Secured Credit Card: Definition, Features, Pros & Cons

18 MAY, 2023

Credit cards offer a convenient way of making purchases by eliminating the need for cash. They help build the purchasing power of a person while enabling the user to maximize their savings. In addition, paying through a credit card eliminates the hassle of writing cheques and counting bills.

One of the most popular credit cards is a secured credit card.It is compulsory for a cash deposit in the bank for issuance. The creditworthiness of the person is the primary factor when issuing the card.

Features of a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card is issued with a guarantee, usually in the form of fixed deposits. Here are its features:

Eligibility Criteria: All credit card issuers have distinct eligibility criteria for secured credit cards. A bank issues such credit cards in return for a fixed deposit. Therefore, if the customer fails to pay their card bill, the bank can mitigate the risk by liquidating the fixed deposit. This makes the eligibility criteria for secured credit cards far more relaxed than traditional unsecured credit cards.
Interest on Collateral: The fixed deposit against which a secured credit card is issued continues to earn interest till the time of maturity. Some banks offer this facility of interest on the security deposit for secured credit cards.
Credit Score: Credit card transactions are recorded by credit bureaus that decide upon the user's credit score. Similarly, secured credit card users are also monitored, which builds their credit score. People with a low or nonexistent credit score can build their credit score with the help of secured credit cards.
Credit Limit: Secured credit card limits are set as per the fixed deposit value. The fixed deposits are used as collateral; hence the credit limit is matched with their value by banks. Usually, card limits are matched up to 80% to 90% of the fixed deposits.

How a Secured Credit Card Works

If you are wondering, “What is a secured credit card?” When you apply for a secured credit card, you must make a cash deposit upfront. This deposit serves as collateral and determines the credit limit that you'll be extended. The deposit typically equals the credit limit, though some lenders may require a higher deposit. The lender holds the deposit as security if you default on your payments.

Once approved for the secured credit card, you can use it to purchase like a traditional credit card. You'll receive a monthly statement that shows your balance and the activity on the card during the specified month. You'll be required to pay at least the minimum due each month and be charged interest on any outstanding balances.

How to Apply for a Secured Credit Card

To apply for a secured credit card, the process is the same as applying for a regular credit card, with most significant lenders like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover issuing them. These cards are accepted wherever the card brand is accepted, with the cardholder receiving monthly statements detailing their balance and transactions. The cardholder must pay at least the minimum due and pay interest on outstanding balances as per the credit agreement.

Like regular credit cards, secured cards may have an annual fee and other charges such as setup, activation, monthly maintenance, credit increase, and balance inquiry fees. As part of the agreement, the cardholder must put up a deposit that determines the credit line extended and is based on their credit score and history, assessed through a hard inquiry. You should know the secured credit card definition to understand it better.

Pros & Cons of a Secured Credit Card

Every financial assistance tool provided by financial institutions has a set of pros and cons. Here are the pros and cons for secured credit cards:

Pros	Cons
Secured credit cards help the user to build credit scores by analyzing transactions through the credit bureau.	Coming up with a security deposit may be difficult, making it tough to secure a credit card.
The eligibility criteria for availing secured credit cards are easy.	Secured credit cards also charge a considerable fee, including maintenance, application, processing, and annual fees.
The approval rate for such credit cards is comparatively higher than traditional and unsecured credit cards.	In addition to fees, users would also have to pay higher interest in secured credit cards, increasing monthly charges on the card.
The security deposit against which the secured credit card is issued will be returned to the user if they do not default on a payment.	Due to the credit limit being 80% of the value of the security deposit, large purchases are also limited with secured credit cards.
The security deposit would earn interest which results in additional profit for the user.	If the user wants to upgrade their secured credit card to an unsecured credit card, this may affect their credit history adversely.

Difference Between Secured & Unsecured Credit Card

On making a credit card comparison, one can easily decide about applying for a specific type of credit card. The following table shows the distinct difference between a secured credit card and an unsecured credit card.

Basis	Secured Credit Card	Unsecured Credit Card
Qualification	Users can qualify with zero credit scores and history.	Users must have a good credit score and history to qualify.
Interest Rates	Users have to pay a high rate of interest.	Users have to pay a lower rate of interest.
Rewards	Possibility of earning rewards is bleak.	Possibility of earning rewards is comparatively high.
Additional Charges	Users are charged extra fees by issuers.	Users may or may not be charged with extra fees.
Status	Such credit cards always have the status of being secured.	Such credit cards may not always have a status of being unsecured.
Credit Limit	Credit limit is as per the security deposit made by the user.	Credit limit is set as per the user’s creditworthiness.
Credit Check	Secured credit cards do not require credit checks by issuers.	Unsecured credit cards require a credit check by the issuers.

Conclusion

A secured credit card provides an opportunity for a user to create or modify their credit history. People with low or nonexistent credit scores can enhance their creditworthiness with the help of secured credit cards. They are a great way to avail a credit card without the stress of credit checks and comparisons.

Also Read: Difference Between Visa & Mastercard

FAQs

Q1. What is a secured credit card and how does it work?

Secured credit cards operate similarly to regular credit cards with one significant difference; the cardholder must provide an upfront cash deposit as collateral to secure their credit line. Even though credit history may be used to assess eligibility, the security deposit is a requirement to obtain a line of credit with a secured card.

Q2. What are the features of a secured credit card?

One of the primary features of a secured credit card is the requirement of a cash deposit upfront.
The credit limit is usually equal to or less than the deposit amount. Secured credit cards are also an excellent option for people with a limited or poor credit history, as the deposit acts as a guarantee for the lender.
The cardholder must make regular payments on the balance and pay interest, often higher than regular credit cards.
Secured credit cards may come with an annual fee, setup fees, activation fees, and other charges, which can affect the available credit limit.

Q3. How does a secured credit card differ from an unsecured credit card?

If you don’t know what is secured credit card is, A secured credit card is a type of credit card that functions similarly to an unsecured credit card but with one significant difference. The cardholder must make a cash deposit upfront, known as a security deposit, which serves as collateral for the credit line. This deposit is usually equal to or less than the credit limit the card issuer offers. With a secured credit card, the cardholder must make regular payments on the balance, including interest charges, typically higher than with unsecured credit cards.

Q4. How can you use a secured credit card to improve your credit score?

Make on-time payments: Your payment history is the most critical factor that affects your credit score. Make sure to pay at least the minimum payment on time each month.
Keep your balance low: Your credit utilization ratio, or the amount of credit you use compared to your credit limit, is another significant factor in your credit score.
Use it regularly: Using your secured credit card regularly and making on-time payments shows lenders that you can manage credit responsibly. But remember to keep your balance low to maintain a good credit utilization ratio.
Upgrade to an unsecured card: After using your secured credit card responsibly for a certain period, you may be eligible to upgrade to an unsecured credit card.