Yes, Chase offers a secured card, but only through one specific product
Chase offers the Chase Secured Visa Card, which requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. You put money into a savings account held by Chase, and that amount — typically between $200 and $2,500 — is what you can charge on the card. The deposit stays in the account while you use the card; it is not spent down as you make purchases.
This is different from Chase's other cards. Chase does not offer a secured version of its popular Freedom or Sapphire cards. If you are rebuilding credit or have no credit history, the Secured Visa is the only secured option Chase currently has.
The card reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means your payment history builds a credit record. After you demonstrate responsible use — typically 6 to 18 months of on-time payments — Chase may upgrade you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
Key Takeaways
- The Chase Secured Visa Card requires a cash deposit between $200 and $2,500 that becomes your credit limit.
- Your deposit stays in a Chase savings account and is not touched as you use the card; you get it back when you graduate to an unsecured card.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your credit history from the start.
- Chase may convert your account to an unsecured card after 6 to 18 months of responsible use, at which point your deposit is returned.
- The card carries an annual fee (the amount varies and should be confirmed with Chase before you open the account).
How the deposit and credit limit work
When you open the Chase Secured Visa Card, you choose how much to deposit, within Chase's range. That deposit amount becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $500, your limit is $500. If you deposit $2,500, your limit is $2,500.
The deposit sits in a savings account that Chase holds. You do not earn interest on it — the rate is typically 0.01% or lower, which is standard for secured card deposits across the industry. The money is yours; Chase is straightforward holding it as collateral in case you stop paying your bills.
You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for a few months and made on-time payments. When you do, Chase may increase your limit without asking for an additional deposit, or it may ask you to add more money to the savings account. Check with Chase about their current policy before you explore.
Annual fees and interest rates
The Chase Secured Visa Card charges an annual fee. The exact amount changes over time, so confirm the current fee before you open the account — you can find this on Chase's website or by calling their customer service line.
The card also charges interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is set based on your creditworthiness at the time you explore. Because you are using a secured card, your APR may be higher than what someone with excellent credit would receive on an unsecured card, but it is still worth comparing to other secured cards from other banks.
You can avoid interest charges entirely by paying your full balance by the due date each month. This is the fastest way to build credit: on-time, full payments show lenders you are reliable.
When Chase converts your account to unsecured
Chase does not have a fixed timeline for converting your secured card to an unsecured one. The bank reviews your account periodically — usually after 6 to 18 months — and decides whether to upgrade you based on your payment history and credit score.
To be considered for conversion, you need to make all your payments on time, keep your balance low (ideally below 30% of your limit), and avoid explore for too many new cards or loans in a short period. These actions show Chase that you are managing credit responsibly.
When Chase converts your account, they return your deposit to you. You keep the card and the credit history you have built, but now it functions as a regular unsecured card with a higher credit limit (Chase may increase it automatically or allow you to request an increase).
How the Chase Secured Visa compares to other banks' secured cards
Other major banks offer secured cards too. Capital One, Discover, and Bank of America all have secured card products. The main differences between them are the deposit range, annual fee, interest rate, and how quickly they convert to unsecured cards.
Capital One's Secured Mastercard, for example, has a lower minimum deposit ($200) and may convert faster for some users. Discover's Secured Card reports to all three bureaus like Chase does, but has different fee and rate structures. Bank of America's Secured Card requires a $500 minimum deposit.
The best choice depends on how much you can deposit upfront, whether you want to minimize annual fees, and how important a specific bank's customer service is to you. If you already bank with Chase and have a checking account there, opening a secured card with them may be simpler because your deposit can link to an existing account.
What happens if you miss a payment
If you miss a payment on the Chase Secured Visa Card, Chase reports it to the credit bureaus just as they would for any other card. A missed payment damages your credit score and stays on your credit report for seven years.
Chase may also charge you a late fee (the amount depends on how late the payment is) and increase your interest rate. If you fall far enough behind, Chase can use your deposit to cover what you owe, though they will typically contact you first to work out a payment plan.
If you know you will miss a payment, contact Chase before the due date. They may be willing to work with you on a temporary arrangement, especially if you have been a good customer up to that point.
How to open a Chase Secured Visa Card
You can open the card online through Chase's website, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch. You will need to provide your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address. Chase will run a credit check, though they are more lenient with secured card applicants than with unsecured card applicants because the deposit reduces their risk.
Once you are approved, you choose your deposit amount and fund the savings account. Chase typically activates the card within a few business days. You can then start using it right away.
If you do not have a Chase checking or savings account, you will need to open one as part of the process, or you can link an external bank account to fund the deposit. Ask Chase which option is available to you when you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the deposit money while I have the card?
No. Your deposit is held in a separate savings account and is not available for you to withdraw while the card is active. It stays there as collateral. Once Chase converts your account to unsecured or you close the card, you can withdraw the deposit.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
Chase does not publish a minimum credit score for the Secured Visa Card. Because the card is secured by a deposit, approval is more likely than with unsecured cards, even if your score is low or you have no credit history. However, Chase still reviews your process and may decline you if you have recent late payments or other serious issues.
Does the card come with rewards or cash back?
The Chase Secured Visa Card does not earn cash back or rewards points. It is designed as a credit-building tool, not a rewards card. Once you graduate to an unsecured Chase card, you may be able to switch to a card that does earn rewards.
How long does it take to build credit with this card?
You will see changes to your credit score within 30 to 45 days of opening the card and making your first payment, because Chase reports to the bureaus monthly. However, building a strong credit history takes longer — typically six months to a year of consistent on-time payments before your score improves significantly.
What if I want to close the card?
You can close the Chase Secured Visa Card at any time. When you do, Chase will return your deposit to the account you designated. Closing the card will not hurt your credit score when ready, but it may lower your score slightly over time because it reduces your available credit and the average age of your accounts.