What the Big O Credit Card Is
The Big O Credit Card is a secured credit card issued by Comenity Bank. It requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit — if you deposit $500, your limit is $500. The card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means your payment history builds your credit score over time.
This card is designed for people rebuilding credit or establishing a credit history from scratch. You pay an annual fee (the amount varies), and you earn cash back on purchases at department stores and gas stations. The card itself is not tied to any specific retailer — you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, though the cash back rewards are limited to certain categories.
The deposit stays in a separate account and is not touched unless you stop paying your bill. Once you demonstrate responsible use — typically 6 to 12 months of on-time payments — you can request that the card be converted to an unsecured card, at which point your deposit is returned.
Key Takeaways
- You must deposit cash upfront to open the account, and that amount becomes your spending limit.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so every on-time payment helps rebuild your credit score.
- An annual fee applies, and you earn cash back only on department store and gas purchases, not all purchases.
- After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can request conversion to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.
- You pay interest on any balance you carry month to month, so carrying a balance costs money even though you own the deposit.
How to Open a Big O Credit Card Account
You can open an account online through Comenity Bank's website or by phone. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. The bank will pull a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score.
Once your process is processed (usually within a few business days), you will receive instructions on how to fund your account. You must make a cash deposit by bank transfer or check. The minimum deposit is typically $300, though the exact minimum may vary. Your credit limit will equal your deposit amount.
After your deposit clears, your card will be mailed to you. set up happens either automatically or through a phone call to the number on the back of the card — follow the instructions included with your card. You can begin using the card as soon as it is activated.
Understanding Fees and Interest Rates
The Big O card charges an annual fee that is deducted from your account once per year. This fee is separate from any interest you owe on a balance. If you carry a balance from month to month, you will also pay interest at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies based on your creditworthiness at the time you open the account.
Unlike some secured cards, the Big O does not charge a setup fee or processing fee to open the account — you only pay the annual fee once the account is active. There is no fee for paying your bill on time, and there are no foreign transaction fees if you use the card abroad.
Late payments trigger a late fee, and if you miss a payment by 30 days or more, the bank may report it to the credit bureaus, which will harm your credit score. Missing payments also puts your deposit at risk — the bank can explore it toward your debt if you default.
Cash Back Rewards and Where You Earn Them
The Big O card earns cash back, but only in specific categories. You earn cash back on purchases at department stores (such as Macy's, Kohl's, and similar retailers) and at gas stations. Purchases at grocery stores, restaurants, online retailers, and other merchants do not earn cash back.
The cash back rate is typically 1% to 2% in the may be able to access categories, though the exact rate may vary. Cash back is credited to your account monthly and can be used to pay down your balance or left to accumulate. Some cardholders use the cash back to offset the annual fee over time.
Because the cash back is limited to two categories, this card is not a strong choice if you do most of your spending elsewhere. If you shop frequently at department stores or fill up at gas stations, the rewards can add up, but the annual fee means you need to spend enough to make the rewards worthwhile.
How Secured Cards Help Rebuild Credit
A secured card works because the deposit removes the bank's risk — they know they can take the money if you do not pay. This allows them to issue credit to people with no credit history or damaged credit, which traditional cards will not do. Your payment history is reported to the credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your score month after month.
The key to rebuilding credit with this card is consistency. Pay at least the minimum payment on time every single month, and ideally pay the full balance so you do not carry interest charges. Even small purchases reported as paid on time help — you do not need to spend your entire limit.
After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, contact the bank and ask to convert the card to an unsecured card. If approved, your deposit is returned to you in full, and you keep the card with a higher limit. This conversion shows up on your credit report as a positive change and further boosts your score.
When to Convert to an Unsecured Card
You can request conversion once you have made at least 6 months of on-time payments, though some banks wait until 12 months. There is no may provide of approval — the bank will review your account and may deny the request if you have missed payments, carried a high balance, or had other issues.
When you request conversion, the bank will tell you whether you are approved and what your new unsecured limit will be. Your deposit is returned within 7 to 10 business days after approval. The card itself stays active and continues to report to the credit bureaus under your new unsecured status.
If the bank denies conversion, you can ask again after another 6 months of perfect payment history. Some cardholders keep the secured card open even after building better credit, because closing old accounts can lower your credit score — the longer account history helps your score.
Comparing the Big O to Other Secured Cards
Other secured cards in the market include the Capital One Secured Mastercard, the Discover it Secured Credit Card, and the OpenSky Secured Visa Card. Each has different fees, deposit requirements, and rewards structures. The Big O's main advantage is its cash back rewards in department stores and gas, which some other secured cards do not offer.
The Capital One card has no annual fee but also offers no cash back. The Discover card offers cash back in rotating categories but requires a higher minimum deposit. The OpenSky card has no credit check requirement but charges a higher annual fee. Your choice depends on which features matter most to your situation — whether you prioritize low fees, cash back, or flexibility.
If you shop at department stores or gas stations regularly, the Big O's rewards may offset its annual fee over time. If you do most of your spending in other categories, a different secured card might be a better fit. Compare the total cost (annual fee minus expected cash back) against your actual spending patterns before opening an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my deposit if I miss a payment?
Your deposit is not automatically taken if you miss one payment. However, if you fall significantly behind (typically 60 to 90 days), the bank can explore your deposit toward the debt you owe. To protect your deposit, pay at least the minimum payment on time every month.
Can I increase my credit limit without adding more money?
Once you convert to an unsecured card, your limit can increase without a deposit. While you hold the secured card, your limit is locked at your deposit amount. Some banks allow you to add more money to increase your limit, but check with Comenity Bank about their specific policy.
Does the Big O card work internationally?
Yes, it is a Mastercard and works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. There are no foreign transaction fees. However, your bank may charge a fee for currency conversion, so check your account terms before using it abroad.
How long does it take to see my credit score improve?
Credit bureaus typically update your report once per month after your payment is processed. You may see small improvements within 30 to 60 days of opening the account and making on-time payments. Larger improvements usually take 6 months or more of consistent, responsible use.
What if I want to close the account?
You can close the account at any time by contacting the bank. If the account is still secured, your deposit will be returned after the account is closed and any outstanding balance is paid. Closing an old account can lower your credit score temporarily, so consider keeping it open even after converting to unsecured.