All information about the Citi Secured Mastercard has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Best Mastercard credit cards compared
| Credit Card | Best For: | Annual Fee | Review Score |
|---|
| Citi Rewards+® Card | Everyday use | $0 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | American Airlines flyers | $450 | 4.4 / 5 |
| IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card | IHG hotel points | $99 | 4.7 / 5 |
| My GM Rewards Card | GM fans | $0 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Brex 30 Card | Businesses building credit | $0 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | Frequent international travelers | $95 (waived first year) | 3.9 / 5 |
| First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | Low APR | $49 | N / A |
| First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | Beginners | $39 | N / A |
| The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | Low annual fee | $29 | N / A |
| Citi® Secured Mastercard® | No annual fee for beginners | $0 | 3.1 / 5 |
| Sam’s Club® Mastercard® | Gas rewards | $0 | 2.9 / 5 |
| Mastercard® Black Card™ | Big spenders | $495 | 2.5 / 5 |
Editor’s picks: Mastercard credit card details
Citi Rewards+® Card: Best for everyday use
Why we picked it: This card is packed with rewards. Earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1X), plus 1X points on all other purchases. The best part – this card rounds up your rewards to the nearest 10 on every purchase, meaning even a $1.29 pack of mints will earn 10 points.
Pros: This card’s 20,000-point sign-up bonus is similar to that of the Chase Freedom Flex. You can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 within the first three months of account opening, worth $200 in gift cards when redeemed at Thankyou.com. There’s also a 15-month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers (then 17.99% to 27.99% variable), all for no annual fee.
Cons: Your earning in the 2X categories is limited to $6,000 annually – any further spending will earn the 1X rate. Also, the points-earning rewards structure can make it hard to gauge your earnings ahead of time.
Who should apply? With a unique and generous rewards structure and several useful features, anyone committed to using their credit card on even the smallest of purchases can benefit from the Citi Rewards+ card.
Who should skip? Shoppers who want savings but don’t have a high grocery store budget would benefit more from another rewards card.
Read more about the Citi Rewards+ Card or jump back to this card’s offer details.
Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines flyers
Why we picked it: This card comes with a generous sign-up bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in the first three months (worth around $885 in travel according to The Points Guy’s AAdvantage mile valuation). And to regularly earn miles, earn a total of 2 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1X miles on all other purchases.
Pros: Enjoy elite perks like free lounge access (with American Airlines reciprocal lounges), free Admirals Club membership with lounge access (a value of up to $650), and credits for expedited security screening. Also, your miles are unlimited and won’t expire as long as you keep the card active every 18 months.
Cons: Though it has the rewards to back it up, there’s a $450 annual fee. Also, there are blackout dates on some rewards and other restrictions when it comes to redeeming travel.
Who should apply? Loyal American Airlines flyers who want a more high-end experience can squeeze a lot of value out of this card.
Who should skip? If you don’t often fly with American, this card’s $450 annual fee is enough reason to reroute to other travel credit card options.
Read more about the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard or jump back to this card’s offer details.
IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card: Best for IHG hotel points
Why we picked it: IHG Rewards Club members can earn up to 26 points per dollar on their IHG hotel stays. On top of that, cardholders get 5X points at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants, plus 3X points on all other purchases.
Pros: This card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 175,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months, and it also comes with an annual bonus of 10,000 points each year you spend $20,000 and make one additional purchase. You’ll also enjoy numerous travel and consumer perks like a free rewards night each card anniversary, credit of up to $100 for Global Entry / TSA PreCheck every four years and cellphone protection.
Cons: The card comes with an $99 annual fee, which unfortunately is not waived in the first year. Also, the card is limited in its rewards redemption – hotel stays are the only worthwhile options.
Who should apply? Frequent IHG guests and travelers in the market for a hotel rewards card could check in to a rewarding experience here.
Who should skip? If you’re a traveler who likes to keep their options open, a card like the Citi Premier® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card might be a better fit.
Read more about the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card or jump back to this card’s offer details.
My GM Rewards Card: Best for GM fans
Why we picked it: As long as you’re okay with redeeming points to offset GM car payments or eligible parts, service and repairs at a GM dealership, this card’s rewards rate is hard to beat. While the target audience for this card is small, it serves that group’s needs incredibly well.
Pros: Its rewards rate on general purchases is one of the best available in the market and its redemption options are unique and valuable if you’re trying to bring down the cost of your car payment or service and repairs.
Cons: Points won’t offer much value unless you redeem toward a GM car payment or eligible parts and service at GM dealerships. If you’re looking for more flexible points you can use for cash back, travel or more, a general rewards card would be a better fit.
Who should apply? Current or aspiring GM car owners or lessees who don’t mind redeeming points toward car payments or eligible parts and service at GM dealerships.
Who should skip? GM fans who tend to avoid the dealership and handle repairs and service at independent shops or at home.
Read more about the My GM Rewards Card or jump back to this card’s offer details.
Brex 30 Card: Best for businesses building credit
Why we picked it: Spend $9,000 in the first 30 days of membership and earn 50,000 Brex Rewards points. Plus, Brex offers a whole slew of discounts on services like Slack, Zoom, Google Ads, Amazon Web Services and other perks that small business owners and start-ups would certainly find useful.
Pros: The streamlined application process requires no personal credit checks. Credit lines are higher than many business cards. Members can redeem points on travel with an extensive range of airline partners at a ratio of 1:1.
Cons: Businesses can add up to five employee cards at no charge, though any additional employee card incurs a $5 monthly charge which could add up for larger teams. Most cards, including the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, allow you to add extra employees for free. Another potential downside: Most of the discounts on business services expire after the first year.
Who should apply? This card is a great match for start-ups and small businesses with a minimum of $100,000 in a corporate account (or $50,000 if professionally managed) but limited credit history.
Who should skip? Established, high-budget businesses might be better off with a card that allows for a large number of additional cards at no extra cost. A flat-rate business credit card might also be better suited for some small business owner’s expenses.
Read more about the Brex 30 card or jump back to this card’s offer details.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Best for frequent international business travelers
Why we picked it: With an unlimited rewards rate of 2X miles on all purchases, plus a generous 50,000 mile welcome bonus (after spending $4,500 within the first three months of membership) this is an excellent flat-rate rewards card for business travelers on the go.
Pros: There are no minimum requirements on mile redemptions, no expiration dates and no blackouts. Miles can be transferred to over 15 airline partners worldwide.
Cons: While the network of airline partners is impressive, it includes only one domestic carrier.
Who should apply? Small business owners who regularly travel abroad will find a lot to love about this flat-rate business card.
Who should skip? If your business isn’t often on-the-go or you don’t travel for leisure, there are plenty of business credit cards that can provide more value for small business owners.
Read more about the Capital One Spark Miles for Business or jump back to this card’s offer details.
First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: Best low APR secured card
Why we picked it: With monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus and a reasonable 14.24% APR (variable), the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card helps build credit through responsible card use.
Pros: Secured deposits are fully refundable and range from $200 to $2,000, depending on what you’re comfortable putting down at the time of application. There’s no minimum score or credit check required in order to be approved.
Cons: There is no possibility of being upgraded to an unsecured card or having your credit line extended after you’ve proven your creditworthiness. Some applicants may be put off by the $49 annual fee.
Who should apply? The quick and hassle-free application process will appeal to anyone looking for a simple way to establish good credit.
Who should skip? There are secured credit cards that come with no annual fee, so shop around if the $49 yearly charge isn’t all that appealing.
Read more about the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card or jump back to this card’s offer details.
First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: Best for beginners
Why we picked it: Like the First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard Secured Credit Card, the First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard Secured Credit Card also reports monthly to all major credit bureaus and lets cardmembers build good credit through responsible use. With an annual fee of $39 and a 18.24% APR (variable), this secured card provides a nice middle ground for those who are still figuring out their individual spending habits.
Pros: Secured deposits are fully refundable and range from $200 to $2,000, depending on what you’re comfortable putting down at the time of application. There’s no minimum score or credit history required in order to be approved, and your application won’t impact your credit score.
Cons: There is an annual fee of $39. Responsible use doesn’t result in an upgrade to an unsecured card or credit extension.
Who should apply? This secured card is a good match for those taking steps to improve or build credit.
Who should skip? Someone who wants a secured card that comes with the possibility of upgrading to a traditional credit card.
Read more about the First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card or jump back to this card’s offer details.
The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card: Best low-annual-fee secured card
Why we picked it: Compared to many secured cards, the First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard charges a fairly low annual fee of $29. There’s no minimum credit score or credit history requirements. Security deposits range from $200 to $2,000 and can be refunded at any time, provided you’ve paid off your balance in full.
Pros: The application process is straightforward and won’t negatively impact your credit score.
Cons: You’ll need to open a bank account with Synovus to avoid additional costs imposed by outside vendors.
Who should apply? This secured card is a good match for anyone trying to improve their credit without spending a lot in annual fees.
Who should skip? If the $200 minimum security deposit is too much or you want a credit card that doesn’t require opening a bank account, there are better options for you.
Read more about the The First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card or jump back to this card’s offer details.
Citi® Secured Mastercard®: Best no-annual-fee card for beginners
Why we picked it: A rarity among most secured cards, this option comes with no annual fee. This makes it possible to pay down your balance in full every month and build your credit score, all while avoiding the extra cost.
Pros: Your initial credit limit will be equal to your security deposit ($200 to $2,500) as you open your account, so you essentially get to choose your own credit limit. If you can afford it, you can add more to your limit and help yourself through your credit utilization – which makes up 30% of your credit score.
Cons: There’s no ongoing rewards here and the ongoing APR is high if you were to ever have to carry a balance.
Who should apply? Credit builders who want to have the long-term alternative of graduating to an unsecured card while avoiding an annual fee.
Who should skip? New cardholders who want to get acclimated with a more traditional card or hesitate at the idea of a sizable deposit should check out student credit cards or credit cards for bad credit.
Read our Citi Secured Mastercard review or jump back to this card’s offer details.
Sam’s Club® Mastercard®: Best for gas rewards
Why we picked it: With this store-member card, you can get 5% cash back on gas purchases (up to the first $6,000 per year). That applies anywhere, not just when you fill up at the wholesale club. Cardholders also can take advantage of 3% cash back on dining and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases, with a maximum of $5,000 cash back per year.
Pros: You’ll get a $30 statement credit if you spend $30 in Sam’s Club purchases within 30 days of account opening. As you spend, your cash back is automatically added to your Sam’s Club membership account and you can take out as much as $100 cash at any Sam’s Club register or Samsclub.com. Plus, there’s no annual fee, though a $45 Sam’s Club membership is required. Also, there are no foreign transaction fees, a rare perk among store-branded credit cards.
Cons: The rewards redemption program isn’t as flexible as we’d hope. You can only put rewards toward Sam’s Club expenses or statement credits, unless you redeem for cash back at the wholesale retailer. Also, you can only receive your rewards in February and those rewards expire if you don’t redeem them by December 31 of that same year. You’ll also lose rewards if your Sam’s Club membership lapses before February.
Who should apply? Sam’s Club shoppers who spend a lot of time on the road or someone driving a gas guzzler who might be interested in a wholesale club membership should check out this card.
Who should skip? You won’t get much value out of this card if gas and dining aren’t two of your biggest spending areas. And if you don’t like credit cards with limited redemption options, there are better cash back credit cards available.
Read our Sam’s Club Mastercard review or jump back to this card’s offer details.
Mastercard® Black Card™: Best for big spenders
Why we picked it: This card comes with unlimited 1X points-earning on every purchase you make, plus a little extra as you redeem. You’ll get a 1.5% bonus when you exchange points for cash back and a 2% bonus when it’s for airfare.
Pros: You’ll get an airline statement credit for up to $100 annually, plus up to $100 towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck credit every four years. Another way to help the luxury traveler, you’ll get access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide by enrolling in Priority Pass Select. On top of no foreign transaction fees, you get exclusive events and experiences as well as numerous travel protections and insurances.
Cons: The card comes with a steep $495 annual fee. Although many travel cards and heavy rewards cards can justify these price tags, the Black Card’s lack of sign-up bonus and low rewards rate are areas where it falls short when competing with top rewards cards.
Who should apply? Those who like the appeal of a metal card and want access to an exclusive travel experience.
Who should skip? Rewards-hunters who don’t want a high annual fee cutting into their earnings.
Read our Mastercard Black Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.
What is Mastercard?
Mastercard is one of the largest electronic payment networks in the world. It processes the transactions that consumers make using credit, debit, or prepaid cards. There are four main payment networks: Visa is the largest based on credit card market share, followed by Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Rather than issue cards, Mastercard partners with financial institutions like Capital One and Bank of America, as well as your local bank or credit union. These are the issuers that provide the cards that carry the Mastercard logo. Mastercard also partners with millions of merchants around the world. When you use your card, the merchant is charged a fee to have the payment network quickly relay information between the merchant’s bank and the bank that issued the card.
Where is Mastercard accepted?
As one of the biggest payment networks, Mastercard is accepted at more than 70 million merchants around the world. That’s over 210 countries and territories. With that level of near-universal acceptance, Mastercard makes it easy to shop anywhere credit cards are accepted.
What credit score is needed for Mastercard credit cards?
It doesn’t matter what credit score you have. From bad credit to a perfect credit score, Mastercard has a credit card for every consumer.
For this to happen, Mastercard maintains a vast and constantly growing network of issuers – enough to ensure a variety of credit cards for every level of credit. But it’s the credit card issuers that partner with Mastercard that determine what credit score is needed.
The minimum credit score you need to qualify for a Mastercard will vary based on the credit card. Before you try applying, make sure you know your credit score and the other factors that will determine whether you get approved for a Mastercard credit card.
For more information check out how to apply for a credit card and get approved.
How to choose a Mastercard credit card
With so many different credit cards, it’s hard to go wrong choosing a Mastercard. If there is a list of the best credit cards, Mastercard is on it. Here’s how to tell if a Mastercard is right for you.
Who should get a Mastercard
- Credit builders: Credit newcomers and people trying to establish their score have several Mastercards to sort through. The Citi Secured Mastercard lets cardholders open a card account without an annual fee as an affordable way to get your credit score headed in the right direction. New credit builders could start their journey with one of Mastercard’s secured First Progress options: the Prestige, Select or Elite. These do come with a bit of an annual fee but are still a worthwhile option as you learn how to build credit.
- Everyday spenders: Someone looking for a general rewards card has a clear-cut choice here: the Citi Rewards+ Card. You don’t have to worry about whether your purchases will get substantial rewards; every buy you make with this card will be rounded up to the nearest 10 rewards points, rewarding you a little extra on even the smallest purchases.
- Travelers: Mastercard provides solid choices for frequent flyers, hotel guests and anyone routinely booking trips for work. Those loyal to American Airlines have a serious opportunity thanks to the rewards and sign-up bonus that come along with the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard. If you’re someone who often checks into IHG hotels, the IHG Rewards Premier card is a no-brainer to upgrade your stays and earn extra rewards. Business travelers looking for a more general rewards card have a great route to take as well, with the 2X miles on all purchases and flexible redemption options featured by the Capital One Spark Miles for Business.
Who should skip a Mastercard
- Debt carriers: If you tend to carry large balances over each month and struggle to stay ahead of credit card debt, you may want to hold off on applying for just any credit card. When you use your credit card and don’t pay your balances off each month, you accrue interest. Depending on how large of a balance and your interest rate, this can lead to considerable debt. Fortunately, Mastercard makes debit cards and secured credit cards, which are great options for people who need time to learn better credit habits
- Impulsive shoppers: If you can’t resist making purchases that fall outside your budget, a credit card might only increase the temptation to splurge. Overspending is a common problem and one of the biggest reasons Americans fall deeper into debt. Before you add a Mastercard to your wallet, it’s a good idea to learn how to create a budget that you can live with.
- Casual bill payers: If you tend to make late payments on your debts, credit card late payment fees could be up to $41 – and that’s on top of your interest charges. Some credit cards even charge a penalty APR – a higher interest rate that you’ll have to pay on any balance you carry over month to month. This penalty typically hits when you’re more than 60 days late, but it could also happen if you make a habit of being late even just a few days. A penalty APR could last until you’ve made six consecutive on-time payments or indefinitely. So skip using a credit card until you can break this bad credit habit. And when you’re ready, consider starting your credit card journey with a card that rewards responsible usage.
Unique Mastercard programs
With a suite of special offers and exclusive programs, Mastercard takes travel experiences to a whole new level and adds convenience and security to your card. Here’s a sample of the secondary benefits that your Mastercard may offer.
- Standard Mastercard Benefits: Even Mastercard’s standard level credit cards come with benefits. These include zero liability protection, which protects you from being held responsible if your card is used to make unauthorized purchases. Other standard benefits that might come with your card include Mastercard Global Service™ and Mastercard ID Theft Protection™
- World Mastercard benefits: Mastercard’s middle tier level of benefits have the same benefits as the standard credit cards but also come packed with numerous travel and lifestyle benefits. Travel benefits include travel accident insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, insurance for baggage delay or loss, and airport concierge service. Cardmembers also enjoy price protection, purchase assurance, and cellphone protection. Depending on the card, there will also be exclusive offers from various companies like DoorDash, Lyft, and ShopRunner.
- World Elite Mastercard benefits: Mastercard’s top tier combines the benefits of the previous tiers with premier experiences. When you carry a Mastercard with World Elite status, you get complimentary 24/7 concierge service, free nights at partner hotels, status upgrades on car rentals and enhanced hotel perks like complimentary breakfast for two. For more information, check out the differences between World Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard.
- Priceless: With Priceless Cities and Priceless Golf, cardholders can get access to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The Cities package can give rewards tailored to your interests, with in-person and digital experiences for all types of people. Players and fans of golf can get access to exclusive golf offers, discounts and experiences with the PGA Tour.
- SecureCode: Mastercard SecureCode is a private code for your Mastercard account that only you and your financial institution see, meaning merchants can’t see it. The added layer of security can protect you from identity theft and fraudulent charges. You can use SecureCode in 122 countries at more than a million online merchants.
- Masterpass: A digital wallet, Masterpass works online, in apps and in stores and on any device. You can store your cards and shipping information electronically, allowing you to shop from one account. You just register on masterpass.com or through your bank and load your Mastercard credit or debit card.
Is a Mastercard credit card worth it?
A Mastercard credit card is worth it when used responsibly. Mastercard provides a safe and convenient way to make purchases just about anywhere in the world. Depending on the issuer that partners with Mastercard, you’ll also get plenty of perks that make a credit card better than other payment methods. These could include sign-up bonuses, rewards, and enhanced safety features.
But to truly reap the benefits, it’s important to use your card wisely. When you make purchases with a credit card, try to pay off your balance each month. This can help you build your credit history and credit score, which opens the door to a world of financial benefits that go beyond better credit card perks.
Having good or excellent credit means better options and lower interest rates on various loans like car loans and mortgages. These reduced rates can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars. If you’re someone who wants to take advantage of all that a credit card offers, then a Mastercard credit card may be right for you.
How we picked the best Mastercard credit cards
Research Methodology: We analyzed a multitude of Mastercard credit cards to identify their best offers currently on the market. The major factors we considered were:
- Base rewards program: Are there worthwhile rewards available with the card? Many of Mastercard’s options provide great cash back rewards and points-earning structures, so we honed in on their top offers.
- Introductory APR offers: Several of Mastercard’s top choices welcome you with extended periods of time with intro 0% interest on purchases, balance transfers, or both. We searched for the best offers to help with credit card debt and interest charges.
- Extra features: With cards for all kinds of consumers, Mastercard’s options provide a wide range of perks. We tried to find the card with the best benefits, whether they’re geared towards credit builders or luxury travelers.
- Other rates and fees: We looked at whether the card comes with an annual fee, how reasonable the APR is and if there’s any extraneous costs. If a credit card listed here comes at a price, it surely has the rewards and features to back it up.
About the Author
Joey Robinson
Joey Robinson is a credit cards writer for CreditCards.com and has worked at a “Big Four” (Ernst & Young) accounting firm before exploring the world of credit cards. After learning proper professional and financial practices through federal audits, he moved on to his second job, where he was introduced to CreditCards.com/Bankrate as a data analyst. As time passed, his interests drifted away from data analysis and into the communication of credit card essentials. Over the past two years, he’s shared his expertise and has brought understanding to complex topics as a writer and editor for sites like CreditCards.com, Bankrate.com and NextAdvisor. His advice on avoiding common credit card fees, top balance transfer tactics and more financial tips have been featured on MSN Money and other various news publications.
About the Editor
Tracy Stewart
Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.
About the Reviewer
Stephanie Zito
Stephanie Zito is a professional traveler, humanitarian and credit card points collector sharing savvy travel tips she has learned firsthand from more than 20 years of circling the globe as a backpacker, expat and premium traveler in more than 125 countries and all seven continents.
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