Credit Cards in the U.S. Offering Up to $500 Limit: Comparison and Tips

For those building credit in the United States, securing a credit card with an initial limit of up to $500 is a great opportunity.

Several cards available provide accessible limits for beginners or individuals with limited credit history.

Here, we discuss three popular options: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, Discover it® Secured Credit Card, and OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.

Each of these cards has features that make them accessible to different consumer profiles. Let’s see how they compare.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is one of the best options for those starting to build credit.

Although it is a secured credit card, meaning it requires a security deposit, it offers benefits that set it apart from others.

Key Features:

• Flexible security deposit: Depending on your credit assessment, the initial deposit can range from $49, $99, or $200.
• Credit limit increase with responsible behavior: The card offers the possibility of increasing the credit limit beyond the deposit after a few months of responsible use.
• No annual fees: Unlike many secured credit cards, the Capital One Platinum Secured has no annual fee.
• Credit reporting: The card reports your usage to the three major U.S. credit bureaus, helping you build your credit history efficiently.

The initial limit may start at $200, and after a few months of responsible usage, you may be eligible for automatic limit increases, reaching up to $500 or more.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is another excellent option for those looking to build or repair their credit. Though it is a secured card, it offers rewards that make it unique, along with an accessible credit limit.

Key Features:

• Rewards program: You can earn 2% cashback at restaurants and gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and 1% on all other purchases.
• Minimum security deposit: The initial deposit starts at $200, but you can increase the credit limit by making a larger deposit.
• No annual fees: Like the Capital One card, the Discover it® Secured has no annual fee.
• Reports to credit bureaus: Responsible card use is reported to the three major credit bureaus, helping you improve your credit.

This card is ideal for those who want to build credit while earning rewards. The initial limit typically starts at $200 but can increase up to $500, depending on the amount of the security deposit.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a unique option for those who have difficulty getting approved for credit cards, as it does not require a credit check during the application process.

Key Features:

• No credit check: Since OpenSky doesn’t check your credit history, it’s accessible for people with bad credit or no credit history.
• Security deposit: The credit limit depends directly on the deposit, which can range from $200 to $3,000. Many users start with credit limits in the $200 to $500 range.
• Credit bureau reporting: Like the other cards, OpenSky reports your card usage to the three major U.S. credit bureaus, helping you build your credit history.
• Annual fee: OpenSky charges an annual fee of $35, which can be seen as a drawback compared to the other options.

This card is a great choice for those who need quick and easy approval without the barrier of a credit check. The credit limit can be increased based on the amount of the deposit.

Comparative Table

Credit Card	Card Type	Security Deposit	Initial Limit	Annual Fee	Reports to Credit Bureaus	Benefits
Capital One Platinum Secured	Secured	$49, $99, or $200	$200 (can increase)	No	Yes	Credit limit increases
Discover it® Secured	Secured	Starts at $200	$200 (can increase)	No	Yes	Cashback rewards
OpenSky® Secured Visa®	Secured (no credit check)	Starts at $200	$200 (can increase)	$35	Yes	No credit check

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card is crucial for building or rebuilding your credit in the United States.

If you’re looking for rewards, the Discover it® Secured is an excellent choice. For those who prefer to avoid annual fees and have a flexible deposit, the Capital One Platinum Secured might be the ideal option.

If your priority is quick approval without a credit check, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® offers a simple and effective path.

By using any of these cards responsibly—paying your bills on time and keeping balances low—you can increase your credit limit and significantly improve your credit history over time.