What the Huntington Bank Secured Card Does
The Huntington Bank Secured Credit Card is a credit-building tool backed by a cash deposit you hold in a savings account. You put money down — typically between $500 and $25,000 — and that deposit becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other credit card, paying a monthly bill. Huntington reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus, which builds your credit score over time.
The card itself is issued by Huntington National Bank, a regional bank operating primarily in the Midwest and parts of the Mid-Atlantic. You do not need good credit to open this account; the deposit replaces the credit check that would normally happen. The deposit stays in the bank's hands and earns a small amount of interest while you hold the card.
Key Takeaways
- Your cash deposit becomes your credit limit, so a $1,000 deposit gives you a $1,000 limit.
- Huntington reports your monthly payments to all three credit bureaus, which is how the card builds your credit score.
- You pay an annual fee (the amount varies by account type) plus interest on any balance you carry month to month.
- After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, you can request to convert the card to an unsecured card and recover your deposit.
Deposit Amount and Credit Limit
Huntington requires a minimum deposit of $500 to open the secured card. The maximum deposit is $25,000. Whatever you deposit becomes your credit limit — if you deposit $2,000, your limit is $2,000. This is a straightforward one-to-one relationship.
The deposit sits in a savings account that earns interest. The rate paid on that account varies and changes over time; you can contact Huntington directly or check their website for the current rate. The interest accrues monthly and is added to your account, so your deposit grows slightly while you hold the card.
You cannot use the deposit as spending money while the card is active. The bank holds it as collateral. If you close the account or convert to an unsecured card, the deposit is returned to you.
Fees and Interest Charges
Huntington charges an annual fee for the secured card. The amount depends on which version of the card you hold — Huntington offers more than one secured product. You should confirm the exact annual fee before opening the account by visiting a Huntington branch or calling their customer service line.
If you carry a balance from month to month (meaning you do not pay off the full amount due), you pay interest on that balance. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Again, Huntington will disclose this rate before you open the account.
There are no fees for making payments, and no penalty if you pay early or pay more than the minimum. Paying the full balance each month means you avoid interest charges entirely.
How Huntington Reports Your Payment History
Every month, Huntington sends information about your account to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit reporting agencies. This report includes whether you paid on time, how much of your credit limit you used, and your account status. This information is what credit scoring models use to calculate your credit score.
On-time payments are the single largest factor in credit scoring. Missing a payment or paying late damages your score. Keeping your balance low relative to your limit (using less than 30 percent of available credit) also helps your score. Using the card for small purchases and paying them off each month is the fastest way to build credit with this product.
You can check your credit score for free through many sources, including your bank's website, credit card issuers, and free services like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com. Watching your score rise as you make on-time payments is concrete proof the card is working.
Converting to an Unsecured Card
After you have made on-time payments for a period of time — usually 12 to 18 months, though this varies — you can request that Huntington convert your secured card to a standard unsecured card. When this happens, your deposit is returned to you, and your credit limit may increase.
Conversion is not automatic. You must contact Huntington and request it. The bank will review your account history, including your payment record and how responsibly you have used the card. If approved, your deposit is released and sent to you, usually within a few business days.
Some cardholders are converted automatically after meeting the bank's criteria, but you should not wait for this to happen. Call or visit your branch after 12 months of perfect payments and ask about conversion. There is no penalty for requesting early.
Who Should Consider This Card
This card makes sense if you have no credit history, a very low credit score, or a recent negative event (like a missed payment or collection account) that makes unsecured cards unavailable to you. The card is also useful if you are rebuilding credit after a period of financial difficulty.
The card is less useful if you already have access to unsecured cards with lower fees or better rewards. If your credit score is already in the fair range (around 580 or higher), you may find unsecured options that do not require a deposit.
The deposit requirement means you need $500 to $25,000 in savings to open this account. If you do not have that money available, a secured card is not an option right now, and you should explore other credit-building methods.
Alternatives to the Huntington Secured Card
Other banks and credit unions offer secured cards with different terms. Some have lower annual fees, higher interest rates, or different deposit minimums. Capital One, Discover, and various credit unions all offer secured card products. Comparing the annual fee, interest rate, and deposit minimum across options helps you find the best fit for your situation.
If you cannot afford a deposit, a credit-builder loan from a credit union may work instead. You borrow a small amount (usually $500 to $1,000), make monthly payments, and the lender reports your payments to credit bureaus. You pay interest, but there is no deposit required upfront.
A secured credit card is not the only path to building credit. Becoming an authorized user on someone else's account, paying down existing debt, or correcting errors on your credit report can also improve your score. The right choice depends on your current situation and what credit-building tools are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my deposit as a credit line if I run short on money?
No. The deposit is held separately and cannot be withdrawn while the card is active. It is collateral only. If you need access to cash, you would need to close the account, which would end the credit-building benefit.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score. Huntington may also charge a late fee. If payments remain unpaid for an extended period, the bank may close your account and use your deposit to cover the debt.
Does Huntington have branches near me?
Huntington operates primarily in the Midwest and parts of the Mid-Atlantic. You can check their website or call 1-800-480-2265 to find branches and ATMs in your area. You can also open an account online if you live in a state where Huntington operates.
How long does it take to build credit with this card?
Visible improvement in your credit score can happen within three to six months of on-time payments, though the amount of improvement depends on your starting score and credit history. Conversion to an unsecured card typically happens after 12 to 18 months of responsible use.
What if I want to close the account before converting?
You can close the account at any time. Your deposit will be returned to you, usually within a few business days. Closing the account stops the credit-building benefit, so the longer you keep it open and active, the more your credit score will improve.