Jason Miles, Wallethub Credit Card Consultant
@jasonmiles42
Yes, you can convert the Capital One Platinum Secured to unsecured. Capital One will periodically review your account for possible graduation. If your account is eligible, you will be notified by email. You can maximize your chances of converting your Capital One Platinum Secured to unsecured by using your credit card responsibly.
Here’s how to increase your chances of converting your Capital One Platinum Secured to unsecured:
- Make on-time payments. This is probably the most important part of the process. If you don’t pay your Capital One Platinum Secured bills by the due date, you won’t even be considered for graduation.
- Use your card responsibly. Maintaining low credit utilization will indicate to Capital One that you can handle an unsecured card. So, aim to use only 30% or less of your Capital One Platinum Secured’s limit.
- Improve your other finances. Adding to your income and paying down debt will improve your creditworthiness as a whole, making you a better candidate for an unsecured card.
When your Capital One Platinum Secured graduates to unsecured, your credit line no longer needs to be secured with collateral. So, when you graduate, the initial deposit you made to open the secured card will be refunded. And you’ll also keep the good credit history you’ve earned with your Capital One Platinum Secured.

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card
Carl Blake, Member
@carl_blake
You cannot ask for a Capital One secured to unsecured graduation, but graduation is definitely possible. The first option when it comes to graduating is the Capital One Platinum, which is a reasonable no-annual fee credit card.
So hang in there, and keep making those payments!
x_dreamy, Member
@x_dreamy
I have a 601$ secured Capital One card that I've had for over 2 years. I can even show the documents, for my denial. I asked for a CLI. I was denied twice due to they don't graduate to unsecured cards. Like I don't think 3rd times a charm. I was approved $2000 Walmart cap one card in between that. But don't be surprised if cap one denies your request.
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nicole_maldonado14, Member
@nicole_maldonado14
I've always had my reservations about credit card reviews, especially the Capital One secured credit card. Well today I can tell you that yes, the secured card does in fact graduate. Today I noticed my security refund deposit after a solid four years with Capital One. Apparently it was graduated yesterday 11 December after I received my refund, credited to my account of course. I called to speak with a CapOne representative just to be sure and they confirmed that my card was graduated to an unsecured card.

4 EFFING YEARS ? That’s nearly half a decade. They told me it would be possible after 1 year.
Did we answer your question?
Mr. Miles you may want to get your facts straight! There are two very different secured credit cards that Capital One offers and the main difference is that one is secured forever and you will never get your deposit back (until account is closed) and the other can be converted to unsecured after meeting requirements. Do your own research!
Unfortunelty Mr Miles is partially incorrect. Capital One does not offer conversion from secured to unsecured although when you sign up customer reps will mis inform you. It isn’t till later that you discover the credit score recking truth. Capital one uses media to build their reputation but it is filled with untruths. You must cancel your capital one secured card and apply separately for an unsecured. And as stated you will do damage to your credit score in the process. I would go near them there are better options that offer graduation from secured to unsecured where the transition only requires a soft credit pull and account history review so their is no damage to your credit score. I assume they hope is that people will be opposed to cancelling and they will get to keep your security deposit. Awful scam ... I do not do business with liars .. I rather search high and low for companies that tell you the truth upfront loudly and boldly... Not hidden in fine print or blurred by pitches worded to cause confusion or misinterpretation. Why spend all those advertising dollars only to lose customers because they uncovered a lie ??? Capitol one you lost great customers and you will continue to lose them.
@cadwhiz: exactly the same problem I am having with Capital one secured platinum card. $251 credit limit 8 month account age. 681 score. 0 debt , 0 carry over balance , 0 neg marks. , 0 LATE PAYMENTS. But i cannot use card at all or my utilization will drop score 50 points. Basically the card is worthless besides keeping it in my top dresser drawer.