Home Trust Secured Visa: a secured card for bad or limited credit

See the requirements, fees and deposit rules before you apply

By Luzia Martins updated in 09/23/2026

Do you think having a damaged credit history means you can never use a credit card?

The Home Trust Secured Visa was created for Canadians who need a structured way to start building or rebuilding their credit, using a security deposit.

Home Trust has offered this card for more than a decade. It’s designed to help cardholders show responsible credit use over time, since Home Trust reports the account to the credit bureau every month.

Below, you’ll find information about how the card works, who it may suit and what costs to review before applying.

Who is the Home Trust Secured Visa for?

The Home Trust Secured Visa is intended for people who have difficulty qualifying for a traditional credit card because of a poor or limited credit history.

According to Home Trust, this includes people with unconventional credit histories, such as newcomers to Canada, students, self-employed people and anyone with past credit issues.

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

Be a permanent Canadian resident;
Have reached the age of majority in your province;
Not currently be in bankruptcy;
Pay a security deposit of at least $500 from a Canadian account in your name;
Not be a resident of Quebec.

Home Trust says almost everyone who applies and puts down a deposit is approved. Applications are still subject to other terms and conditions, including ID validation and Know Your Client requirements.

Benefits of the Home Trust Secured Visa

The Home Trust Secured Visa is built around credit building and spending control, rather than rewards or premium perks.

Some of its main features include:

You can use the card for everyday purchases, and Home Trust reports your account to the credit bureau every month, which can help you build your credit history when you pay on time;
You can choose between no annual fee with a 19.99% interest rate, or a $59 annual fee with a lower 14.90% interest rate;
The foreign currency conversion fee is 2%, lower than the 2.5% charged by many Canadian credit cards;
The card includes the Visa Zero Liability Policy, which protects you from unauthorized purchases, and Verified by Visa for online shopping;
You can use it online, in stores and abroad, in more than 200 countries and territories where Visa is accepted, and add it to Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.

This structure suits people who want a basic, widely accepted card focused on responsible use and budgeting.

Credit card limit

With the Home Trust Secured Visa, your credit limit is equal to the amount of your security deposit.

You choose your credit limit by providing a deposit from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $10,000. The deposit stays with Home Trust for as long as you hold the card, and Home Trust says it’s protected as a member of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).

Because your limit matches your deposit, it helps you keep your balance at a level you can manage. Cash advances are limited to 20% of your credit limit.

Home Trust Secured Visa: Fees and charges

Before applying, it’s important to understand the card’s fees and interest rates. Home Trust offers two pricing options:

Option 1: No Annual Fee Card

Annual fee: $0;
Purchase interest rate: 19.99% annually;
Cash advance interest rate: 19.99% annually.

Option 2: Low Interest Card (With Annual Fee)

Annual fee: $59;
Purchase interest rate: 14.90% annually;
Cash advance interest rate: 19.80% annually.

Other standard fees:

A foreign currency conversion fee of 2% applies to transactions in currencies other than Canadian dollars;
An overlimit fee of $29 applies if your balance exceeds your credit limit;
A $45 NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee applies to each returned payment;
An inactivity fee of $12 applies after each 12-month period with no activity on your account;
ATM cash advance fees apply: in Canada, $2.50 for amounts up to $250 and 1% for larger amounts, up to $10. Higher fees apply outside Canada, up to $15 per withdrawal;
A $5 fee applies for copies of past statements and of purchase or cash advance drafts;
A rush card fee of $39 applies if you request express delivery.

Rates and fees checked on September 22, 2026, against Home Trust’s official website and disclosure statements. Confirm current terms on the Home Trust website before applying.

How to apply for the Home Trust Secured Visa?

You can apply for the Home Trust Secured Visa online. The process generally follows these steps:

Go to the Home Trust Secured Visa page and click “Apply Now”;
Review the eligibility requirements and make sure you have the funds ready for your security deposit;
Read the terms, conditions and disclosure statement;
Choose your card option (no annual fee or low interest);
Provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth and Canadian address, and your employment and financial information;
Complete the identity verification and choose how you’ll fund your security deposit;
Review and submit your application.

For questions about the card, you can call Home Trust customer service at 1-877-727-6883, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Opinion about the Home Trust Secured Visa

The Home Trust Secured Visa can be a good option for people who need a credit card to build or rebuild their credit and are willing to provide an upfront security deposit.

It focuses on credit access rather than rewards, which can appeal to people who want to keep things simple while working on their credit habits. The choice between a no-fee option and a lower interest rate, and the 2% foreign currency fee, add flexibility.

At the same time, there’s no cash back program, and you need at least $500 for the deposit, which stays with Home Trust for as long as you have the card.

Before applying, make sure you have the funds for the deposit and commit to paying your statement on time each month, since on-time payments are what help your credit history.

Click the button below to be redirected to the official Home Trust website to apply for the Home Trust Secured Visa.

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Legal Disclaimer: This website is independent and purely informational, and its content does not constitute financial advice. Finvyu is not affiliated with Home Trust. We do not guarantee credit approval or card issuance, which are subject solely to the risk analysis of Home Trust Company. Finvyu Editorial Team.