OpenSky Plus Secured Visa for Secured Credit Cards That Graduate to Unsecured Credit Review

Answer Capsule

The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa is a mixed-to-weak fit for consumers seeking a secured card with a realistic path to unsecured credit. Four of seven AI platforms named it during ranking discovery, with an average listed rank of 5.5 and a best rank of 3. The strongest reason to consider it is its combination of no annual fee, three-bureau reporting, and no credit check at application, which makes it accessible to applicants with damaged or thin credit. The main limitation is the fundamental uncertainty about graduation: platforms disagreed sharply on whether the card graduates at all, with two platforms citing independent sources stating it never graduates, while others point to an invitation-based upgrade to a separate OpenSky Gold unsecured card after roughly six months. Buyers prioritizing a documented, predictable graduation timeline should verify terms directly with the issuer before applying.

Research Snapshot

Why OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Qualified for This Study

The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa qualified because four of seven AI platforms named it during the ranking stage for best secured credit cards that graduate to unsecured credit. The platforms that named it were anthropic (rank 3), perplexity (rank 5), kimi (rank 6), and deepseek (rank 8). Three platforms—openai, google, and grok—provided fit assessments but did not name the entity during ranking discovery. The relevant product across all platforms was the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card, with some platforms also referencing the legacy OpenSky Secured Visa Card as a comparison point.

The Product, Model, Plan, or Service Most Relevant to Secured Cards With Unsecured Graduation

The relevant product is the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card, marketed by OpenSky (openskycc.com). This is distinct from the legacy OpenSky Secured Visa Card, which several independent reviews describe with different terms. The Plus version is advertised with a $0 annual fee, a minimum refundable security deposit of $300, and a high variable purchase APR of approximately 28.24% ^[1]. The card reports payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion ^[1].

What the AI Platforms Agreed About

Three-bureau reporting is a consistent strength. All seven platforms that provided fit assessments confirmed or acknowledged that OpenSky reports to all three major credit bureaus. This was rated as an advantage across platforms, with openai, anthropic, deepseek, grok, perplexity, kimi, and google all noting it as directly useful for credit building ^[8].

No credit check at application is a distinctive access feature. Multiple platforms noted that OpenSky does not perform a traditional credit check, making the card accessible to applicants with no credit history, poor credit, or even active bankruptcies. Anthropic described this as reducing barriers to entry ^[9], kimi called it the card's "defining characteristic" serving consumers who cannot access other products ^[15], and google noted a high approval rate averaging over 86% ^[16]. Perplexity confirmed no credit check is required to apply ^[17].

The APR is high. Platforms that provided APR figures consistently described the rate as high, with figures ranging from approximately 19.99% (deepseek, citing 2024 data) to 25.64% (kimi) to 28.24% (grok, perplexity, google citing current materials). All platforms agreed that carrying a balance would be expensive ^[18].

The security deposit is refundable but ties up cash. All platforms confirmed the deposit structure, with the deposit generally establishing the credit limit. Minimum deposit figures varied by platform: $200 (anthropic, deepseek, kimi) versus $300 (grok, perplexity, google). The deposit is collateral rather than a fee, but it remains unavailable until closure or another issuer-approved release ^[8].

Where the AI Platforms Disagreed or Were Uncertain

Whether the card graduates at all is the central conflict. This is the most significant disagreement across platforms and the most important factor for this use case.

• Grok rated the fit "good," stating that OpenSky Plus offers a documented graduation path to an unsecured card after approximately six months of on-time payments, with security deposit return. Grok cited OpenSky's own blog post describing an automatic review after six months for invitation to the OpenSky Gold unsecured card ^[26].
• Perplexity rated the fit "mixed," noting that OpenSky's public graduation article describes reviews after six months and invitations to upgrade to the unsecured OpenSky Gold Visa, but that the product-specific pages and agreement for Plus Secured did not clearly confirm this policy applies to the Plus card ^[27].
• OpenAI rated the fit "mixed," stating that the Plus product is presented as offering an opportunity to graduate, but that public product information does not establish that graduation is automatic or guaranteed ^[29].
• Anthropic rated the fit "mixed," stating that OpenSky does not publicly disclose a formal graduation or upgrade policy, and that no public policy document exists ^[30].
• Deepseek rated the fit "weak," citing a NerdWallet review stating that OpenSky does not have an automatic graduation policy and that the card remains secured indefinitely, with deposit return only upon closure ^[31].
• Kimi rated the fit "weak," citing independent sources stating that OpenSky never graduates accounts, has a 0% graduation rate, and offers no automatic review ^[32].
• Google rated the fit "mixed," describing graduation as structured as a separate unsecured card offer (OpenSky Gold) rather than a seamless conversion of the existing account ^[34].

The deposit return process is unclear. Platforms disagreed on whether the deposit can be returned while keeping the account open. Deepseek and kimi stated that deposit return requires account closure ^[31]. Perplexity noted that OpenSky's public language ties deposit return to account closure in good standing ^[36]. Grok stated the deposit is returned upon graduation or closure in good standing, with a process typically taking 4-8 weeks ^[37]. Google cited official terms stating refunds are processed within 4-8 weeks after closing or graduating, but also noted user complaints of significant delays ^[38].

The annual fee is disputed. The Plus product is marketed with a $0 annual fee ^[29]. However, anthropic stated the annual fee amount is unverified, citing historical sources showing a $35-$95 range ^[30]. Kimi cited independent sources describing a $35 annual fee, but noted these sources predominantly reference the standard OpenSky Secured Visa rather than the Plus variant ^[32]. Deepseek stated the Plus card has a $0 first-year annual fee, then $35 annually ^[40]. This conflict likely stems from product-generation differences between the legacy OpenSky Secured Visa and the newer Plus version.

The minimum deposit is disputed. Grok, perplexity, and google cited a $300 minimum deposit for the Plus product ^[37]. Anthropic, deepseek, and kimi cited a $200 minimum, though these figures may reference the legacy card ^[30].

APR figures conflict across sources. Perplexity noted that current public materials show a variable APR of 28.24%, while an older agreement file lists 28.99% for purchases and 29.99% for cash advances ^[46]. Kimi cited approximately 25.64% as of June 2026 ^[44]. Deepseek cited approximately 19.99% as of 2024 ^[40]. These discrepancies may reflect different product versions or rate changes over time.

Use-Case-Specific Features and Capabilities

Graduation policy. The evidence is conflicting. OpenSky's own blog describes accounts being automatically reviewed after six months, with eligible customers potentially invited to upgrade to the unsecured OpenSky Gold Visa without a new application or deposit ^[48]. However, independent reviews cited by deepseek and kimi state that OpenSky does not graduate accounts and that deposit return requires closure ^[51]. Perplexity noted that the graduation article refers to OpenSky accounts generally and does not clearly state that Plus Secured cards are included ^[49]. Google described the process as invitation-based rather than automatic, with users reviewed starting at six months for a potential invitation to a separate OpenSky Gold card ^[53].

Review timing. OpenSky's public materials describe a six-month review period ^[48]. However, openai noted that a precise, publicly confirmed first-review date could not be verified, and buyers should not assume six months of payments necessarily produces a review ^[55]. Kimi stated there is no automatic review for graduation ^[52].

Deposit return while keeping the account open. This is the core uncertainty for the use case. OpenSky's public language states the deposit is returned when the account is closed in good standing and the balance is paid in full ^[56]. Grok stated the deposit is returned upon graduation or closure in good standing ^[57]. Google cited official terms stating refunds are processed within 4-8 weeks after closing or graduating ^[58]. However, google also noted user complaints of significant delays, with some cardholders waiting months or being forced to close the account to recover funds ^[59]. Whether graduation preserves the same account and returns the deposit without closing the tradeline is not clearly documented ^[55].

Three-bureau reporting. All platforms confirmed monthly reporting to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion ^[55].

No credit check. OpenSky does not perform a traditional credit check at application, making it accessible to applicants with no or poor credit history ^[60].

Deposit funding flexibility. Google noted that OpenSky allows funding the deposit via flexible methods, including money orders and Western Union, and does not require a bank account ^[66].

Pricing, Fees, Contracts, and Ongoing Costs

Annual fee. The Plus product is marketed with a $0 annual fee ^[67]. However, anthropic noted the fee amount is unverified in current sources, with historical ranges of $35-$95 ^[72]. Deepseek stated the fee is $0 for the first year, then $35 annually ^[68]. Kimi cited a $35 annual fee but noted sources predominantly reference the standard card ^[73]. Google flagged conflicting user reports of a $59 annual fee being billed upon accepting the unsecured OpenSky Gold offer ^[74].

Security deposit. Minimum deposit figures conflict: $300 for the Plus product per grok, perplexity, and google ^[75]; $200 per anthropic, deepseek, and kimi, though these may reference the legacy card ^[72]. Maximum deposit is approximately $3,000-$5,000 depending on the source ^[75]. The deposit is refundable but the process and timing are disputed.

APR. Current public materials show a variable purchase APR of approximately 28.24% ^[77]. An older agreement file lists 28.99% for purchases and 29.99% for cash advances ^[78]. Kimi cited approximately 25.64% ^[73]. Deepseek cited approximately 19.99% as of 2024 ^[68]. The exact current rate should be verified at application.

Additional fees. Perplexity cited a 3% foreign transaction fee and a cash advance fee of either $10 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater, from the agreement file reviewed ^[78]. Google noted fees for payments made by debit card or customer service, plus foreign transaction fees ^[71]. Late payment and returned payment fees may apply but amounts were not established in the reviewed sources ^[79].

Contract terms. The account remains secured until the issuer releases or applies the collateral under the agreement ^[79]. Deposit return is tied to account closure in good standing per OpenSky's public language ^[80]. No guaranteed graduation date or guaranteed approval for an unsecured product was verified ^[79]. Google noted the security deposit is refunded within 4-8 weeks after account closure and balance payment ^[81].

Best Suited For

The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa is best suited for consumers who need a secured card with three-bureau reporting and cannot qualify for mainstream secured cards due to credit barriers. The no-credit-check feature makes it accessible to applicants with no credit history, poor credit, or active bankruptcies who cannot get approved elsewhere ^[82]. The $0 annual fee on the Plus product improves the economics of holding the card during a rebuilding period ^[85]. Applicants who can pay the balance in full and are willing to accept issuer-discretionary graduation rather than a guaranteed upgrade may find the card useful ^[85]. The flexible deposit funding methods, including money orders and Western Union, may help applicants without traditional bank accounts ^[84].

Probably Not Best Suited For

The OpenSky Plus Secured Visa is probably not best suited for consumers requiring a guaranteed or precisely scheduled unsecured graduation review ^[87]. Buyers who expect the deposit to be returned automatically after a stated number of on-time payments should look elsewhere, as the evidence does not support this expectation ^[87]. Consumers likely to carry balances should avoid the card due to the high APR ^[91]. Buyers who want a seamless, automatic product conversion on the exact same account—rather than an invitation to a separate unsecured card—will be disappointed ^[93]. Those who prioritize preserving account age through graduation should also look elsewhere, as the deposit-return language appears tied to account closure ^[94].

When Another Option May Be Better

Multiple platforms identified specific alternatives with clearer graduation policies. Kimi cited Discover it Secured with an 82% graduation rate at approximately 8 months and a $0 fee, and Capital One Quicksilver Secured or Platinum Secured with a 71% graduation rate and $0 fee, both offering automatic graduation reviews starting at 6-7 months and preserving account age through product change ^[95]. Anthropic noted that Capital One Secured Mastercard has documented review eligibility ^[96]. Deepseek suggested Discover it Secured or Capital One Quicksilver Secured as offering automatic reviews for graduation and potentially returning deposits while keeping the account open ^[97]. Google noted that mainstream issuers offer more predictable graduation paths ^[98]. Buyers who can qualify for any alternative with a documented graduation policy should consider those options first ^[99].

Questions to Verify Before Buying

• Does the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa itself have an automatic or periodic review for graduation to an unsecured card, and does the published six-month review language apply to the Plus product specifically? ^[100]
• If graduation occurs, is the account kept open, or does it require opening a new unsecured account (e.g., OpenSky Gold) and closing the secured account? ^[102]
• When and how is the security deposit returned after graduation, and can the deposit be released while the account remains open? ^[104]
• What is the exact current purchase APR, cash-advance APR, and full fee schedule in the live cardholder agreement? ^[106]
• What is the current annual fee for the Plus product, and does the unsecured OpenSky Gold card carry its own annual fee? ^[107]
• What payment history, utilization, delinquency, income, or external-credit criteria are used for graduation review? ^[104]
• Is credit reporting monthly to all three major bureaus confirmed for the Plus card specifically, including after any graduation? ^[104]
• What is the current minimum security deposit for the Plus product—$200 or $300? ^[108]
• Are there any monthly maintenance fees, late fees, penalty APRs, or account-closure fees not shown in the headline offer? ^[110]
• Can the issuer provide the current cardmember agreement and written graduation policy before application? ^[104]

Final AI Consensus Verdict

The AI platforms reached a mixed-to-weak consensus on the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa for the secured-cards-with-unsecured-graduation use case. One platform rated it "good" (grok), four rated it "mixed" (openai, anthropic, perplexity, google), and two rated it "weak" (deepseek, kimi). The central problem is that the public evidence does not clearly establish whether the Plus card graduates to unsecured credit while preserving the account and returning the deposit. OpenSky's own marketing describes a six-month review and potential invitation to the unsecured OpenSky Gold card, but independent reviews cited by two platforms state the card never graduates and requires closure for deposit return. The card's strengths—no annual fee, three-bureau reporting, no credit check—are real but do not directly address the buyer's primary goal of a realistic, documented path to unsecured credit. Buyers who prioritize a predictable graduation timeline should verify terms directly with the issuer or consider alternatives with published graduation policies. For a broader comparison of secured cards with graduation paths, see the Secured Cards With Unsecured Graduation consensus index. Additional resources for credit building and rebuilding are available in the credit building rebuilding category directory.

How This Review Was Produced

This review was produced by aggregating fit assessments from seven AI platforms: openai, anthropic, deepseek, grok, kimi, perplexity, and google. Each platform evaluated the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa against the use case of secured cards with unsecured graduation, using criteria including graduation policy, review timing, deposit return process, three-bureau reporting, annual fees, APR, and long-term account value. Platform responses were collected with research dates ranging from 2025-10-04 to 2026-09-04. The authoritative run research date is 2026-09-04. Platform-reported dates are provenance metadata and do not independently prove freshness. All included platforms evaluated fit, but platform mentions counts only platforms that named the entity during ranking discovery.

Methodology Limitations

Several limitations apply to this review. First, the supplied URLs were collected from platform responses and were not independently validated by the writer stage. Second, platform-reported research dates differ from the authoritative run date; anthropic's assessment is dated 2026-01-15 and deepseek's is dated 2025-10-04, meaning their findings may not reflect the most current product terms. Third, the deterministic identity audit notes that official-site retrieval failed for one or more mentions, and no failed fetch was used as a verified domain key. Fourth, company-name variants were collapsed onto one canonical brand before minimum-mentions qualification. Fifth, the evidence contains direct factual conflicts—particularly regarding graduation policy, annual fee, minimum deposit, and APR—that cannot be resolved from the supplied sources. These conflicts are described in the body of this review rather than resolved by guessing. Sixth, AI-platform agreement does not prove product quality; it reflects what the platforms found in the cited sources. Seventh, some independent sources describe the legacy OpenSky Secured Visa rather than the Plus product, which may not accurately describe Plus terms.

Explore more credit building rebuilding guidance in the category directory.

Sources

Company-Owned Sources

• OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card Agreement: https://app.openskycc.com/files/ca-p-014.pdf
• OpenSky Credit Cards: https://www.openskycc.com/
• How do secured credit card deposits work? - OpenSky: https://www.openskycc.com/blog/how-do-secured-credit-card-deposits-work
• How do Secured Credit Cards Build Credit? - OpenSky: https://www.openskycc.com/blog/how-do-secured-credit-cards-build-credit
• How Do I Graduate from a Secured Card to an Unsecured Card?: https://www.openskycc.com/blog/how-to-graduate-to-an-unsecured-credit-card
• OpenSky Credit Card Agreements and Disclosures: https://www.openskycc.com/credit-card-agreements
• Opensky Plus Secured Visa: https://www.openskycc.com/plus-secured-visa
• Opensky Secured Credit Cards: https://www.openskycc.com/secured-credit-cards

Independent Sources

• What are the best secured credit cards with graduation paths in August 2026?: https://bankio.io/knowledge/what_are_the_best_secured_credit_cards_with_graduation_paths_in_august_2026.php
• 6 Best Secured Credit Cards of 2026: Deposit, APR: https://clearvaluelending.com/credit/builder/best-secured-credit-cards-2026
• OpenSky Secured Visa Review 2026 - Credit Cards - FinanceBuzz: https://financebuzz.com/opensky-secured-visa-review
• Best Secured Credit Cards 2026: Graduation Data, Deposit Math & Credit-Building Speed: https://scorenerds.com/credit-cards/secured-cards-ranked
• When Can I Get My opensky Credit Card Deposit Refunded?: https://wallethub.com/
• Does opensky Refund Your Money?: https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/opensky-refundable-deposit-2140843346/
• OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No Credit Check or Bank Account Required: https://www.cnet.com/
• The opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card - Experian: https://www.experian.com/static/cred/offers/A052000001.png?c=1788494855630
• OpenSky Secured Credit Card Review (2026: https://www.firstcard.app/learn/opensky-credit-card-review-2026
• opensky Secured Visa Credit Card Review 2026: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/reviews/opensky-secured-visa/
• OpenSky Secured Visa Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/opensky-secured-visa
• OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card Review: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/opensky-plus-secured-visa-credit-card
• OpenSky Secured Credit Card Review - NerdWallet: https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/opensky-secured-credit-card
• Best Secured Credit Cards - The Balance: https://www.thebalance.com/best-secured-credit-cards-4693145