KeyBank's Secured Credit Card Program Passes 48,000 Graduates, With 4,600 in First Half of 2026

KeyBank said its Key Secured Credit Card program has graduated more than 48,000 clients since its 2019 launch, including more than 4,600 in the first half of 2026. The Cleveland-based bank announced the figures on October 29, 2026, according to PR Newswire.

How the 2026 Graduating Classes Performed

Of the 2026 graduates, 68% completed the program within 12 months and 85% within 24 months, based on graduating classes between January 1 and June 30, 2026. Seventy-four percent entered without a FICO Score, while 26% entered with a low FICO Score. Clients who started with a low score improved it by an average of 86 points, and those who entered without a score graduated with an average FICO Score of 724.

On graduation, a client's secured card is upgraded to an unsecured card, releasing funds from the Key Active Saver account that had been pledged as collateral. The card requires a refundable security deposit starting at $300, carries a $0 annual fee, and reports history to credit bureaus.

"At Key, we're passionate about helping our clients understand the importance of building and maintaining strong credit, as it's an important building block to a solid financial future," said Maria Ponce, Head of Consumer Payments at KeyBank.

Credit Line Increases and Invitation Campaigns

A credit line increase enhancement introduced in 2024 has since delivered increases to 10,021 graduates, including 2,052 during the first half of 2026. An Invitation to Apply campaign launched in June 2025 for graduates moving to traditional cards has reached over 6,100 clients, introducing products such as the KeyBank Latitude and Key Cashback cards.

KeyBank's Scale Behind the Card Program

KeyBank is a Cleveland-based regional bank holding company operating as KeyCorp, serving consumers and businesses across 15 states, according to akta.pro company records. The same records list total assets of $189 billion as of the most recent reporting period, while the bank's announcement cites approximately $193 billion as of September 30, 2026. The records also show a $2.8 billion investment from Scotiabank for a 14.9% stake in KeyCorp.

Earlier KeyBank Moves This Year

KeyCorp named Drue Anderson to lead its Retail Banking division, succeeding Kevin Sloan, who will retire at year-end, The future of trading reported on September 29, 2026. KeyBank appointed Mike Keane Chief Operating Officer of Key Wealth, effective October 1, 2026, succeeding Joe Calabrese, Stock Titan reported the same month. On August 31, 2026, KeyBank opened a full-service branch in Black Diamond, Washington, and donated $20,000 to two local nonprofits, Yahoo reported.

What Comes Next for the Program

KeyBank said clients will have access to enhanced "Money Me and Key" live workshops in 2027, and that it will expand the workshops' audiences beyond current secured card clients to additional clients seeking assistance.