Getting your first credit card can feel like a catch-22. You need credit history to get approved, but you need a card to build that history. Secured credit cards are one way out of that loop.
This guide explains how secured credit cards work in Canada. You will see who they suit, what they cost, and how to move on to a regular card later.
What a Secured Credit Card Is
A secured card works like any other credit card at the till. The difference is how you get approved.
You give the issuer a security deposit up front. The issuer holds that money and usually sets your credit limit at an amount equal to or higher than the deposit.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) says deposits may range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. If you stop making payments, the issuer may use your deposit to cover what you owe. You can read the details in FCAC’s guide to choosing a credit card.
Who Secured Credit Cards Are For
FCAC suggests secured credit cards may be worth a look if you:
- are a newcomer to Canada with no Canadian credit history,
- have filed for bankruptcy in the past, or
- want to rebuild your credit score after past credit problems.
Students with a thin file can benefit too. So can anyone who was declined for a regular card and wants a fresh start.
If you already have good credit, a secured card is usually not necessary. A regular no-fee or rewards card will likely serve you better.
How a Secured Card Builds Credit
The deposit gets you approved. Your habits do the real work.
Each month, the issuer reports your activity to the credit bureaus. On-time payments and a low balance help show lenders you can handle credit.
Before you apply, confirm the card reports to both Equifax and TransUnion. A card that does not report will not help your credit file.
A few habits make the biggest difference:
- Pay at least the minimum on time, every month.
- Pay the full balance when you can, to avoid interest.
- Keep your balance well below your limit.
- Set up automatic payments so a busy week never causes a late payment.
Costs and Fine Print to Check
Secured cards are often simple products, but they are not always cheap.
FCAC notes you may pay a one-time application or set-up fee. That fee is separate from your deposit, and you may not get it back if you are declined. Some secured cards also charge an annual or monthly fee.
Interest rates on secured cards are often similar to, or higher than, regular cards. Carrying a balance can get expensive quickly.
FCAC also suggests checking that your deposit is insured. Be careful with unknown issuers, especially ones based outside Canada.
Finally, look for a recognized network such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Cards without one may only work at a small number of stores.
An Example: Neo Secured Credit
Neo offers secured versions of its credit cards. It shows how a modern secured card is usually set up.
You set your own limit by setting aside refundable security funds. Neo says you can start from as little as $50 for most cards. It also says every payment is reported to both TransUnion and Equifax.
The entry-level Neo Mastercard has no minimum income requirement. Other Neo cards can also be secured if you meet their income requirements. You get an instant virtual card, so you can start using it before the physical card arrives.
Rates and fees can change, so read the current terms on Neo’s site before you apply.
Moving From Secured to Unsecured
A secured card is a starting point, not a forever card. After several months of on-time payments, check your credit report and score.
Some issuers may review your account and offer a higher limit or other products. You can also apply for a regular card once your file looks stronger.
To close a secured card, FCAC says you need to pay off the entire balance. You get your deposit back when the account is closed.
Keep in mind that closing your oldest card can shorten your credit history. If the card has no fee, keeping it open may help.
Earn Cash Back When You Apply
If a Neo secured card fits your plans, you may also earn a rebate. Great Canadian Rebates currently lists a $60 cash back rebate on the Secured Neo Mastercard for approved applications started through its link.
Conditions apply. You must apply online as an eligible new Neo customer, fund the account with at least $50, and not combine it with another sign-up promo code. Read the rebate page before you apply.
The Bottom Line
Secured credit cards help you build or rebuild credit when regular cards are out of reach. The deposit opens the door, and on-time payments build your history.
Check the fees, confirm bureau reporting, and keep your balance low. Then plan your move to a regular card once your credit improves.
Ready to get started? Before you apply, visit Great Canadian Rebates to see if you can earn cash back on a card that fits. That way your first card can start paying you back from day one.