The OpenSky Secured Credit Card from Capital Bank is a unique option for those looking to build or repair their credit.Unlike many other credit cards, it doesn’t require a credit check, making it accessible even to those with poor or no credit history.This card offers features designed to improve your credit score while keeping costs low.
Key Takeaways
- The OpenSky Secured Credit Card does not require a credit check, making it accessible to more people.
- You can set your own credit limit based on a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $3,000.
- The card reports your activity to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build your credit history.
- There is a $35 annual fee and a variable APR of 25.64%, but no introductory APR offers.
- You can earn up to 10% cash back on purchases at over 40,000 retailers, making everyday spending more rewarding.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the OpenSky Secured Credit Card
- No Credit Check: A Game Changer
- Building Credit with OpenSky
- Flexible Credit Limits and Security Deposits
- Fees and Rates: What to Expect
- Rewards and Benefits
- Application Process
- Using Your OpenSky Card
- Pros and Cons of the OpenSky Secured Credit Card
- Real User Experiences
Understanding the OpenSky Secured Credit Card
What is a Secured Credit Card?
A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a refundable security deposit.
This deposit acts as collateral and typically determines your credit limit.
It’s a great option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit.
How OpenSky Differs from Other Secured Cards
The OpenSky Secured Credit Card stands out because it doesn’t require a credit check to apply.
This makes it accessible to people with bad or no credit.
Additionally, OpenSky offers a flexible credit limit based on your deposit, ranging from $200 to $3,000.
Who Can Benefit from the OpenSky Card?
This card is ideal for anyone looking to improve their credit score.
Whether you have a poor credit history or no credit at all, the OpenSky card can help you build a positive credit profile.
It’s especially useful for those who might not qualify for other credit cards due to their credit history.
No Credit Check: A Game Changer
Why No Credit Check Matters
The OpenSky Secured Credit Card stands out because it doesn’t require a credit check.
This is a big deal for people with poor or no credit history.
Many credit cards need a credit check, which can be a barrier.
With OpenSky, you can get approved without this hurdle, making it easier to start building or rebuilding your credit.
How OpenSky Approves Applications
OpenSky has a simple approval process.
They don’t look at your credit score. Instead, they focus on your ability to pay the security deposit.
This means even if you have a bad credit history, you can still get approved.
The key requirement is that you can pay the refundable security deposit, which sets your credit limit.
Impact on Your Credit Score
Using the OpenSky card responsibly can help improve your credit score.
Since OpenSky reports to all three major credit bureaus, good behaviors like making on-time payments will be noted.
Over time, this can lead to a better credit score, opening up more financial opportunities for you.
Building Credit with OpenSky
Reporting to Major Credit Bureaus
One of the key features of the OpenSky Secured Credit Card is that it reports to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
This means that your on-time payments and responsible use of the card will be reflected in your credit reports, helping you build your credit over time.
Just remember, it’s crucial to avoid late payments as they can significantly lower your credit score.
Tips for Using Your Card Responsibly
To make the most out of your OpenSky Secured Credit Card, follow these simple tips:
- Keep your spending below 30% of your credit limit. This helps improve your credit utilization ratio, which is a key factor in your credit score.
- Always make your payments on time. Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help you stay on track.
- Start with a low deposit if you’re new to credit cards. You can always increase it later as you become more comfortable managing your credit.
Monitoring Your Credit Progress
Regularly checking your credit score and reports is essential to track your progress.
Many credit monitoring services offer free access to your credit score and report.
By keeping an eye on your credit, you can see how your responsible use of the OpenSky card is paying off.
The OpenSky Secured Credit Card is good for building credit because it reports to the three major credit bureaus each month, which will help you build your credit over time.
Flexible Credit Limits and Security Deposits
Setting Your Credit Limit
With the OpenSky Secured Credit Card, you have the flexibility to set your own credit limit.
The initial credit limit can range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the amount you deposit.
This is quite high for a secured card and can help you keep your credit utilization low, which is important for building your credit score.
Refundable Security Deposit Explained
To open an account, you need to make a refundable security deposit. This deposit determines your credit limit.
For example, if you deposit $500, your credit limit will be $500.
The deposit is refundable, meaning you get it back when you close your account, provided your balance is paid in full.
Credit Line Increases
You can request a credit limit increase even after opening your account.
To do this, you’ll need to add more money to your security deposit.
This feature is helpful if you don’t have a lot of cash to set aside initially but want to increase your credit limit later.
A higher credit limit can make it easier to keep your credit utilization ratio low, which is beneficial for your credit score.
Fees and Rates: What to Expect
Annual Fee and APR
The OpenSky Secured Credit Card comes with a low annual fee of $35. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit.
The regular purchase APR is 29.99% (variable), which is higher than some other cards but typical for secured credit cards.
Other Potential Fees
In addition to the annual fee, there are a few other fees to be aware of:
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $38
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $25
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $6 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Comparing Costs with Other Cards
When comparing the OpenSky Secured Credit Card to other secured cards, it’s important to consider both the fees and the benefits.
While some cards may offer lower APRs or no annual fees, they might require a credit check or have higher security deposit requirements.
The OpenSky card’s no credit check policy and flexible security deposit options make it a competitive choice for many users.
Here’s a quick comparison of the OpenSky Secured Credit Card with other popular secured cards:
Card | Annual Fee | Regular APR | Credit Check Required |
---|---|---|---|
OpenSky Secured Visa | $35 | 29.99% (variable) | No |
Discover it Secured | $0 | 22.99% (variable) | Yes |
Capital One Secured | $0 | 26.99% (variable) | Yes |
While the OpenSky card has a higher APR, its low annual fee and no credit check requirement make it a strong contender for those looking to build credit without the hassle of a credit inquiry.
Rewards and Benefits
Earning Cash Back
With the OpenSky Secured Credit Card, cardholders can earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases from participating retailers.
This can be a great way to get some money back on things you buy regularly.
However, it’s important to note that the cash back percentage can vary depending on the retailer.
Additional Card Benefits
The OpenSky card offers several other perks beyond cash back. These include:
- No credit check required for approval, making it accessible to those with poor or no credit history.
- Reporting to all three major credit bureaus, which helps in building or rebuilding your credit score.
- Flexible credit limits based on your refundable security deposit.
Maximizing Your Rewards
To get the most out of your OpenSky Secured Credit Card, consider these tips:
- Use your card for everyday purchases to maximize your cash back rewards.
- Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and keep your credit utilization low.
- Monitor your spending through the online portal or mobile app to stay on top of your finances.
By following these steps, you can make the most of the rewards and benefits offered by the OpenSky Secured Credit Card.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
Applying for the OpenSky Secured Credit Card is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
- Visit the OpenSky website and navigate to the application page.
- Fill out the application form with your personal details, including your name, address, and Social Security number.
- Provide your financial information, such as your employment status and annual income.
- Submit the application and wait for a response.
Required Information
To complete your application, you will need the following information:
- Personal details: Full name, address, and contact information.
- Social Security number: This is necessary to verify your identity.
- Financial details: Employment status, annual income, and monthly housing payment.
Approval Timeline
Once you submit your application, the approval process typically takes a few business days. You will receive an email notification with the outcome.
If approved, you will need to provide a refundable security deposit to activate your card. The amount of this deposit will determine your credit limit.
Remember, the OpenSky Secured Credit Card does not require a credit check, making it an accessible option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit.
Using Your OpenSky Card
Making Purchases
The OpenSky Secured Credit Card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. This includes most gas stations, grocery stores, and online retailers.
It’s a convenient way to make everyday purchases while building your credit.
Remember, keeping your focus on building your credit will remind you to only use the card for small purchases and pay it off each billing cycle.
Managing Payments
Paying your bill on time is crucial.
Setting up automatic payments can help ensure you never miss a due date.
You can choose to pay the full balance or at least the minimum amount due.
Paying in full helps you avoid interest charges and shows responsible card management. Pay on time, every time to boost your credit score.
Using Mobile Wallets
For added convenience, you can link your OpenSky card to mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
This allows you to make secure, contactless payments with your smartphone.
It’s a great way to manage your spending and keep track of your transactions in real-time.
Pros and Cons of the OpenSky Secured Credit Card
Advantages of OpenSky
- No Credit Check: One of the biggest perks is that OpenSky does not require a credit check, making it accessible for those with poor or no credit history.
- Credit Building: OpenSky reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping users build or rebuild their credit scores.
- Flexible Credit Limits: You can deposit up to $3,000 for a matching credit limit, which is higher than many other secured cards.
- Low APR: The card offers a relatively low APR of 25.64%, which is lower than some other popular secured cards.
- Standard Visa Benefits: Enjoy $0 fraud liability, 24/7 roadside dispatch, and 24-hour card replacement services.
Drawbacks to Consider
- Annual Fee: The card has a $35 annual fee, which is higher than some other secured cards like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card that has no annual fee.
- Other Fees: There are additional fees such as a 3% foreign transaction fee, a $6 or 5% cash advance fee, and late or returned payment fees up to $40.
- No Rewards Program: Unlike some other secured cards, OpenSky does not offer a rewards program or a welcome bonus.
- No Automatic Credit Line Increases: You need to request any credit increase, and it may cost $25 after the first year.
Is It the Right Card for You?
The OpenSky Secured Credit Card is a solid choice for those looking to build or rebuild their credit without undergoing a credit check.
However, the annual fee and lack of rewards may be a drawback for some.
If you can manage the fees and are primarily focused on improving your credit score, this card could be a good fit.
Otherwise, you might want to explore other options that offer more perks and lower fees.
Real User Experiences
Success Stories
Many users have shared their positive experiences with the OpenSky Secured Credit Card.
For instance, one cardholder mentioned, “Really helped me to get my credit back on track.” Another user highlighted how the card “brought my credit score up really quickly” by making small purchases like fast food.
These stories show how the card can be a powerful tool for improving credit.
Common Challenges
While many users have had success, some have faced challenges.
One cardholder noted, “I haven’t earned any extra benefits or points to use,” indicating that the rewards program might not meet everyone’s expectations.
Another user mentioned, “Even though it’s secured which I didn’t really like at first, it’s greatly improved my credit score,” showing that initial hesitations can be overcome with positive results.
Tips from Cardholders
Here are some tips from current cardholders to make the most of your OpenSky Secured Credit Card:
- Start with small purchases: This helps in managing payments and building credit gradually.
- Monitor your credit score regularly: Keeping an eye on your credit score can help you track your progress.
- Use the online portal or mobile app: Many users find the app helpful for managing their accounts.
Overall, the OpenSky Secured Credit Card has received a mix of reviews, but many find it beneficial for building or rebuilding credit.