Kingsize Credit Card: A card designed for people rebuilding credit
Kingsize is a secured credit card issued by Marlette Bank, meaning you put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. The card reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments build your credit history. There is no annual fee, which sets it apart from many other secured cards in the market.
The card is marketed toward people with no credit history, poor credit, or a recent financial setback. Because it requires a deposit, approval is not based on your credit score — it is based on your ability to fund the account. This makes it one of the easier secured cards to open if you have damaged credit or are starting from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- Kingsize requires a cash deposit between $500 and $2,500 that becomes your spending limit, with no annual fee charged.
- Your payment history reports to all three credit bureaus each month, so consistent on-time payments directly build your credit score.
- After six to twelve months of on-time payments, you may be able to convert the card to an unsecured card and recover your deposit.
- Interest rates and terms vary, so you should compare Kingsize against other secured cards like Capital One Secured or Discover Secured before opening an account.
- The deposit is held in a separate account and earns interest, so you are not losing money while you rebuild — you are earning a small return on it.
How the deposit and credit limit work
When you open a Kingsize account, you choose your deposit amount between $500 and $2,500. That deposit sits in a savings account held by the bank and becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $1,000, you can spend up to $1,000 on the card each month.
The deposit earns interest at a rate set by the bank, which varies. You do not pay this interest to the bank — the bank pays it to you. This means your deposit grows slightly over time, even while you are using the card. When you eventually close the account or convert it to an unsecured card, you get the full deposit back plus the interest earned.
You still make monthly payments on what you spend, just like any other credit card. If you spend $300 in a month, you owe $300 plus interest and any fees. The deposit is separate — it stays in the savings account and does not go down when you use the card.
Interest rates, fees, and what they cost you
Kingsize charges an interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) on balances you carry from month to month. The exact rate depends on your creditworthiness at the time you explore and varies by applicant. You should contact the bank or check the terms before opening an account to see what rate you would receive.
There is no annual fee, which is a real advantage over some competitors. There may be fees for late payments, returned payments, or other violations of the account terms. Late fees and returned-payment fees are typically $25 to $35, though the exact amount is in your cardholder agreement.
If you carry a balance of $500 at a 20% APR, you pay roughly $100 per year in interest if you make only minimum payments. If you pay the full balance each month, you pay no interest at all. This is why paying in full each month is the fastest way to rebuild credit without spending extra money.
How Kingsize reports to credit bureaus and builds your score
Every month, Kingsize reports your payment status to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means your on-time payments are recorded on your credit report, and your credit score can begin to rise when ready. If you miss a payment, that is also reported, so the card cuts both ways.
Credit scores are built on five main factors: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), and new credit inquiries (10%). A secured card helps with the first three. On-time payments boost your payment history. Keeping your balance low (ideally under 30% of your limit) keeps your amounts owed low. And the longer you hold the card, the longer your credit history grows.
Most people see their credit score improve within three to six months of consistent on-time payments, though the exact timeline depends on where you started. If you had no credit history, the improvement may be faster. If you had recent late payments or collections, it takes longer.
Converting to an unsecured card or closing the account
After six to twelve months of on-time payments, Kingsize may offer to convert your account to an unsecured card. This means you no longer need the deposit — it is returned to you, and you keep the card with a new credit limit set by the bank. The conversion is not automatic; the bank reviews your account and decides whether to offer it.
If the bank does not offer a conversion, you can request one after a certain period (usually six months). There is no may provide they will approve it, but a strong payment history makes it more likely. Some people convert after six months; others wait twelve or more before the bank offers.
If you close the account before converting, your deposit is returned within a few business days. However, closing the account stops the card from building your credit history, and it may lower your score slightly because it reduces your total available credit. It is usually better to convert or keep the account open as long as you are not paying annual fees.
Kingsize compared to other secured cards
| Card | Deposit Range | Annual Fee | APR Range | Conversion Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsize | $500–$2,500 | None | Varies by applicant | 6–12 months |
| Capital One Secured | $200–$2,500 | None | 26.99% (fixed) | 6+ months |
| Discover Secured | $200–$2,500 | None | Varies by applicant | 6+ months |
| OpenSky Secured | $200–$3,000 | $35 | Varies by applicant | 6+ months |
Kingsize's main advantage is no annual fee and a deposit that earns interest. Capital One Secured has a fixed APR, which means you know exactly what rate you will pay before you explore. Discover Secured offers cash back rewards on purchases, which Kingsize does not. OpenSky charges an annual fee but accepts applicants with no U.S. credit history or Social Security number.
The best card for you depends on your situation. If you want the lowest cost and do not mind a variable APR, Kingsize or Discover are strong choices. If you want certainty about your rate, Capital One is clearer. If you have no U.S. credit history, OpenSky may be your only option despite the annual fee.
How to use Kingsize to rebuild credit without overspending
The most effective strategy is to spend a small amount each month and pay it off in full before the due date. For example, put one recurring bill (like a streaming service or phone bill) on the card and set up automatic payments to pay the full balance each month. This creates a consistent payment history with zero interest charges.
Avoid carrying a balance to save on interest. If you carry $200 at 20% APR for a year, you pay $40 in interest. That $40 could have gone toward paying down debt elsewhere or building savings. Paying in full also keeps your credit utilization low, which helps your credit score more than carrying a balance.
Do not close other credit accounts or open many new cards at once. Each new card inquiry can lower your score slightly, and closing old accounts reduces your credit history length. Focus on one card, use it consistently, and let time do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get approved for Kingsize if I have bad credit?
Yes. Kingsize approval is based on your ability to fund the deposit, not your credit score. Even people with very poor credit or no credit history can open an account if they have $500 to $2,500 available to deposit. The bank will still do a soft credit check, but it does not determine approval.
What happens if I miss a payment on Kingsize?
A missed payment is reported to all three credit bureaus and damages your credit score. You will also owe a late fee (typically $25–$35) and interest on the unpaid balance. One missed payment can set back your credit-building progress by months. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the bank when ready to discuss options.
Can I increase my credit limit after opening the account?
Yes, but only by increasing your deposit. If you deposit an additional $500, your credit limit rises by $500. You cannot increase your limit without adding more money to the account. Some people do this after several months of on-time payments to have more available credit.
Does Kingsize report to all three credit bureaus?
Yes, Kingsize reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each month. This means your payment history appears on all three of your credit reports and affects your score at all three bureaus. This is better than cards that report to only one or two bureaus.
What is the difference between Kingsize and a regular credit card?
A regular credit card is unsecured, meaning the bank extends credit based on your creditworthiness and income. Kingsize is secured, meaning your deposit is collateral. Secured cards are designed for people rebuilding credit and typically have higher interest rates. Once you convert Kingsize to an unsecured card, it works like a regular card.