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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
Opensky Secured Visa Card review: Building credit for beginners
Chris was a reporter at The Points Guy, where he covered the intersection of credit card rewards and travel. At TPG, he wrote a broad array of stories ranging from in-depth features and reports to trending travel news as it related to loyalty, card benefits and consumer behavior.
When Ryan worked as a TPG credit cards writer, he oversaw refreshes of card reviews and card offer stories. He enjoyed racking up cash back and helping readers maximize their points and miles for their next big trip.
also contributed to this story
March 7, 2025 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
This secured card is designed for individuals seeking to build or rebuild credit, even without a credit check or bank account.
It requires a refundable security deposit, which sets the credit limit, and is accessible to those with limited or poor credit history.
A modest annual fee applies, but the card recently introduced a rewards program offering up to 10% cash back at select merchants.
While lacking traditional perks, it provides a straightforward path to credit improvement for those who may not qualify elsewhere.
What to consider
Approval does not require a credit check or bank account, making it accessible for many applicants.
The refundable security deposit ranges from $200 to $3,000 and determines the credit limit.
Cash back rewards are only available at certain merchants, with details provided after account setup.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of alternative secured cards, including options with no annual fee or additional benefits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Related stories
opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
TPG Editor's Rating3 / 5
at opensky's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Are you looking to build credit and don’t mind paying an annual fee? While it lacks substantial perks, the (see rates and fees) can increase your credit rating without needing a credit check. With an easy approval process, this card may provide the key to a better financial path. However, be sure to consider other secured card options. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
For those new to the world of credit cards, secured cards are a great entry point. They allow you to improve your credit score and build your way up to better financial footing, making you eligible for more lucrative rewards credit cards later on.
Whether you have a limited credit history or have made some credit mistakes in the past, the opensky Secured Visa is an intriguing option. It's one of the few secured cards you can qualify for without a bank account or credit check.
That means if you’re grappling with past financial mistakes or just have a bad-to-poor credit score, this card should be on your radar. It also allows those without any credit history, like students, to build credit from scratch.
The catch? It's one of the few with an annual fee. It's relatively low at $35 per year, but this could be a deterrent for some.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the opensky Secured Visa to see if this card makes sense for you.
Opensky Secured Visa pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Quickly build credit history or rebuild your credit score
Open to almost all potential applicants
Has an annual fee
Limited benefits
Opensky Secured Visa welcome offer
Unfortunately, the does not have a welcome offer. While this is disappointing, it's pretty common for a secured credit card.
While there are no “perks” in the traditional sense, like purchase protection or a welcome offer, the offers incredible flexibility for those looking to begin their credit journey.
WESTEND61/GETTY
First, there are fairly high approval odds for the opensky Secured Visa. As mentioned, there is no hard credit pull; you only have to fund the account via a deposit. Everyone who is approved for the card gets the same credit limit range.
If you decide to close the account, you will receive the full deposit amount back, typically within 4-8 weeks. However, if you’re after building credit, consider keeping the account open, as it can help you build credit over time.
Options for your cash deposit include:
Debit card
Money order
Mailing a check
The opensky Secured Visa has a refundable security deposit range of $200 to $3,000. This deposit then becomes your credit limit on the account. Any time you want to increase your limit (up to $3,000), you must add funds to your security deposit.
This helps the bank with liability since you’d be on the hook for missed payments.
Earning and redeeming rewards with the opensky Secured Visa
The recently introduced a rewards program that lets you earn up to 10% cash back on everyday qualifying purchases made with your card.
MIXMEDIA/GETTY IMAGES
Details can be found in your account on what purchases and retailers qualify for cash back rewards, as opensky doesn't publicly state what purchases qualify.
Rewards earned will automatically be posted to your account as a statement credit within 120 days of the purchase. Full details of the rewards program can be found here.
Which cards compete with the opensky Secured Visa?
If you’re looking to build or repair credit, a range of other secured cards should also be on your radar.
If you want to earn straightforward rewards: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the few secured credit cards that earns rewards. It made our list of the best secured cards since you can earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter and 1% cash back on everything else. Discover will also match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year with the card. To learn more, check out our full review of the Discover it Secured.
If you don't want a secured card: The (see rates and fees) is a for new cardholders. With strong earning categories, purchase protection, secondary auto rental coverage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance, it's a great choice for beginner travelers who can't yet get a premium card with stronger protections. To learn more, see our full review of the Freedom Flex.
The information for the Discover it Secured card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Is the opensky Secured Visa worth it?
Despite its annual fee, the offers tons of flexibility for those new to the credit card space and is potentially worth the $35 annual price tag. However, other secured cards could offer a fee-free way to boost your credit score, so be sure to check out our full list for additional options before making your choice.
Bottom line
The opensky Secured Visa card helps you build (or rebuild) your credit without needing a credit check. While the annual fee is a drawback, using this card (and paying on time) is an effective method to increase your credit score. If you’re new to credit cards or rebuilding your credit, the card definitely should be on your list to check out.
Finally, once you have a “good” credit score, consider upgrading to a different cash-back or travel rewards card.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
