A regular credit card is different from a secured card in that it’s unsecured — meaning you’re not required to put down a deposit.

If you get approved for a secured credit card, you’re required to put down a deposit with your card issuer before being granted a line of credit. Credit issuers use this deposit as collateral in case you’re unable to pay your credit card bill. In most cases, the amount of your deposit is equal to your credit limit. So if you put down a security deposit of $500, your credit line will also be $500.

Once you’ve made your deposit, you’ll use the secured card like a regular credit card — you can use it to make purchases and you’ll be required to make monthly payments.

Secured cards are typically easier to qualify for than unsecured credit cards and can be used to build your credit history. But they generally come with lower spending limits — and fees.

Typically, secured cards are used for only a limited period of time while you’re working to build your credit so you can qualify for an unsecured credit card.

If you have bad credit or a limited credit history, a secured card can help you build a history of good credit. Most secured cards report to the three major consumer credit bureaus, so if you use the card carefully, you can demonstrate that you are a responsible borrower.

To start building good credit using your secured card, you should make all your payments on time and shouldn’t spend more than you can comfortably afford to repay. And you’ll want to be sure to pay your credit card off in full each month to help avoid carrying a balance and making interest payments.

Be patient, as building good credit can take time. By making regular, on-time payments with your secured card, you could start to see your credit scores increase over time. As your credit improves and you are able, pay attention to other factors that impact your credit, like keeping your credit use low.

Secured credit cards are easier to qualify for than an unsecured credit card, but that doesn’t mean everyone will qualify for them. Each credit card issuer could have different criteria for assessing your application, but some common things they may look at include …

• Your age

• Your income

• Your credit reports

You need to be at least 21 years old — unless you’re able to show that you have steady income to make payments, or if you apply with a co-signer who is 21 or older. If you don’t have steady income or if you have a history of missing payments, these could be red flags that could result in an issuer turning you down for a secured credit card.

If you do get turned down for a secured credit card, the issuer should provide you with a reason why, in writing. If it doesn’t provide that information, be sure to ask for it. That way, you can work on improving your credit to be in a better position to apply again in the future.

Yes, the security deposit that you make with your secured card is refundable as long as you don’t have an outstanding balance with the issuer. If you decide to close your account and have paid your account balance in full, your security deposit will be refunded to you.

Another way that your security deposit may be refunded to you is through a process called graduation. If you’ve demonstrated responsible borrowing by making consistent on-time payments, a credit card issuer may consider converting you to an unsecured card. When this happens, it’ll return the deposit to you as you graduate to your new unsecured credit card.