Unlike a prepaid or debit card, a secured card is an actual credit card, which means your credit activity is reported to the three major credit bureaus. Making payments on time and using your card responsibly can help you build your credit over time.
Here’s how to get started
Unlike a debit card, the Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a real credit card that helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus.
Build credit with modern benefits
Any questions?
A secured card is an option for people with little or no credit history, offering them the opportunity to help build a credit history as they make everyday purchases on their card and pay their bill on time every month. Unlike traditional credit cards, a secured card requires a security deposit.
You’ll need your Social Security number and other personal information. Approval is based on a review of your income and debt, any available credit information, as well as any other information Citi may have about your credit worthiness. You must not have any bankruptcy history within the last two years.
We’ll use the information you provide to help determine whether you’re approved for a Citi Secured Card account, subject to receipt of collateral. (“Collateral” refers to your security deposit, which will be equal to your credit limit.). If you’re approved, you’ll have [14] days to provide your bank account information, which will be used to fund your security deposit via ACH, before we open your account. You’ll submit a security deposit between $200 and $2,500. We may ask you to verify the bank account used for your security deposit to confirm that you have access to it. If you do not have a bank account, please visit a Citibank branch to speak with a banker about applying for the card.
No, it will look like a regular credit card and will be accepted anywhere Mastercard® is accepted.
Your security deposit will be held in a Collateral Holding Account for up to an initial period of 18 months and will not earn interest. If your account is in default, we may apply your security deposit to the outstanding balance and close your account. Otherwise, your security deposit is returned after a processing period once you close your account and your balance is paid in full.
No, you must still pay at least your minimum payment due each month on time.
Your security deposit is refundable if you graduate to an unsecured product within the first 18 months or any subsequent renewal period or if your account is closed and your balance is paid in full. The refund could take up to 100 days.
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is designed specifically for people who are new to credit or want to build their credit. To determine your qualifications, Citi reviews your income and debt, any available credit information, as well as any other information Citi may have about your creditworthiness.
Yes, as with any credit card, you may be declined based on the information you provide in your application or your available credit history. Other factors such as income, pending bankruptcy and debt can also impact approval. You could also be declined if you fail to provide a security deposit when you apply.
Once your application is approved, expect to receive your card in about two weeks. This is typically how long it takes for Citi to withdraw your security deposit, confirm the funds transfer is successful, set up your account and deliver your card via First Class mail.
First, Citi gives you free access to your FICO® Score, which is a great way to start tracking your credit. Once available, your score is updated monthly. A higher score can help you gain access to more credit. You can also find many other free financial tools and information at the Citi Credit Knowledge Center.