What is the function of a secured credit card?

A secured credit card functions by providing credit that is backed by a savings account, which serves as collateral for the credit limit. When a cardholder applies for a secured credit card, they typically deposit a certain amount of money into a designated savings account. This deposit acts as a security for the credit line; for example, if someone deposits $500, they might have a credit limit of up to $500.

This arrangement makes secured credit cards a useful tool for individuals who are looking to build or rebuild their credit history, especially those who may have a limited credit history or a low credit score. By using the card responsibly—making timely payments and keeping the balance low—the cardholder can demonstrate creditworthiness, which can lead to an improved credit score over time.

In contrast, the other choices don’t accurately reflect the primary function of secured credit cards. The notion of improving a credit score without making payments is misleading since timely payments are critical for building credit. High credit limits are generally associated with unsecured credit cards. While finance charges can be minimized through responsible use of credit, they cannot be entirely removed simply by using a secured card.