Can You Get Denied for a Secured Credit Card?

While unlikely, you can get denied a secured credit card if the credit issuer believes you have a high-risk credit profile. But, there are ways you can remedy the situation.

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If you have bad or nonexistent credit, secured credit cards are a great, accessible alternative to traditional credit cards to start building your creditworthiness. Secured credit cards operate similarly, but the main difference is that you need to pay a security deposit as collateral to get one.

Because secured cards are meant for people with subprime credit, you may be surprised if your application gets denied. After all, you had to pay an upfront deposit. While this situation is rare, it can happen if you do not meet the lender’s standards, such as insufficient income or inability to pay your bills.

But, do not give up or panic. Here’s everything you need to know to find out why you got denied and alternative options to consider as you build your credit up.

Key Takeaways

  • While secured credit cards are geared toward people with poor credit, there is a possibility your card issuer will deny your application.
  • If your application is not approved, there are several steps you can take to understand what happened and build credit to prove your creditworthiness.

How Does a Secured Credit Card Work?

A secured card operates like a regular credit card with one major caveat — you need to pay money upfront to apply. This deposit serves as collateral for how much your line of credit will be. It is not a prepayment for the card. If you default, the bank uses the money as protection by keeping your deposit to repay your debt.

Typically, your credit limit will be equivalent to how much you deposit. For example, if a secured credit card has a $500 minimum deposit and you make the minimum deposit, your credit line is $500. Before getting a secured credit card, make sure the bank reports regularly to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Hurdles to Consider

One of the biggest hurdles people need to overcome to get a secured credit card is the security deposit. Typically, the minimum requirement by the credit card issuer is $200, but you will need to deposit more money if you want a higher credit line.

But, sometimes, even if you have the money for the deposit, the lender can deny your application if your credit profile is too risky. For example, if you have a history of late or missing payments or you recently filed bankruptcy, you may need to keep building credit to qualify.

Ongoing Use

Since this is a credit card, you will receive a monthly statement with your charges and be required to make minimum monthly payments on time. The goal is to rebuild or establish good credit, so you must pay all your bills on time. That means only charging what you can afford to your card. We recommend paying off your balance in full every month to avoid high-interest debt.

Graduating From a Secured Card

Once you have demonstrated that you can manage credit responsibly, your bank might eventually return your security deposit and upgrade you to an unsecured credit card. After 24 to 36 months of on-time payments, you may become eligible for the upgrade.

6 Reasons Why You Might Get Denied for a Secured Credit Card

Different credit card issuers may have varying criteria for approval. Often, they want validation that borrowers can repay their debt. Below is a list of common reasons why your application may get turned down:

Negative data on your credit report: When creditors review your application, the first thing they look at is your credit report, which shows your credit history and helps creditors determine if you are trustworthy. If you are currently going through bankruptcy or have a history of missing credit card payments, repossessions, or delinquent credit accounts, you might not qualify for a secured card. Alternatively, if there is a mistake on your reports, such as a mix-up with another person with the same name or serious delinquency erroneously reported, your application may et denied.

Insufficient or unverified income: Lenders are required to verify your ability to repay your debts. So, if you do not meet their income requirements or cannot provide documentation to verify your income, your application might not get approved. Additionally, if you are under 21, you or a cosigner will need to demonstrate that you have enough income to pay your bills.

Lack of funds to pay the security deposit: To open a secured credit card account, you typically need a bank account to fund the deposit and have enough money to cover the required amount. If you do not have a bank account or enough cash, you will likely need to wait until you can meet the minimum deposit requirement.

Low credit score or poor credit history: Even though secured credit cards are for people with bad credit, some credit issuers will still require minimum credit scores to approve your application. If you have no credit history, you may need to build your credit up first.

Exhibiting bad habits on existing accounts: Credits may look at how you manage your existing accounts with them to verify your creditworthiness. If you consistently overdraft your account or have accounts in default or delinquency, that will negatively impact your application.

Transitioning jobs: Sometimes, credit card issuers will want to see that you have a stable income, not just enough money. If you recently started at a new company or lost your job, this can hurt your application approval odds.

What to Do If You Get Denied For a Secured Credit Card

If you get denied credit or loans, there are several steps you can take to improve your approval odds the next time you apply.

First, Figure Out Why

If a lender denies a secured credit card application, you are legally entitled to know why. They should have sent you an adverse action notice in the mail that lists the reason(s) why your application got denied, giving you a good idea why. But if it doesn’t, ask them for more details so you can address the issue.

If you got denied because of your credit score, the letter should include your score, the date the data got pulled, and the method used to get the data. If there was a mistake on your credit report, consider disputing the error with one of the 3 bureaus. If you lack creditworthiness, the letter should provide actionable steps to build your credit. It is also possible you filled out the application wrong or did not meet the age requirement.

Turn to Your Bank or Credit Union

If you have a checking account, it may be easier to ask your bank for a secured credit card since you already have a relationship with them. If not, check in with a local credit union. Since they are nonprofit organizations, they usually have more flexible approval requirements and consumer-friendly financial accounts available.

Check Your Credit Report

You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the 3 bureaus on AnnualCreditReport.com every year. When reviewing your credit report, ensure all the information is accurate and there is no fraudulent data. If you find any errors, initiate a dispute immediately.

If you have a lot of late or missed payments, set up auto-pay for recurring bills or use an app like Mint to track your bills. If you have unresolved collection issues, make sure to either dispute them or ask the collection for a debt validation letter. If the debt is valid and unpaid, work with the creditor to map out a payment plan or speak to a lawyer to provide legal advice. If you filed bankruptcy before, depending on what type of bankruptcy you filed, that could stay on your credit history for 7 to 10 years, meaning you may have to wait out this time before you are no longer considered high risk.

Request Help From Someone You Trust

Sometimes, credit card issues will allow you to apply with a cosigner. Your cosigner will essentially vouch for you and use their creditworthiness to back you up. If you have someone you trust who has a good credit history, ask them to cosign for you.

However, keep in mind that when your account has a cosigner, they are equally responsible for repaying your debt. If you default or fail to pay bills on time, that will adversely impact them.

The Bottom Line

grayscale photo of no smoking sign | Unsplash Image by Rosie Kerr
Unsplash Image by Rosie Kerr

Rejection does not feel good. But you have options when your application for a secured card gets denied. Work on ways to build credit, such as making on-time payments, requesting a free copy of your credit report to verify the info, and getting verified income. As you improve your credit history, you can unlock access to more financial products in the future, such as 0% APR cards or cashback credit cards.

We are not financial advisors. The content on this website and our YouTube videos are for educational purposes only and merely cite our own personal opinions. In order to make the best financial decision that suits your own needs, you must conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor if necessary. Know that all investments involve some form of risk and there is no guarantee that you will be successful in making, saving, or investing money; nor is there any guarantee that you won't experience any loss when investing. Always remember to make smart decisions and do your own research!

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