How do
secured credit
cards work?
How do secured
credit cards work?
Secured cards work like regular credit cards but require a refundable cash deposit that sets your limit. Use it for everyday purchases, pay on time, and raise your credit score.
Make your deposit
Your credit line is equal to your security deposit2
Purchase and pay
Use your secured card, for everyday purchases just like a regular credit card
Build your credit
Make on time payments and
watch your credit score grow
Discover the benefits of OpenSky
Discover the
benefits of OpenSky
Set up Mobile Wallet
Add OpenSky to your Apple, Google, or Samsung Pay for seamless payments.
Alerts
Stay on top of your payments and balances with customized alerts.
Schedule Autopay
Set it and forget it—automatic payments make credit building effortless.
Security alerts
Get instant alerts for any suspicious activity on your account.
$0 fraud liability
Zero responsibility for any unauthorized charges—you're always protected.
Quick freeze
Lost or misplaced your card? Freeze it with a tap until you find it.
Get cash back3
Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases.
No cost to enroll
Shop at any participating vendors - no enrollment, no extra cost.
Relax and redeem
Your rewards are automatically applied to your statement. Sit back and watch your rewards stack up.
Increase your credit score with OpenSky4
Your credit score
+47 pts
We know that every credit journey is unique, but the destination is the same: financial strength. Our secured credit cards are designed to give you the tools you need to succeed. Whether you're building or rebuilding, we help people take control of their credit and their future.
We report to all 3 major credit bureaus
Increase your credit score with OpenSky4
We know that every credit journey is unique, but the destination is the same: financial strength. Our secured credit cards are designed to give you the tools you need to succeed. Whether you're building or rebuilding, we help people take control of their credit and their future.
We report to all 3 major credit bureaus
FAQs
What is a "secured" credit card and why is a security deposit required?
A secured credit card requires a one-time refundable security deposit to open and is equal to your credit limit. For example, if you deposit $100, your credit limit becomes $100. The beauty of the OpenSky secured credit card is that you can open an account without undergoing a traditional credit check. This is especially beneficial if you have a poor credit history or no credit history at all.
How will getting a secured credit card build my credit?
One of the benefits of your account is automatic monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus. Paying your account on time, even your minimum payment, can help build a history of financial responsibility for you. A credit card is an important tool that lays the groundwork for your future finances.
Can I get approved for an OpenSky secured credit card even if I've had bad credit in the past?
OpenSky does not pull your credit — there is no credit check. You can get approved for our OpenSky Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card whether you have poor credit or no credit. The card is designed to help build credit history with its monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus. As a secured card, it does require a security deposit. Click here to learn more about how the OpenSky Secured Visa® Credit Card works.
How can I increase my credit limit on my secured card
Requesting an increase is easy and can be done at any time. Simply visit openskycc.com, open the menu and tap on the “My Account” button. The My Account page will allow you to log in. Once you have logged into your account, choose the “Request Credit Line Increase” option in the “Account Services” section. If approved, you’ll receive an approval letter with instructions on how to send the additional security deposit to fund your credit limit increase
What to know about secured credit cards
Who secured cards are for
Secured credit cards work like standard credit cards for making purchases. However, they are primarily designed for individuals with bad credit or no credit history. In the case of OpenSky secured credit cards, they can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
Typically, applying for an auto loan, mortgage, personal loan, or unsecured credit card relies in part on your credit history for approval and, for some loans, the interest rate on the loan. A strong credit score usually results in loan approvals and better offers because it signals to lenders that you're more credit-worthy. But if your credit is poor or nonexistent, chances of a loan approval, even for an unsecured credit card, can be lower.
Typically, applying for an auto loan, mortgage, personal loan, or unsecured credit card relies in part on your credit history for approval and, for some loans, the interest rate on the loan. A strong credit score usually results in loan approvals and better offers because it signals to lenders that you're more credit-worthy. But if your credit is poor or nonexistent, chances of a loan approval, even for an unsecured credit card, can be lower.
How secured cards help
Secured credit cards offer a solution. These cards are ideal for individuals with no credit or damaged credit because they require a security deposit. This deposit acts as collateral for the lender, reducing the risk if you fail to make payments. Here at OpenSky, the deposit amount for our secured cards starts at $100.
One of the biggest factors in building credit is making on-time payments. Since payment history makes up a large chunk of your credit score, timely payments are crucial. Another important factor is credit utilization, which is the ratio of your outstanding balance to your total credit limit. This ratio also accounts for a large chunk of your credit score. Ideally, you should aim to keep your credit utilization at or below 30%. For instance, if your secured credit card has a $500 limit, you should try to keep your balance below $150.
One of the biggest factors in building credit is making on-time payments. Since payment history makes up a large chunk of your credit score, timely payments are crucial. Another important factor is credit utilization, which is the ratio of your outstanding balance to your total credit limit. This ratio also accounts for a large chunk of your credit score. Ideally, you should aim to keep your credit utilization at or below 30%. For instance, if your secured credit card has a $500 limit, you should try to keep your balance below $150.
Improve your credit profile
Managing credit utilization can be challenging with lower credit limits, but you can minimize the impact by paying off charges frequently, even before the end of the billing cycle. This strategy helps maintain a low credit utilization ratio, boosting your credit score over time.
We report our customers’ credit card usage to all three major credit bureaus. Secured credit cards are an excellent tool for those looking to establish or rebuild their credit. With responsible use, our cards can help you improve your credit profile and eventually qualify for an unsecured credit card.
We report our customers’ credit card usage to all three major credit bureaus. Secured credit cards are an excellent tool for those looking to establish or rebuild their credit. With responsible use, our cards can help you improve your credit profile and eventually qualify for an unsecured credit card.
1 The OpenSky Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card requires a monthly fee. The monthly fee is billed at a rate of $2 per month, annualized at $24 for the first 12 months. Beginning year two and for as long as the account remains open, the monthly fee is billed at a rate of $3 per month, annualized at $36.
2 OpenSky Secured Visa® cards require a refundable security deposit. Your credit limit is based on the amount of your security deposit. OpenSky Launch Secured Visa® Credit Card’s minimum is $100 and up to $1,000. OpenSky Secured Visa® Credit Card’s minimum is $200 and up to $3,000 (subject to approval). OpenSky Plus minimum is $300 and up to $3,000 (subject to approval).
4 Based on the first half of 2024, 66% of OpenSky customers increase their score by 47+ points after 6 months.