Self Visa® Secured Credit Card Review (2026)
What is the Self Visa® Secured Credit Card?
A two-step credit-builder pathway. You open a Self Credit Builder Account first — that's the installment tradeline — then access a secured Visa funded by the savings you've already built. The result: both credit-mix tradelines reporting at the same time without taking on real debt.
Written by FairScoreGuide Editorial — Editorial Desk · Last updated
Issuer: Lead Bank · credit cards · Editorial score: 8/10
Overview
A two-step credit-builder pathway. You open a Self Credit Builder Account first — that's the installment tradeline — then access a secured Visa funded by the savings you've already built. The result: both credit-mix tradelines reporting at the same time without taking on real debt.
At a glance
- Editor rating
- 8.0/10Editor’s rating 8 out of 10
- Annual fee
- $0 first year, then $25/year
- APR range
- ~27.49% variable
- Typical credit
- No score requirement; thin-file friendly
Best for
- Builders who want to combine forced savings with credit-building
- Users without $200 to put down for a traditional secured card
Features
- $100 minimum deposit — the lowest among major issuers
- No hard credit pull at the card stage (issuer reports ~99% approval)
- Pairs with the Self Credit Builder Account so you build savings AND a card history
- Reports both the installment loan and the card to all three bureaus
- Available without a Chime-style banking switch
Fees
| Annual fee | $0 year one, then $25/yr |
|---|---|
| Minimum security deposit | $100 |
| Builder Account monthly | $25–$150 depending on plan |
| Late payment fee | Up to 5% of payment |
Pros
- Adds both installment and revolving history in one workflow
- $100 minimum deposit beats virtually every major issuer
- No hard inquiry to access the card after the Builder Account is established
- Clean fit for people without an existing deposit base
Cons
- Requires a Self Credit Builder Account first — not instant
- Plan fees raise total cost of ownership in year one
- $25 annual fee returns after year one
Alternatives
Offer availability and terms can change. Confirm current APR, fees, and eligibility requirements on the issuer page before submitting an application.
Common questions
Is this review independent?
Yes. Ratings reflect editorial criteria described in our review methodology. We may earn a commission when you apply through partner links.
Will applying affect my credit?
Credit card applications typically involve a hard inquiry. Check for prequalification options on the issuer site when available.
How often is this page updated?
We refresh key facts when issuer disclosures change. See the published date signals on this page and our data sourcing notes for methodology.