Secured versus unsecured starter cards
A secured card generally requires a refundable deposit that backs the credit line, while an unsecured starter card does not use that structure. Approval criteria differ by issuer, so there is no guarantee that one format will be easier for every applicant.
Discover currently says its secured card does not require a credit score to apply and uses a refundable security deposit. Chase Freedom Rise earns 1.5% cash back per dollar according to its current rewards terms.
What matters more than rewards
Credit-building value comes from responsible account management. Pay at least the required payment on time, avoid spending merely to earn rewards, and consider paying the statement balance in full to avoid interest when possible.
- Annual and account fees
- Deposit amount and refund/graduation rules for secured cards
- Credit reporting
- APR if a balance is carried
- Autopay and account alerts
- Eligibility and application requirements
Treat rewards as a bonus
Cash back can be useful, but a month of credit-card interest can easily outweigh modest rewards. A starter card is successful when it helps establish consistent payment behavior at a low cost.
Use the Plandime calculator
A borrowing decision is easier to judge when you compare the monthly payment with the total cost.
Open calculator →Questions people ask
Do I need a credit score to get a secured card?
Requirements vary. Discover currently says no credit score is required to apply for its secured card, but approval still depends on the issuer’s application criteria.
Will a secured card always become unsecured?
No. Graduation policies differ by issuer and may change, so check the current terms before applying.
Sources checked for this page
- Discover it Secured · Primary source · Checked 2026-08-25
- Chase Freedom Rise rewards agreement · Primary source · Checked 2026-08-25