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November 30, 2022
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The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, from our partner Citi, is our pick for best overall Citi credit card, thanks to its cash back rewards rate, intro APR on purchases and balance transfers and $0 annual fee.
Citi’s Global Consumer Bank (GCB), which serves more than 110 million clients, is the world’s largest credit card issuer. Citi currently offers a variety of branded and co-branded credit card products, including cash back cards, 0% intro APR cards, balance transfer cards, travel cards and more.
Many of these cards also offer a number of benefits, like access to 24/7 customer support, Citi Entertainment® and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions.
Based on our research of Citi credit cards available through LendingTree, as well as the top cards offered on Citi’s site, here are our selections for the best Citi credit cards for the following categories:
With the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, cardholders earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Plus, earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
The $0 annual fee card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, after which a 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR applies. There’s also a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then a 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Citi is an advertising partner.
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card provides a unique opportunity to earn a high cash back rate in the category where you spend the most. These categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
If you max out the $500 spend cap each billing cycle, you can earn $300 back on those purchases in a year. Just know that once you max out the spend cap, you will only earn 1% back on all other purchases.
With the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, cardholders earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Plus, earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
The $0 annual fee card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, after which a 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR applies. There’s also a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then a 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Citi is an advertising partner.
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card provides a unique opportunity to earn a high cash back rate in the category where you spend the most. These categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
If you max out the $500 spend cap each billing cycle, you can earn $300 back on those purchases in a year. Just know that once you max out the spend cap, you will only earn 1% back on all other purchases.
Citi® Double Cash Card holders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
While the Citi® Double Cash Card doesn’t offer an intro APR on purchases, it does come with a lengthy intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers. After that, an APR of 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
In addition, the Citi® Double Cash Card charges a $0 annual fee.
If you want a simple approach to earning cash back rewards, the Citi® Double Cash Card is ideal, since there are no spending caps or bonus categories to keep track of. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits or checks, and it can also be converted to points.
Citi® Double Cash Card holders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
While the Citi® Double Cash Card doesn’t offer an intro APR on purchases, it does come with a lengthy intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers. After that, an APR of 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
In addition, the Citi® Double Cash Card charges a $0 annual fee.
If you want a simple approach to earning cash back rewards, the Citi® Double Cash Card is ideal, since there are no spending caps or bonus categories to keep track of. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits or checks, and it can also be converted to points.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers one of the longest introductory periods on balance transfers currently available. The card comes with an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers. Afterwards, there’s an ongoing balance transfer APR of 16.74% - 27.49% (variable).
A balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
If you have a large amount of high-interest credit card debt, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card may be ideal, since it offers an intro APR on balance transfers for nearly two years.
The no-frills balance transfer credit card also comes with an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on purchases. After that, an APR of 16.74% - 27.49% (variable) applies.
Note that the card is designed for those with excellent/good credit.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a $0 annual fee.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers one of the longest introductory periods on balance transfers currently available. The card comes with an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers. Afterwards, there’s an ongoing balance transfer APR of 16.74% - 27.49% (variable).
A balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
If you have a large amount of high-interest credit card debt, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card may be ideal, since it offers an intro APR on balance transfers for nearly two years.
The no-frills balance transfer credit card also comes with an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on purchases. After that, an APR of 16.74% - 27.49% (variable) applies.
Note that the card is designed for those with excellent/good credit.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a $0 annual fee.
The Citi Premier® Card lets you earn 3X points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels and 1X per $1 spent on all other purchases.
It also offers a valuable sign-up bonus: For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
However, this card does have a $95 annual fee. On the plus side, it has a 0% foreign exchange fee.
The Citi Premier® Card doesn’t offer an intro APR for purchases or balance transfers. Its purchase APR is 19.74% - 27.74% (Variable) and its balance transfer APR is 19.74% - 27.74% (Variable).
The Citi Premier® Card is best for those looking for a flexible travel credit card with valuable rewards.
Many of Citi’s transfer partners are international airlines, so this card is likely best for international travelers in particular.
You can earn elevated rewards on everyday purchases like restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. This card earns Citi ThankYou points, which also makes it a good choice if you have another card earning these flexible points. You could redeem them for travel, cash back, statement credits and more.
If you’re looking for a card that offers more travel perks like lounge access or travel insurance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might be a better option.
The Citi Premier® Card lets you earn 3X points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels and 1X per $1 spent on all other purchases.
It also offers a valuable sign-up bonus: For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
However, this card does have a $95 annual fee. On the plus side, it has a 0% foreign exchange fee.
The Citi Premier® Card doesn’t offer an intro APR for purchases or balance transfers. Its purchase APR is 19.74% - 27.74% (Variable) and its balance transfer APR is 19.74% - 27.74% (Variable).
The Citi Premier® Card is best for those looking for a flexible travel credit card with valuable rewards.
Many of Citi’s transfer partners are international airlines, so this card is likely best for international travelers in particular.
You can earn elevated rewards on everyday purchases like restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. This card earns Citi ThankYou points, which also makes it a good choice if you have another card earning these flexible points. You could redeem them for travel, cash back, statement credits and more.
If you’re looking for a card that offers more travel perks like lounge access or travel insurance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® might be a better option.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi currently offers one of the highest cash back rates on gas purchases: Cardholders earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi charges a $0 annual fee; however, a Costco membership — which runs $60 per year for a Gold Star membership and $120 per year for a Gold Star Executive membership — is required.
If you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you’ll be subject to interest charges at an APR of 18.99% (variable).
If you’re a Costco member who spends a significant amount on gas each year, you can come out on top with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. If you max out the card’s $7,000 spend cap on gas, you’ll earn $280 back in a year on those purchases alone.
Note, the gas category includes eligible gas purchases made worldwide — including those made at Costco. However, gas purchased at superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and warehouse clubs other than Costco, as well as fuel used for non-automobile purposes, does not qualify for the bonus cash back rate.
You should also know that rewards can only be redeemed for merchandise or cash back at Costco warehouses located in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. In addition, rewards are distributed just one time per year (after your February billing cycle) and must be redeemed by Dec. 31 of the year in which they are issued.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi currently offers one of the highest cash back rates on gas purchases: Cardholders earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi charges a $0 annual fee; however, a Costco membership — which runs $60 per year for a Gold Star membership and $120 per year for a Gold Star Executive membership — is required.
If you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you’ll be subject to interest charges at an APR of 18.99% (variable).
If you’re a Costco member who spends a significant amount on gas each year, you can come out on top with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. If you max out the card’s $7,000 spend cap on gas, you’ll earn $280 back in a year on those purchases alone.
Note, the gas category includes eligible gas purchases made worldwide — including those made at Costco. However, gas purchased at superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and warehouse clubs other than Costco, as well as fuel used for non-automobile purposes, does not qualify for the bonus cash back rate.
You should also know that rewards can only be redeemed for merchandise or cash back at Costco warehouses located in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. In addition, rewards are distributed just one time per year (after your February billing cycle) and must be redeemed by Dec. 31 of the year in which they are issued.
The Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t offer any rewards. Instead, it’s a $0 annual fee card that has a generous intro APR period for balance transfers and charges no late fees or penalty rates.
Its intro APR is 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers. After that, the APR goes to a 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable) APR.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.It also has an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on Purchases. After that, it goes to a 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable) APR.
This card has no sign-up bonus and a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each purchase transaction after its conversion into U.S. dollars.
The Citi Simplicity® Card is best for people looking for more time to pay off a big purchase or know they may not be able to pay off a full balance in time.
Making late payments can affect your credit score. That will still happen with the Citi Simplicity® Card, but since there are no late fees, you may be able to save some money in the long run.
This card isn’t best for people looking to earn rewards, since it offers none.
The Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t offer any rewards. Instead, it’s a $0 annual fee card that has a generous intro APR period for balance transfers and charges no late fees or penalty rates.
Its intro APR is 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers. After that, the APR goes to a 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable) APR.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.It also has an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on Purchases. After that, it goes to a 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable) APR.
This card has no sign-up bonus and a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each purchase transaction after its conversion into U.S. dollars.
The Citi Simplicity® Card is best for people looking for more time to pay off a big purchase or know they may not be able to pay off a full balance in time.
Making late payments can affect your credit score. That will still happen with the Citi Simplicity® Card, but since there are no late fees, you may be able to save some money in the long run.
This card isn’t best for people looking to earn rewards, since it offers none.
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a secured card — this means it requires a refundable security deposit, which will serve as your line of credit. If approved, the security deposit will range from $200 to $2,500.
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® does not offer a rewards program, but it does come with a $0 annual fee. The APR is 26.24% (variable).
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is designed for individuals with limited looking to boost their credit profile. Because the card reports your credit activity to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax), it can help you build your credit score with responsible card usage. This includes paying your bill on time each month and staying well below your credit limit.
In addition, Citi® Secured Mastercard® holders receive free access to their FICO Score online.
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is a secured card — this means it requires a refundable security deposit, which will serve as your line of credit. If approved, the security deposit will range from $200 to $2,500.
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® does not offer a rewards program, but it does come with a $0 annual fee. The APR is 26.24% (variable).
The Citi® Secured Mastercard® is designed for individuals with limited looking to boost their credit profile. Because the card reports your credit activity to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax), it can help you build your credit score with responsible card usage. This includes paying your bill on time each month and staying well below your credit limit.
In addition, Citi® Secured Mastercard® holders receive free access to their FICO Score online.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® lets cardholders earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Plus, earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines, American Eagle or any oneworld airline or partner airline, as well as upgrades on flights with American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia. Miles can also be redeemed for car rentals, hotel stays, activities and tours.
Notably, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® charges an annual fee of $99, waived for first 12 months and has an ongoing APR of 19.74% - 28.74% (variable).
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a good option if you want to earn a generous amount of rewards to use toward future travel, as well as gain access to a variety of American Airlines benefits.
In addition to a generous sign-up bonus and accelerated rewards rate on gas station and restaurant purchases, this card offers airline benefits, such as the first checked bag free for you and up to four travel companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries. Cardmembers also receive preferred boarding, 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights and a $125 American Airlines flight discount after you spend $20,000 on purchases during your card membership year and renew your card.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® also charges 0% foreign transaction fees.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® lets cardholders earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Plus, earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
AAdvantage miles can be redeemed for flights on American Airlines, American Eagle or any oneworld airline or partner airline, as well as upgrades on flights with American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia. Miles can also be redeemed for car rentals, hotel stays, activities and tours.
Notably, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® charges an annual fee of $99, waived for first 12 months and has an ongoing APR of 19.74% - 28.74% (variable).
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a good option if you want to earn a generous amount of rewards to use toward future travel, as well as gain access to a variety of American Airlines benefits.
In addition to a generous sign-up bonus and accelerated rewards rate on gas station and restaurant purchases, this card offers airline benefits, such as the first checked bag free for you and up to four travel companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries. Cardmembers also receive preferred boarding, 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights and a $125 American Airlines flight discount after you spend $20,000 on purchases during your card membership year and renew your card.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® also charges 0% foreign transaction fees.
| Credit Card | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Intro Balance Transfer Rate | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | Balance Transfer Fee | Recommended Credit | Card Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
|
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. | Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. | $0 | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases | 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable) | 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers | 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable) | 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | Excellent/Good | Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Review |
|
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
|
None | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. | $0 | N/A | 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable) | 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers | 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable) | There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening. | Excellent/Good | Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Review |
|
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
|
For a limited time earn a $150 Statement Credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. | N/A | $0 | 0% for 12 months on Purchases | 16.74% - 27.49% (Variable) | 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers | 16.74% - 27.49% (Variable) | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | Excellent/Good | Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card Review |
|
Citi Premier® Card
|
For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | Earn 3X points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels and 1X per $1 spent on all other purchases | $95 | N/A | 19.74% - 27.74% (Variable) | N/A | 19.74% - 27.74% (Variable) | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | Excellent/Good | Citi Premier® Card Review |
|
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
|
N/A | 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases | $0 | N/A | 18.99% (Variable) | N/A | 18.99% (Variable) | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum | Excellent | Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Review |
|
Citi Simplicity® Card
|
N/A | N/A | $0 | 0% for 12 months on Purchases | 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable) | 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers | 17.74% - 28.49% (Variable) | There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | Excellent/Good | Citi Simplicity® Card Review |
|
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
|
N/A | Non-rewards card | $0 | N/A | 26.24% (Variable) | N/A | 26.24% (Variable) | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | Limited | Citi® Secured Mastercard® Review |
|
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
|
Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening | Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases | $99, waived for first 12 months | N/A | 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable) | N/A | 19.74% - 28.74% (Variable) | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | Excellent/Good | Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Review |
When deciding which Citi credit card is the right for you, you should first determine how you plan to use the card.
For example, if you want a card with a simple rewards structure, the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer cash may be the best fit, since it offers a flat cash back rate on every purchase. Or, if you have a large amount of high interest credit card debt that you want to transfer, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card may be a better choice, since it comes with an intro APR on balance transfers for close to two years.
Cash back credit cards provide cash back rewards for the purchases you make, instead of points or miles. Cash back can typically be redeemed for statement credits, checks and gift cards.
A balance transfer credit card lets cardholders transfer a balance from another credit card. Depending on the balance transfer card, you may be able to receive a 0% intro APR for a year or longer when you transfer your balance. Once the intro APR period ends, the card’s regular APR will apply to any unpaid portion of the balance.
Balance transfer cards often charge balance transfer fees — which are typically 3% to 5% of the amount of each transfer.
A secured card requires you to submit a security deposit, which typically serves as your line of credit; this will protect the issuer in the event you don’t pay off what you charge to the card. The deposit is generally refundable if you pay off your card balance in full and close the account, or if the issuer transitions you to an unsecured card.
To select the best Citi credit card, our credit card experts compared the leading credit cards offered on Citi’s site and LendingTree.com, including cash back cards, 0% intro APR cards, balance transfer cards, travel cards and more. Although we primarily focused on Citi-branded cards, we also considered Citi co-branded credit cards.
We then chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, including rewards programs, annual fees and intro APR offers. We also looked at the benefits offered by each card, like purchase protection, travel insurance and complimentary lounge access.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
