Just wanted to share some data points on Citi secured card graduation.
I started my credit build from 0 (new to the US) with the Citi secured card. I apped in May 2020 but only got approved in early July 2020. After my 9th statement cut (so not even after full 10 months of card use) I received a letter that my card was elligible to graduate. My deposit was returned (check in the mail) in early June so about 2 months after. The same week I also received the Citi Diamond Preferred card and requested a CLI but only got approved for $500 extra so not super happy about that. Eventually I plan to change this card to the Citi Double Cash once the account hits the 1 year mark (I was informed I couldn't convert before then). Still not sure if I will put this card to much use given its very low limit ($1.5k).
Given my experience and other data points I have seen on the forum, I think Citi unsecures early for cardholders with little and predictable use. My mid-cycle spend never exceeded 10% limit (I only had 1 insurance bill hit the card monthly and then PIF). Before each statemnet close I PIFed the whole balance while doing AZEO or left around 2% to report when my other card didn't report balance. So overall my spend was consistent and low month over month which I think helped shortening the graduation period from the stated 18 months. I still recommend starting out with this card- it's a good way to get in with a decent lender because of the option to later convert to better Citi products, instead of being stuck with subprime/starter cards.
Hope others with this card will find this useful!
