Independent credit card comparisonsAdvertiser Disclosure
BestCreditCardsGuide
AmTrust Secured Card card

AmTrust Secured Card

By the Best Credit Cards Guide editorial team · Information from the original card page, updated May 28, 2025

    Annual fee
    None
    Recommended credit
    Poor / No Credit Required
    Card network
    Visa
    Regular purchase APR
    29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
    Apply Now for AmTrust Secured Card (opens in a new tab)Compare this card
    Check before you apply: the rates, fees and offers on this page are as listed on the original card page (updated May 28, 2025) and may have changed. Confirm current terms on the issuer’s website. Best Credit Cards Guide may be compensated by some issuers; see our Advertiser Disclosure.

    At a glance

    The AmTrust Secured Card is a no annual fee secured card designed to help those with damaged credit – or those new to credit entirely – boost their credit score and advance to an unsecured card. The card minimum security deposit of $300, which could be refunded in as little as 11 months, and the card switched to the unsecured Platinum Card, based on good payment history. The card account charges no annual fee.

    Our review of the AmTrust Secured Card

    Secured credit cards are a valuable tool for improving credit scores, and the AmTrust Secured Visa from AmTrust Bank is no exception. This no-frills secured card provides the lifeline needed to establish or repair credit.

    Flexible Credit Limits

    The AmTrust Secured Card requires a deposit that serves as collateral and determines the credit limit. Deposits must be made in $50 increments, starting at $300 and maxing out at $5,000. All deposits are held by First Bankcard, the issuer of AmTrust credit cards, in a joint account that does not earn interest but is refundable upon account closure.

    A Path to an Unsecured Card in Just One Year

    AmTrust Bank recognizes that secured cards can be a last resort for many individuals. By offering a clear roadmap to credit limit increases in as little as seven months, AmTrust motivates cardholders to practice financial responsibility and improve their credit score. What sets AmTrust apart is that credit limit increases do not require additional deposits, allowing cardholders to transition to an unsecured card without losing their safety net.

    For responsible cardholders, the opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured AmTrust Platinum Edition card and receive a full deposit refund can be achieved in as little as eleven months.

    Avoid Carrying a Balance

    With a fixed APR in the mid-20s, the AmTrust Secured Card is not ideal for carrying a balance. However, making on-time payments is crucial for building credit, so paying the full balance each billing cycle is key.

    Is the AmTrust Secured Visa Right for You?

    While many secured credit cards offer similar benefits, the AmTrust Secured Card stands out for its clear path to credit improvement. By rewarding responsible financial behavior with credit limit increases and eventual transition to an unsecured card, AmTrust empowers cardholders to take control of their credit future.

    For those seeking a lower APR option, the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® is worth considering. Otherwise, the AmTrust Secured Card is a reliable choice as long as balances are kept low and bills are paid in full each month.

    Visit our Comprehensive Secured Card Reference Page for more information on secured credit cards, including the best offers and expert advice to help you build your credit history effectively.

    Card features

    Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.

    • No annual fee
    • Qualify for a credit line increase in as little as 7 months
    • Get upgraded to the Platinum Edition unsecured card in as little as 11 months
    • Credit limits between $300 and $5,000

    Who this card may suit

    • You're looking to boost your credit score
    • You're new to credit entirely or have had credit troubles in the past
    • You want to establish good credit habits and graduate to an unsecured card
    • You do't want to pay an annual fee

    Rates, fees and terms

    Rates, fees and terms as listed on the original card page (updated May 28, 2025). Confirm current terms on the issuer’s site.
    Annual FeeNone
    Regular Purchase APR29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
    Balance Transfer APR29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
    Balance Transfer Transaction FeeEither $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
    Cash Advance APR29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
    Cash Advance Transaction FeeEither $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
    Foreign Transaction Fee3% of the transaction in U.S. dollars
    Late Payment Penalty FeeUp to $40
    Return Payment Penalty FeeUp to $35
    Minimum Deposit Required$300

    Confirm before you apply: rates, fees and offers change often. The figures above are the ones listed on the original card page, not a current quote from the issuer. APRs are typically variable, and the rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Recommended credit: Poor Credit Limited or No Credit.

    Apply Now for AmTrust Secured Card (opens in a new tab)View issuer terms for AmTrust Secured Card (opens in a new tab)

    AmTrust Secured Card

    Apply Now for AmTrust Secured Card (opens in a new tab)

    You will leave this site for the issuer’s page. Confirm current terms there.

    Similar cards

    Discover it® Chrome for Students

    • Get $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to next five years
    • Earn 2% cash back at gas and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus 1% cash back on all…
    Annual fee
    None
    Recommended credit
    Fair / No Credit Required
    Intro APR
    0% for 6 months from date of account opening date
    Apply Now for Discover it® Chrome for Students (opens in a new tab)Read review of Discover it® Chrome for Students