OpenSky® Secured Visa® Review: A Practical Path to Building Credit in the U.S.

ByThiago SF

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® is designed for U.S. consumers who want a simple and accessible way to build or rebuild their credit history.

Unlike many secured credit cards, this option does not require a credit check, making it ideal for beginners, individuals with limited credit, or those recovering from past financial challenges.

This card is not built for cashback, travel rewards, or premium benefits. Instead, its purpose is clear: help cardholders establish responsible payment behavior and strengthen their credit profile.

Because of its straightforward structure and low entry barriers, it appeals to students, young adults, recent immigrants, and anyone who needs a second chance at credit.

Main Benefits and Rewards

Rewards Structure

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® does not offer cashback, miles, or points. It focuses on credit building rather than rewards.

While some may consider this a drawback, it keeps the card simple and encourages users to prioritize timely payments and low balances—key factors in boosting credit scores.

Welcome Bonus Details

There is no welcome bonus, as the card’s main value comes from accessibility and its ability to report to all three major U.S. credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Additional Benefits

Even without a rewards program, the card offers several useful features:

  • Monthly credit reporting to all major bureaus
  • No credit check required for approval
  • Flexible security deposit options
  • Visa benefits such as fraud protection
  • A path to upgrade or graduate to unsecured credit later

Although it does not include travel insurance, extended warranty, or lounge access, its main competitive advantage is accessibility.

Many U.S. secured cards still require a hard inquiry, but the OpenSky® Secured Visa® removes that barrier.

What Makes This Card Competitive

The card’s standout feature is approval without a credit check, which is rare in the U.S. market. Additionally, the deposit range starting at just $200 makes it affordable and beginner-friendly.

Annual Fee and Overall Costs

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® charges a $35 annual fee. The fee is not waived in the first year.

This cost can be worth it in several scenarios:

  • You cannot qualify for a secured card that requires a credit check
  • You want a reliable card that reports to all three bureaus
  • You need a stable, long-term tool to rebuild financial history

Other potential costs include:

  • Returned payment fees
  • Late payment fees
  • Security deposit requirement (refundable upon closing the account or upgrading)

Overall, the card’s annual fee is modest compared with other options requiring credit checks or higher minimum deposits.

Rates and Fees

  • Regular APR: Around 25–30% variable APR (varies by issuer updates)
  • Penalty APR: May apply after late payments
  • Balance Transfer Fee: Generally not offered, as this is a credit-building card
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: Typically 3%
  • Interest Charges: Apply when you carry a balance; paying in full avoids interest

Although it is a Visa card and works internationally, the foreign transaction fee and high APR make it less ideal for international use. It performs best as a domestic, credit-building tool.

Approval Requirements

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® is known for being one of the easiest cards to obtain in the U.S.

Typical requirements include:

  • No minimum credit score
  • A valid U.S. bank account or debit card to fund the deposit
  • Basic personal and financial information
  • Ability to pay the security deposit

Approval difficulty is very low, because there is no credit pull, making it accessible to applicants with poor or nonexistent credit histories.

Pros and Cons of the OpenSky® Secured Visa®

Pros

  • No credit check required
  • Reports to all three major credit bureaus
  • Low minimum deposit starting at $200
  • Simple and beginner-friendly
  • Helps build credit with responsible use

Cons

  • $35 annual fee
  • No cashback or rewards
  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fees apply
  • No upgrade path guaranteed

Who Should Apply for the OpenSky® Secured Visa®?

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® is ideal for:

  • Consumers with no credit history
  • Individuals with poor credit who need a fresh start
  • Students or young adults beginning their financial journey
  • People denied by traditional secured cards
  • Anyone needing a simple card for small monthly charges to build credit

It fits well into lifestyles focused on budgeting, responsible credit habits, and long-term financial recovery.

Competitor Comparison

OpenSky® Secured Visa® vs. Capital One Platinum Secured

  • Capital One often requires a credit check, while OpenSky® does not.
  • Capital One may offer a lower deposit depending on credit.
    Choose OpenSky® if you want guaranteed approval without a credit inquiry.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® vs. Discover it® Secured

  • Discover offers cashback rewards; OpenSky® does not.
  • Discover requires a credit check; OpenSky® does not.
    Choose OpenSky® if approval odds are your top priority.

Final Thoughts on the OpenSky® Secured Visa®

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® is one of the most accessible credit-building tools in the U.S. market.

It offers a stress-free approval process and reports to all major credit bureaus, giving users a reliable path to improving their credit over time.

If your primary goal is building or repairing credit, this card is worth considering. Consumers seeking rewards or travel perks, however, may prefer other secured options.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with banks, card issuers, or financial institutions.

All fees, rates, and benefit details may change at any time. Always check the official website of the card issuer for the most accurate and updated information before applying.

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