*Citi Secured Mastercard
The **Citi Secured Mastercard®** is a secure credit card ideal for those looking to build or rebuild their credit history. It offers several benefits, such as:
* **No impact on your credit:** The inquiry to check your eligibility does not affect your credit score.
* **Security Deposit:** Your credit limit will be equivalent to the amount of your security deposit, which can vary between $200 and $2,500.
* **Free access to your FICO score:** Monitor your progress and see how your credit history is developing.
* **Tools to stay in control:**
* **Auto Payment:** Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
* **Account alerts:** Receive email or SMS notifications about transactions, card usage and your credit score.
* **Flexible due dates:** Choose the due date that best fits your budget.
* **Worldwide acceptance:** Use your card anywhere Mastercard® is accepted.
**To qualify for the Citi Secured Mastercard®**, you need to:
* Be a US citizen or permanent resident.
* Be at least 18 years old.
* Have a demonstrable source of income.
* No recent history of serious default.
**After approval:**
* Make your payments on time to build your credit history.
* Use your card responsibly to increase your credit limit.
* Monitor your FICO score and track your progress.
**Remember if:**
*The Citi Secured Mastercard® is a secured credit card, which means you will need to make a security deposit to get the card.
* Your initial credit limit will be equivalent to the amount of your security deposit.
* You can request an increase in your credit limit after 6 months of responsible card use.
*Interest rates and other fees apply. Read the card terms and conditions before applying.
**For more information and to apply for the Citi Secured Mastercard®, visit the Citi
website:* https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-secured-credit-card
**Note:** T information above is in Portuguese and was adapted from the Citi website for the Brazilian audience.
The **Citi Secured Mastercard** was launched in **2007** as an option for customers with little or no credit history. Since then, it has become one of the most popular secured credit cards on the market, helping thousands of people build their credit history and achieve their financial goals.
The card offers several benefits for those looking to build credit, such as:
* **No annual fee:** You don’t pay an annual fee to have the card, which makes it an affordable option for those just starting out.
* **Minimum security deposit of R$200:** The security deposit sets your initial credit limit and is refundable when you close your account in good standing.
* **Monthly Reports to Major Credit Bureaus:** Your on-time payments are reported to major credit bureaus, helping you build a positive credit history.
* **Free access to your FICO score:** Monitor your FICO score for free and track your progress in building credit.
* **EMV chip for greater security:** The card has an EMV chip for safer transactions.
* **Fraud Protection:** Citi offers zero liability fraud protection, so you won’t be responsible for fraudulent purchases made with your card.
**Card evolution over time:**
Over the years, the Citi Secured Mastercard has undergone some changes to better meet the needs of its customers.
* **2013:** Citi introduced the **automatic payment** option to make it easier to pay your invoice on time.
* **2016:** The card began offering **online access to the FICO score** so that customers could track their progress in building credit.
* **2019:** Citi increased the **minimum security deposit** to R$200 and introduced the **additional deposit** option to increase the credit limit.
* **2021:** The card now offers **zero liability fraud protection** for purchases made online, over the phone or abroad.
Today, the Citi Secured Mastercard is a great option for those looking to build credit or improve their FICO score. The card offers several benefits and features that can help you reach your financial goals.