What is the difference between a secured and an unsecured credit card?

The difference between a secured and a unsecured credit card lies in the way the credit is extended by the lender. A secured credit card requires a customer to provide an amount of money, usually referred to as a security deposit, as a guarantor of payment. This money is held in an account by the credit card company and is available for the customer to use. If the customer does not make payments on the card, the credit card company can take the money from the security deposit. In contrast, an unsecured credit card does not require the customer to provide any money as a security deposit. This is because the card is entirely based on the customer’s creditworthiness, which is determined by their credit history. The credit card company will assess the customer’s ability to make payments and if they pass, the customer will be approved for the card. The main difference between a secured and an unsecured credit card is the level of risk taken on by the credit card company. With an unsecured credit card, the company is taking on more risk as they are not relying on a security deposit to guarantee payment. Therefore, if a customer fails to make payments on an unsecured credit card, the company may have more difficulty collecting what is owed to them.

Related FAQs

What are the benefits of using a credit card?
What is a credit limit?
What is APR?
What is a co-branded credit card?
Can a creditor charge a late fee for a credit card payment?
What are the best ways to build credit?
What is an introductory APR?
What is Credit Card Act of 2009?
Can I use a credit card to pay bills?
What is a zero liability policy for credit card fraud?

Related Blog Posts

The Basics of Credit Card Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
The Pros and Cons of Credit Card Use - August 7, 2023
What Is the CARD Act and How Does It Impact You? - August 14, 2023
5 Tips for Understanding Credit Card Law - August 21, 2023
Understanding the FDCPA and Its Impact on Credit Card Law - August 28, 2023