Citi Diamond Secured – How to Apply
The Citi® Secured Mastercard®, also known as the Citi Diamond Secured, is designed for who need to build or rebuild their credit.
While many credit cards lure customers with rewards, perks, and cash back, the Citi Diamond Secured offers something more fundamental: an opportunity.
This card serves as a stepping stone. It doesn’t come with frills, but it does provide a structure that can lead to long-term financial improvement.
That makes it valuable—especially for users who may not qualify for traditional credit products.
Citi tracks your payment behavior and reports it to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. With time, and after demonstrating consistent financial discipline, you could receive your deposit back and graduate to an unsecured card.
It’s not flashy. It’s not packed with perks. But it’s powerful in its purpose.
Citi Diamond Secured
No credit history required No rewardsHow Does the Citi Diamond Secured Card Work?
This secured credit card functions like any other Mastercard—use it to make purchases in-store or online, pay bills, or cover everyday expenses. The key difference is that you must submit a refundable security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. For example, if you deposit $500, that becomes the amount you can spend on the card.
The minimum deposit is $200, and you can increase your limit by depositing more. The amount you put down is fully refundable, provided you use the card responsibly and eventually close the account or graduate to an unsecured card.
What makes this card especially valuable for credit-building is that Citi reports your usage to all three major credit bureaus. Every on-time payment and responsible balance management helps improve your credit score. For someone starting fresh, that reporting is critical.
There are no hidden tricks—just clear, structured credit-building. If you want a straightforward, supportive way to grow your credit, this is a great place to begin.
Main Benefits of the Citi Diamond Secured Credit Card
The biggest advantage of the Citi Diamond Secured Card is its accessibility. There’s no credit history requirement, making it a safe entry point for students, immigrants, or anyone who’s rebuilding after financial challenges.
Another benefit is the potential to upgrade. After consistent responsible use, Citi may review your account and offer a transition to an unsecured credit card. This graduation path not only helps you access more benefits later but also returns your security deposit.
There’s also a peace-of-mind factor. With $0 fraud liability, you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions, giving you confidence while using your card online or in public.
Plus, you can manage everything from Citi’s secure app or website, giving you full visibility and control over your account. That convenience adds to the confidence this card brings.
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Cons of the Citi Diamond Secured Credit Card
The trade-off for accessibility is a lack of rewards. You won’t earn points or cash back on your purchases, which might make this card less appealing for users who want more value from every swipe.
Another downside is the security deposit. While it’s refundable, it can still be a financial barrier for some. And since the deposit is tied to your credit limit, you may find your available credit to be low, which can make it harder to maintain an ideal credit utilization ratio.
The APR is also relatively high, so carrying a balance month to month can quickly become expensive. It’s best used as a tool for growth, not for borrowing long term.
APR and Fees
The Citi Diamond Secured comes with the following financial terms:
- $0 annual fee
- Variable APR of 27.74% for purchases
- Minimum deposit: $200 (refundable)
- Late payment fee: up to $41
- Returned payment fee: up to $41
There’s no foreign transaction fee, making this card more useful for international students or travelers, though it’s still best used domestically for building credit.
How to Apply for the Citi Diamond Secured Credit Card
- Visit Citi’s official application page for the Secured Mastercard.
- Click “Apply Now” to start your secure online application.
- Enter your full name, address, Social Security number, and financial details.
- Choose your security deposit amount (minimum $200).
- Fund your deposit through a linked bank account.
- Submit your application and await approval—usually within minutes.
Once approved, your card will arrive by mail, and you can begin your credit journey with confidence.
