Arro vs OpenSky

Arro needs no deposit but approves you from your bank account activity. OpenSky asks for a refundable deposit of at least $200 and in return runs no credit check and does not require a bank account. OpenSky is cheaper over time and lets you choose your limit. Arro is the option when you cannot spare the deposit.

Checked November 9, 2026 against Arro's own pages and the independent sources listed below. Written by the ArroCardApply Editorial Team.

Two card characters side by side
On this page
  1. Arro vs OpenSky at a glance
  2. The differences that matter
  3. What a year costs
  4. Choose Arro if
  5. Choose OpenSky if
  6. Verdict

Arro vs OpenSky at a glance

FeatureArro CardOpenSky Secured Visa
Product typeUnsecured MastercardSecured Visa
FeeUp to $60 a year (less in year one on small lines)$35 a year
APRFrom 24.99%About 24% variable
Credit limitUp to $300 to start, up to $2,500Equal to your deposit, $200 to $3,000
DepositNone$200 minimum, refundable
Credit checkNo hard pull (soft inquiry)No credit check
Reports toEquifax, Experian, TransUnionEquifax, Experian, TransUnion
Where it worksAnywhere Mastercard is acceptedAnywhere Visa is accepted
Rewards1% on gas and groceriesLimited cash-back offers

Figures as published by: NerdWallet: Arro Card review (April 6, 2026); NerdWallet: OpenSky Secured Visa review. Checked November 9, 2026. Issuers change terms, so confirm on the issuer's own site before you apply.

The differences that matter

Deposit. OpenSky's limit equals what you put down, from $200 to $3,000, and you get it back when you close in good standing. Arro asks for nothing upfront.

Limit. With OpenSky you decide. Put down $500 and your limit is $500. Arro sets your starting line, up to $300.

Fee. OpenSky charges $35 a year. Arro charges up to $60 a year. OpenSky also sells a Plus version with no annual fee and a $300 minimum deposit.

Approval. OpenSky does not check credit and does not need a checking account, so it is among the hardest cards to be declined for. Arro can decline you on thin deposits.

Foreign use. Arro has no foreign transaction fee. OpenSky charges 3%.

What a year costs

ScenarioArro CardOpenSky
Pay in full every month$12 to $60$35
Carry a $150 balance all year$49.48 to $97.48$71

Our arithmetic from each product's published fee and APR: yearly fees plus one year of interest on $150 where interest applies. OpenSky: plus a refundable $200 deposit. Arro: membership depends on starting limit. Try other amounts in the Arro Card cost calculator.

Choose Arro if

  • You do not have $200 to lock away.
  • You want cash back on gas and groceries.
  • You travel abroad or buy from foreign sites.

Choose OpenSky if

  • You have the deposit and want a larger limit than Arro offers.
  • You have no bank account or irregular deposits.
  • You want the lower yearly cost.

Verdict

If you have $200 available, OpenSky is the lower-cost and more predictable way to build credit. If you do not, Arro gets you started without it.

Still comparing? See all nine in cards like Arro, or read our Arro Card review.

Questions people ask

Is OpenSky better than Arro?

It is cheaper per year and lets you set a higher limit, but only if you can fund the deposit.

Which is easier to get, Arro or OpenSky?

OpenSky. It has no credit check and no bank account requirement, only the deposit.

Sources

Keep reading

Request $200 to $5,000