Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card — Build Credit with a Refundable Deposit

See if you’re pre-approved with no impact to your credit score, then fund your deposit and start building today.


The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is designed for people rebuilding or establishing credit who want a straightforward path forward. With a refundable security deposit and reporting to all three major credit bureaus, it focuses on practical steps that help responsible use show up in your credit history. You can even qualify for a $200 starting credit line with a minimum deposit as low as $49, depending on your profile.

Benefits

  • Refundable security deposit: Open your account with a $49, $99, or $200 minimum deposit for at least a $200 initial credit line; deposit is refundable with responsible use or when you close the account and pay your balance in full.
  • Room to grow: Increase your initial credit line by depositing more than the minimum (up to the program limit) before activation; you can also earn credit line increases over time based on your history.
  • Reports to all three bureaus: On-time payments are reported to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, helping build a positive record with responsible use.
  • Pre-approval available: Check for pre-approval online with no risk to your credit score before you apply.

Product Quality & How It Helps You

Capital One clearly explains how funding works: you have up to 35 days after approval to make your required deposit—online or by phone—and partial payments are allowed in at least $20 increments. That transparency, plus clear upgrade and refund paths for your deposit, makes it easier to plan your budget and stick to your timeline.

Potential Savings & Advantages (Everyday Value)

Because the deposit is collateral, not a fee, every dollar still belongs to you and can be returned when the account is unsecured or closed in good standing. If you’re building credit, that can be more cost-effective than alternatives that charge high annual fees or don’t report to all bureaus.

Potential Savings & Advantages (Progress Over Time)

With responsible use—like paying on time—you may be considered for an upgrade to an unsecured Platinum card and get your deposit back. Improving your credit profile can unlock lower rates and better card options later, turning today’s disciplined use into tomorrow’s financial flexibility.

Potential Safety (Account & Process)

Deposits are made via secure electronic funds transfer; cash and checks aren’t accepted. Capital One details the payment application order and reminds you that deposits don’t cover your monthly payments—clarity that helps you avoid interest and late fees by planning ahead.

Application Process

  1. Check pre-approval on Capital One’s site (soft inquiry only).
  2. Apply with accurate personal and income details. (Capital One evaluates your info to determine eligibility.)
  3. If approved, fund your deposit—at least the required minimum—within 35 days; you can pay in partial increments of $20+ via electronic transfer.
  4. Activate and use responsibly: keep utilization modest and pay on time; your activity is reported to the three bureaus.
  5. Grow & graduate: deposit more before activation to raise your initial line, and aim for on-time payments to be considered for credit line increases or an upgrade to unsecured, returning your deposit.

FAQ

1) Do I need good credit to apply?
No specific score is required to apply; this card targets rebuilding credit. Approval depends on factors like income and existing debt.

2) How much is the deposit?
Many applicants qualify for a $49, $99, or $200 minimum deposit for at least a $200 credit line; you can deposit more (up to the program limit) to start with a higher line.

3) When do I get my deposit back?
With responsible use, you could earn back your deposit as your account is upgraded to unsecured—or receive it when you close the account and pay your balance in full.

4) How long do I have to fund the deposit?
You have up to 35 days after approval to make the required deposit; partial payments are allowed in $20+ increments via electronic funds transfer.

Written By

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