Most Used Citibank Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Having a low credit score rating can make it hard to qualify for traditional credit score cards, but Citibank offers answers tailor-made for individuals seeking to rebuild their credit. Whether you want a credit card to improve your credit score, control everyday prices, or access important monetary services, Citibank presents options designed for people with terrible or limited credit score records.

These credit cards regularly come with fewer credit limits, accountable spending incentives, and opportunities to improve to higher products through the years. In this guide, we can explore the most used Citibank credit cards for bad credit scores, their key benefits, and how they let you get back on target financially.

Summary Table (TLDR)

Top 6 Citibank Credit Cards for Bad Credit [2025]

Best Citibank Credit Cards for Bad Credit [March 2025]

1. Citi Secured MasterCard

The Citi Secured Mastercard is a first-rate choice for individuals trying to construct or rebuild credit. It reviews major credit score bureaus, gives a low annual rate, and permits you to music your progress with month-to-month statements.

Credit Building

Issuer	Citibank
Payment Gateway	MasterCard
Credit Score	Poor-Fair
Intro APR	N/A
Regular APR	26.74%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	26.74%
Best For	Credit Builders, Newcomers, Bad Credit

Designed for those looking to build or rebuild credit, the Citi Secured Mastercard® requires a refundable security deposit and helps establish a positive credit history. Citi issues this card to all three major credit bureaus, making it an effective tool for improving credit scores over time.

The card has no rewards program but charges a $0 annual fee. The security deposit sets the credit limit (minimum $200). No referral program exists, but responsible use can lead to an upgrade to an unsecured Citi card.

Key Features:

• Best Citi secured card for credit building
• No annual fee
• Allows Cardholders to Choose Payment Dates.

Reward Rate:

• No rewards, but it helps build credit responsibly

Other Information:

• Charges 3% International Transaction Fee
• Charges 5% or $10 Cash Advance Fee

Pros & Cons of Citi Secured MasterCard

Expert Advice:

The Citi Secured Mastercard is highly recommended for individuals aiming to build or improve their credit. It’s a stable card with a low annual charge, perfect for demonstrating responsible credit utilization and paving the way to higher credit scores.

2. Citi Diamond Preferred Card

With a 0% APR for one year on balance transfers, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card is good for those trying to store on interest. It offers a prolonged introductory length, making it a first-rate choice for paying down excessive-interest debt.

0% APR Offers

Issuer	Citibank
Payment Gateway	MasterCard
Credit Score	Good- Excellent
ntro APR	0% for 12 months
Regular APR	19.24%–29.24%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	19.24%–29.24%
Best For	Balance Carriers and Low-Interest Seekers

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, issued by Citi, is great for balance transfers. Its best feature is a long introductory APR period. It benefits users by reducing interest costs on existing balances, making it a smart choice for debt management.

The card has no annual fee. Its unique feature is a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. The credit limit varies. A good credit score (670+) is required. No referral program, but it offers Citi Entertainment access and fraud protection.

Key Features:

• 0% APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers
• No Annual Fee

Reward Rate:

• Long 0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Citi Diamond Preferred Card

Expert Advice:

If you’re looking to consolidate debt or make huge purchases, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card is a notable choice. Its long 0% APR offer on balance transfers gives you ample time to repay your balance without accruing high hobby.

3. Citi Simplicity Card

The Citi Simplicity Card is known for its lengthy 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for 18 months, making it a pinnacle choice for debt consolidation. Additionally, it has no past-due expenses or penalty APRs, simplifying your budget.

Long 0% APR

Issuer	Citibank
Payment Gateway	MasterCard
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 12 months
Regular APR	19.24%–29.24%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	19.24%-29.24%
Best For	Balance Carriers, Budget-conscious users

The Citi Simplicity® Card, issued by Citi, is designed for simplicity and convenience. Its best feature is that there are no late fees or penalty APRs. It benefits users with a straightforward approach to credit, making it ideal for those seeking stress-free financial management.

The card has no annual fee. Its unique feature is that there are no late fees ever. The credit limit depends on creditworthiness. A fair to good credit score (580+) is required. No referral program, but it offers a long introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers.

Key Features:

• No annual fee
• Longest 0% APR period (21 months)
• Simple Payments

Reward Rate:

• No late fees, no penalty APR 
• Longest 0% intro APR (21 months)

Other Information:

• Charges 3% International Transaction Fee
• Charges 5% or $10 Cash Advance Fee

Pros & Cons of Citi Simplicity Card

Expert Advice:

For those centered on paying down current debt, the Citi Simplicity Card stands out because of its extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers. It’s perfect for clients seeking simplicity without charges or complicated terms.

4. Citi Double Cash Card

The Citi Double Cash Card offers one of the best cash-again programs, earning 2% on every buy—1% whilst you purchase and 1% when you pay. With no annual rate, it is a pinnacle pick out for regular cash-lower-back earners.

Credit Building

Issuer	Citibank
Payment Gateway	MasterCard
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 18 months
Regular APR	19.24%-29.24%
Sign In Bonus	N/A
Balance Transfer	19.24%-29.24%
Best For	Everyday users, Budget-conscious users, Credit Builders, Online Shoppers

The Citi Double Cash® Card, which is issued by Citi, provides an easy and rewarding cashback program. Its standout feature is the ability to earn 2% cashback (1% on purchases and an additional 1% when payments are made). With no category restrictions, this card is a versatile option for everyday spending.

The card has no annual fee. Its unique feature is the ability to earn cashback twice. The credit limit depends on creditworthiness. A good credit score (670+) is required. No referral program, but it offers balance transfer options and fraud protection.

Key Features:

• Best for Flat-Rate Cashback
• No Annual Fee is Charged
• Simple and Easy-to-Use Cashback

Reward Rate:

• 2% Unlimited cashback (1% on purchases, 1% on payments)

Other Information:

• The cash advance fee is 5% or $10 
• Charges 3% International Transaction Fee

Pros & Cons of Citi Double Cash Card

Expert Advice:

The Citi Double Cash Card is incredibly encouraged for anyone seeking regular rewards on regular purchases. With its 2% coins-back provide—1% when you purchase and 1% while you pay—it’s perfect for folks who opt for trustworthy, no-hassle cash-again rewards.

5. Citi Rewards+ Card

The Citi Rewards+ Card gives 2x points on grocery and gas purchases and rounds as much as the closest 10 points on every purchase. It’s a great choice for maximizing rewards with a low annual price and a smooth-to-recognize factors device.

Credit Building

Issuer	Citibank
Payment Gateway	MasterCard
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 15 months
Regular APR	19.24%–29.24%
Sign In Bonus	20,000 points after $1,500 spent in 3 months
Balance Transfer	19.24%–29.24%
Best For	Everyday Users, Students

The Citi Rewards+® Card, issued by Citi, is designed for small purchases. Its best feature is rounding up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase. It benefits users by amplifying rewards on everyday spending, making it ideal for frequent shoppers.

The card has no annual fee. Its unique feature is the 10% points redemption bonus. The credit limit depends on creditworthiness. A fair to good credit score (580+) is required. No referral program, but it offers purchase protection and extended warranty benefits.

Key Features:

• Reward Points
• Round-up points up to 10
• No annual fees

Reward Rate:

• 2x points on groceries & gas (first $6,000 annually)
• 1x points on all else

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Citi Rewards+ Card

Expert Advice:

If you prioritize income rewards on everyday purchases, the Citi Rewards+ Card is a robust contender. Its 2x points on grocery and gas purchases and unique feature of rounding up factors make it a great choice for maximizing rewards.

6. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card is perfect for those who need to earn 5% coins lower back on their top spending class each month. This flexible card adapts to your spending behavior, making sure most cash-again capacity is available without any annual rate.

Credit Building

Issuer	Citibank
Payment Gateway	MasterCard
Credit Score	Good-Excellent
Intro APR	0% for 15 months
Regular APR	19.24%-29.24%
Sign In Bonus	$200 cash back after $1500 spent in 3 months
Balance Transfer	19.24%-29.24%
Best For	Everyday User, High Spenders

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, issued by Citi, is perfect for category-specific spending. Its best feature is earning 5% cashback on your top eligible spending category each month. It benefits users by maximizing rewards in their most-used credit card categories.

The card has no annual fee. Its unique feature is the rotating 5% cashback category. The credit limit varies. A good credit score (670+) is required. No referral program, but it offers introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Key Features:

• No Annual Fee
• Custom Rewards
• Provides 5% cashback

Reward Rate:

• 5% cash back on the highest spending category (up to $500 per billing cycle) 
• 1% cash back on all other spending

Other Information:

• N/A

Pros & Cons of Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Expert Advice:

The Citi Custom Cash Card is fantastically advocated for folks who need to earn five coins lower back on their top spending class every month. This card’s adaptability makes it ideal for human beings with varying spending habits without the hassle of monitoring categories.

Comparison Table

Methodology

To identify the excellent Citibank credit cards for bad credit, we take into consideration numerous factors that impact a cardholder’s capability to rebuild their credit while keeping prices underneath. Our choice criteria consist of approval requirements, credit-constructing features, prices, and other rewards.

We focused on cards that accept candidates with negative or constrained credit histories, ensuring they report fee history to primary credit score bureaus. Other key elements considered were annual prices, hobby fees, capability credit restriction increases, and rewards or perks that might give customers an advantage in improving their financial status. By assessing those factors, we recognized the most realistic and useful Citibank credit cards for people with bad credit.

Choosing the Best Citibank Credit Cards for Bad Credit? 

When selecting a Citibank credit card for people with bad credit, factors such as credit score requirements, card type, prices, and long-term benefits must be considered. Individuals with bad credit might also qualify for secured credit cards, which require a refundable deposit, while people with fair credit scores may have to choose unsecured alternatives. 

Annual fees should also be examined, as higher expenses can offset ability blessings. Cards that record all three major credit score bureaus are also more effective in rebuilding credit scores. Automatic credit limit increases, and rewards packages may be additional features that add a fee to the selection of credit cards.

Why Do you Need a Credit Card for Bad Credit?

A credit card for bad credit is a financial device that helps individuals rebuild or establish their credit history. Many lenders use credit scores to determine eligibility for loans, mortgages, and other financial products. 

Using credit cards responsibly, such as making timely payments and keeping the balance low, will help cardholders improve their credit scores over time. Credit cards also provide financial flexibility for emergencies or everyday expenses, fraud protection, and other security benefits. A good credit card score can help people with poor credit achieve better financial conditions.

Does Citibank offer Credit Cards for Bad Credit?

Yes, Citibank offers credit cards to people with poor credit to improve their financial condition. The most easily accessible is a Citi® Secured MasterCard®, which requires a refundable safety deposit and helps users build credit by using it responsibly. 

Citibank regularly reports payment activity to three major credit bureaus, allowing cardholders to demonstrate their credibility over time. While Citibank does not offer many unsafe credit card options, especially for those with poor credit, the safe use of its cards can lead to eligibility for better credit products in the future.

How Do Citibank Credit Cards Help in Bad Credit?

Citibank offers credit cards that help poor credit individuals rebuild their credit reputation. Over time, the cardholder is sure to increase its score through on-time payments and low balances. The Citibank review secured credit accounts with potential upgrades for other cards several times throughout the year. Additionally, the financial institution affords various account control gear, consisting of signals and financial tracking, to help customers stay on top of their payments. Over time, accountable use of a Citibank credit card can open doorways to better credit score terms, higher limits, and more economic flexibility.

Advantages of Citibank Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Citibank credit cards offer numerous blessings for people looking to improve their credit:

• One primary benefit is that Citi cards are recorded with all 3 essential credit bureaus, which ensures that responsible credit conduct is considered in the consumer’s credit rating. 
• Many Citi credit cards, including the Citi® Secured Mastercard®, have no annual fees, making them cost-effective for rebuilding credit scores. 
• Additionally, Citi affords fraud safety, which safeguards cardholders from unauthorized transactions. 
• Over time, some Citi credit score cards permit customers to transition from a secured card to an unsecured one, increasing their credit restriction without requiring extra deposits.

FAQs

What is the easiest Citi card to get approved for?

The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is the perfect Citi credit card to get accepted for because it requires only a protection deposit and does not have a strict credit score requirement.

What is the minimum credit score for a Citi credit card?

Most Citi credit cards require a minimum credit score of 660+, but secured versions can be slightly more forgiving of lower scores.

Which credit card is best for bad credit?

The Citi credit card for bad credit is the Citi Secured MasterCard, as it is able to help build your credit score rating without using an annual charge.

Do Citi Credit Card rewards expire?

Citi credit card rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and active.

What credit limit can I get with a Citi credit card?

Citi Secured credit cards normally begin with a $200–$2,500 restriction, relying on your deposit. Unsecured credit cards offer better limits based on creditworthiness.

How often does Citi increase credit limits?

Citi commonly increases the credit limit every six months, especially for accountable cardholders who make timely payments.