If you've been denied credit cards in the past or have no credit history at all, no credit check secured cards offer a path forward. These cards guarantee approval regardless of your credit situation, making them invaluable for people who need to build or rebuild credit. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about no credit check secured cards.
What Are No Credit Check Secured Cards?
No credit check secured cards are exactly what they sound like—secured credit cards that don't require a traditional credit inquiry when you apply. Instead of evaluating your credit history, these issuers approve you based on your ability to provide the required security deposit.
This makes them accessible to virtually anyone, including people with:
- No credit history whatsoever
- Very poor credit scores (below 500)
- Recent bankruptcy on their record
- Multiple credit denials
- No bank account (some cards)
Best No Credit Check Secured Cards in 2026
At CreditSecuredZone, we've analyzed the top no credit check secured cards available. Here are the standout options:
1. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Our Top Pick for No Credit Check
- Annual Fee: $35
- Security Deposit: $200 - $3,000
- APR: 22.64% Variable
- Credit Bureau Reporting: All 3 bureaus
- Bank Account Required: No
OpenSky® is our top choice because it requires no credit check AND no bank account. You can fund your deposit with a debit card, money order, or even cash at participating locations. It reports to all three major credit bureaus, making it excellent for credit building.
2. OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
Best for Those Who Carry Balances
- Annual Fee: $59
- Security Deposit: $300 - $3,000
- APR: 19.64% Variable
- Credit Bureau Reporting: All 3 bureaus
The Plus version offers a lower APR (19.64% vs 22.64%), which can save significant money if you occasionally carry a balance. The higher $59 annual fee is offset by interest savings for balances over $120/month.
3. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Best No Annual Fee Option
- Annual Fee: $0
- Security Deposit: None required (use your Chime account)
- APR: N/A (must pay in full)
- Credit Bureau Reporting: All 3 bureaus
Chime works differently—you transfer money to your Credit Builder account, and that becomes your spending limit. No traditional deposit is required. The catch: you must have a Chime checking account and direct deposit to qualify.
4. Merrick Bank Double Your Line® Secured Card
Best for Credit Line Growth
- Annual Fee: $36
- Security Deposit: $200 - $3,000
- APR: 24.99% Variable
- Special Feature: Double Your Line program
Merrick Bank's unique program can double your credit line after qualifying on-time payments, without requiring an additional deposit.
Compare All No Credit Check Options
See detailed comparisons of fees, features, and benefits for every no credit check secured card on the market.
View Full ComparisonWhy Choose a No Credit Check Card?
Guaranteed Approval
The biggest advantage is guaranteed approval. If you can provide the security deposit, you'll be approved. This eliminates the anxiety and uncertainty of traditional credit applications.
No Hard Inquiry
Traditional credit card applications result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score by 5-10 points. No credit check cards avoid this entirely.
Build Credit From Any Starting Point
Whether your score is 300 or you have no score at all, these cards provide a way to start building positive credit history. They report to the same credit bureaus as regular cards.
No Denial Stress
After being denied for credit, it's demoralizing. No credit check cards eliminate rejection, giving you a definite path forward.
Trade-Offs to Consider
No credit check cards have some disadvantages compared to cards that require a credit check:
Annual Fees
Most no credit check cards charge annual fees ($25-$59), while many credit check secured cards have no annual fee. You're paying for the guaranteed approval.
No Rewards
Cards like Discover it® Secured offer cash back rewards, but they require a credit check. No credit check cards typically don't offer rewards programs.
Higher APRs
Interest rates on no credit check cards tend to be higher. However, if you pay your balance in full each month, APR doesn't matter.
No Graduation Path
Unlike Discover or Capital One, which automatically review accounts for upgrade to unsecured cards, most no credit check options don't offer this feature.
Who Should Get a No Credit Check Card?
A no credit check secured card makes sense if:
- You have no credit history and need to start somewhere
- Your credit score is below 550
- You've been denied for other secured cards
- You're rebuilding after bankruptcy (even Chapter 7)
- You don't have a traditional bank account
- You want guaranteed approval without uncertainty
- You want to avoid hard inquiries on your credit report
Who Should Consider Other Options?
If any of these apply to you, a secured card with a credit check might be better:
- Your credit score is 580 or higher
- You want cash back rewards
- You prefer cards with no annual fee
- You want automatic graduation to an unsecured card
- You've already been approved for secured cards before
How to Maximize Your No Credit Check Card
Once you have your no credit check secured card, follow these strategies to build credit effectively:
- Pay on time every month – This is the #1 factor in your credit score
- Keep utilization below 30% – Lower is better for your score
- Use the card regularly – At least one purchase per month
- Pay in full – Avoid interest charges on high APRs
- Monitor your credit – Watch your score improve over time
- Consider upgrading after 12 months – Apply for better cards once your score improves
Pro Tip
After 6-12 months of on-time payments, your credit score should improve significantly. At that point, you may qualify for secured cards with better features (like rewards) or even unsecured cards. Keep your original card open to maintain credit history length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a no credit check card actually help my credit?
Yes! As long as the card reports to the credit bureaus (all cards in our comparison do), your on-time payments will help build your credit history, regardless of whether a credit check was performed during application.
Can I get a no credit check card after bankruptcy?
Yes. Cards like OpenSky® approve applicants regardless of bankruptcy history. The security deposit protects the issuer, so they can approve people in almost any credit situation.
Do I need a bank account?
Some no credit check cards like OpenSky® don't require a bank account. You can fund your deposit with a debit card, money order, or even cash at certain locations.
How long until I can get a regular credit card?
With consistent on-time payments and low utilization, most people see enough credit score improvement within 6-12 months to qualify for entry-level unsecured cards.
Final Thoughts
No credit check secured cards serve an important purpose: they provide access to credit building for people who would otherwise be locked out of the credit system. While they may have annual fees and lack rewards, they offer guaranteed approval and report to credit bureaus just like any other card.
If you need a no credit check option, OpenSky® Secured Visa® is our top recommendation for most people. For the full breakdown and comparison, visit our secured credit card comparison page at CreditSecuredZone. We've done the research so you can make an informed decision and start building credit today.