Citi Double Cash Card: 2% Cash Back

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A Flat-Rate Cash Back Card with No Annual Fee

The Citi® Double Cash Card, from our partner Citi, offers attractive and uncomplicated cash back for people who value a flexible credit card reward program. The cash-back card also comes with a competitive 18-month, 0% APR introductory balance transfer offer for new cardholders. After that, a 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR applies based on creditworthiness.

On top of an easy-to-navigate rewards program and balance transfer offer, the Citi Double Cash Card charges no annual fee. So, it’s an easy card to open and keep for the long term — especially if you’re looking for simple 2% rewards without the need to navigate bonus spending categories.

Pros

No category bonuses to remember, unlimited 2% cash back on everything
Earns ThankYou Points, which gives the potential to unlock valuable travel rewards

Cons

Foreign transaction fees are applied
Limited perks

Citi Double Cash Quick Facts

Earn up to 2% cash back on all purchases. You'll get 1% back when you buy anything and another 1% when you pay it off.
18 months of 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. Following that, the regular variable APR will range between 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) , depending on creditworthiness. In addition, there is an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is higher, of each transfer's value made within the first four months of account opening. Afterward, each transfer will incur a cost of 5% (minimum $5).
Options for digital wallets and contactless payments.
24-hour monitoring for fraud.

Sign-Up Bonus

There is currently no sign-up bonus for the Citi Double Cash Card. Although the card does come with an introductory APR on balance transfers, that is generally considered to be among the best on the market.

Introductory Balance Transfer Offer

One of the standout features of the Citi Double Cash Card for new applicants is the card's introductory balance transfer offer. Eligible cardholders have the option to take advantage of 0% APR on balance transfers for a lengthy 18-month period (after which a 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR applies based on creditworthiness).

This is one of the best balance transfer credit card offers currently available.

Cardholders have four months from account opening to take advantage of the introductory balance transfer offer. After that time passes, Citi applies a 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR to all unpaid balances.

Here are a few other details you should know if you're considering opening the Citi Double Cash Card for its introductory balance transfer offer:

After the 0% APR period expires (18 months after account opening), you'll have to pay the regular 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR on any remaining account balance.
The regular variable APR will be determined by your credit rating.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
You will not earn cash back on balance transfers.
The 0% APR applies to balance transfers only, not to new purchases.
If you make a late payment, you could lose your introductory APR, and Citi may opt to apply the Penalty APR to your account.

A balance transfer credit card can be a helpful tool to help you pay down your existing credit card debt. Just keep in mind that this debt consolidation method works best if you can find a way to aggressively pay off your debt before the 0% APR promo period ends, or the 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) APR will apply.

Earning Rewards

The Citi Double Cash Card gives you the chance to earn 2% cash back on your purchases. You can receive 1% cash back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% cash back once you pay your bill.

Here's an example of how the system works.

On an eligible purchase of $1,000, you would earn $10 in cash back once the charge posts to your account.
You would earn another $10 in cash back after paying off the $1,000 balance on your account.
Your total cash back earnings for these transactions would equal $20 (or 2% cash back).
It's also worth pointing out that the credit card does not have any spending categories you need to track. Furthermore, there are no limits on the amount of cash back you can earn on your account.

Certain transaction types are not eligible for cash rewards, including:

Cash Advances
Balance Transfers
Returned Transactions
Account Fees
Interest Fees

You'll need to make at least the minimum payment due on time in order to be eligible for cash rewards.

If you fail to make your minimum payment, you won't earn any cash back on the payments or purchases that post to your account during that billing cycle. (And you might get hit with late fees, derogatory credit history, and other negative consequences as well.)

How Much Are Rewards Worth?

Cash back is typically worth one cent for every percentage point. If you use the Citi Double Cash card to make $500 in purchases each month and pay it off in full, you will wind up with $120 in cash back rewards after a year.

Given that you receive cash back rather than ThankYou Points, the Citi Double Cash is not advertised as a Citi credit card that earns points. However, as a redemption choice, you can quickly change your cash back into ThankYou Points.

But ThankYou Points obtained with Citi's no annual fee credit cards are regarded as "basic" and cannot be exchanged for rewards that are worth more than Citi's standard one cent value. You can combine "basic" points with one of Citi's premium travel cards, like the Citi Premier® Card, to maximize your use of them.

Redeeming Rewards

Not only is it easy to earn cash rewards with the Citi Double Cash Card, it's easy to redeem those rewards as well. Once you earn $25 or more in rewards, Citi gives you four options for cashing them out.

Get a check in the mail. You can ask Citi to mail you a check for any amount between $25 (once you earn this much) and your total cash rewards balance.
Transfer to a bank account. If you have a checking or savings account linked to your Citi® Double Cash Card (and you've used the account to pay your bill at least twice), you can request a funds transfer of your cash rewards to that account. Again, you need to have at least $25 in cash rewards to take advantage of this offer.
Request a statement credit. Citi, upon request, can issue you a statement credit in the amount of your cash rewards ($25 and up).
Convert to ThankYou® Points. As long as you have at least $1 in cash rewards, you can convert those rewards to ThankYou® Points. And if you hold the Citi Prestige® Card or the Citi Premier® Card, you would then have the option to transfer some or all of your ThankYou Points to any of Citi's airline partners. Depending on your situation, you might be able to get more value out of your cash rewards with a point conversion and subsequent transfer.

Although there's no cap on earnings with the Citi Double Cash Card, your cash rewards can expire in the following situations:

You don't earn any cash back from payments or purchases for a period of 12 months.
You close your account, or convert it to another Citi credit card offer. (Be sure to redeem your rewards before you close or convert an account so you don't lose your cash back.)

When you're ready to redeem your rewards, you can make the request in your online account. Alternatively, you can call Citi at 855-473-4583 to initiate a redemption request.

Card Benefits and Perks

In addition to no annual fee and a solid cash-back rate for purchases across the board, the Citi Double Cash Card has a few other notable benefits as well. (However, it is worth pointing out that many of these perks are also available with other credit card accounts — Citi or otherwise.)

Digital Wallet: Use your card to make digital payments via Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, Samsung Pay, PayPal, and Click to Pay.
24/7 Customer Service: You can connect with a Citi customer service representative to resolve issues or ask questions around the clock.
Contactless Pay: Tap your card on any contactless-chip enabled payment reader for a speedy (and sanitary) payment solution.
Fraud Protection: Get notified when any unusual account activity occurs — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
$0 Fraud Liability: You are not responsible for unauthorized charges on your account, provided you report them to your card issuer within a timely manner.
The Lost Wallet® Service: If your card is lost or stolen, you can typically receive a replacement within 24 hours. Citi will even provide you with emergency cash if needed (based on your cash advance limit). However, be careful when using this feature as you could incur expensive cash advance fees.
Citi Entertainment®: As a cardholder, you can take advantage of special access to ticket purchases for thousands of events. This may include exclusive access or presale tickets to sporting events, concerts, dining, etc.

Drawbacks

The Citi Double Cash Card is a solid cash-back option, and with no annual fee, there's little downside to opening an account.

Yet depending on your priorities in a credit card account, there may be some other accounts that outshine it in certain categories.

No Bonus Reward Categories. Some rewards cards offer 3X, 4X, or even 5X rewards in certain spending categories. The Citi Double Cash Card offers a flat 2% cash back — 1% at purchase and 1% at payment. If you're willing to go through the hassle of using different credit cards for different types of purchases, you might be able to amplify your reward-earning potential. (Note: The Citi Double Cash could still be a good backup card for transactions that don't qualify for a higher rewards rate on your other cards.)
Foreign Transaction Fee. Due to its foreign transaction fee, the Citi Double Cash isn't a great choice for international travel.
No 0% APR on Purchases. Some credit cards offer 0% APR (for a limited time) on new purchases when you open an account. The Citi Double Cash does not come with this feature.
Limited Benefits. You won't have access to some of the popular benefits you can find on other cards, such as rental car insurance, extended warranty coverage, travel benefits, and more.

Annual Fee

Another standout feature of the Citi Double Cash Card is the lack of an annual fee.

Although annual-fee credit cards can certainly be worth the cost if you can take advantage of the card's benefits, some people prefer cards without this expense. And when it comes to no-annual-fee credit cards, the Citi Double Cash Card is a solid contender.

Other Fees

As mentioned, you don't have to worry about an annual fee with the Citi Double Cash Card. However, there are a few other types of fees you could potentially incur on the account.

Cash Advance Fee
Balance Transfer Fee
Foreign Transaction Fee
Late Fee
Returned Payment Fee

Additionally, keep in mind that if you make a late payment, you could be slapped with a hefty penalty APR. Unlike other cards that don't levy a penalty APR or simply keep it in place for 6 to 12 months of steady payments, this card's penalty APR can stay in place forever.

two women in coffee shop smiling — iStock

Recommended Credit Score

Like many credit card issuers, Citi doesn't disclose on its website the exact credit score you need to qualify for the Citi Double Cash Card. Yet according to numerous sources, a fair to excellent credit score will give you your best chance of qualifying for a new account.

Citi has a webpage that allows you to see if you can prequalify for an account.

In the meantime, it's a good idea to check your credit reports and credit scores before you apply for new financing.

You should also be sure to review your credit reports for errors and dispute them if you find any. Credit errors have the potential to damage your credit score, and that could make it harder to qualify for a new credit card account.

Also keep in mind that your credit score isn't the only factor that affects your account eligibility. This Slickdeals guide offers six simple steps that might help you get approved for a new credit card.

Citi Double Cash Card vs. Other No-Annual Fee Credit Cards

If you're in the market for a credit card with no annual fee, it may help to compare the Citi Double Cash Card to other accounts in the same category.

With any type of financial product (credit cards, loans, etc.), it's always a good idea to do some research to make sure you're getting the best deal for your situation.

Top No Annual Fee Credit Cards How Does the Citi Double Cash Stack Up?

Citi Double Cash Card®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Citi® Double Cash Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

In comparison to a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, the Citi Double Cash Card stands out for its simplicity. You can earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on qualified dining and pharmacy purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other transactions with the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card. For people who don't anticipate spending a lot of money on travel, the Citi Double Cash Card's 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they are paid off—might be a better option.

With its 3% cash back on dining and takeout and 0% introductory APR on purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is still an attractive option for people who prefer eating out to shopping for groceries. For 15 months after the account is opened, it offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers; after that, a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74% (Variable) is in effect. Within the first 60 days of account opening, there is an initial transfer cost of $5 or 3% of each transfer's value, whichever is higher. After that, a fee of $5 or 5% of each transfer's value will be charged.

Although neither card has an annual fee, they nonetheless provide different travel benefits: With Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can get travel insurance. This includes insurance for trip cancellation, trip interruption, and a secondary collision damage waiver for rental cars. A 3% foreign transaction fee applies to both cards.

Chase Freedom Unlimited offers another advantage. The card offers a sign-up bonus of 1.5% cash back on all purchases made during the first year of card membership on up to $20,000 in purchases. This can amount to up to $300 in cash back during the first year.

Citi® Double Cash Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Of all the flat-rate cards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is often touted as the best. The card has excellent short-term value because it offers a sign-up bonus and a lengthy intro APR offer for both purchases and balance transfers. It also delivers 2% cash rewards on purchases without requiring you to first pay your bill.

The Citi Double Cash Card’s longer introductory offer on balance transfers is a better option if paying off debt is your primary goal, and it will take you close to two years to accomplish this. But the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is more useful because it comes with a discount on purchases and balance transfers during its introductory period. Wells Fargo also won't charge you a costly penalty APR if you make a late payment, even if its variable APR range is a little larger than that of the Citi Double Cash Card.

Best Cards to Pair With Citi Double Cash Card

It's preferable to pair credit cards that complement and even compensate for each other. So consider using the Citi Double Cash Card in conjunction with a bonus category cash-back card to earn extra rewards in categories where you typically spend more money. Also, if you plan to make a big purchase soon, you might benefit from a lower introductory APR on purchases.

Consider the Citi Custom Cash® Card, one of the strongest cards to pair with the Citi Double Cash Card, if you value the flexibility of getting a respectable cash back rate on your most frequent spending category. Each billing cycle, it offers 5% cash back for one of your top 10 spending categories (up to $500, then 1%).

With the Citi Premier® Card, you can also combine your Custom Cash and Double Cash points. By doing this, you can possibly boost the value of your ThankYou Points by transferring them to Citi's travel partners.

Overall, the Citi Double Cash Card can be used with any card that gives you a rate of more than 2% on purchases in specific categories where you spend a lot of money.

Is the Citi Double Cash Card Right for You?

There's a lot to like about the Citi Double Cash Card. The ability to earn 2% cash rewards with no spending caps and no annual fee is a tough offer to beat for people who prefer simplicity in a credit card rewards program. People who want to consolidate their credit card debt with a 0% introductory APR offer (after that, a 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable) (variable) APR applies) may also find the card quite appealing and among the best balance transfer card offers available.

If you're happy using multiple rewards cards in order to earn the highest return on your money, the Citi Double Cash Card might still deserve a place in your wallet. It's a great card to have handy when you need to make a purchase that lies outside of any of your normal bonus spending categories.

FAQs

It typically isn't hard to get a Citi Double Cash Card, but whether or not you are approved will depend on a number of factors, including your credit score, credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio. If you have good credit and a steady income, you may have a better chance of being approved for the card. But if your credit is poor or you have too much debt, you may have a more difficult time being approved.
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is generally considered the easiest Citi card to get hold of. It's the only Citi card that allows people with limited credit to apply (less than 3 years of credit history). Although there is no annual fee with this card, a $200 refundable security deposit is required.
An application for the Citi Double Cash card must be submitted in order to be eligible. Citi offers a simple online application process, but phone applications are also accepted. Make sure your credit is as good as it can be before applying, and take steps to raise it if required. In general, the better your credit, the more likely it is that you will be approved for a credit card. You must have ready access to personal and financial information, like your address, Social Security number, and annual income, in order to apply.
The Citi Double Cash Card is a Mastercard® credit card that gives its cardholders the opportunity to earn cash-back rewards on daily purchases. It doesn't have the highest rewards rate you can find when it comes to the cash-back credit card category. But with no annual fee and an easy-to-use redemption process, the card is still a worthwhile cash-back candidate to consider.

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Michelle Lambright Black

Michelle Black is founder of CreditWriter.com and HerCreditMatters.com. Michelle is a leading credit card journalist with over a decade and a half of experience in the financial industry. She’s an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring, identity theft, budgeting, small business, and debt eradication. Michelle is also a certified credit expert witness and personal finance writer.

Citi Double Cash Card Review: 2% Cash Back on Every Purchase With No Annual Fee