Citi® Double Cash Card Review: Should You Get It?
Citi® Double Cash Card Review: Should You Get It?
The Citi® Double Cash Card is a top cash back card that offers outstanding cash back rewards, but few other benefits.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Citi is an advertising partner.
Quick facts
More details
Rates & fees
- Credit needed: 660
- Earning rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fees: 3%
- Long intro APR period on balance transfers: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers (18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) thereafter).
Quick facts
- Credit needed: 660
- Earning rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fees: 3%
- Long intro APR period on balance transfers: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers (18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) thereafter).
More details
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Rates & fees
- Intro Purchase APR: N/A
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Intro BT APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Regular BT APR: 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Balance Transfer Fee: 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.
Pros
Cons
Is the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer worth it?
The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best cash back cards available, as it offers an outstanding earning rate without having to track specific spending categories. The card lets you Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. That's an excellent flat rate for earning rewards on your everyday purchases, which can provide great long-term value.
However, the Citi® Double Cash Card 's main drawback is that it doesn’t offer many additional benefits like other cash back credit cards do. For example, while this card does offer a substantial intro APR period on balance transfers, it's lacking things like travel and purchase protections.
Who is the Citi® Double Cash Card best for?
The Citi® Double Cash Card is best for consumers looking to earn a high flat rewards rate across all purchases, who don't mind a lack of bonus earning categories. It's also great for people looking to pay down high amounts of debt, as the low intro balance transfer offer lasts for a full 18 months.
Earning rate
The Citi® Double Cash Card is a simple, but effective credit card to help you save money on your expenses.
The card lets you Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
This is one the highest cash back rates (for non-category spending) among currently available credit cards. For this sole reason, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a great product to consider for your wallet.
Redeeming rewards
The Citi® Double Cash Card offers several flexible cash back redemption options. These include redeeming your cash back for:
- Statement credits
- Direct deposit
- Checks by mail
These options allow you to redeem your cash back in a simple, easy and valuable way.
0% intro APR on balance transfers
If you are approved for the Citi® Double Cash Card , you'll have an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers (then a 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) APR).
This is a very long introductory period that can help you consolidate and pay off your credit card debt if you are carrying a lot of revolving debt.
Note, 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. This is a standard fee for a balance transfer, and you'll likely make up for the fee with your savings on interest over time.
Drawbacks
- No bonus categories — The Citi® Double Cash Card does not offer any bonus spending categories, which on other rewards cards allow consumers to maximize their points and cash back. However, this card is still valuable for those looking to earn a flat rate of cash back across all purchases, and who'd rather not need to pay attention to bonus categories.
- Few additional benefits — While the Citi® Double Cash Card does come with $0 annual fee, a solid earning rate and a low intro APR offer on balance transfers, it doesn't have much else to offer. Other cash back credit cards tend to offer things like travel and purchase protections, fraud liability protection and more.
- Charges foreign transaction fees — Another drawback of the Citi® Double Cash Card is that it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, meaning you'll be charged any time you use your card while traveling abroad. These fees can quickly add up, so we recommend only using this card within the U.S. and bringing along another travel credit card for trips outside the country.
Alternatives to the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
While the Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best cash back cards on the market, it's worth exploring other available options to make sure you're making the best decision for your personal preferences and spending habits. Below are a few notable alternatives worth considering.
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Citi® Double Cash Card vs. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Verdict: Less cash back, but a better bonus
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great competitor to the Citi® Double Cash Card . The card comes with a slightly lower cashback rate of 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). However, the card also comes with a valuable sign-up bonus. You will earn a One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. That makes the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card more valuable than the Citi® Double Cash Card , at least for the first year.
For the long term, however, the Citi® Double Cash Card is the better value.
Citi® Double Cash Card vs. Chase Freedom Flex℠
Verdict: Bonus cash back for spending on quarterly categories
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is famous for its rotating 5% cash back calendar. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. This is great for maximizing your cashback potential, but a downside for cardholders who value simplicity, since you have to remember to enroll in the categories each quarter.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ also comes with a simple sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. Plus, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. And if you need payment flexibility, the card has a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months (19.49% - 28.24% Variable APR thereafter).
Citi® Double Cash Card vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Verdict: Big cash back potential for a modest annual fee
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is an excellent option for maximizing your expenses with specific spending categories, especially U.S. supermarkets. Cardholders earn 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits.
Unlike the cards previously mentioned, this card does have an annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.. While paying an annual fee for a cashback card might seem counterintuitive, it may be well worth it. You can earn $360 in cash back just from $6,000 in U.S. supermarket spending (redeemable for statement credits).
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here
Should you apply for the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer?
The Citi® Double Cash Card is a perfect product for saving money on your daily purchases. Whether your monthly balance is large or small, you will earn cash back that you can use to pay down debt, use for everyday spending or put away in a savings account.
Unfortunately, the Citi® Double Cash Card is lacking in benefits that come on many cash back cards, such as car rental insurance and extended warranties. As a simple tool for earning a lot of cash back, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a winning option. For more substantial benefits, you'll need to look to other cash back credit cards.
Approved for the Citi® Double Cash Card ? Use these tips to manage your Citi account
The following tips will help you create and manage your account if you do opt in for the Citi® Double Cash Card .
How to open your Citi account
- Visit www.citi.com.
- Decide what type of account you want to open from the options provided.
- Fill out your personal information: Name, Social Security number and date of birth.
- Fill out your contact information: Address, phone number, security word hint and a security word.
- Enter your financial information: Total annual income, monthly mortgage/rent payment, accounts you own (checking, savings, money market).
How to log in to your Citi account
- Go to the Citi homepage.
- Enter your user name and password in the "sign on" box.
- Click the "sign on" button.
How to recover Citi username and password
- Click the "forgot username?" or "forgot password?" link located right under the sign-on box.
- Choose "bank and/or credit card customer"
- Enter your credit card number
- Hit continue
- Alternatively, you can call the toll-free number on the back of your card, or start a chat with customer service to assist you.
How to contact Citi
By phone
Call the number on the back of your card or call 1-800-950-5114 if you don't have your card in front of you, and you will be directed to the appropriate department. Here are some other important numbers:
Contact | Phone number |
|---|---|
| General support and servicing for your Citi card | 1-800-950-5114 |
| Apply for a credit card and check your application status | 1-888-201-4523 |
| Servicio al cliente español | 1-800-947-9100 |
By mail:
To make payments by regular mail, send to:
P.O. Box 9001037
Louisville KY, 40290-1037
For general correspondence, mail to:
Citibank Customer Service
P.O. Box 6500
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
By email:
There is no general email to contact for your Citi card. However, you can use the Message Us link in the Citi Mobile® App, and you'll receive a notification on your device as soon as an agent responds.
How to make an online payment
Citi® Double Cash Card payments can be made online in one of two ways:
- Make a Payment is for one-time payments. You'll need to sign in to your account and then set your payment amount, payment method and date. You will then be able to confirm your payment and receive a confirmation code and an email notification that your payment was submitted.
- Another option is to set up AutoPay for automatic payments to be deducted monthly on your due date. This is a good backup plan to never miss a payment, but you need to make sure that you have the available funds.
Note: You can schedule one payment per day within your current billing cycle, as well as up to four future payments beyond your current billing cycle. Customers can also make payments by mail or phone.
How to add an authorized user
- Check the add authorized user box on your application
- Include their personal and contact information
Frequently asked questions
Does the Citi® Double Cash Card have foreign transaction fees?
Yes, the card has a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Does the Citi® Double Cash Card have an annual fee?
No, the card does not have an annual fee ($0).
Is the Citi® Double Cash Card a World Elite Mastercard?
No, the card is not a World Elite Mastercard and doesn't offer World Elite benefits.
Is the Citi® Double Cash Card a Mastercard or Visa?
The card is a Mastercard.
What is the credit limit on the Citi® Double Cash Card ?
The credit limit you receive on the card varies, based on your creditworthiness. Some limits may be as low as $500.
Does the Citi® Double Cash Card have extended warranty?
No, it does not. However, many other Citi credit cards offer extended warranty.
Do Citi® Double Cash Card rewards expire?
Yes, rewards you earn from the card expire after 12 months of inactivity, so be sure to keep using your card or redeem your rewards before they expire.
Where is the Citi® Double Cash Card accepted?
The card is accepted anywhere that Mastercard is accepted.
Does the Citi® Double Cash Card card have travel insurance?
No, the card does not have travel insurance.
Does the Citi® Double Cash Card cover rental car insurance?
No, the card does not come with any rental car protections.
Does the Citi® Double Cash Card have Price Rewind?
No, the card does not have a Price Rewind feature. The Price Rewind benefit was removed from all Citi products that offered it, effective in September 2019.
What credit score do you need for the Citi® Double Cash Card ?
To qualify, you will need an 660 - 850 credit score.
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
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here
These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
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How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
Example of how we calculate the rewards rates: When redeemed for travel through Ultimate Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred points are worth $0.0125 each. The card awards 2 points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else. Therefore, we say the card has a 2.5% rewards rate on dining and travel (2 x $0.0125) and a 1.25% rewards rate on everything else (1 x $0.0125).