Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa vs. Citi Secured Mastercard: 2024 Comparison
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Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa vs. Citi Secured Mastercard: 2024 Comparison

Chime is our winner as it offers no credit check and no foreign transaction fees, unlike the Citi Secured which is a more conservative card.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa and Citi Secured Mastercard are both options for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit. Let's compare them side by side:

General Comparison

Chime's Credit Builder Secured Visa keeps things easy for everyone. No extra charges like annual fees or interest to stress about. They add some useful features, like getting your paycheck early and a savings option that rounds up your purchases to help you manage your money better.

To join in on the Credit Builder fun, you just need a Chime checking account and regular direct deposits of $200 or more. This card acts like a credit superhero — the more money you put in your secure account, the more you can spend. And the cool part is, there's no set credit limit. It depends on how much money you have in that secure account.

On the flip side, the Citi Secured Mastercard gives you choices. You can pick your initial deposit, anywhere from $200 to $2,500. Your deposit sets your credit limit, giving you control over how much you can spend.

The application process is quick, and if you're approved, you've got 14 days to fund your deposit. This card is great if you want a simple way to build credit without dealing with rewards and extra stuff.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the card's main features:

chime card

citi secured mastercard review

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa
Citi Secured Mastercard
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Rewards
None
None
Welcome bonus
None
None
Credit Limit
Depends on how much you move from your Chime Checking Account
$200 – $2,500
Foreign Transaction Fee
0%
3%
Purchase APR
N/A
21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Read Review
Read Review

Offers From Our Partners

Milestone® Mastercard®

Annual Fee:
$175 the first year; $49 thereafter
APR:
35.90%

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Top Offers From Our Partners

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

Milestone® Mastercard®

Annual Fee:
$175 the first year; $49 thereafter
APR:
35.90%
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Compare Extra Perks & Credit Building Features

Both cards also offers features and benefits for cardholders, primarily those who are looking to build their credit:

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa

chime card

  • No Annual Fee or Interest: Chime Credit Builder comes with no annual fees or interest charges, making it a cost-effective option for users.

  • No Credit Check: Applying for Chime Credit Builder doesn't involve a credit check, providing accessibility to individuals with various credit backgrounds.

  • No Minimum Security Deposit: Unlike many secured credit cards, Chime Credit Builder doesn't require a minimum security deposit, offering flexibility for users.

  • Reports to All 3 Credit Bureaus: Chime Credit Builder reports to all three major credit bureaus, aiding in the establishment and improvement of credit over time.

  • No Credit Utilization Reporting: With Chime's unique account design, there's no pre-set credit limit, and credit utilization isn't reported to credit bureaus. Users can spend based on their transferred amount without concerns about credit utilization percentages, providing more financial freedom.

  • $0 Fraud Liability: You have the reassurance that you will not be held financially responsible for any unauthorized charges.
Citi Secured Mastercard

citi secured mastercard review

  • Flexible Payment Due Dates: Citi Secured Mastercard allows you to choose from available payment due dates at the beginning, middle, or end of the month, providing flexibility to align with your financial schedule.
  • Credit Bureau Reporting: It reports monthly to all three major credit bureaus, aiding users in demonstrating responsible credit behavior, which is crucial for improving their credit score over time.
  • Automatic Account Alerts: Enjoy stress-free management with automatic alerts that remind you of balance levels, upcoming payments, and instances where you exceed your credit limit. These alerts can be received via email or directly on your mobile phone.
  • Free FICO Score Access: Cardholders benefit from free online access to their FICO credit score, providing valuable insights into their creditworthiness and allowing them to track improvements over time.
  • $0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges: Experience peace of mind with the Citi Secured Mastercard, as it offers $0 liability on unauthorized charges, ensuring you are not held responsible for any unauthorized transactions made on your card.
  • 24/7 Customer Service: Citi provides round-the-clock customer service, with representatives available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This ensures that you can get assistance whenever you need it, addressing any concerns or queries promptly.
  • ID Theft Protection: Citi Secured Mastercard provides an ID Theft Protection program, monitoring selected information to alert users of any suspicious activity, helping to safeguard against identity theft.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for a credit-building credit card, here are some alternatives :

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

capital_one_secured_mastercard

Discover It Secured review

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Capital One Secured
Discover It Secured
Annual Fee
$35
$0
$0
Rewards
None
None None
1-2% 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None
None None
Cashback Match™ Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
$0
3%
Purchase APR
25.64% (variable)
30.74% (Variable)
28.24% Variable

Compare Citi Secured Mastercard

Compare Chime Credit Builder Card

Both Chime and Upgrade cards are new in the view, offers great features for beginners who don't established their credit yet. Which one wins?

Chime Card vs Upgrade Card: More Than Building Your Credit?

The Chime card is more flexible and has no credit check, whereas Capital One opens up possibilities for transitioning to an unsecured card.

Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa vs. Capital One Secured Mastercard: Comparison

The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. The secured Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.