Citi Secured Mastercard
Citi · Building Credit review
Thin-file or rebuilding applicants who want to build credit over an 18-month runway with a major-bank issuer, at a $0 an
Sorted by score, never commission
Annual fee
$0
No annual fee, every year
Ongoing APR
26.74% variable
Variable — verify the current range at the issuer
As of July 18, 2026
Best for
Thin-file or rebuilding applicants who want to build credit over an 18-month runway with a major-bank issuer, at a $0 annual fee — with a path to a product change to an unsecured Citi card and a returned deposit at the 18-month mark.
Not for
People who want automatic, faster graduation (Discover reviews at month 7, Capital One at month 6) and anyone who wants rewards — this is a pure credit-building tool with no earning.
The catch
Citi doesn't auto-graduate — you generally have to contact Citi to request the product change after 18 months. The $200 refundable deposit sets your limit, and at 26.74% variable APR, carry no balance.
Card facts
Sourced from the issuer's published Schumer Box and terms — confirm current numbers at the issuer.
Product specs
- Annual fee
- $0
- Ongoing APR
- 26.74% variable
- Schumer Box sourced
- July 18, 2026
How we scored this card
See our published methodology — 5 dimensions, 0–20 each, 100-point total.
Get an email when Citi Secured Mastercard's offer changes.
We track Citi Secured Mastercard's current offer and terms. We'll email you the moment they change — no checking back.
Frequently asked
Does the Citi Secured Mastercard charge an annual fee?
No. The Citi Secured Mastercard carries a $0 annual fee, sourced from the issuer's published Schumer Box as of July 18, 2026. Rates change — confirm the current terms at the issuer.
What APR does the Citi Secured Mastercard charge?
26.74% variable. APRs are variable and set by the issuer — confirm the current range on the issuer's Schumer Box before you commit.
Who is the Citi Secured Mastercard best for?
Thin-file or rebuilding applicants who want to build credit over an 18-month runway with a major-bank issuer, at a $0 annual fee — with a path to a product change to an unsecured Citi card and a returned deposit at the 18-month mark.
Who should skip the Citi Secured Mastercard?
People who want automatic, faster graduation (Discover reviews at month 7, Capital One at month 6) and anyone who wants rewards — this is a pure credit-building tool with no earning.
How did ClearValue score the Citi Secured Mastercard?
Citi Secured Mastercard scored 73/100 — "Worth considering". We score every card across five dimensions (effective rewards, fee structure, audience fit, transparency, and the weakness named), 0–20 each. Scores are never influenced by commission. See our methodology for the full rubric.
Alternatives to the Citi Secured Mastercard
Other secured cards we've scored, ranked by our methodology.
- DiscoverCanon
Discover it Secured
90/100Annual fee$0Ongoing APR26.49%Intro APR10.99% · 6 moBest forCredit-builders who want a $0 AF secured card that reports to all three bureaus, earns rotating-category cashback, AND g
Fees sourced from issuer terms · 2026-08-15
- Capital OneSolid pick
Capital One Quicksilver Secured
89/100Annual fee$0Ongoing APR28.99%Foreign txn feeNoneBest forCredit-builders who want a secured card that reports to all three bureaus AND earns 1
Fees sourced from issuer terms · 2026-07-15
- Capital OneWorth considering
Capital One Platinum Secured
77/100Annual fee$0Ongoing APR28.99%Foreign txn feeNoneBest forPeople rebuilding credit who want to minimize the cash tied up in a deposit — qualifying applicants can open a $200 cred
Fees sourced from issuer terms · 2026-07-21
