Self Visa Secured – How to Apply

By Fábio Soares • 06/21/2025

Want to build credit and develop strong financial habits? The Self Visa Secured Credit Card is a smart pick.

This card takes a unique approach by connecting your credit usage to a savings-based installment loan, giving you the opportunity to build credit while setting aside money.

How does the Self Visa Secured Credit Card work?

The Self Visa Secured operates in tandem with the Self Credit Builder Account, which is a type of installment loan held in a certificate of deposit (CD). 

Instead of making a deposit upfront like most secured cards, you gradually fund your security deposit through small monthly payments into this account.

After you’ve made at least three on-time payments, saved at least $100, and your account remains in good standing, you become eligible to apply for the secured credit card. 

Your available credit limit will match the amount of your savings that you choose to allocate as your deposit.

This structure makes the Self Visa a great option for individuals who want to improve their credit without needing a large upfront sum. It’s especially useful for people with no credit history or those recovering from past financial challenges.

Main benefits of the Self Visa Secured

The most noteworthy benefit of this card is that it allows users to establish credit while simultaneously saving money. 

Each monthly payment you make toward your Credit Builder Account is reported to all three major credit bureaus, helping strengthen your credit profile.

Another advantage is that there’s no credit inquiry involved when applying for the card. 

Since there’s no hard pull on your credit, your score won’t be affected by the application process, making it more accessible for those with limited or damaged credit histories.

The card also includes basic safety features from Visa, such as zero liability for unauthorized purchases and access to global merchant acceptance. 

Whether shopping in person or online, you can rely on the card to function anywhere Visa is accepted.

This setup can be especially helpful for young adults or those new to credit, as it encourages disciplined financial behavior through consistent monthly payments and structured savings.

Cons of the Self Visa Secured

Despite its strengths, the Self Visa Secured isn’t without limitations. One of the biggest drawbacks is that you can’t access the card immediately—you need to build eligibility through your Credit Builder Account first, which takes at least three months.

Additionally, there is an annual fee of $25, which reduces your initial credit line. While this is not excessive, it’s still an extra cost to consider, especially for users on a tight budget.

The card does not include cashback, rewards points, or travel perks, so if you’re seeking a card with benefits beyond credit building, this may not meet your expectations. Its purpose is strictly to help you improve your credit history.

Also, since the credit limit is tied to your savings, it may be relatively low. This can lead to a high credit utilization ratio if not managed carefully, which could temporarily affect your credit score.

APR and Fees

The Self Visa Secured features a variable APR of 26.24% on purchases, which is typical for credit-building cards but high compared to traditional cards. As long as you pay your full balance each month, you can avoid paying interest altogether.

There is a $25 annual fee, and although there are no setup or monthly maintenance fees, missed or returned payments may result in extra charges. You’ll also want to be aware of payment due dates to avoid penalties.

Fortunately, the card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which is a useful feature for those who may make purchases while abroad.

How to apply for the Self Visa Secured Credit Card

To obtain the Self Visa Secured, you first need to create a Self Credit Builder Account. This can be done online in a few minutes by choosing a monthly payment plan that suits your budget—typically between $25 and $150.

Once you’ve made three or more consecutive monthly payments, built up a minimum balance of $100, and kept your account in good status, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the card. 

There’s no credit check involved, making the process more inclusive for a wide range of applicants.

When approved, you can choose how much of your savings to set aside as your security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. 

After receiving your card by mail, you can activate it and begin using it to make purchases and continue building your credit.