Editorial confidence (30%), cost (25%), value (25%), accessibility (20%) — scored consistently across every product, independent of compensation.
At a glance
Deposit minimum: $49–$200 ($49 or $99 for $200 limit for qualifying applicants (per Capital One, Jun 2026))
APR: Variable ~29.99% (Carry no balance — verify at capitalone.com)
Annual fee: $0 (No annual fee (per Capital One, Jun 2026))
Graduation: 6+ months (Automatic review after 6 months of on-time payments (per Capital One, Jun 2026))
Who Capital One Platinum Secured is best for
Applicants who need to minimize upfront cash tied up in a deposit while building credit.
Pros
Qualifying applicants: $49 or $99 deposit for a $200 credit limit — lowest deposit-to-limit ratio on this list
Automatic credit line review after 6 months of on-time payments (per Capital One, Jun 2026)
No annual fee
CreditWise free score monitoring — no hard pull required
Reports to all three major credit bureaus
Cons
No rewards on purchases (unlike Discover it Secured)
Variable APR ~29.99% — highest on this list; carry no balance
Low initial credit limit ($200) until graduation review
Capital One Platinum Secured requirements
Minimum deposit: $49 or $99 for qualifying applicants; $200 standard minimum (per Capital One, Jun 2026)
Recommended profile: Limited or damaged credit — no stated minimum FICO score
Residency: U.S. residents 18+
US residents 18+
Designed for limited or damaged credit
Capital One Platinum Secured rates & fees
Capital One Platinum Secured has no annual fee and a variable APR of approximately 29.99%. Qualifying applicants may open with a $49 or $99 deposit for a $200 credit limit; the standard minimum deposit is $200.
Capital One Platinum Secured — Qualifying applicants can get a $200 credit limit with only a $49 deposit. Best for: Applicants who need to minimize upfront cash tied up in a deposit while building credit.. Compare it against alternatives before applying; the right fit depends on your situation, credit, and goals.
Questions about Capital One Platinum Secured
How does Capital One's $49 deposit work for the Platinum Secured?
Per Capital One official terms (verified June 3, 2026, at capitalone.com): qualifying applicants may receive a $200 credit limit with a $49 or $99 security deposit. The lower deposit tiers are not guaranteed — they depend on your creditworthiness assessment at the time of application. If you don't qualify for a reduced deposit, the standard $200 minimum applies. Verify current deposit terms at capitalone.com before applying.
When does Capital One review the Platinum Secured for graduation?
Per Capital One (verified June 3, 2026): Capital One automatically considers you for a higher credit line after 6 months of on-time payments. If you graduate, the secured account converts to an unsecured product, your deposit is returned, and your account age is preserved on your credit file. You can also request a graduation review earlier by contacting Capital One directly.
Is ClearValue Lending a bank or card issuer?
No. ClearValue Lending is not a bank, card issuer, lender, or financial advisor. Capital One Platinum Secured is issued and operated by Capital One, N.A. APRs, deposit requirements, annual fees, and terms are determined solely by Capital One and may change — verify current terms at capitalone.com before applying.
How we rate
Every pick gets a 1–5 ClearValue Rating computed from four weighted factors: Editorial confidence (30%), Cost (25%), Value (25%), and Accessibility (20%).
Scored consistently across every product and independent of any compensation. Full methodology →
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