What the Huntington Secured Credit Card Is
The Huntington Secured Credit Card is a secured card issued by Huntington National Bank. You deposit money into a savings account held by the bank, and that deposit becomes your credit limit — typically between $500 and $25,000. You then use the card like any other credit card, making purchases and monthly payments. The bank reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means your activity builds or rebuilds your credit score over time.
This card is designed for people who have limited credit history, a low credit score, or are working to recover from past credit problems. Because the bank holds your deposit as collateral, they take on less risk, which is why they can issue the card to people who would not may have access to for an unsecured card.
Key Takeaways
- Your security deposit becomes your credit limit, so you control how much credit you receive by choosing your deposit amount.
- Huntington reports your payment activity to all three credit bureaus each month, which means on-time payments build your credit score.
- The card charges an annual fee and a variable interest rate, so you should plan to pay your full balance each month to avoid interest charges.
- After a period of responsible use — typically 7 to 12 months of on-time payments — you may be able to graduate to an unsecured card and recover your deposit.
How to Open a Huntington Secured Credit Card Account
You can open an account online through Huntington's website, by phone, or in person at a Huntington branch. To start, you will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment information. Huntington will run a credit check, though the specific credit score requirement is not published — the bank reviews applications on a case-by-case basis.
Once your process is approved, you will need to fund your security deposit. The deposit amount you choose becomes your credit limit. For example, if you deposit $1,000, your credit limit will be $1,000. Huntington requires a minimum deposit of $500. You can fund the deposit by transferring money from an existing Huntington account, by electronic transfer from another bank, or by check.
After your deposit clears, your card will be mailed to you. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks from approval to receiving your physical card.
Annual Fee, Interest Rate, and Other Costs
The Huntington Secured Credit Card charges an annual fee, which varies depending on your credit limit tier. The fee is deducted from your account once per year. The card also carries a variable interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR), which means the rate can change over time based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. Huntington's current APR range is not fixed in this guide because it changes; you should check Huntington's website or call 1-800-480-2265 for the current rate before you open an account.
If you carry a balance month to month, you will pay interest on that balance. The best way to avoid interest charges is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. There is no grace period for cash advances, meaning interest begins accruing when ready if you use the card to withdraw cash.
Late payments may result in late fees, and if you miss a payment by more than 30 days, Huntington may report the delinquency to the credit bureaus, which will harm your credit score.
How Your Payment History Builds Your Credit Score
Every month, Huntington reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This report includes whether you paid on time, how much of your credit limit you used, and your total account balance. Credit bureaus use this information to calculate your credit score.
On-time payments are the single most important factor in your credit score — they account for about 35% of the score. Using a small portion of your available credit (called your credit utilization ratio) also helps. For example, if your limit is $1,000 and you charge $200 per month and pay it off, you are using 20% of your limit, which is considered healthy. Maxing out your card or carrying a large balance hurts your score, even if you make on-time payments.
Most people see their credit score begin to improve within three to six months of consistent on-time payments. The longer your positive payment history, the more your score will improve.
When You Can Graduate to an Unsecured Card
After you have demonstrated responsible use of the secured card, Huntington may offer you the chance to convert to an unsecured card. This typically happens after 7 to 12 months of on-time payments, though the exact timeline depends on your individual credit profile and how much your score has improved.
When you graduate, your security deposit is returned to you in full. You will no longer need to maintain that deposit, and your credit limit may increase. The unsecured card may have different terms, including a different annual fee and APR, so review the offer carefully before you accept.
You do not have to wait for Huntington to offer conversion. If your credit score has improved significantly, you can contact Huntington and ask whether you are may be able to access to convert early. Some customers convert after six months; others take longer.
Comparing the Huntington Secured Card to Other Secured Cards
Other banks also offer secured credit cards, including Capital One, Discover, and U.S. Bank. Each card has different fees, interest rates, credit limit minimums, and conversion timelines. Before you choose, compare the annual fee, the APR range, and the minimum deposit required.
Some secured cards offer rewards (such as cash back on purchases), while others do not. The Huntington card does not currently offer rewards. If earning rewards is important to you, you may want to explore other options, though keep in mind that cards with rewards often charge higher annual fees.
The most important factor is whether the card reports to all three credit bureaus — this is what actually builds your credit score. Huntington does report to all three, which is a key advantage. Before you open any secured card, confirm that the issuer reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment or Default
If you miss a payment, Huntington will charge a late fee and may report the delinquency to the credit bureaus. A single late payment can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on your current score and credit history. Multiple late payments or a default will make it much harder to rebuild your credit.
If you default on the card (typically after 120 to 180 days of non-payment), Huntington may close your account and explore your security deposit toward the debt. Any remaining balance becomes a debt you owe to the bank, and Huntington may pursue collection action. A default will remain on your credit report for seven years.
If you are struggling to make payments, contact Huntington as soon as possible. The bank may be able to work with you on a payment plan or temporarily reduce your interest rate, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Huntington Secured Card right away after approval?
No. You must first fund your security deposit, and the deposit must clear before your card is activated. This process typically takes one to two weeks. Once your card arrives in the mail, you can begin using it when ready.
What happens to my security deposit if I close the card?
If you close the account in good standing (meaning you have no outstanding balance and no late payments), Huntington will return your deposit to you. If you have an unpaid balance, the bank will explore your deposit to that balance first. If you have defaulted, the bank may keep the deposit as payment toward the debt.
Does the Huntington Secured Card have a credit limit increase option?
Yes. After you have used the card responsibly for several months, you can request a credit limit increase. You can do this by depositing additional money into your security deposit account, which will increase your credit limit by the amount of the additional deposit. Huntington may also offer unsolicited increases based on your payment history.
Can I use this card if I have no credit history at all?
Yes. The secured card is specifically designed for people with limited or no credit history. Huntington does not publish a minimum credit score requirement, so even if you have never had credit before, you may be approved. The bank will review your process based on your income, employment, and other factors.
How long does it take to rebuild my credit with this card?
Most people see meaningful improvement within six to twelve months of on-time payments. However, the speed of improvement depends on your starting credit score, how much negative information is already on your report, and how responsibly you use the card. If you have recent late payments or collections, recovery takes longer than if you are straightforward starting from scratch.