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🔓Secured Credit Cards

Secured Credit Cards After a Felony Conviction

A felony conviction doesn't disqualify you from getting a credit card. Secured cards don't run background checks — only credit checks. And several top options don't even run credit checks. Here's how to rebuild financially after a conviction.

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4 cards
hand-picked
Free
no credit check to match
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Best Cards for You

4 options
⭐ Top Pick
Capital Bank
OpenSky® Secured Visa®
No credit check. No bank account required.
Approval Odds
Very High
Annual Fee
$35
Min. Deposit
$200
Credit Check
None ✓
Reports To
All 3 Bureaus
✓ No credit check — anyone can apply✓ No bank account required✓ Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
Apply Now →Full Review
Stride Bank
Chime Credit Builder Visa®
No credit check. No interest. No annual fee.
Approval Odds
Very High
Annual Fee
$0
Min. Deposit
$200
Credit Check
None ✓
Reports To
All 3 Bureaus
✓ No credit check required✓ 0% APR — no interest ever✓ No annual fee, no monthly fee
Apply Now →Full Review
Applied Bank
Applied Bank® Secured Visa® Gold
Guaranteed approval with any credit history.
Approval Odds
Very High
Annual Fee
$48
Min. Deposit
$200
Credit Check
None ✓
Reports To
All 3 Bureaus
✓ Guaranteed approval — truly anyone can apply✓ Lowest APR of any secured card at 9.99%✓ Accepts bankruptcy history
Apply Now →Full Review
Synovus Bank
First Progress Platinum Elite
Instant online decision. Apply in minutes.
Approval Odds
Very High
Annual Fee
$29
Min. Deposit
$200
Credit Check
None ✓
Reports To
All 3 Bureaus
✓ No credit check✓ Instant online decision✓ Lower annual fee than OpenSky
Apply Now →Full Review
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Not sure which is right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions and we'll match you to the exact card that fits your credit score, income, and deposit — free, no credit check required.

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How to Build Credit Fast

These 4 habits separate people who hit 700 in 18 months from those who stall.

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Pay on time, every time
Payment history is 35% of your FICO score — the single biggest factor. Set autopay for the minimum, then pay the rest manually.
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Keep utilization under 30%
If your limit is $200, keep balances under $60. Utilization is 30% of your score and updates every month.
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Don't close old accounts
Length of credit history matters. Keep your first card open even if you stop using it — it anchors your history.
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Graduate to unsecured when eligible
Most issuers will upgrade you after 12–24 months of on-time payments, returning your deposit and improving your credit mix.

Your Credit Journey

Where most people land after consistent secured card use

Month 3
First FICO score generated580–620
Month 9
Eligible for most unsecured cards620–660
Month 18
Good rates on car loans & apartments660–700
Month 30
Premium cards, best mortgage rates700–740

* Timeline assumes on-time payments and utilization below 30%. Individual results vary based on credit profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do credit card companies run background checks?

No. Credit card applications check your credit history (via the credit bureaus) but do not run criminal background checks. A felony record does not appear in a credit check.

What if I have no credit history after incarceration?

OpenSky and Chime Credit Builder are ideal — they require no credit history and no credit check. You can apply immediately after release.

Can I rebuild to a good credit score with a record?

Absolutely. Your credit score is based entirely on your financial behavior — not your criminal history. People routinely rebuild to 680+ within 2 years of consistent responsible card use.

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Ready to start building your credit?

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