Citi Diamond Secured

By Raquel Oliveira • 04/11/2025

Citi Diamond Secured: No annual fee and Establish or repair their credit history.

Designed for those with little or no credit, this secured credit card helps you build a solid financial foundation while providing essential features like no annual fee and free access to your FICO® score.

Whether you’re just starting your credit journey or recovering from past financial challenges, the Citi Diamond Secured gives you the tools and support needed to improve your credit score with responsible use.

Build Credit with Confidence

The Citi Diamond Secured requires a refundable security deposit, which acts as your credit limit. By using the card responsibly—making on-time payments and keeping your balance low—you’ll demonstrate good financial habits, which can lead to an improved credit score.

One standout feature of this card is its reporting to all three major credit bureaus, ensuring your positive payment history is reflected across your credit profiles. Additionally, with no annual fee, the card is an affordable tool for building credit without unnecessary costs.

Cardholders also have access to tools like Citi® Alerts and free access to their FICO® score, making it easier to track progress and stay on top of their financial health.

Pros and Cons

Therefore, the United GatewaySM Card is a great option for everyone who wants to maximize their rewards on everyday travel and purchases.

In fact, this card is often chosen by citizens who fly on this company’s plane on various occasions. 

On the other hand, it is essential to understand that although this is an advantageous financial product, it has some disadvantages.

Pros

• Reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping cardholders build or repair their credit history with responsible payments.
• No annual fee, ensuring users can maintain their card without additional maintenance costs.
• Provides Citi’s financial management tools, including alerts and online account monitoring for better spending control.
• Helps transition to an unsecured credit card over time, making it a great option for long-term financial growth.

Cons

• There is no benefits program
• High minimum deposit
• High APR

How Do I Know If the Citi Diamond Secured Is the Best Credit Card for Me?

The Citi Diamond Secured is ideal for individuals who are serious about building or repairing their credit. If you’re ready to take control of your financial future and are comfortable with a secured card setup, this card is a strong choice.

Its no-annual-fee policy and focus on essential credit-building features make it accessible to those who want to start small and grow their creditworthiness over time.

However, if you’re looking for a card with rewards or premium perks, this may not be the best option. The Citi Diamond Secured is specifically designed for credit building, not for earning cashback or travel points.

Why Do We Like This Card?

We like the Citi Diamond Secured because it does exactly what it promises: helps you build or rebuild credit with minimal costs. The no-annual-fee structure ensures accessibility, while the required security deposit provides a manageable entry point for those new to credit.

The reporting to all three credit bureaus is a critical feature, ensuring your responsible use is recognized where it matters most. Additionally, the free access to your FICO® score helps you monitor your progress and stay motivated on your credit-building journey.

For anyone looking to improve their financial standing, the Citi Diamond Secured is a reliable and supportive choice.

Conclusion

The Citi Diamond Secured Mastercard is an excellent choice for individuals looking to build or repair their credit in a structured and affordable way.

With no annual fee and direct reporting to credit bureaus, it provides the essential tools needed for financial growth. Responsible use can lead to better credit opportunities in the future.

Although it lacks rewards and requires a security deposit, its primary focus is on financial improvement. This makes it an ideal option for individuals seeking to enhance their creditworthiness.

If you need a secured credit card that supports long-term financial health, the Citi Diamond Secured Mastercard is a solid and practical option.