With the Citi® Secured Mastercard®, you can secure a credit line matching your refundable deposit, ranging from $200 to $2,500.
With no annual fee and access to free credit score tracking, this card helps you stay on top of your finances.
Continue reading to see the benefits, requirements, and how to apply in just a few minutes!
About the Citi® Secured Mastercard®
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a credit-building tool for those with limited or no credit history. It requires a refundable security deposit between $200 and $2,500, which determines your credit limit.
This card reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping responsible users establish or rebuild credit.
With no annual fee and access to free FICO® score tracking, it’s designed to support long-term financial growth.
Main card details
Card Type: Secured Credit Card
Annual Fee: $0
Security Deposit: $200 to $2,500 (refundable)
Credit Reporting: Reports to all three major credit bureaus
Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each purchase
Additional Benefits: Free access to FICO® score online, customizable payment due dates, and $0 liability on unauthorized charges
Advantages
No Annual Fee
Enjoy the benefits of a credit card without the yearly cost, allowing you to focus on building your credit without additional expenses.
Credit Building Opportunities
Regular reporting to all three major credit bureaus helps establish or improve your credit history when payments are made on time.
Customizable Payment Due Dates
Cardholders can choose a payment due date that fits their financial schedule, whether it’s at the beginning, middle, or end of the month.
Disadvantages
Requires a Security Deposit
Unlike unsecured cards, the Citi® Secured Mastercard® requires a refundable deposit of $200–$2,500, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Higher APR Compared to Some Cards
With an APR of 26.74% (Variable), carrying a balance on this card can become expensive if payments are not made in full.
Why Choose the Citi® Secured Mastercard®
This card offers no annual fee, making it an affordable option for credit-building. Citi also provides flexible payment due dates, allowing users to manage payments on their own schedule.
Cardholders enjoy $0 liability on unauthorized transactions for security and contactless payment options for added convenience. Plus, 24/7 customer service ensures support whenever you need it.
Is the Citi® Secured Mastercard® Worth It?
For those serious about establishing or improving their credit, this card offers great value. The ability to control your credit limit based on your deposit amount makes it a flexible choice.
Although it lacks cash-back rewards, it provides essential tools like free FICO® score access and automatic reporting to credit bureaus, making it a strong option for credit growth.
There is no strict minimum credit score requirement, making it an excellent option for those new to credit or rebuilding their financial profile. However, Citi will review your income, debt, and overall financial history before approval.
You can deposit any amount between $200 and $2,500, and your credit limit will match your deposit. The deposit is fully refundable when you close the account in good standing or upgrade to an unsecured card.
Citi reports your payment activity to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Making on-time payments and keeping a low credit utilization can help you improve your credit score over time.
Yes, your deposit is fully refundable if you close your account with no outstanding balance. Citi may also review your account over time and offer an upgrade to an unsecured credit card, returning your deposit automatically.
– A Reliable Credit-Building Card with No Annual Fee –
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is one of the best secured credit cards available, offering credit-building benefits with no annual fee and flexible deposit options.
Citi® Secured Mastercard® Application
Applying for the Citi® Secured Mastercard® is simple and requires a security deposit. Citi reviews your income, debt, and financial history before approval, ensuring responsible credit use.
Once approved, you must deposit between $200 and $2,500, which determines your credit limit. The deposit is fully refundable when you close the account in good standing.
After funding your deposit, Citi activates your card for use. Make on-time payments and track your credit score to improve your financial profile over time.
Required Documents
- Government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID)
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Proof of Income (such as pay stubs or bank statements)
- Bank Account Information (to transfer your security deposit)
How to Apply for the Citi® Secured Mastercard®:
- Visit the Citi website and navigate to the Citi® Secured Mastercard® application page.
- Choose your security deposit amount, which will match your credit limit.
- Fill out the online application, providing your personal and financial details.
- Submit your application and wait for approval (usually within minutes).
- If approved, fund your security deposit within 14 days to activate your new card.