What the Imagine Credit Card Is
The Imagine Credit Card is a secured credit card issued by U.S. Bank, designed for people building or rebuilding credit. You put down a cash deposit, and that deposit becomes your credit limit — so if you deposit $500, you get a $500 card. The card reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means your payment history can help raise your credit score over time.
Unlike a prepaid card, a secured card is a real credit account. You receive a bill each month, make payments from your regular bank account, and carry a balance if you choose. The deposit stays in a separate account and is not touched unless you stop paying or close the card.
U.S. Bank markets this card specifically to people with limited credit history or past credit problems. It is one of several secured cards available, so understanding how it compares to other options matters before you decide.
Key Takeaways
- The Imagine card requires a cash deposit between $500 and $25,000, which becomes your credit limit and stays frozen in a separate account.
- You pay an annual fee (currently $59), plus interest on any balance you carry, but no foreign transaction fees.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus monthly, so on-time payments build your credit history.
- After a period of responsible use — typically 12 to 18 months — U.S. Bank may convert your account to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
- Your credit score, income, and banking history with U.S. Bank affect whether you are approved and what deposit amount you can use.
How to Get the Imagine Card
You can explore online at usbank.com or in a U.S. Bank branch. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your Social Security number, income, employment status, and housing information. U.S. Bank will check your credit report and may ask for additional documents if your income is hard to verify.
If you are approved, you choose your deposit amount between $500 and $25,000. The deposit is transferred from your U.S. Bank checking or savings account, or you can fund it from an external bank account. Once the deposit clears, your card is activated and ready to use, usually within 5 to 7 business days.
If you do not have a U.S. Bank account, you will need to open one first. U.S. Bank offers checking accounts with no monthly fee if you meet certain conditions (such as setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance), so factor that into your planning.
Fees and Interest Rates
The Imagine card charges a $59 annual fee, billed to your account each year. There is no foreign transaction fee, which is unusual for secured cards and can be useful if you travel or make international purchases online.
Interest rates vary based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. U.S. Bank does not publish a fixed APR for this card; instead, you receive your specific rate after approval. Expect rates to be higher than unsecured cards — often in the 18% to 24% range — because the card is designed for people with credit challenges.
There are no late fees, over-limit fees, or returned-payment fees listed in the card's terms, which is a genuine advantage. However, missing a payment will still damage your credit score and may trigger the bank to freeze your account.
Building Credit With the Imagine Card
The Imagine card reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means that paying on time — even if you only pay the minimum — creates a positive record that credit bureaus use to calculate your score. Over 6 to 12 months of consistent on-time payments, you should see your score improve by 50 to 100 points, depending on your starting point and other factors in your credit file.
To maximize the benefit, keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. Using more than 30% of your available credit (called your utilization ratio) can hurt your score, even if you pay on time. Since your limit equals your deposit, a $500 deposit means keeping your balance under $150 to stay in the healthy range.
Do not close the card when ready after your score improves. Closing it removes an active account from your credit history and can lower your score temporarily. Instead, keep it open with small occasional purchases and pay them off monthly.
When the Imagine Card Converts to Unsecured
U.S. Bank does not publish a fixed timeline for converting a secured card to unsecured, but it typically happens after 12 to 18 months of on-time payments. When the conversion occurs, your deposit is returned to your bank account, and your credit limit may increase. You keep the same card number and account history.
Conversion is not automatic — U.S. Bank reviews your account and decides whether to offer it. If your payments have been late or you have missed payments, conversion will not happen. If you are converted, the $59 annual fee continues unless U.S. Bank waives it as part of the upgrade.
If conversion does not happen after 18 months, contact U.S. Bank to ask about your account status. Some customers have reported that calling and requesting a review can prompt the bank to reconsider.
Imagine Card vs. Other Secured Cards
Several banks offer secured cards, and the Imagine card is one option among many. The Capital One Secured Mastercard, for example, has a lower annual fee ($39) but charges foreign transaction fees. The Discover Secured Card has no annual fee but requires a higher minimum deposit ($200 minimum, but most people deposit more). The OpenSky Secured Visa does not require a Social Security number, which appeals to people without U.S. credit history, but charges a $35 annual fee and higher interest rates.
The Imagine card's main advantage is the no foreign transaction fee and the backing of a large, stable bank. Its main disadvantage is the $59 annual fee, which is higher than some competitors. If you travel internationally or make frequent online purchases from foreign retailers, the Imagine card's fee structure may save you money. If you want the lowest annual fee, other cards may be better.
What Happens if You Cannot Pay
If you miss a payment, U.S. Bank reports it to the credit bureaus, and your score drops when ready. A single late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more. After 30 days late, the bank may freeze your account and prevent new charges. After 60 days late, the account may be closed and sent to collections.
If you are struggling to pay, contact U.S. Bank before the payment is due. The bank may offer a hardship program or temporary payment plan, though this is not may provide. Paying late is far more damaging to your credit than calling ahead to discuss options.
Your deposit is separate from your payment obligation. Even if you stop paying the card, U.S. Bank will not automatically use your deposit to cover the debt. Instead, they will pursue collection, and your deposit remains frozen until the account is resolved or closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Imagine card right away after approval?
Your card is activated once your deposit clears, which usually takes 5 to 7 business days after approval. You can use it online when ready in some cases, but the physical card arrives by mail separately. Check your U.S. Bank account online to see when the deposit has posted and your card is ready.
What if I want to increase my credit limit?
You can increase your limit by depositing more money into your secured account. U.S. Bank allows deposits up to $25,000 total. Each additional deposit increases your limit dollar-for-dollar. You cannot increase your limit through credit alone — the deposit is the limit.
Does the Imagine card have a rewards program?
No, the Imagine card does not earn cash back, points, or miles. It is a basic secured card focused on credit building, not rewards. Once you convert to an unsecured U.S. Bank card, you may be offered a rewards card, but the Imagine itself has no rewards feature.
Can I get my deposit back before the card converts?
You can close the card and withdraw your deposit at any time, but closing the account will stop it from reporting to the credit bureaus and may lower your score. It is generally better to keep the card open and active while you build credit, even if you use it rarely.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
U.S. Bank does not publish a minimum credit score for the Imagine card. The card is designed for people with limited or damaged credit, so approval is possible even with a score below 600. However, U.S. Bank reviews your full financial picture — income, banking history, and existing debts — so approval is not may provide regardless of score.