CitiCiti Secured Mastercard
$0 plus refundable depositPeople establishing credit
Deposit required and no rewards
Check current offer This link goes to Citi’s site. Dean earns nothing if you apply.Citi Secured Mastercard
Annual fee $0 plus refundable deposit. No rewards.
See if it fits my walletDean’s short answer
Best fit: People establishing credit.
SecuredCredit building
This card and its closest alternatives
The 3 reviewed personal cards that share the most card types and features with the Citi Secured Mastercard.
When a link pays Dean a commission, the card says so right there. Paid or not, the ranking never changes, and no issuer sponsors or endorses Dean. Approval, rates, and terms are controlled by the card issuer.
Capital OnePlatinum Mastercard
$0Capital One Platinum Mastercard
Annual fee: $0, against $0 plus refundable deposit for the Citi Secured Mastercard. Best fit: People with fair credit focused on building history. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Starter unsecured, Credit building.
Read Dean’s reviewCapital OneQuicksilver Secured Rewards
$0 plus refundable depositCapital One Quicksilver Secured Rewards
Same annual fee: $0 plus refundable deposit. Best fit: People building credit who want simple rewards. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Secured, Cash back.
Read Dean’s reviewBank of AmericaCustomized Cash Rewards Secured
$0 plus refundable depositBank of America Customized Cash Rewards Secured
Same annual fee: $0 plus refundable deposit. Best fit: People building credit who can use category rewards. Dean’s catalog lists it as: Secured, Choose-your-category cash back.
Read Dean’s review| Card | Annual fee | Rewards and benefit summary | Best fit | Main drawback | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Secured MastercardCiti | $0 plus refundable deposit | No rewardsReports activity; online FICO access; customizable due date | People establishing credit | Deposit required and no rewards | Citi Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Platinum MastercardCapital One | $0 | No rewardsAutomatic credit-line consideration; no annual fee | People with fair credit focused on building history | No rewards and high potential APR | Capital One Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Quicksilver Secured RewardsCapital One | $0 plus refundable deposit | 1.5% cash back on every purchaseRefundable deposit; potential review for higher line; credit reporting | People building credit who want simple rewards | Deposit required | Capital One Checked 2026-07-22 |
| Customized Cash Rewards SecuredBank of America | $0 plus refundable deposit | Choice-category, grocery, wholesale-club, and base cash back under current termsCredit-building review path; rewards while secured | People building credit who can use category rewards | Deposit and category cap | Bank of America Checked 2026-07-22 |
What it earns
No rewards.
What comes with it
Reports activity; online FICO access; customizable due date.
Dean treats these as the reasons to hold the Citi Secured Mastercard. If you would not use them, the card is worth less to you than its marketing says.
- Reports activity
- online FICO access
- customizable due date
Who can get it
Dean lists the Citi Secured Mastercard for limited, fair, good credit. It is a personal card. Availability: public national.
A listed credit range is a starting point, not an approval promise. Citi decides approval, your credit limit, and your rate when you apply.
The catch
Deposit required and no rewards.
Annual fee: $0 plus refundable deposit. Dean checked the fee and terms against Citi on July 22, 2026. Terms can change after that date, so read the live offer before you apply.
How a secured credit card card works
Refundable deposit generally establishes the credit line. Credit reporting, controlled limit, possible graduation, sometimes rewards.
Best for: People building or rebuilding credit. Watch for: Deposit, fees, graduation policy, and reporting to all bureaus vary.
How a student credit card card works
Underwriting and features target students with limited credit history. No annual fee, modest rewards, credit education.
Best for: Eligible students starting credit. Watch for: Student status or income requirements apply; approval is not guaranteed.
How a fair-credit or starter unsecured card works
Unsecured card marketed to applicants below prime credit tiers. Credit access without a deposit and potential upgrade path.
Best for: People with fair credit who do not want a secured card. Watch for: Annual fees and weaker rewards are common.
How a alternative-underwriting credit builder card works
Uses cash flow, banking, or employment data in addition to or instead of a traditional score. Access for thin-file applicants and automated payments.
Best for: People with limited U.S. credit history. Watch for: May require payroll connection, bank account, or autopay and can have limited rewards.
Flat rewards: how to value it
Same rate on most eligible purchases.
Conditions to check: Excluded cash-like transactions and redemption value. Best for simplicity and uncategorized spend.
Annual travel credit: how to value it
Statement credit or instant discount for eligible travel.
Conditions to check: Calendar versus cardmember year, portal or merchant restrictions, exclusions. Value it at face value only if you would use it naturally.
Airline incidental credit: how to value it
Reimburses selected airline fees.
Conditions to check: Enrollment, selected airline, eligible charges, and posting window. Tickets often do not qualify.
Sources and scope
Check the evidence, then check the live offer.
Dean links directly to the issuer. Card terms and eligibility can change after the review date.