Introduction
For people with bad credit, getting a credit card is a struggle. To assist them with rebuilding their credit gradually, Citibank has extended a range of credit cards designed especially for such customers. These cards generally have low credit limits, low interest rates, and limited offers or rewards. When used prudently, these cards will revive those with bad credit. They can improve their financial situation and work to enhance their credit scores. This guide will help you identify popular Citibank credit cards for bad credit and the ways they assist you in improving your financial health.
Summary Table (TLDR)
Top 5 Citibank Credit Cards for People with Bad Credit [2025]
| S. N. | Name of Citibank Credit Cards for People with Bad Credit | Best Known & Value for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Citi Rewards+ Card | Citibank Credit Card Best Known For 0 Annual Fee |
| 2. | Citi Diamond Preferred® Card | Citibank Credit Card Best Known For 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers |
| 3. | Citi® Secured Mastercard | Citibank Credit Card Best Known For Credit Building |
| 4. | Citi Double Cash® Card | Citibank Credit Card Best Known For Best flat-rate Cashback |
| 5. | Citi Simplicity® Credit Card | Citibank Credit Card Best Known For Avoiding Additional Fees |
1. Citi Secured MasterCard
The Citi® Secured Mastercard helps individuals to build a credit history without needing a credit score. It enables individuals to manage their credit with the help of auto pay and account alerts.
Credit building
| Issuer | Citibank |
| Payment Gateway | Mastercard |
| Credit Score | Poor-Fair |
| Intro APR | N/A |
| Regular APR | 26.74% |
| Sign In Bonus | N/A |
| Best For | Credit building |
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. Issued by Citi, this card reports 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:
- Credit Building
- Allows Cardholders to Choose Payment Dates
- Simplicity
Reward Rate:
- No rewards, but helps build credit responsibly
Other Information:[
- Zero liability on unauthorized charges
- Does not offer cash rewards
Pros & Cons of Citi Secured MasterCard
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Helps build credit by reporting to all three major credit bureaus. | Charges a $29 annual fee. |
| Refundable deposit if the account is in good standing. | High APR on purchases and cash advances (around 24.74%). |
| Low entry requirements, making it accessible for those with limited or poor credit. | No rewards program like cash back or points. |
Expert Advice:
Citi Secured Mastercard is very helpful for individuals with limited or poor credit, this card helps build credit with a refundable deposit and makes reports to all three credit bureaus. It serves as a solid foundation for credit restoration.
2. Citi Diamond Preferred® Card
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card helps people who have a bad or no credit history build credit. It enables individuals to check their FICO score for free, and they also get Mastercard® ID Theft Protection™ without any additional charges.
Credit building
| 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 |
| Best For | *Balance Carriers *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:
- No Annual Fee
- Best for Balance Transfers
- 0% APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers
Reward Rate:
- N/A
Other Information:[
- Charges 5% or $10 Cash Advance Fee
Pros & Cons of Citi Diamond Preferred® Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has no annual fees. | It does not offer any cashback or points on spending |
| It offers flexible due dates to the cardholders. | It charges a fee for international transaction fee upto 3%. |
| It provides free access to FICO scores. | Charges high fees for cash advances. |
Expert Advice:
Citi Diamond Preferred Card is best for those interested in a long introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers and purchases. No annual fee makes it a secure option for paying off debt without accruing interest for up to 18 months.
3. Citi Simplicity Card
The Citi Simplicity® Card helps individuals build their credit by offering them opportunities to avoid additional fees such as late fees, annual fees, or penalty fees. It offers low intro APR to the cardholders.
Credit building
| 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 |
| Best For | *Balance Carriers *Budget-Conscious |
The Citi Simplicity® Card, issued by Citi, is designed for simplicity and convenience. Its best feature is 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 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 Fees
- Long 0% APR
- Simple Payments
Reward Rate:
- No late fees, no penalty APR
- Longest 0% intro APR (21 months)
Other Information:[
- International transaction fee is 3%
- Annual fees are $0
Pros & Cons of Citi Simplicity Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 21 months | High standard APR after the intro period (18.49% – 29.24%). |
| No annual fee. | Balance transfer fee of 5% (min $5). |
| No late fees or penalty APR. | No rewards program. |
Expert Advice:
The Citi Simplicity Card is quite apt for people who want to pay off pre-existing debts and have bad credit. It has an introductory 0% APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers, with no late fees or penalty APRs, making it excellent for managing long-term debt.
4. Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card helps individuals to build their credit by offering them opportunities to make purchases and payments, which helps them to build a credit history. Getting rewards on every full balance payment can help individuals to overcome their bad credit scores.
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 |
| Best For | Everyday Users Budget-Conscious |
The Citi Double Cash® Card, issued by Citi, offers a simple yet rewarding cashback program. Its best feature is earning 2% cashback (1% on purchases and 1% on payments). It benefits users with no category restrictions, making it a versatile choice 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:
- Cashback
- No Annual Fee
- Simplicity
Reward Rate:
- 2% unlimited cashback (1% on purchases, 1% on payments)
Other Information:[
- Provides 2% Cashback
- Cash advance fees are 5% or $10
Pros & Cons of Citi Double Cash® Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2% cash back on every purchase | The overall Balance transfer fee of 3% |
| No annual fee. | The Foreign transaction fee of 3%. |
| Offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months | No introductory offer for new purchases. |
Expert Advice:
The Citi Double Cash Card provides a great cashback earner, this card gives 2% cashback on all purchases. That means you get 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay it off. Not much to complain about: no rotating categories and no fee for annual use.
5. Citi Rewards+ Card
The Citi Rewards+®Card helps individuals with bad credit to build credit. It allows individuals to earn various reward points on travel, online shopping, hotel bookings, car rentals, and many more.
Credit building
| Issuer | Citibank |
| Payment Gateway | MasterCard |
| Credit Score | Fair-Good |
| Intro APR | 0% for 7 months |
| Regular APR | 18.24%-28.24% |
| Sign In Bonus | 2,500 points after $500 spent in 3 months |
| Best For | *Students *Credit Builders |
The Citi Rewards+® Student Card, issued by Citibank, is designed for students who want to build their credit while earning rewards. This card offers 2X ThankYou® Points at supermarkets and gas stations, up to an annual limit of $6,000, and 1X point on all other purchases. A key feature of this card is its automatic point round-ups to the nearest ten, which helps users maximize their everyday spending.
This card has no annual fee and is available for individuals with a fair credit score. Students usually receive a lower initial credit limit. While it does not offer a referral program, it provides benefits such as purchase protection, fraud alerts, and early access to Citi entertainment events.
Key Features:
- No Annual Fee
- Student Rewards
- Round-Up Points
- Best Citi Card for Students
Reward Rate:
- Round-up rewards to the nearest 10 points
- 2x points at supermarkets & gas
Other Information:[
- 3% International Transactional Fee
- Charges 5% or $10 Cash Advance Fee
Pros & Cons of Citi Rewards+ Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The annual fee payment is not required. | Card charges up to 3% International transactional fee. |
| The card round-up feature enhances small purchases by rounding them up by 10 points. | The card might have low-value cashback redemptions. |
| Allows students to build their credit easily. | The card may charge a penalty APR if the payment gets delayed or if it is returned. |
| Provide free access to their FICO score. | – |
Expert Advice:
Citi Rewards+ Card is a great card for those who enjoy earning rewards, offering 2X points on supermarket and gas station purchases, while each of your purchases rounds up to the nearest 10 points. This is very rewarding for common daily expenditures.
Comparison Table
| No | Name of the Card | Payment Gateway | Best For | Credit Score | Annual Fee | Annual Percentage Rate (Intro APR) | Balance Transfer | Sign in Bonus | Decision Criteria |
| 1. | Citi Rewards+® Card | Mastercard | StudentsCredit Builders | Fair-Good | $0 | 0% for 7 months | 18.24%-28.24% | 2,500 points after $500 spent in 3 months | Great for Individuals wanting rewards and to build credit affordably |
| 2. | Citi Diamond Preferred® Card | Mastercard | Students | Good-Excellent | $0 | 0% for 12 months | 19.24%-29.24% | N/A | Good choice for individuals wanting to transfer a balance and having a good repayment plan |
| 3. | Citi® Secured Mastercard | Mastercard | Credit BuildersBeginnersBad Credit | Poor-Fair | $0 | N/A | 26.74% | N/A | This card is designed for individuals with credit issues, it can help them to build/rebuild credit with responsible use |
| 4. | Citi Double Cash® Card | Mastercard | Everyday UsersBudget-ConsciousCredit BuildersOnline Shoppers | Good-Excellent | $0 | 0% for 18 months | 19.24%-29.24% | N/A | Good for individuals wanting to earn cash back on all purchases |
| 5. | Citi Simplicity® Credit Card | Mastercard | Balance CarriersBudget-Conscious | Good-Excellent | $0 | 0% for 12 months | 19.24%-29.24% | N/A | Best for individuals needing to carry a balance must have a great plan to repay the amount. |
Methodology
When selecting the most used Citibank credit cards for people with bad credit, the essential criteria for selection include accessibility for individuals with lower credit scores, low fees, and the opportunity to rebuild credit through responsible usage. Cards that report to all three major credit bureaus, offer relatively manageable credit limits and provide tools such as free credit score monitoring are necessary for relearning how to get their credit report back on track over time.
An example is the Citi® Secured Mastercard®, which is specifically designed for individuals with bad credit. It requires a refundable security deposit and helps users start building credit through a reporting relationship with all three major credit bureaus. As long as the cardholder meets all the payment deadlines, their credit score will improve. Therefore, the product is an important option for a borrower who wants to rebuild their credit.
Choosing the Best Citibank Credit Cards for Individuals with Bad Credit?
On the basis of the following criteria, an individual can choose the best Citibank credit card
1. Security Deposit Requirement
Secured credit cards are one of the best options for bad credit or limited credit history. You are usually required to place a redeemable deposit, usually for an amount that acts as your credit limit. It is there specifically to protect the bank in cases of failure to pay the bills. For example, the Citi? Secured MasterCard? requires a deposit and your credit limit is equal to this deposit. The upside is you can rebuild your credit with responsible use over time and possibly be upgraded to a conventional card.
2. Credit Score Reporting
A key question for people with bad credit is whether the card will report to the three main credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Reporting to these bureaus is absolutely essential to rebuilding your credit history, as these accounts keep track of how you manage your credit accounts. Citibank-secured cards, such as the Citi Secured MasterCard report to all three bureaus, meaning that if you use them responsibly, your credit score will either build or improve. Each time you make a payment after using the card, it is recorded, which means your credit score could gradually improve.
3. Cashback and Rewards Programs
Some Citibank credit cards, even when you have bad credit, provide cashback or rewards for spending on some card purchases. This means that every day of buying is another chance to get money back or earn rewards while rebuilding your good credit.
4. Annual Fees
Cards marketed to those with poor credit often attract high annual fees, but Citibank offers options with no annual fees or relatively low ones. A no-annual-fee card should be particularly useful to someone just starting to rebuild their credit because one would not pay extra just to have the card. The Citi® Secured Mastercard®, for example, is a card with no annual fee and would allow you to rebuild without other costs.
5. Credit Limit Flexibility
If you use a credit card responsibly by making timely payments and keeping a low balance, then you may qualify for credit limit increases. For example, Citibank might allow you to get an increase in the limit on a secured card after you show responsible use. This would help improve the credit utilization ratio, which is a key factor in determining your credit score. A lower utilization ratio (using less available credit you have) has, in general, a positive influence on your credit score.
6. Introductory Offers
Some Citibank credit cards also offer 0% Introductory APR for a limited period (typically the first 12-15 months). This means you will not pay interest on new purchases made during this introductory period. This can be helpful for larger purchases you want to pay off over time without accumulating interest. For example, 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months can be availed under the Citi Rewards® Card which gives you a little leeway with making payments without the worry of incurring other charges.
Why should people with bad credit consider building credit with Citibank credit cards?
Using Citibank credit cards to build credit improves an individual with a bad credit rating by creating a positive payment history. Citibank has secured and unsecured credit card offers, which allow users to start rebuilding their credit as long as they pay their dues on time and use them responsibly. Over time, this will help improve credit scores and open doors for better financial fortune.
Does Citibank offer credit cards for people with bad credit?
Yes, Citibank offers cards designed for bad Credit holders like the Citi® Secured Mastercard®. It generally requires a security deposit and provides an opportunity to rebuild credit over time while offering a manageable credit limit and a handful of basic benefits.
How do Citibank credit cards help people with bad credit rebuild their credit?
Citibank credit cards, which are for individuals with bad credit, provide the chance to rebuild a Credit score through responsible usage. This can, in the long run, lead to an increase in a person’s Credit score and therefore provide access to better financial options in the future.
FAQs!
Why should people with bad credit consider Citibank credit cards?
Citibank credit cards provide an opportunity for individuals with bad credit to rebuild their credit score through responsible usage and timely payments.
How can Citibank credit cards help people with bad credit improve their scores?
By using Citibank credit cards responsibly, people with bad credit can make timely payments, keep credit utilization low, and gradually improve their credit score.
Do Citibank credit cards offer rewards or benefits for people with bad credit?
Yes, some Citibank credit cards for people with bad credit offer basic rewards or cashback options, allowing cardholders to earn while rebuilding their credit.
Are there specific Citibank credit cards designed for people with bad credit?
Yes, Citibank offers options like the Citi Secured Mastercard and Citi Diamond Preferred Card, which cater to individuals with lower credit scores.
How can people with bad credit qualify for a Citibank credit card?
Individuals with bad credit can qualify for Citibank cards by meeting minimum income requirements and providing a security deposit, especially for secured cards.