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Rates & Fees

Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card with Cashback

No minimum deposit required: Unlike most secured cards, Firstcard allows users to start with any deposit amount

The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card is an excellent card for students and credit beginners. Unlike traditional secured cards that lock your money away in a "dead" account, Firstcard pays you interest (APY) on your security deposit, effectively turning your credit limit into a high-yield savings account. With no credit check, no annual fee, and the ability to accept applicants without an SSN, it is arguably the best starter card for college students and international residents.

At a Glance

  • Rewards Rate: Up to 15% Cashback at partner merchants; 1% Cashback on all other eligible purchases (features may vary by tier)
  • Annual Fee:
  • Interest on Deposit: Yes (Your security deposit earns interest, unlike most secured cards)
  • Credit Check: None (No hard pull)
  • Minimum Deposit: $0 to open account; spending limit equals funds deposited
  • APR: N/A (If you use "Autopay" settings correctly to pay in full; otherwise standard rates apply)
  • Reporting: Reports to major credit bureaus (TransUnion®, Equifax®, Experian®)

Overview

Firstcard is a secured credit card designed specifically for Gen Z, students, and credit builders. It flips the script on the traditional secured card model. Instead of punishing you for having no credit, it rewards you for saving money. By keeping your security deposit in an interest-bearing account, Firstcard ensures that your money is working for you even while it sits as collateral.

Rewards & Benefits

  • Cashback at Partners: Firstcard has a network of partners (often places popular with students like Domino's, Uber Eats, etc.) where you can earn anywhere from 2% to 15% cashback.
  • Interest on Deposit: This is the standout feature. While rates change (check current APY), earning any interest on a security deposit is rare. It incentivizes you to keep a higher credit limit because that money acts like a savings account.
  • Credit Building: Firstcard reports your payment history to all three major credit bureaus. Because your limit is secured by your own cash, it is very difficult to miss payments if you enable autopay, protecting your score.

Fees & Requirements

  • Annual Fee:
  • Credit Score: No Credit Check. Bad credit or no credit is fine.
  • SSN Requirements: U.S. SSN is preferred but not required for international students (passport/visa info may be used).
  • Deposit: You can start small. There is no massive minimum like the $200 required by Discover, though you need some funds to transact.

Borrower Experience

  • The App: The experience is mobile-first. You manage your deposit, view cashback offers, and track your credit score entirely through the app.
  • "Credit Builder Mode": This feature ensures you pay off your balance automatically from your deposited funds, preventing late fees and interest charges.

Who It’s Best For

  • College Students: The partnerships with student-friendly brands and the ability to build credit safely make this the ultimate campus card.
  • International Students: If you just arrived in the U.S. and don't have an SSN yet, this is one of the few ways to start building a U.S. credit file immediately.
  • Saver-Spenders: If you have $1,000 sitting in a low-interest checking account, moving it to Firstcard allows you to build credit and earn higher interest simultaneously.

Who Should Skip It

  • Those With Good Credit: If you already have a 700+ score, get an unsecured card like the Chase Freedom Rise or Capital One SavorOne Student. There is no need to tie up your cash in a deposit.
  • Big Spenders: If you need a $5,000 limit but only have $500 in cash, this card won't work for you. You are strictly limited by your own funds.

Compare

Bottom Line Verdict

The Firstcard® Secured Credit Builder Card is a top-tier choice for students and international residents. Its unique ability to pay interest on your security deposit solves the biggest pain point of secured cards (dead money). While it may not offer a clear "graduation" path to an unsecured card, the APY and cashback make it a smarter place to park your money while building your score.

Pros

  • No minimum deposit required: Unlike most secured cards, Firstcard allows users to start with any deposit amount

  • 0% APR on purchases: This feature is extremely rare for secured cards and can significantly reduce the cost of carrying a balance

  • Cash back rewards up to 15%: The high cash back percentage at partner merchants is unusually generous for a secured card

Cons

  • Limited acceptance: As a newer, less established card, it may not be as widely accepted as cards from major issuers

  • Tiered benefits system: The varying levels of benefits tied to different subscription tiers may be confusing for new credit users

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