Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.
Green Dot Platinum® Secured Credit Card: Full Review [2025]
Jessica Merritt
Jessica Merritt
Senior Editor & Content Contributor
273 Published Articles992 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 4U.S. States Visited: 23
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
Michael Y. Park is a journalist living in New York City. He’s traveled through Afghanistan disguised as a Hazara Shi’ite, slept with polar bears on the Canadian tundra, picnicked with the king and que...
Born in the San Francisco Bay Area and raised in Colorado, Ben has been an avid traveler since infancy. His upbringing emphasized travel to grow as a well-rounded person via many family road trips and...
We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
Green Dot Platinum® Secured Credit Card
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
1
N/A
$39
19.99% Fixed APR
Green Dot Platinum® Secured Credit Card
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
1
Summary
The Green Dot Platinum Secured card is a straightforward option for building or rebuilding credit, offering flexible payment methods and a refundable security deposit. However, it has a $39 annual fee, doesn’t upgrade to an unsecured card, and charges fees for in-person payments.
Card Details
Card Snapshot
Welcome Bonus & Info
Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
Refundable security deposit of $200 to $5,000 sets your credit limit
Fixed APR
Deposit and payments can be made at more than 90,000 retail locations without a bank account
$39 annual fee
Pros & Cons
Pros
Reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
Refundable security deposit of $200 to $5,000 sets your credit limit
Fixed APR
Deposit and payments can be made at more than 90,000 retail locations without a bank account
Cons
$39 annual fee
No unsecured card upgrade option
$4.95 fee for in-person payments
Great Card If
You have bad credit or a limited credit history.
You want to use a credit card to build credit history.
You don’t have a bank account.
Don’t Get If
You want to avoid an annual fee.
You plan to upgrade to an unsecured card.
You want to earn rewards.
Green Dot Platinum Secured Card: Is It Worth It?
The Green Dot Platinum Secured card is good card if you have no credit or bad credit. Your refundable security deposit of $200 to $5,000 sets your credit limit, and your account activity is reported to all 3 major credit bureaus. It has a reasonable APR for a secured credit card and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
It may work well if you don’t have a bank account, since it offers payment options at more than 90,000 retailers via cash or prepaid card. However, you pay a $4.95 service fee to make your security deposit or make a payment with a retailer.
Green Dot Platinum Secured Card Top Benefits and Perks
This card is helpful if you need to improve your credit or don’t have a bank account, offering features with access and the opportunity to build a positive payment history on your credit report by making on-time payments.
No Bank Account Needed
You can make deposits and payments at various retailers, including Walmart, CVS, 7-Eleven, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. For a complete listing of participating retail locations, please see here. You pay a $4.95 service fee each time you do this.
If you have a bank account, you can schedule an ACH payment, use your debit card online, or mail in a check.
Credit Building
Green Dot reports to all 3 major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) each month when your billing statement is generated. If you make on-time payments each month, you’ll build a positive payment history that can improve your credit score.
The Green Dot Platinum Secured card can’t be upgraded to an unsecured card. You will need to apply for a separate card once your credit is sufficient to qualify for an unsecured card.
Most credit cards have a variable APR, but the Green Dot Platinum Secured card features a reasonable fixed APR, which remains consistent over time. It’s best to pay your bill in full and avoid interest charges, but having a fixed APR can give you predictability if you need to carry a balance.
Refundable Security Deposit
Your security deposit is fully refundable. You can get your security deposit back by paying your balance and closing your account, though your deposit may be held for up to 60 days after closure.
Alternative Cards to the Green Dot Platinum Secured Card
The Capital One Platinum Secured cardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. is a strong alternative, as it has no annual fee and has a low security deposit of $49 to $99 for a $200 credit line. You may access a higher credit limit in as little as 6 months, with no additional deposits needed. This card can be upgraded to the unsecured Capital One Platinum Credit CardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One..
Another secured card with no annual fee, the Citi Secured card has a minimum security deposit of $200. It reports to all 3 major credit bureaus and offers free access to your FICO score. You can choose a flexible payment due date at the beginning, middle, or end of the month.
![Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card – Full Review [2026]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Southwest-Priority-Card-Art.png?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=700)
![IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card — Review [2025]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IHGOneTravelerCard.png?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=700)
![Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card — Full Review [2026]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/bonvoy-bold-credit-card.png?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=700)
![IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Review – Full Review [2025]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IHG-One-Rewards-Premier-Credit-Card-.png?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=700)