Just like a secure credit card, A secure loan requires collateral. This can be in the form of real estate, home equity, cash, savings accounts, investment accounts or a personal vehicle. This is why it is so important to maintain good credit and have a great credit score so you do not have to put up any collateral when you apply for a loan. An 800-credit score has more purchasing power than 100K. A 750-credit score has more purchasing power than 50K. You can get an unsecure loan for 50K or even 100K with just a 750-credit score! Let that sink in for a second and understand that credit is power.