BankAmericard Secured vs Citi Secured Mastercard
If you're rebuilding credit or starting from scratch, secured credit cards are one of your best tools. They let you open an account by putting down a cash security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. Two of the most popular options are the BankAmericard Secured and Citi Secured Mastercard. Both report to all three credit bureaus and can graduate to unsecured accounts—but they're not identical.
Overview of Both Cards
The BankAmericard Secured Credit Card is Bank of America's entry point for credit building. It requires a minimum deposit of $500, which becomes your credit limit up to $2,500. Citi Secured Mastercard has a slightly higher minimum—$500 is required—with limits up to $2,500 as well.
Both cards report payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, meaning your responsible use builds your credit profile across the board. They're also both Visa or Mastercard branded, giving you broad merchant acceptance worldwide. The real differences lie in fees, features, and graduation policies.
Fees, Deposit, and Credit Limit Compared
BankAmericard Secured charges an annual fee of $29 (or $35 if you're under 21), with no monthly maintenance fees. Citi Secured Mastercard has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage if you're managing a tight budget.
Both cards start with a $500 minimum deposit, but Citi allows deposit increases—you can request a higher credit limit, and if approved, your new deposit matches the new limit. BankAmericard is more static; limit increases typically require another deposit.
Regarding interest rates, both cards charge market-competitive APRs (usually 20–24%), which is standard for secured cards. Neither offers cash back or travel rewards, as secured cards prioritize credit building over perks.
Credit Reporting and Graduation
Here's where it gets interesting. Both cards report to all three credit bureaus, so your payment history contributes equally to your credit score. However, graduation timelines differ. BankAmericard typically graduates cardholders to an unsecured account after 12–18 months of on-time payments. Citi's timeline is similar, though customer accounts vary.
When you graduate, you get your deposit back and transition to an unsecured credit card with a higher limit and potentially better rewards. This is the endgame: proving you're creditworthy enough to lend money to without collateral. For more on secured cards in general, check out our guide to secured vs. unsecured credit cards and our list of the best secured credit cards. You might also explore alternatives like OpenSky or U.S. Bank secured options.
Which Is Better for Building Credit?
If you're strictly budgeting, Citi Secured Mastercard wins—no annual fee is a real savings. If you want slightly better customer service and a chance to increase your limit without depositing more cash, BankAmericard may appeal. The honest answer: both are solid credit-building tools. Choose based on annual fees and your bank's existing relationship with you. The most important thing is making on-time payments every month for at least 12 months. That habit is what builds credit.
Start Building Your Credit
Whether you choose BankAmericard or Citi, a secured card is a proven path to better credit. The key is consistency and discipline. Use your secured card responsibly, and within 18 months, you could be graduating to an unsecured account with better terms. Learn more about building credit with Firstcard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BankAmericard Secured Card have an annual fee? Yes. BankAmericard Secured charges a $29 annual fee ($35 for applicants under 21). The Citi Secured Mastercard has no annual fee, making it a more cost-effective choice if you're on a tight budget.
Do both cards report to all three credit bureaus? Yes. Both BankAmericard Secured and Citi Secured Mastercard report payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each month. Consistent on-time payments will build your credit profile across all three bureaus.
How long does it take to graduate from a secured to an unsecured card? Most cardholders graduate to an unsecured card after 12–18 months of on-time payments. Neither Bank of America nor Citi guarantees graduation—it depends on your overall credit profile and account management during that period.
What happens to my deposit when I graduate? When you graduate to an unsecured card, your security deposit is returned—usually as a statement credit. You keep the account open, typically with a higher credit limit and better terms.
Which secured card is better for someone with no credit history? Both are strong choices. If minimizing costs is your priority, choose Citi Secured (no annual fee). If you already bank with Bank of America and prefer a consolidated relationship, BankAmericard may be more convenient. Either card will build credit effectively with consistent on-time payments.
Ava Credit Builder Card
Ava Credit Builder Card
Ava gives you access to a suite of credit-building products including Credit Builder Card, Credit Builder Loan, and Rent Reporting. 74% of members seeing an increase in score in the first week.
Fee
$8/mo (annual) or $10/mo (monthly)
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
None
Benefit
Ava reports account activity weekly to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
