security deposit to the issuing bank. This deposit acts as collateral and usually sets the card’s credit limit; that is, the credit limit is usually equal to or close to the amount of the deposit made.
How secured credit cards work
Secured credit cards work in terms of purchases and payments is similar to that of unsecured credit cards. Users can make purchases up to their credit limit and then have to pay the balance used. Failure to make payments on time may result in interest accruing on the outstanding balance.
The main characteristic of secured credit cards is that, as they are backed by the holder’s security deposit, they represent a lower risk for the issuer. This makes them more accessible to people with limited or negative credit history. In addition, responsible use of a secured credit card (such as paying the balance in full and on time each month) can help the cardholder improve their credit score, as activities related to these cards are often reported to the credit bureaus.
How to Get a Secured Credit Card
To get a secured credit card, you generally need to follow these steps:
1. Research and compare options: Since different banks and financial institutions offer secured credit cards with different conditions, it is important that you research and compare their offers. Pay attention to interest rates, annual fees, the required security deposit, and whether they offer the ability to switch to an unsecured card after a period of responsible use.
2. Check the requirements: Make sure you meet the minimum requirements to apply for the card. This can include being of a certain age (usually 18 years or older), residing in the country, having a bank account, among others.
3. Apply: You can apply for a secured credit card online, by phone, or at a branch, depending on the bank or financial institution. During the application process, you will be asked for personal and financial information, such as your name, address, income, and employment.
4. Provide the security deposit: If your application is approved, you will be required to make a security deposit. This deposit usually sets your credit limit and is held in a secured account. The deposit amount varies by issuer, but is often at least $200.
5. Receive and activate your card: Once you have provided the security deposit, the financial institution will send you your secured credit card. Upon receipt, you will need to activate it by following the instructions provided, which may include calling a phone number or performing an online process.
Remember that to improve your credit history, it’s crucial that you use your secured credit card responsibly. This means making purchases that you can pay in full each month and always making your payments on time.
Benefits of having a secured credit card
Here are some of the main benefits of secured credit cards:
Accessibility: Secured credit cards are more accessible to people with limited, poor, or nonexistent credit histories, as the security deposit reduces the risk to the issuer.
Credit limit control: The credit limit of a secured card is usually set at the amount of the security deposit you make. This gives you control over your credit limit and helps you better manage your spending.
Transition to unsecured cards: With responsible use, some financial institutions offer the possibility of transitioning from a secured card to an unsecured one, returning the security deposit and offering better conditions and benefits.
Benefits and rewards: Some secured credit cards offer rewards programs, such as cashback on certain purchases or redeemable points, similar to what traditional credit cards offer.
Financial Management Tools: Many secured card issuers provide online tools to help you monitor your credit, track your spending, and manage your account efficiently.
Best secured credit cards in the United States
In the United States, there are several prominent options in terms of secured credit cards that offer different advantages and conditions. Here are some of the best secured credit cards in the United States:
Discover it Secured Credit Card offers an Annual Percentage Rate(APR) of 27.74%, no annual fee, and a minimum deposit of $200. It is well valued for having no annual maintenance costs, allowing you to earn rewards and for reporting to the 3 main credit bureaus in the country.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured has an APR of 29.99%, no annual fee, and requires a minimum deposit of $200. It stands out for offering 1.5% cashback on all purchases, not requiring credit history and the possibility of recovering the minimum deposit.
GO2bank Secured Credit Card features an APR of 22.99%, no annual fee, and a very affordable minimum deposit of $100, making it easy for people with low credit scores or no credit history to access.
Citi Secured MasterCard offers an APR of 22.49%, no annual fee, and a minimum deposit of $200. This card is a solid option for building credit history, as it reports to the 3 major credit bureaus.
OpenSky’s Secure Visa has an APR of 17.39%, an annual fee of $35, and a minimum deposit of $200 to $3,000. Its main advantage is that it does not require a credit check and reports credit activity.
*Information collected from a variety of sources, including superdinero.org
How the Annual Percentage Rate Works
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably wondering how paying the APR on secured credit cards works.
As with unsecured credit cards, the APR on a secured credit card represents the cost of credit expressed as an annual rate. But, if you make good use of this financial instrument, you have nothing to worry about. This APR applies to balances that are not paid in full by the payment due date each month.
Each card has its own characteristics, so it’s important to evaluate which one best fits your financial needs and credit-building goals. So we suggest you check the current details directly with the card issuer before making a decision, as the conditions and benefits may change.
And remember… The path to financial stability starts with small decisions, and secured credit cards can be the first step in that direction. Please note that this article is merely informative and is intended to guide you in your relocation to the United States.
Before making any major decisions, it’s crucial that you conduct thorough research and consult with financial and legal professionals.
