OpenSky vs First Progress vs Arro Card
We compared the top 3 secured credit cards for bad credit or no credit history — fees, APR, approval rates, and who each card is really best for.
opensky® Secured Visa®
Issued by Capital Bank
9.2/10
GO Rating
Pros
- No hard credit inquiry — 89% approval rate
- Up to $3,000 credit limit
- 10% cashback at 40,000+ merchants
- Reports to all 3 bureaus monthly
- openSky Community app with credit tools
Cons
- $35 annual fee
- No rewards program (only select merchant cashback)
- High APR if you carry a balance
Our Verdict
Best if you need guaranteed approval. The $35 fee is worth it for the security of knowing you'll get approved regardless of credit history.
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Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | opensky® | First Progress | Arro Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $35 | $39 | $0 |
| APR | 24.39% | 18.49% | Variable (Prime + 19.99%) |
| Min Deposit | $200 | $200 | $100 |
| Max Deposit | $3,000 | $2,000 | $200 |
| Credit Check | No | Yes (soft pull) | No |
| Cashback | 10% at 40,000+ merchants | 1% back on all purchases | 1% on all purchases |
| Reports To | All 3 | All 3 | All 3 |
| Upgrades to Unsecured | Yes | No | Yes |
| Best For | Rebuilding after bankruptcy or severe damage | If you plan to carry a balance — lowest APR among secured cards | Beginners who want $0 fees and a path to upgrade |
Which Card Should You Get?
"I have no credit history and need guaranteed approval"
→ Get opensky® Plus ($0 fee)
Zero fee, zero credit check, reports to all 3 bureaus. No risk of rejection.
"I might carry a balance and want the lowest interest rate"
→ Get First Progress Platinum Select
Lowest APR at 18.49% — saves you real money if you don't pay in full each month.
"I'm on a tight budget and can only deposit $100"
→ Get Arro Card
Only $100 minimum deposit, $0 annual fee, and 1% cashback on everything.
"I had a bankruptcy and need maximum approval odds"
→ Get opensky® Secured Visa®
89% approval rate — highest in the industry. Even with recent bankruptcy.
"I want to graduate to an unsecured card eventually"
→ Get opensky® Plus or Arro Card
Both offer clear upgrade paths to unsecured cards once you establish payment history.
How to Maximize Credit Building with Any Secured Card
Pay on time, every time
Payment history = 35% of your FICO score. Set autopay to at least the minimum.
Keep utilization under 10%
With a $200 limit, spend no more than $20. Under 10% is ideal for fastest score gains.
Monitor your credit monthly
Use opensky's app or AnnualCreditReport.com to track disputes and errors.
Keep the card for 1+ year
Credit age matters. Don't close the card once you graduate to a better one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
También disponible en español
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