What Is An Unsecured Credit Card?

An unsecured credit card is a credit card that does not require you to put up any type of collateral, such as a deposit, to get approved. Unlike secured credit cards, unsecured cards aren’t connected to a cash security deposit. Instead, the issuer determines your credit limit upon opening the account.

Most of the credit cards you’ll find on the market are unsecured credit cards. Unsecured cards come in many forms — from travel rewards cards to cash back cards and balance transfer cards.

Here’s a closer look at how an unsecured credit card works, some pros and cons of using an unsecured card and how you can qualify to get one yourself.

What is an unsecured credit card?

There are two main types of credit cards: secured and unsecured. A credit card that provides you with a credit limit and does not require collateral for approval is called an unsecured credit card. Cards that require collateral for approval, which typically come in the form of a security deposit, are known as secured credit cards. Most credit cards on the market are unsecured credit cards.

When you apply and are approved for an unsecured credit card, you’ll be extended a line of credit. The card issuer uses your application and credit score to determine your eligibility and credit limit. Factors like previous payment history and income can indicate to the issuer whether you’ll be able to make appropriate payments on any balances you have on your card.

Because unsecured credit cards aren’t backed by any kind of deposit like secured cards are, they’re more of a risk for the issuer. That’s why issuers consider a number of factors to determine the likelihood you’ll be able to pay off the charges you put on your card before they approve your application.

Pros and cons of unsecured credit cards

Since unsecured credit cards are so popular, it is a pretty sure bet that you will be able to find an unsecured credit card to help you achieve your spending goals. However, there are some very real downsides if you don’t use a credit card responsibly. Here are a few pros and cons of unsecured credit cards:

Who is an unsecured card best for?

When it comes to unsecured cards, there are dozens of options on the market with various benefits and fees to suit any type of spender. Before applying for one, choose a card that best suits your regular spending and financial goals.

Remember, unsecured credit cards typically require applicants to have at least a fair credit score — although most require good to excellent credit. If you have bad credit or no credit history at all, you may have a hard time getting approved for an unsecured credit card and should consider applying for a secured credit card instead. 

Here are a few examples of different types of consumers who should consider unsecured credit cards:

• The budgeter
  

  If you are already conscious of the money you spend each month and your good financial habits have led to a strong credit history, an unsecured credit card can help you maximize your everyday purchases with cash back. Footing the bill for a massive family grocery haul you embark on once or twice a month doesn’t have to be an errand you dread.

  You have the opportunity to earn a fixed percentage on eligible purchases or opt for tiered categories tailored to areas you find yourself spending a lot on each month — such as groceries, dining or even gas.

• The frequent flyer
  

  A travel rewards credit card is a great way for frequent travelers (whether for business trips or personal vacations) to earn miles and points to help offset the cost. Many travel cards come with a hefty annual fee, but those fees can be offset by generous welcome bonuses and luxury perks such as airport lounge access.

  The typical baseline credit score requirement for a travel card is good to excellent (670-850), which could make it difficult to qualify if you fall below 670.

• The business owner
  

  Business credit cards are designed to help companies and entrepreneurs benefit from everyday spending. You do not have to own a storefront to qualify; freelancers can also take advantage of generous rewards programs and expense tracking.

  Business credit cards may offer great rewards rates, no foreign transaction fees, no annual fees and significant welcome bonuses. These rewards and benefits vary from card to card, but much like travel rewards cards, business credit cards typically require a credit score in the good to excellent (670-850) range to qualify.

What credit score do you need to qualify for an unsecured card?

A big difference between secured and unsecured credit cards is the credit score you’ll need for approval. Unsecured card issuers use your credit score to help determine if you are capable of handling credit and payments responsibly, so the stronger your credit score is, the more options you will have.

Most unsecured credit cards require a credit score in the good to excellent range (670-850). This range is where you’ll become eligible for many different kinds of rewards and 0 percent intro APR cards. You can also find some cards that will accept a score in the fair to good range (580-669). 

Once your score dips below 580, however, your options become much more limited — especially if your credit score is below 500. While you may be able to find a few unsecured cards available, you will likely have to pay more fees and won’t get as many rewards options. You may be better off starting with a secured card and upgrading to an unsecured card later.

Alternatives to unsecured credit cards

If your credit score is on the lower end of the scoring range, you’ll have a better chance of getting approved for a secured credit card rather than an unsecured card. These cards require an upfront deposit, which will act as your credit limit. 

You can use your secured card to build credit until your score improves. Making small purchases with a secured credit card and paying your balance in full each month is a great way to establish a reliable payment history and increase your credit score.

There are alternative ways to get access to an unsecured credit card, though. For one, you can become an authorized user on someone else’s account. Authorized users don’t have to meet the same credit score qualifications as primary cardholders because they aren’t responsible for making payments on the credit card account. 

Despite not having any legal responsibility for paying on the credit card they are authorized to use, authorized users can reap the benefits of card activity on their credit scores. You just have to make sure that the card issuer includes authorized users in their reporting. So, as an authorized user, you can have access to a credit card and build up your credit score at the same time. If you choose this route, it’s important to pick a primary cardholder you trust and who practices good credit habits.

The bottom line

Unsecured credit cards provide some of the best rewards and benefits among card options available today. You can use an unsecured card to pay down existing debt, rack up miles toward a future vacation or save a bit of cash on increasingly costly trips to the grocery store. However, they typically require good credit to qualify. 

If you are new to the credit card game and you can’t get an unsecured card yet, it is not the end of the world. A secured credit card can help you build both your credit score and strong credit habits — which can also help you graduate to an unsecured card and maintain a great credit score for years to come.