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Citi

Citi® Secured Mastercard®

SecuredNo Annual FeeBuilding CreditFair Credit

Key Features

Annual Fee$0.00
Regular APR
Purchase Rate: 25.99% Variable APR.
The variable APR for purchases and balance transfers is 25.99%.
For Citi Flex Plans subject to an APR, the variable APR is 25.99%.
The variable APR for cash advances is 29.74%.
The variable penalty APR is up to 29.99% and may be applied if you make a late payment or make a payment that is returned.
Other Fees
Minimum interest charge — $0.50.
Fee for foreign purchases — 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase.
Cash advance fee — either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
Balance transfer fee — either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
For Citi Flex Pay Plans subject to a Plan Fee, a monthly fee of up to 1.72% will apply, based on the Citi Flex Plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the Transaction, and other factors.
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Best for those with
Poor Credit

About this card

The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is primarily a credit-building tool, and its overall rating reflects this limited utility. The absence of rewards and the high APR are significant drawbacks, especially considering its target audience. While the lack of an annual fee is a plus, the high APR and other fees detract from its value proposition. Its reputation as a straightforward, no-frills card from a major issuer is a strength, but the slow path to graduating to an unsecured card and the availability of more rewarding secured cards on the market hold it back. While it serves its purpose for those with poor credit, it's not a standout option.

1.9
Overall Rating

Pros & Cons

What's great

  • No annual fee
  • Low credit score requirement
  • Tools to help you stay on track

Things to consider

  • High regular APR
  • No sign-up bonus
  • No rewards
  • Foreign transaction fees apply
  • High balance transfer fee

What this card offers

Sign-up bonuses

    Rewards

      Other features

      • Get a response in under a minute
      • $0 Liability on unauthorized charges
      • Choose from available payment due dates at the beginning, middle, or end of the month
      • Tools to help you stay on track, including auto pay and account alerts
      • Free access to your FICO score online
      • Mastercard® ID Theft Protection™ available for no additional charge
      • With a secured credit card, once you are approved, you'll provide a security deposit, between $200 - $2,500. The credit limit on your new secured credit card will equal the amount of your security deposit.
      • Citi® Secured Mastercard® is an option for customers with little or no credit history and can help you build your credit when used responsibly.
      • Unlike a debit card, Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a real credit card that helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus.
      • Automatic Account Alerts
      • Choose your Payment Due Date
      • Digital Wallets
      • Tap Your Card with Contactless Pay
      • Help Keep Your Identity Safe
      • 24/7 Customer Service

      Additional Notes

      This offer may not be available if you leave this page. Offers may vary and this offer may not be available in other places where the card is offered.

      Ratings

      3.3
      1
      1
      1.5
      1.8