Editorial confidence (30%), cost (25%), value (25%), accessibility (20%) — scored consistently across every product, independent of compensation.
At a glance
Deposit minimum: $200 (Refundable; becomes your credit limit (per Discover, Jun 2026))
APR: Variable ~28%+ (Carry no balance — verify at discover.com)
Annual fee: $0 (No annual fee (per Discover, Jun 2026))
Graduation: 7+ months (Automatic review starting at month 7 (per Discover, Jun 2026))
Who Discover it® Secured is best for
Credit builders who want cash-back rewards and a clear, automatic path to an unsecured card starting at month 7.
Pros
Automatic graduation review begins at month 7 — no need to call or request
2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000/quarter combined), 1% on everything else (per Discover, Jun 2026)
Discover Cashback Match™ doubles all cash back earned in your first year
No annual fee; full deposit translates to usable credit limit
Reports to all three major credit bureaus (per Discover, Jun 2026)
Cons
Minimum $200 deposit required — not accessible for zero-deposit applicants
Variable APR ~28%+ is high; card only works if you pay in full monthly
Discover network acceptance is narrower than Visa/Mastercard internationally
Discover it® Secured requirements
Minimum deposit: $200 refundable security deposit (per Discover, Jun 2026)
Recommended profile: Thin-file or rebuilding applicants — no stated minimum FICO score
Residency: U.S. residents 18+
US residents 18+
Designed for thin-file or rebuilding applicants
Discover it® Secured rates & fees
Discover it® Secured has no annual fee and a variable APR of approximately 28%+ on purchases. A $200 minimum refundable security deposit is required; that deposit becomes your credit limit.
Discover it® Secured — Automatic graduation reviews + 2% cash back — the top no-fee secured card. Best for: Credit builders who want cash-back rewards and a clear, automatic path to an unsecured card starting at month 7.. Compare it against alternatives before applying; the right fit depends on your situation, credit, and goals.
Questions about Discover it® Secured
When does Discover it Secured review for graduation?
Discover conducts automatic graduation reviews starting at month 7 of account opening, per Discover official terms (verified June 3, 2026, at discover.com). If you qualify, Discover upgrades you to an unsecured Discover it card and returns your security deposit. The account history converts — your account age is preserved, which benefits your credit score.
What cash-back rewards does Discover it Secured earn?
Per Discover official terms (verified June 3, 2026): 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1%; and 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases. In your first year, Discover Cashback Match doubles all cash back earned — effectively 4% and 2% in year one. Verify current terms and category caps at discover.com before applying.
Is ClearValue Lending a bank or card issuer?
No. ClearValue Lending is not a bank, card issuer, lender, or financial advisor. Discover it® Secured is issued and operated by Discover Bank. APRs, deposit requirements, annual fees, rewards rates, and terms are determined solely by Discover Bank and may change — verify current terms at discover.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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