Deposit as low as $49 · Cashback Match at year one · No credit score required to apply The secured card that pays you back while you build your credit.
You’ll be redirected to Discover’s official website.
Most secured credit cards ask for a real financial trade-off: hand over a deposit, get a credit line, and in exchange give up any meaningful rewards while you rebuild your credit. Discover it® Secured breaks that pattern. It’s one of the very few secured cards on the market that actually pays cash back — 5% at rotating categories each quarter (up to the quarterly max, when activated) and 1% on everything else. You’re not just parking a deposit and waiting; you’re earning real money back on purchases you’re already making.
The deposit itself starts as low as $49, unlocking a credit line of at least $200 — a much lower barrier to entry than many competing secured cards. No credit score is required to apply, which matters for anyone with thin or damaged credit, including people relying on Social Security or other fixed-income sources who may not have a traditional employment-based credit history. Discover may still consider a score if one exists, but a lack of one won’t automatically disqualify you.
Perhaps the most compelling feature is the automatic path forward: at the end of your first year, Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned dollar-for-dollar, with no cap — an unusual, genuinely valuable welcome benefit for a secured card. And once you’ve built a positive payment history, Discover automatically reviews your account for an upgrade to the unsecured Discover it® Cash Back Card, refunding your deposit in the process. You don’t have to apply again or ask — the system is built to graduate you.
What is a secured credit card?
A secured card requires a refundable deposit, which typically becomes your credit line. This lowers the risk for the issuer, making approval more accessible for people with limited or damaged credit history.
Can I be declined for the Discover it® Secured Card?
Yes, approval isn’t guaranteed. While no credit score is required to apply, Discover still reviews other factors as part of the application before making a decision.
What happens to my deposit?
Your deposit secures your credit line while the account is open. Once you demonstrate responsible use and Discover reviews your account for an upgrade, your deposit is refunded and the card becomes unsecured.
Will my card say “secured” on it?
No, the physical card does not display the word “secured,” so there’s no visible indication to merchants or others that it’s a secured account.
How is this different from a prepaid card?
Unlike a prepaid card, the Discover it® Secured Card reports your payment activity to the major credit bureaus every month, which is what actually helps build your credit history over time — a prepaid card does not.
Applying takes just a few minutes online. Head to Discover’s official site, select the Discover it® Secured Card, and fill out the application with your personal information, address, and income — including Social Security, SSI, SSDI, or any other income source you receive regularly. There’s no minimum credit score required, so don’t let a thin or damaged credit file stop you from applying.
If approved, you’ll choose your deposit amount — starting as low as $49 for a $200 credit line, or more if you’d like a higher starting limit. The deposit needs to be paid before your card is activated. Once it’s set up, use the card for everyday purchases like groceries and gas, keeping your balance low relative to your limit, and pay on time every single month.
Turn on account alerts to track your due dates and spending, and consider setting up autopay for at least the minimum payment so you never miss a due date by accident. As your credit history builds and Discover reviews your account, you could see your deposit refunded and your card automatically upgraded to an unsecured Discover it® Cash Back Card — all while earning cash back the entire time, plus that first-year Cashback Match working in your favor.
You’ll be redirected to Discover’s official website.