A secured credit card is a card designed for people building or rebuilding their credit history. Instead of the card issuer taking on risk, you put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit—typically between $200 and $2,500. You use the card like any other credit card to make purchases and pay monthly bills. The deposit stays in a separate account and isn't touched unless you stop paying your bills. Over time, as you demonstrate responsible payment habits, many issuers will convert your secured card to a regular unsecured card and return your deposit.
The articles here explain how secured cards actually work, what happens to your deposit, how they affect your credit score, and what to look for when comparing different cards. You'll learn the difference between secured and unsecured cards, when a secured card makes sense for your situation, and what steps typically come next once you've rebuilt your credit.