What is the difference between a secured and unsecured credit card?

A secured credit card is offered when there is a deposit amount provided by the individual that is placed on hold to “secure” the value of the credit card. The secured card is reported to the credit bureau as a revolving account, the same as an unsecured credit card.  An unsecured credit card is a revolving line that does not have deposit funds on hold. An individual may pledge, or provide a deposit, for a secured card in the event that the applicant does not qualify for an unsecured credit card due to lack of credit history or negative history.