Secured cards: the simplest way to build credit

A secured card works like a normal credit card, except you put down a deposit that becomes your limit.

Key points

• Pick a card that reports to both national credit bureaus.
• Use it for one small bill each month and pay it in full.
• After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, many issuers move you to an unsecured card.

What to do next

Compare secured cards and credit-builder loans in the Credit builders section.