Citi Secured Mastercard review

The Citi Secured Mastercard is a plain credit-building card with a clear graduation schedule. When you apply, you choose a security deposit between $200 and $2,500 in $100 increments, and your credit limit always equals that deposit. There is no annual fee and no authorized user fee, and responsible use is reported to the major credit bureaus. Citi reviews customers for early graduation starting at 9 months and then every 12 months, and those who pass move to the Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card; those who do not stay on the secured card. Account tools include free FICO Score access, Citi Quick Lock, AutoPay, automatic alerts and a choice of due date. The card earns no rewards, though Citi Merchant Offers can return statement credits. Approval is based on Citi's standard criteria, including a review of income against existing debts, so it is not a no-check option. It ranks below the Capital One and Discover cards because they offer lower deposits or rewards.

Who it is for

Citi customers who want a no-frills card and a path to a Citi unsecured card

Price

$0 annual fee; deposit from $200 to $2,500.

There is no annual membership fee
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Security deposit between $200 and $2,500 in $100 increments sets the credit limit
• Graduation reviews start at 9 months, then every 12 months
• Upgrade path to the Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card
• Free FICO Score access and Citi Quick Lock
• Choose a due date at the beginning, middle or end of the month

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No annual fee and no authorized user fee
• Strength: Reports to the major credit bureaus
• Strength: Merchant Offers can return statement credits
• Weakness: Earns no rewards
• Weakness: Approval includes a review of your income against existing debts
• Weakness: $200 minimum deposit with no lower tier

Key facts

• Annual fee: $0
• Deposit: $200 to $2,500 in $100 increments
• Credit limit: Equal to the deposit
• Graduation review: From 9 months, then every 12 months
• Upgrade card: Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card

Where it ranks

Citi Secured Mastercard is No. 7 in our Best Secured Credit Cards verdict.