Secured card
A secured card is a real credit card that requires a refundable security deposit (often around $200), which usually becomes your credit limit. It reports your payments to the credit bureaus and builds history just like a regular card.
Why it matters
It is the most reliable way to build credit from zero, because the deposit lowers the lender's risk and makes you approvable with no credit history.
Example
You put down a $200 refundable deposit and get a $200 credit limit; after 6-12 months of on-time payments, many issuers review your account for an upgrade to an unsecured card and refund your deposit. Capital One's Platinum Secured opens a credit line of at least $200.
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Educational only — not financial advice. No guarantees.