Build credit

Graduating from a secured card

The short answer

When your score clears the mid-600s, it's time to move off the deposit.

  • Ask the issuer to graduate the card. Many refund your deposit and convert it to unsecured.
  • The account stays open, so your history keeps building on the same card.
  • If they won't convert it, open a standard card and close the secured one after.
  • The catch: opening new and closing old can shorten your history. Ask to convert in place first.
DA
Written by Dana Acosta
Consumer-credit writer · 9 yrs
✓ Reviewed by M. Reyes, AFC®
Last reviewed Jun 2026
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Where this leads
  • Built creditSecured card or builder loan, paid on time
  • You're hereSecured card, deposit down, record built
  • Next: an unsecured cardDeposit back, lower ratesSee the step →

The goal isn't to keep you here. Once your score clears the mid-600s, a standard card usually beats the deposit you're holding down.

Ask it to graduate first

Call the issuer before you do anything else. Many secured cards graduate in place. They review your account, refund your deposit, and switch you to an unsecured line on the same card.

In-place graduation keeps your account age. That age is part of your score. Opening a new card and closing the old one starts a fresh account and can shorten your history. So ask to convert first.

Get your deposit back

The deposit is yours. It always was. You get it back once the card converts to unsecured, or once you close the account in good standing with the balance paid off.

If the issuer won't convert your card, open a standard one and close the secured card after. You still get the deposit back. The goal is fewer of these products over time, not more.

Keep going

HubSecured credit cards, explained SpokeHow a secured card moves your score The goalWhen to graduate to a standard card HubBuild credit, start here