U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card Review

The U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card provides the opportunity to demonstrate your financial responsibility and take charge of your future.

The U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card is built on a foundation of security and simplicity, where your own deposit guarantees your credit limit, giving you a safe and controlled environment to grow. 

It’s more than just a credit card; it’s your dedicated partner in building a stronger financial foundation, unlocking future opportunities for better loans, mortgages, and premium rewards cards.

CREDIT CARD

U.S. Bank Secured Visa Credit Card

Path to upgrade No annual fee

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Benefits: Your Toolkit for a Better Credit Score

The U.S. Bank Secured Visa is uniquely positioned to offer a wealth of benefits, especially for those focused on building or repairing their credit profile. Each feature is a stepping stone toward a stronger financial future.

1. Build or Rebuild Your Credit Score: This is the card’s most important mission. U.S. Bank reports your payment activity to all three major U.S. credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—every month.
2. No Credit History Required: This card is perfect for those who are “credit invisible.” If you’re a new immigrant, a student, or have always paid with cash, this card provides the ideal opportunity to establish that crucial first line of credit that other lenders look for.
3. Opportunity to Graduate to an Unsecured Card: U.S. Bank actively wants you to succeed! After as few as 12 months of responsible card use, they will automatically review your account to see if you’re eligible to “graduate” to an unsecured credit card.
4. Control Your Own Credit Limit: You are in the driver’s seat of your credit line. Your credit limit is determined by the amount of the security deposit you provide, which can range from $300 to $5,000. 
5. Your Security Deposit is FDIC Insured: Enjoy complete peace of mind knowing your funds are safe. Your security deposit is held in a U.S. Bank Secured Savings Account, which is insured by the FDIC up to the maximum amount permitted by law.
6. Earn Interest on Your Deposit: In a feature that is rare among secured cards, your security deposit actually earns interest while it’s held in the savings account. While the rate is modest, it’s a fantastic perk that means your money is still working for you while it secures your credit line.
7. No Annual Fee: Build your credit without the burden of a recurring fee. This card has a $0 annual fee, which is a significant advantage that helps you focus on your primary goal of improving your credit score without extra costs.
8. Free Access to Your Credit Score: Track your progress with ease! As a cardholder, you get free access to your TransUnion® VantageScore® directly through your U.S. Bank online banking portal or mobile app. This allows you to see the positive impact of your responsible habits in near real-time.
9. Worldwide Visa Acceptance: Enjoy the power and convenience of the Visa network. Your U.S. Bank Secured Visa is accepted at millions of merchants worldwide, for online shopping, and for booking things like rental cars or hotels—activities that are often difficult without a major credit card.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for the U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card are designed to be accessible to those who may have difficulty getting approved for other credit cards.

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• U.S. Residency: You must be a legal resident of the United States with a valid U.S. physical address.
• SSN or ITIN: You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The acceptance of an ITIN makes this card an excellent option for new immigrants working to establish credit in the U.S.
• Ability to Provide a Security Deposit: You must have the funds available to provide a security deposit of at least $300.

This card is specifically designed for individuals with limited, no, or poor credit history, making it one of the most accessible credit-building tools in the United States.

How to Apply: The Application Process

Applying for the card is a straightforward online process.

1. Visit the U.S. Bank Website: Go to the official U.S. Bank website.
2. Click “Apply Now”: Begin the secure online application form.
3. Provide Your Information: Fill out the application with your personal details, including your full name, U.S. address, date of birth, SSN or ITIN, and financial information like your annual income and employment status.
4. Submit the Application: Review your information for accuracy and submit the application.
5. Await Approval & Fund Your Deposit: Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to fund your security deposit, which opens a U.S. Bank Secured Savings Account in your name.
6. Receive and Activate Your Card: After U.S. Bank receives and processes your security deposit, your new U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card will be mailed to you. Once it arrives, you will need to call to activate it before you can begin using it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the security deposit used to pay my monthly bill?
   No, this is a crucial point. Your security deposit is held as collateral and is not used for payments. You must pay your monthly credit card bill from your own checking account.
2. Will I get my security deposit back?
   Yes, your deposit is fully refundable. It will be returned to you when you close your account in good standing or when U.S. Bank automatically graduates you to an unsecured credit card.
3. Does this card earn rewards like cash back or points?
   No, this specific Secured Visa card does not offer a rewards program. Its primary benefit is helping you build or rebuild your credit score.
4. How long does it take to graduate to an unsecured card?
   U.S. Bank begins automatically reviewing accounts for graduation eligibility after 12 months of responsible use.
   

CREDIT CARD

U.S. Bank Secured Visa Credit Card

Path to upgrade No annual fee

APPLY NOW You will be redirected