What the Hue Credit Card Is
The Hue Credit Card is a secured credit card issued by Stride Bank, designed for people rebuilding credit or starting from scratch. You put down a cash deposit, and that deposit becomes your credit limit — typically between $200 and $2,500. The card reports to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments build your credit history.
Unlike a debit card, a secured card is a real credit product. You borrow money, make payments, and the issuer reports your behavior to credit bureaus. The deposit stays in a separate account and is not touched unless you stop paying or close the account.
Hue charges an annual fee of $99, which is higher than many competitors in this category. There is no sign-up bonus, no cash back, and no rewards program. The card is straightforward: deposit money, use it responsibly, and watch your credit score move over time.
Key Takeaways
- Your cash deposit becomes your credit limit, and Hue reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus each month.
- The $99 annual fee is charged upfront and is one of the highest among secured cards, so compare other options before committing.
- Interest rates on Hue are typically in the 18% to 24% range, meaning carrying a balance costs significantly more than paying in full each month.
- After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, you may be able to convert to an unsecured card and recover your deposit.
- Hue does not offer a grace period on purchases, so interest accrues when ready if you carry a balance.
How to Get the Hue Card and What It Costs
You can explore for Hue online through Stride Bank's website. The process asks for basic personal information, income, and employment details. There is no hard credit pull listed in most accounts, though Stride may use alternative data or a soft inquiry to verify identity.
Once approved, you choose your deposit amount and fund it via bank transfer or check. Stride typically processes the deposit within one to three business days. Your credit limit matches your deposit dollar-for-dollar.
The costs are straightforward: a $99 annual fee (charged in the first month and every 12 months after), plus interest on any balance you carry. There are no late fees, over-limit fees, or foreign transaction fees listed in standard terms, but confirm current terms directly with Stride before explore.
Credit Reporting and How It Affects Your Score
Hue reports your account status, payment history, and credit utilization to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means every on-time payment and every missed payment becomes part of your credit file.
Payment history is the largest factor in credit scores (about 35%), so consistent on-time payments are the main reason to use this card. Credit utilization — the percentage of your limit you actually use — makes up about 30% of your score. Using less than 30% of your $500 limit (for example, charging $150 and paying it off) helps more than maxing out the card.
The deposit itself does not directly help your score, but the account activity does. After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, many cardholders see their scores improve by 50 to 100 points, though results vary based on your full credit history.
When to Convert to an Unsecured Card
Stride may offer to convert your Hue account to a standard unsecured card after you demonstrate responsible use. This typically happens after 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, though timing varies by account.
When conversion happens, your deposit is returned to you, and you keep the card with a new credit limit set by Stride (often higher than your original deposit). You no longer need to maintain the deposit, and the $99 annual fee may change depending on the new card's terms.
You do not have to wait for an offer — you can contact Stride directly and ask whether your account is may be able to access. Having a higher credit score at the time of your request improves your chances of approval and a higher limit.
How Hue Compares to Other Secured Cards
The $99 annual fee is a significant drawback. Many competitors charge $0 to $49 annually. Cards like the Capital One Secured MasterCard ($39 annual fee) and the Discover it Secured Credit Card ($0 annual fee) offer lower costs with similar credit-building features.
Interest rates across secured cards are generally similar — most fall between 18% and 24%. Hue's rates are not an outlier, but they are not a reason to choose it over competitors.
Hue's main advantage is that it may be easier to get approved if your credit is very poor or if you have no credit history at all. Stride's approval standards appear more lenient than some competitors, though this varies month to month.
| Card | Annual Fee | Minimum Deposit | Typical APR | Credit Bureau Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hue Credit Card | $99 | $200 | 18%–24% | All three bureaus |
| Capital One Secured MasterCard | $39 | $200 | 18%–24% | All three bureaus |
| Discover it Secured Credit Card | $0 | $200 | 18%–24% | All three bureaus |
Using Hue Responsibly to Build Credit
The goal of a secured card is to prove you can handle credit, not to carry a balance and pay interest. Pay your full statement balance every month if you can. This costs you nothing in interest and shows lenders you manage credit well.
If you must carry a balance, keep it well below 30% of your limit. Charge small amounts and pay them down quickly. A $150 balance on a $500 limit is better than a $400 balance on the same limit.
Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum due, so you never miss a important date. Missing even one payment can erase months of progress and trigger a higher interest rate.
Do not close the account once you convert to an unsecured card or move to a different card. Keeping old accounts open helps your credit history length, which factors into your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my deposit back before converting to an unsecured card?
No. Your deposit must stay in the account as long as the card is secured. You recover it only when Stride converts your account to unsecured or when you close the account. If you close early, Stride returns your deposit but you lose the credit-building opportunity.
What happens if I miss a payment on Hue?
A missed payment is reported to all three credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Stride may also increase your interest rate. Pay as soon as you realize you missed a due date — even a late payment is better than no payment at all.
Does Hue offer a grace period on new purchases?
No. Hue does not offer a grace period, meaning interest starts accruing when ready on new purchases. This is unusual and makes it even more important to pay your balance in full each month.
How long does it take to build credit with Hue?
Most people see meaningful credit score improvement after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments. The exact timeline depends on your starting score, other accounts on your report, and how much of your limit you use. Consistent, responsible use is more important than speed.
Can I increase my credit limit without adding more money?
Possibly. After several months of on-time payments, Stride may increase your limit without requiring an additional deposit. Contact Stride directly to ask. Some cardholders report increases after 6 to 12 months, though approval is not may provide.