What the Huntington Bank Secured Credit Card Does
The Huntington Bank Secured Credit Card is a secured card that reports to all three credit bureaus and builds your credit history as you use it. You put down a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit — typically between $500 and $2,500 — and then charge and pay the card like any other credit card. After you demonstrate responsible use over time, Huntington may upgrade you to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
This card is designed for people rebuilding credit or establishing a credit history for the first time. The deposit protects Huntington if you don't pay; it's not a fee. You earn cash back on purchases at a rate that varies depending on the specific offer at the time you open the account.
The card comes with no annual fee, which means you're not paying Huntington to hold your money. You do pay interest on any balance you carry month to month, just like a regular credit card.
Key Takeaways
- Your cash deposit becomes your credit limit, and Huntington holds it as security while you build credit history.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments and low balances directly improve your credit score.
- There is no annual fee, but you will pay interest on any balance you don't pay in full each month.
- After months of responsible use, you may be upgraded to a regular unsecured card and get your deposit back.
- You can open the account online or at a Huntington branch if you have an existing Huntington checking account.
How to Open a Huntington Secured Card Account
You can open the card online through Huntington's website or in person at a branch. If you already have a Huntington checking account, the process is faster because Huntington already has your information on file.
To open the account, you'll need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Huntington will run a credit check. Unlike some secured cards, Huntington does not require you to have an existing relationship with the bank, though having one can speed things up.
Once your account is approved, you'll fund it with your deposit. You can transfer money from a Huntington checking account if you have one, or provide bank details to fund it from another bank. Your credit limit will equal the amount you deposit, so a $1,000 deposit gives you a $1,000 limit.
After your account is open and funded, your physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can begin using the card as soon as it arrives.
What Deposit Amount to Choose
Your deposit becomes your credit limit, so the amount you choose determines how much you can spend. Most people start with $500 to $1,000 because it's enough to build credit history without tying up a large amount of cash for an extended period.
A higher deposit gives you more room to spend and can help you build credit faster if you use a larger portion of your limit responsibly. However, credit scoring rewards keeping your balance low relative to your limit — ideally below 30 percent — so a $500 deposit with a $150 balance looks better to credit bureaus than a $2,500 deposit with a $1,500 balance.
You can increase your deposit later if you want a higher limit. Some cardholders start small, prove they can pay on time, and then add more money to their deposit after a few months.
How to Use the Card and Build Credit
Use the Huntington secured card for small, regular purchases — groceries, gas, a subscription service — and pay the full balance every month. This shows credit bureaus that you can borrow money and repay it reliably. On-time payments are the single largest factor in your credit score.
Keep your balance well below your limit. If your limit is $1,000, try to keep your balance under $300 before your statement closes. Credit bureaus look at your reported balance relative to your limit, and lower ratios improve your score faster.
Set up automatic payments from your checking account to may support you never miss a due date. Even one late payment can damage your credit and delay your path to an unsecured card. Huntington reports to the credit bureaus monthly, so each on-time payment adds to your positive history.
Avoid closing the account or withdrawing your deposit early. The longer the account stays open with a clean payment history, the stronger your credit profile becomes.
When Huntington Upgrades You to an Unsecured Card
Huntington does not publish a specific timeline for when you'll be upgraded, but most cardholders see an offer after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments and responsible use. Some customers are upgraded sooner if they show excellent payment behavior.
When Huntington decides to upgrade you, they will contact you with an offer to convert your account to a standard unsecured card. At that point, your deposit is returned to you — usually within a few business days — and your credit limit may increase or stay the same depending on your credit profile at that time.
You don't have to accept the upgrade offer when ready. If you want to continue building credit with the secured card, you can keep using it. However, most people accept the upgrade because it frees up the cash you had on deposit and gives you access to a card with better terms.
Fees, Interest Rates, and Other Costs
The Huntington Bank Secured Credit Card has no annual fee. You will not be charged just for holding the card.
You will pay interest on any balance you carry past your statement due date. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. Because this is a secured card for people building credit, the APR is typically higher than rates offered on unsecured cards for people with established credit.
Late payment fees, returned payment fees, and other standard credit card fees explore if you miss a payment or violate the card's terms. The best way to avoid these is to pay your full balance on time every month.
Cash back rewards are available on this card, though the rate and categories vary. Check Huntington's current offer when you open your account to see what rewards you'll earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Huntington secured card if I have no credit history?
Yes. The card is designed for people with no credit history or poor credit. You don't need an existing credit score to open the account. Huntington will run a credit check, but they approve secured card accounts for people with limited or damaged credit histories.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. You'll also owe a late fee. If you miss a payment, contact Huntington when ready to bring your account current. One late payment doesn't disqualify you from eventually being upgraded to an unsecured card, but it slows your progress.
Can I withdraw my deposit before I'm upgraded?
You can request to withdraw your deposit, but doing so will close your account. This stops your credit-building activity and may hurt your credit score if you've only had the card for a short time. It's better to leave the deposit in place until you're upgraded.
How long does it take to receive the physical card after I open the account?
The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after your account is approved and funded. You can contact Huntington if you don't receive it within that timeframe.
Will the Huntington secured card help me rebuild credit if I have negative marks on my report?
Yes, but it takes time. On-time payments and low balances will gradually improve your score, even if you have late payments or collections in your history. The older those negative marks become, the less they affect your score. A secured card gives you a way to add positive payment history while those older items age.