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Whether you’re in the market for a credit card that offers cash back rewards, balance transfers or student benefits, Citi likely has some plastic designed with you in mind. While Citi’s credit cards can provide great value for the average consumer, the right card for you depends on your specific needs. (Full Disclosure: Citibank advertises on Credit.com, but that results in no preferential editorial treatment.)
How to Get a Citi Credit Card
All the Citi card options on this list require a credit score ranging from good to excellent. Because of this, it’s a good idea to see where your credit stands before applying for any card. You can see two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com. (Note: Reviewing your own credit will not harm your scores.)
If you discover your scores aren’t where you need them to be to get the card you’re craving, you may want to work on fixing your credit before applying — you can do things like pay down existing credit card balances and dispute errors on your credit report before you apply. Credit card applications can be submitted online and you can check your application status by phone.
Citi Credit Card Benefits
Of course, the perks you get with your Citi credit card varies from card to card, but there are a couple that come standard with every card on this list.
Worldwide Car Rental Insurance: When paying for your car rental with your Citi card, Citi provides additional insurance against theft or damage.
Extended Warranty: Citi extends manufacturer warranties for purchases made on your Citi card — the details range between cards, but all cards on this list have a version of this feature.
Other offered benefits include travel perks, shopping rewards, account protection and dining and entertainment perks. As we mentioned, the details of all these can vary between cards, so be sure to check the card statement for the full terms and conditions when you apply.
With that said, here are our top picks for Citi credit cards.
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Why We Picked It: This is one of Citi’s best cash back credit cards for maximizing your rewards, especially if you have good payment habits.
Card Details: This card earns you 2% cash back: 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Best of all, there is no cap on cash back. Cash back rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, checks or gift cards. The card also includes one-time late fee forgiveness, price protection and Citi Private Pass, which gets you access to thousands of event tickets annually.
Annual Fee:
APR: There is an annual percentage rate (APR) (with a $5 or 3% fee for the transfer, whichever is greater). For purchases, there is a variable APR of , based on creditworthiness. This is the APR that will apply to balance transfers after the introductory period has expired as well.
Alternative: Citi’s only other personal cash back card, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, is available exclusively to Costco members but can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Cardholders earn 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases (which you can do at most Costco locations) for the first $7,000 per year and 1% after. They also offer 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases, 2% cash back on in-store and online Costco purchases and 1% cash back on all remaining purchases. The variable APR will be 16.99%. There is no annual fee for this card, as it’s paired with your Costco membership (which does require a fee).
Citi Simplicity® Card – No Late Fees Ever
Why We Picked It: As its name suggests, the Citi Simplicity Card is appealing for its simple and straightforward features. There are fewer traditional fees to worry about and the balance transfer offer is one of the best available.
Card Details: Citi Simplicity has no late fees, no penalty rate and annual fee, so it’s ideal for customers who have had trouble managing credit cards payments. Citi is currently offering (with a $5 or 5% transfer fee, whichever is greater). The card also comes with price protection, identity theft protection and assistance, and travel and purchase protection benefits.
Annual Fee:
APR: , depending on creditworthiness, after the introductory expires.
Alternative: If you’re in the market for a good balance transfer offer, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card also carries the same low introductory APR offer: ; after that. The card isn’t devoid of fees, however, but does have “VIP” perks like 24/7 concierge service and entertainment ticket access to thousands of annual events.
Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students
Why We Picked It: This card offers solid points rewards and a chance to build credit for students — talk about a win, win.
Card Details: Cardholders earn two ThankYou Points for every $1 spent at restaurants and on entertainment, with one ThankYou Point for all other purchases. ThankYou Points can be redeemed for gift cards, electronics, travel rewards, cash and many other items. Citi is currently offering a bonus of 2,500 points when cardholders spend $500 within the first three months of opening the card.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: Introductory 0% APR on purchases for seven months, followed by a variable 16.24%-26.24%.
Alternative: Students looking to build credit may also want to consider a Citi Secured Mastercard. Secured cards are good options for those with no credit or bad credit. You can open Citi’s secured card with as little as $200, and the security deposit will equal your credit limit. After that, you make payments on purchases just like any credit card, and responsible card use can help to build or improve your credit. There is no annual fee and the APR is a for purchases and balance transfers.
At publishing time, the Citi Double Cash Card, Citi Diamond Preferred Card, Citi Secured Mastercard, Costco Anywhere Visa Card, Citi ThankYou Preferred Card for College Students, and the Citi Simplicity Card are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for this card. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s).
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
