The Citi Secured Mastercard: A Zero-Interest Gateway to Better Credit.
The Citi Secured Mastercard provides consumers a full year of zero interest on purchases, positioning it as an essential tool for those aiming to cultivate a robust credit history and bolster their financial status.
Citi, an expansive information and communication technology conglomerate, calls New York City its home. With a footprint in Europe, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, and many other regions, it proudly stood at the 94th spot on the 2017 Fortune 500 List. Beyond its vast global presence, Citi delivers a diverse range of financial services for businesses (both big and small) and individual consumers alike. The CitiFinancial division, especially, offers an array of loans, from retail to WAPs and specialized business lending products, making it a prominent figure in commercial lenders’ mortgage servicing rights.
Citi Secured Mastercard Overview
This credit card functions just like any other, but with the added assurance of top-tier security. As of 2018, it was bundled with Citi Custom Solutions and the US Bank Flexible Spending Account Cards extended by Citi. Before the era of credit cards, like the Citi Secured Mastercard, consumers were bound to in-person or telephonic requests for making purchases. This card revolutionized this norm, giving cardholders enhanced accessibility for travel and online shopping.
What sets the Citi Secured Mastercard apart is the dual advantage of security and savings it provides. The card introduces a stellar 12% savings rewards program, which comes over and above the 1% cash back for new users, offering tangible monthly savings. Furthermore, it broadens your spending horizon, offering benefits where Visa might fall short, and potentially unlocking 50% more rewards with an unsecured MasterCard later on.
Benefits of the Citi Secured Mastercard
This credit card empowers users to stay punctual with payments while reaping the benefits of cash back rewards. One of its standout features is the flexibility in choosing payment due dates – be it the start, middle, or end of the month, ensuring easy budget management. Initially, cardholders can earn 5% cash back on all purchases, which transitions to 2% after the first year. With no annual or balance transfer fees, it’s an attractive choice for those wary of hidden costs or individuals working on improving their credit scores.
Security with Citi
Numerous perks await Citi Secured Mastercard holders. The Auto Pay option is especially handy, automating monthly bill payments directly from your checking account. This helps avoid missed payments or overdraft fees. Alerts for potential account discrepancies are another added layer of security. Additionally, a dedicated fraud protection program is in place, ready to lock down your account if identity theft is detected.
The convenience of 24/7 account management, whether online, via phone, or through the Citi mobile app, ensures you’re always in control. Easy balance checks and payment options via Citi Online Banking further augment the user experience.
Mastercard: A Time-Tested Companion
Since its inception in 1959, Mastercard has evolved to become a global leader in the card industry. Renowned for its wide acceptance and flexibility, the brand underwent a rebranding in January 2015. Though the central company name was removed, the iconic red and yellow circles remained.
Holders of the Citi Secured Mastercard enjoy a slew of benefits, from competitive interest rates to a generous $250,000 protection against unauthorized transactions. Moreover, the universal acceptance of Mastercard means you can transact freely across the globe and access ATMs without any hitches. All these features come with the added bonus of zero annual fees.
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