What Built Credit Card Is
Built Credit Card is a secured credit card issued by WebBank, a Utah-based bank. You put down a cash deposit, and that deposit becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other credit card — make purchases, pay a monthly bill — and the bank reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). The goal is to build or rebuild your credit history so you can move to an unsecured card later.
Built does not charge an annual fee, which sets it apart from many secured cards. The card comes with a rewards program: you earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Your deposit stays in a separate account and earns a small amount of interest while it sits there.
Built is designed for people who are new to credit, have damaged credit, or are recovering from financial setbacks. It is not a loan — you are not borrowing the deposit amount. You are straightforward putting money aside to find the card issuer's risk while you demonstrate that you can use credit responsibly.
Key Takeaways
- Your cash deposit becomes your credit limit, and Built reports your payments to all three credit bureaus each month.
- There is no annual fee, and you earn 1% cash back on all purchases you make with the card.
- You need a Social Security number and a valid government ID to open an account, and the process takes place entirely online.
- After six to twelve months of on-time payments, you may be able to request an increase in your credit limit or transition to an unsecured card.
- Your deposit earns interest while held by the bank, and you can close the account and recover your deposit at any time.
How to Open a Built Credit Card Account
The entire process happens online through Built's website. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current address. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement works for address verification.
Start by visiting Built's website and clicking the button to open an account. You will answer questions about your personal information, employment status, and annual income. Built will run a soft credit pull, which does not affect your credit score. This is different from a hard inquiry — it is a background check only.
Once you are approved, you choose your deposit amount. Built allows deposits ranging from $500 to $10,000. The deposit must be transferred from a bank account you own. You can link your checking or savings account and initiate an electronic transfer, which typically takes three to five business days to clear. Once the deposit clears, your card is activated and ready to use.
Deposit, Limits, and Fees
Your deposit is held in a separate account and is not touched unless you default on your card payments. The deposit earns interest at a rate set by the bank — this rate changes and is not may provide, so check Built's current terms before opening an account. You can withdraw your deposit at any time by closing the account, though doing so will close your credit line.
Your credit limit equals your deposit amount. If you deposit $1,000, your limit is $1,000. Built does not charge an annual fee to hold the card. There are no foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States. If you miss a payment, Built charges a late fee (the amount varies; check the terms before opening). If your payment is more than 60 days late, Built may report the delinquency to the credit bureaus, which will damage your credit score.
Built does charge interest on purchases you do not pay in full each month. The interest rate (APR) is set based on your creditworthiness at the time you open the account and is disclosed in your account agreement. Rates vary by person.
Building Credit With Built
Built reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month. This means every on-time payment you make strengthens your credit history. The three things credit bureaus track most closely are payment history (whether you pay on time), credit utilization (how much of your limit you use), and length of credit history (how long you have held accounts).
To build credit fastest with Built, make small purchases and pay them off in full each month. For example, use the card for a $20 gas purchase and pay the full $20 when the bill arrives. This shows you can handle credit responsibly without racking up interest charges. Keep your utilization low — aim to use no more than 30% of your $1,000 limit, which means keeping your balance under $300 at any time.
Set up automatic payments if possible. Built allows you to schedule automatic payments from your linked bank account. This removes the risk of forgetting a payment date. Even one late payment can set back your credit-building progress by months.
When You Can Graduate to an Unsecured Card
After six to twelve months of on-time payments, Built may offer to convert your account to an unsecured card. When this happens, your deposit is returned to you, and you keep the card with a new credit limit set by Built. The new limit may be higher or the same as your deposit amount — Built decides based on your payment history and credit score at that time.
You can also request a credit limit increase while still holding the secured card. Built may grant this without requiring an additional deposit, though this is not may provide. Some people request an increase after twelve months of perfect payments.
If Built does not offer to convert your card, you can request a conversion yourself after a certain period. Check your account agreement for Built's specific timeline. Alternatively, once your credit score has improved enough, you can open an unsecured card with another issuer and close the Built card to recover your deposit.
Comparing Built to Other Secured Cards
Built's main advantage is the lack of an annual fee and the 1% cash back reward. Many other secured cards charge $25 to $95 per year just to hold the card. Built's cash back is modest but meaningful — on $500 in annual purchases, you earn $5 back.
Other secured card issuers include Capital One, Discover, and U.S. Bank. Capital One's Secured Mastercard charges an annual fee ($39 to $99 depending on your deposit) but offers no rewards. Discover's Secured Card also charges no annual fee and offers 2% cash back in certain categories, but it is harder to get approved if your credit is very low. U.S. Bank's Secured Card charges an annual fee and offers no rewards.
Built is a good fit if you want no annual fee, basic rewards, and a straightforward online process. If you want higher cash back rewards or prefer working with a larger, more established bank, another card may suit you better. Compare the terms of each before deciding.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
If your payment is late by a few days, Built will charge a late fee (check your agreement for the exact amount). Your payment will still post, and no report goes to the credit bureaus yet. However, if your payment is 30 days late or more, Built reports the delinquency to all three credit bureaus. This creates a negative mark on your credit report that can lower your score by 50 to 100 points or more.
If you fall behind on payments, contact Built when ready. Explain your situation and ask whether Built offers a hardship program or payment plan. Some card issuers will work with you if you reach out before the account goes into default. Ignoring the problem only makes it worse.
If your account goes into default (usually after 120 days of non-payment), Built may close the account and keep your deposit to cover the debt. This is a last resort, but it is possible. Staying current on your payments is the only way to protect your deposit and build credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Built if I have no credit history?
Yes. Built is designed for people who are new to credit. You do not need an existing credit history to open an account. Built will run a soft credit pull, which does not require a prior credit file. You will need a Social Security number, a valid ID, and proof of address.
How long does it take to get the card after I am approved?
Once your deposit clears (three to five business days), your card is activated when ready. The physical card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. You can use the card online or through a digital wallet before the physical card arrives.
What happens to my deposit if I close the account?
Your deposit is returned to the bank account you used to fund it. The return typically takes three to five business days. Closing the account also closes your credit line, so Built will no longer report activity to the credit bureaus. Only close the account once you have moved to an unsecured card or no longer need the secured card.
Can I increase my credit limit without adding more money?
Built may grant a credit limit increase after you have made several months of on-time payments. If approved, the increase does not require an additional deposit. However, Built is not required to grant increases, and approval depends on your payment history and credit score.
Does Built do a hard credit pull?
Built does a soft credit pull when you open an account, which does not affect your credit score. A soft pull is a background check only. A hard pull (which does lower your score temporarily) only happens if you request a credit limit increase or if Built converts your account to an unsecured card.