Kudos has partnered with CardRatings and Red Ventures for our coverage of credit card products. Kudos, CardRatings, and Red Ventures may receive a commission from card issuers. Kudos may receive commission from card issuers. Some of the card offers that appear on Kudos are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Kudos tries to include as many card companies and offers as we are aware of, including offers from issuers that don't pay us, but we may not cover all card companies or all available card offers. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do!
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Review: A No-Credit-Check Path to Better Credit
What Is the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card?
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card stands out in the credit-building landscape as a unique option that doesn't require a credit check for approval. This secured credit card, issued by Capital Bank, N.A., requires a refundable security deposit that determines your credit limit, ranging from $200 to $3,000. What makes this card particularly appealing is its approach to credit approval – focusing on your ability to provide a security deposit rather than your credit history.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card Pros and Cons
Pros
- No credit check required for approval, making it accessible for those with poor credit or no credit history
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion)
- Flexible credit limit up to $3,000 with matching security deposit
- Relatively low APR of 24.89% (variable) compared to other secured cards
- Potential for credit line increases after six months
- Opportunity to graduate to the OpenSky® Gold Visa® Unsecured Credit Card
Cons
- $35 annual fee
- Limited rewards structure with only merchant-specific offers
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- No traditional welcome bonus
- Basic cardholder benefits compared to competitors
Who Is the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card For?
This card is ideally suited for two primary groups:
Credit Rebuilders
If you're working to rebuild damaged credit, this card offers a straightforward path forward. The no-credit-check approval process means past financial mistakes won't automatically disqualify you. The card's credit utilization management features and regular reporting to credit bureaus can help you demonstrate responsible credit behavior.
Credit Newcomers
For those with no credit history, this card provides an accessible entry point into the credit world. The flexible approvals process and educational resources can help you build credit fundamentals while learning about responsible spending habits.
Comparing the OpenSky® Secured Visa® With Other Credit Cards
OpenSky® vs. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
- Annual Fee: OpenSky® ($35) vs. Capital One (No annual fee)
- Credit Check: OpenSky® (None required) vs. Capital One (Required)
- APR: OpenSky® (24.89% variable) vs. Capital One (29.99% variable)
- Initial Deposit: OpenSky® ($200-$3,000) vs. Capital One ($49, $99, or $200 for $200 credit line)
OpenSky® vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Rewards: OpenSky® (Limited merchant offers) vs. Discover (2% cash back on gas/restaurants, 1% on everything else)
- Annual Fee: OpenSky® ($35) vs. Discover (No annual fee)
- Welcome Bonus: OpenSky® (None) vs. Discover (Cashback Match™ first year)
- Credit Check: OpenSky® (None required) vs. Discover (Required)
Consider Using Kudos to Maximize Your Rewards
While building credit with your OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, you can enhance your rewards earning potential by using Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension. Kudos helps you maximize credit card rewards by automatically suggesting the best card to use for each purchase and offering up to 5X rewards during Flash Boost events.
Download Kudos today and get $20 back after your first eligible purchase — simply sign up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card serves its primary purpose well: helping people build or rebuild credit without a credit check. While the $35 annual fee and limited rewards structure may be drawbacks, the card's credit-building features, reasonable APR, and potential for credit limit increases make it a solid choice for credit beginners or rebuilders.
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card FAQ
What credit score do you need for the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card?
No minimum credit score is required since there's no credit check for approval.
How does the OpenSky® security deposit work?
Your security deposit ($200-$3,000) is refundable and determines your credit limit. The deposit is returned when you close your account with a zero balance.
Can you increase your credit limit with OpenSky®?
Yes, you can increase your credit limit by adding to your security deposit, and you may be eligible for credit line increases after six months of responsible use.
Does OpenSky® report to all credit bureaus?
Yes, OpenSky® reports your payment activity to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
When does OpenSky® report to credit bureaus?
OpenSky® typically reports your account activity to credit bureaus monthly, coinciding with your statement closing date.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
