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U.S. Bank Secured Visa: Start Building Credit

U.S. Bank Secured Visa is designed to help you establish healthy financial habits while offering the everyday convenience of a traditional credit card. 

The U.S. Bank Secured Visa Credit Card offers a simple, low-risk path to creating a positive credit history. Whether you’re starting from zero, recovering after financial hardship, or looking to responsibly manage your finances, this card delivers a reliable solution — all backed by the strength and trust of U.S. Bank.

With a fully refundable deposit, access to your credit score, and no annual fee, the U.S. Bank Secured Visa gives you the tools you need to move confidently toward unsecured credit options.

  • No annual fee: Build your credit without the burden of extra costs, making it easier to stay on track financially.
  • Customizable security deposit: Your refundable security deposit — ranging from $300 to $5,000 — directly determines your credit limit, giving you control over your starting line.
  • Monthly credit bureau reporting: Your account activity is reported to all three major credit bureaus, helping you steadily build or rebuild your credit profile over time.
  • Easy mobile management: Stay on top of your spending, payments, and account activity with convenient mobile access, giving you control wherever you are.
  • Zero fraud liability: Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re protected against unauthorized charges with zero fraud liability.
  • Free credit score access: Monitor your progress with free access to your TransUnion® credit score, helping you track your journey toward stronger credit.
  • Path to upgrade: Demonstrate responsible card use and you may become eligible to graduate to an unsecured credit card, unlocking even more financial opportunities.
  1. Deposit funds – Choose a refundable deposit between $300 and $5,000, which becomes your credit line.
  2. Use responsibly – Make purchases, keep your utilization low, and always pay on time.
  3. Build positive history – Your activity is reported monthly to Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
  4. Earn your upgrade – After several months of good financial behavior, you could be invited to upgrade to an unsecured card.

Tip: Focus on small recurring charges and autopay to make sure you never miss a payment.

FeatureU.S. Bank Secured VisaOpenSky Secured Visa
Annual Fee$0$35
Minimum Deposit$300$200
Graduation to Unsecured CardYesNo
Rewards AvailableNoNo
Free Credit MonitoringYes (TransUnion)No

Sophia had limited credit history after college. She opened the U.S. Bank Secured Visa with a $400 deposit. By making modest purchases, paying in full, and monitoring her credit score monthly, she improved her score by over 80 points in nine months and graduated to a U.S. Bank unsecured card.

“The transition was seamless, and having the mobile alerts kept me on track. I feel much more confident managing my money now.”

  • Students new to the U.S. credit system
  • Individuals rebuilding after financial challenges
  • Recent immigrants establishing a U.S. credit profile
  • Anyone who prefers working with a major, trustworthy bank

➡️ Continue to the next page to learn pro strategies for building credit faster, answers to key FAQs, advanced usage hacks, and the best cards to move up to after graduation.

A credit card expert, she utilizes her expertise to create informative content on credit cards, empowering others with financial knowledge.