How to Use Credit Cards to Improve Your Credit Score (15 Steps)

6. Use a Secured Credit Card If You’re Just Starting Out

If you’re new to credit or rebuilding after past mistakes, a secured credit card is a great way to get started.

A secured card requires a refundable cash deposit (usually $200–$500) that becomes your credit limit. Use it like a normal credit card, pay on time, and your positive payment history will be reported to the credit bureaus.

Popular secured cards that help build credit include:

• Discover it® Secured Credit Card
• Capital One Platinum Secured Card
• Citi® Secured Mastercard®

Once your credit improves, you can upgrade to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.