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!
Secured Self Visa® Credit Card Review – Build Credit with a Low $100 Deposit
February 6, 2025
How the Secured Self Visa Credit Card Works
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card is a unique credit-builder product designed for people with no credit or bad credit who want a fresh start. Here’s how it works and what makes it stand out:
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3065", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Credit Builders", "headerHint": "No Credit Check"} ]]
- No Credit Check Required: You can get approved without a hard credit inquiry. This means applying won’t hurt your credit score. For those worried they’ll be denied due to a low score, Self offers near-guaranteed approval as long as you meet basic criteria. In fact, Self’s FAQ confirms that if you meet the eligibility criteria, “you will not be declined” for the card.
- Low $100 Security Deposit: Unlike many secured cards that demand $200–$300 upfront, the Self Visa can be started with as little as $100 as your deposit. This lower barrier makes it more accessible if you’re on a tight budget.
- Credit Builder Account (Optional): Originally, getting the Self card required opening a Self Credit Builder Account and making three on-time payments. As of 2025, this is no longer required – you can apply for the card directly with a deposit. However, you may still choose to use the Credit Builder Account to fund your $100 deposit gradually. This unique model – funding a credit card via a savings loan – is what Self pioneered. It means you could essentially “save up” the deposit through monthly loan payments, then unlock the card.
- Reports to All Bureaus: The Self secured card reports your payments to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This is crucial for building credit, as a consistent history of on-time payments will be recorded across all major credit reports. Over time, this can help boost your credit score.
- Regular Visa Card Usage: Once you have the card, it works like a normal credit card for purchases. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. There’s no rewards program on this card – it’s purely for credit building, not for earning cash back or points.
Is the Self Visa Credit Card Right for You?
Every credit product has its pros and cons. Depending on your situation, the Self Visa card could be a game-changer — or it might not be the best choice. Let’s break down when this card makes sense and when it might not.
When the Self Visa Card Makes Sense
Yes, the Self Visa can be a smart choice if any of the following apply to you:
- You have no credit or a low score: If you’re starting from scratch or rebuilding after past mistakes, this card welcomes you without judging your credit history. There’s no hard pull and no minimum score needed. It’s an opportunity to get a credit line when other cards have turned you down.
- You can’t afford a big deposit: Many secured cards ask for $200, $300 or more upfront. Self’s only asks for $100, which is much more attainable. Self keeps the bar low so you can start sooner.
- You need to build credit fast: Because Self reports to all three bureaus and there’s no waiting on approval, you can start building credit promptly. As long as you use the card and pay on time, you’ll begin to establish a positive record.
- You like the idea of “forced savings”: If you choose to use the Self Credit Builder Account alongside the card, you’re effectively putting money away each month (in the loan) that later becomes your card’s deposit. This is a structured way to save money and build credit simultaneously. By the end, you have both a better credit profile and a pot of savings (minus interest/fees) that unlocked your card.
If these points resonate, the Self card is tailor-made for you as a stepping stone. It’s essentially training wheels for credit: easy to get, low risk (your deposit backs it), and reports your good behavior.
When the Self Visa Card Isn’t Worth It
No, the Self Visa might not be the best option if you find yourself in these scenarios:
- You can afford a better secured card: There are secured cards out there with no annual fee and even some that offer rewards. For instance, the Chime Credit Builder Visa® has $0 fees and no interest. By contrast, the Self Visa will cost you $25 per year after the first year and it offers no rewards on spending.
- You need to use it abroad or for travel: The Self card cannot be used internationally. It’s a U.S.-only card. Also, it lacks benefits like travel insurance or purchase protections that some other cards might have. If you travel outside the U.S. or want more perks, you’ll want a different card.
- You already have some positive credit history: If your score is fair, you might qualify for an unsecured “starter” credit card or a secured card with better terms. Self is really targeted at those with few options.
- You dislike additional fees (Credit Builder Account fees): While optional now, if you did use the Credit Builder loan, note that it isn’t free – there’s interest on the loan and a non-refundable admin fee to open it. That loan component effectively means you pay some fees to eventually get the card.
Comparing Secured Self Visa® Credit Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Secured Self Visa® Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the credit builder card category:
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: Flexible, based on the amount transferred to Credit Builder account
- Key features: No credit check to apply, reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Standout feature: No minimum security deposit required
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: A refundable $200 security deposit to get at least a $200 initial credit line
- Key features: 1.5% cash back on most purchases, automatic credit line reviews
- Standout feature: Earn rewards while building credit
Current Build Visa® Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Security deposit: Flexible, based on the amount transferred to Build account
- Key features: No credit check required, reports to all three major credit bureaus
- Standout feature: Linked to Current banking app for easy fund transfers
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Secured Self Visa® Credit Card excels in helping customers build their credit
- Chime Credit Builder offers flexibility with no minimum deposit
- Capital One Quicksilver Secured provides cash back rewards
- Current Build integrates with banking app for convenient use
[[ CARD_LIST * {"ids": ["3069","3058", "5132"]} ]]
How to Apply and Build Credit with Self
Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how you can get the Self Visa credit card and make the most of it:
- Check Eligibility & Apply: Visit Self’s website or app to apply. You’ll need to provide personal info (SSN, income, etc.), but no hard credit pull will be done. You must be at least 18 and have a bank account or debit card to fund the deposit.
- Choose and Fund Your Deposit: During or after approval, you’ll put down your security deposit. Minimum is $100; you can choose more up to $3,000 if you’ve saved more in a Credit Builder Account.
- Receive Your Card & Activate: Self will mail out your shiny new Visa. Once it arrives, activate it online or by phone. Now it’s ready to use! It’s a Visa credit card, so you can use it for everyday purchases – from groceries to utility bills – within the U.S.
- Use the Card Responsibly: This is crucial. Treat the Self card as a tool to build credit, not as “free money.” Aim to keep your balance low relative to the $100 limit to keep your credit utilization low – this helps your score. Always pay your bill on time.
- Watch Your Credit Score Climb: Self provides access to your VantageScore 3.0 in its app, so you can track progress. Over 6–12 months, you should see positive movement if you’re managing the card well. Many users report their credit scores improved after using Self’s program, as on-time payments and a new line of credit add good history.
- Graduate or Move On: Unlike some secured cards, the Self Visa does not graduate to an unsecured card automatically. If your score has grown, you might eventually apply for an unsecured card with another issuer.
By following these steps, you use the Self Visa card as a stepping stone. It’s there to help you establish credit when you have none. Use it diligently for a year or so, and you could be on your way to qualifying for better products.
Lastly, always remember the golden rule of credit-building: pay on time. Even one late payment can set back your progress significantly (the card’s late fee is $15, but the bigger “fee” is the damage a late mark can do to your credit report). So, prioritize timely payments and responsible spending.
Conclusion
The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card can be a powerful tool for starting your credit journey. It’s easy to get, gentle on your wallet upfront, and does exactly what it promises: helps you build credit when few others will give you a chance. While it’s not a card you’ll keep forever (once your credit is healthy, you’ll move on to better offers), it can absolutely bridge the gap between “no credit” and “good credit.” If you decide to get the Self card, focus on good habits – pay on time, keep balances low – and you’ll be on your way to a stronger financial future.
And remember, you’re not alone on that journey. Tools like Kudos are here to help you make the most of your credit cards. Kudos can guide you with personalized tips, find you rewards, and even help you discover the next right card once you’ve built up your credit. Building credit might seem like a long road, but with the right card and a helpful friend (or app!) by your side, you’ve got this.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Self Visa® credit card require a credit check?
No, the Self Visa secured card does not require a hard credit check for approval. This means you can apply without worrying about a ding to your credit score. Self’s approval is based on meeting their criteria, not your credit history.
Do I need a Self Credit Builder Account to get the Self credit card?
No, not anymore. Initially, Self required you to open a Credit Builder Account and make payments for at least 3 months before you could get the credit card. As of 2025, you can get the Self Visa card on its own by simply applying and funding a $100 deposit. The Credit Builder Account is now optional – though you can still use it if you prefer to save up your deposit over time. Skipping the loan makes the process faster, but using it can help you build credit mix if you choose.
Is there an annual fee for the Self Visa credit card?
Yes. The card has a $25 annual fee. Essentially, you pay nothing in the first year, and $25 each year after. While $25/year is modest, keep in mind some competing cards have no annual fee at all. Consider whether the fee is worth it for you, especially after your first year when you might qualify for no-fee cards.
Does the Self Visa card offer rewards or cash back?
No, the secured Self Visa card does not offer any rewards. There are no cash back, points, or miles for your spending – its sole purpose is to help you build credit. This is a trade-off made to keep the card accessible. As one reviewer noted, absence of rewards is a downside, but not unusual for credit-builder cards. If earning rewards is important to you, you might switch to a rewards card once your credit improves.
Will using the Self Visa card improve my credit score?
Yes, if you use it responsibly. The Self Visa card reports to all 3 major credit bureaus. So, by making on-time payments each month and keeping your balance low, you should build positive credit history. Over time, this can lead to a higher credit score. Many Self customers have seen their scores rise after using the Credit Builder Account and card in tandem. Just remember, missed payments or high balances can hurt your score – so use the card wisely for it to help you.
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.
.webp)
