A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a security deposit to open and maintain. This deposit acts as a credit limit for the card, and the issuer uses it to determine your credit worthiness.

Here are the key features of a secured credit card:

• Required security deposit: To open a secured credit card, you typically need to put down a security deposit, usually an amount between $200 and $2,500. This deposit acts as your credit limit.
• Building credit: Secured credit cards can help you build your credit score if you use them responsibly and make payments on time.
• Building credit limit: As you make payments on your secured credit card, your credit limit may increase, which can give you more room to spend.
• Interest rates: Secured credit cards typically have higher interest rates than traditional credit cards. However, there are some secured cards with low or no fees.
• Possible for bad credit: Secured credit cards are designed for people with poor credit histories who can’t qualify for a traditional credit card.

Here are some things to consider before applying for a secured credit card:

• Do you have the required security deposit?
• Are you willing to pay higher interest rates?
• Are you willing to manage a credit limit that is lower than your security deposit?
• Is your goal to build credit or increase your credit limit?

If you are looking for a way to build or improve your credit score, a secured credit card may be a good option for you. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before applying, and to make sure you understand the requirements and potential costs.

Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:

• Secured Credit Card vs. Traditional Credit Card: NerdWallet
• Should You Get a Secured Credit Card: Investopedia
• Best Secured Credit Cards: Bankrate