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Which option do you want?

Cash back
Fast approval
No annual fee

What benefit will you receive?

Unlimited 2% cash back: Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase: earn 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay off those purchases.

No annual fee: you don’t pay an annual fee for this card.

0% introductory APR on balance transfers: Typically you’ll get up to 18 months of 0% APR for balance transfers (terms apply) so you have more time to pay off older debt.

Simple, flat-rate rewards: No rotating bonus categories to track — just a straightforward cash-back rate.

Flexible redemption options: Cash back comes in the form of “ThankYou” points which you can redeem for statement credits, deposits, or travel (though transfer partners may be limited).

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Citi® Double Cash Card — Complete Review and Guide

What benefits will you receive?

Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase – Earn 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off.

There are no rotating categories, no activation requirements, and no limits on how much you can earn. Everything you buy qualifies for rewards, making this one of the simplest and most rewarding flat-rate cashback cards on the market.

No annual fee – The Citi Double Cash Card has a $0 annual fee.

That means every dollar you earn in cashback goes directly to your pocket — no need to offset fees to get real value.

Introductory 0% APR on balance transfers – New cardmembers can enjoy a 0% introductory APR for up to 18 months on balance transfers made within the first four months of account opening.

After that, a variable APR applies, based on your creditworthiness. This feature makes it ideal for paying down high-interest debt while avoiding interest charges for over a year.

Simple, transparent rewards structure – No need to track bonus categories, no quarterly sign-ups, no spending caps. Just a consistent 2% back — 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay.

Flexible redemption options – Cash back is earned as Citi ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed in several ways:

  • Direct deposit into your bank account
  • Statement credit to reduce your bill
  • Gift cards
  • Travel bookings through Citi ThankYou® Rewards
  • In some cases, transfer to participating airline partners (if combined with another eligible Citi card)

Extra access with Citi Entertainment® – Cardholders get special access to concert presales, exclusive events, and experiences through the Citi Entertainment® program — a small but fun perk for fans of live events.


How does it work?

Earning rewards

Each time you make a purchase, you automatically earn 1% cashback. Then, once you pay off that purchase — whether in full or the minimum due — you earn an additional 1%. The result: 2% total cash back on every eligible transaction. There’s no need to enroll or activate categories, and no expiration as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Redeeming rewards

Your cashback accumulates as Citi ThankYou® Points (100 points = $1 cashback equivalent). You can redeem your points for:

  • Statement credits
  • Direct deposits
  • Gift cards
  • Travel booked through Citi ThankYou® Rewards
    If you hold another eligible Citi card, you can even combine your points and transfer them to Citi’s travel partners like JetBlue or other airline programs.

This flexibility lets you use your cashback however you prefer — whether to pay down your balance or to save for your next trip.


Balance transfers: A closer look

The Citi Double Cash Card’s balance transfer feature is one of its most valuable tools for managing existing debt.

How to request a balance transfer

You can request a balance transfer during your application or after you’ve been approved. To request after approval:

  1. Log in to your Citi Online account.
  2. Go to Account Management → Request a Balance Transfer.
  3. Review your available offers and follow the prompts.
    You can also call Citi’s customer service to request it by phone.

Key balance transfer terms

  • Introductory APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers made within the first 4 months of account opening.
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount transferred (minimum $5).
  • After intro period: A variable APR applies, based on your creditworthiness.

This makes the Citi Double Cash Card an excellent choice for those who want to consolidate debt and save on interest while enjoying cashback rewards on new purchases.


Fees and rates

  • Annual fee: $0
  • Intro APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% (min $5)
  • Regular APR: Variable, based on creditworthiness
  • Foreign transaction fee: 3% on purchases made outside the U.S.
  • Late payment fee: Up to $41 (as per current Citi terms)

While the 3% foreign transaction fee makes it less ideal for international travelers, the lack of an annual fee and consistent cashback rate make it an excellent everyday card for U.S. purchases.


Additional protections and benefits

Even though it’s not a premium travel card, Citi Double Cash includes a few important protections:

  • $0 Liability on unauthorized charges – You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions if you report them promptly.
  • Digital Wallet compatibility – Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
  • Fraud monitoring – Citi’s real-time alerts help detect suspicious activity.
  • Contactless payments – The card supports tap-to-pay for faster checkout.

These features ensure your card stays safe while maintaining ease of use, both online and in-store.


Who should get the Citi Double Cash Card?

This card is ideal for:
✅ People who want a straightforward, high-value cashback card with no gimmicks.
✅ Those who pay their balance in full each month and want to earn consistent rewards.
✅ Cardholders looking to consolidate or pay down existing debt using the 0% intro APR period.
✅ Anyone who wants a no-annual-fee card that earns reliable returns on all spending categories.

Who might look elsewhere

  • Frequent travelers may prefer a card with no foreign transaction fees and travel perks.
  • Category optimizers who spend heavily in areas like dining, groceries, or gas may earn more with cards offering 3–5% in those specific categories.
  • Those carrying balances long-term may find that a low-interest card (like the Wells Fargo Reflect®) fits better for ongoing financing needs.

How does it compare to other cards?

FeatureCiti® Double Cash CardWells Fargo Reflect® CardChase Freedom Unlimited®
Cashback rate2% (1% + 1%) on all purchasesNone (low-interest focus)1.5% flat, plus category bonuses
Intro APR0% for 18 months (balance transfers)0% for 21 months (purchases + transfers)0% for 15 months
Annual fee$0$0$0
Foreign transaction fee3%3%3%
Ideal forCashback seekersInterest saversHybrid rewards users

The Double Cash Card stands out for long-term cashback value and day-to-day simplicity, while others might provide higher introductory or travel-related perks.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the Citi Double Cash Card have an introductory APR?
Yes. New cardholders get a 0% introductory APR for 18 months on balance transfers made within the first four months of account opening. After that, the variable APR applies.

2. Is there an annual fee?
No. The Citi Double Cash Card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective long-term choice.

3. Does it offer rewards on balance transfers or cash advances?
No. Cashback only applies to new purchases, not to balance transfers or cash advances.

4. Do Citi ThankYou® Points expire?
As long as your account remains open and in good standing, your points will not expire. If you close your account, you may forfeit unredeemed rewards.

5. What credit score do I need to qualify?
Generally, a good-to-excellent credit score (typically 670+) is recommended. Approval also depends on your income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit history.

6. Can I use it for international purchases?
Yes, but keep in mind the 3% foreign transaction fee. For heavy international travel, a no-foreign-fee card may be better suited.

7. How do I redeem my cashback?
You can redeem through Citi Online or the Citi Mobile App by choosing your preferred redemption method — statement credit, direct deposit, gift card, or travel through ThankYou® Rewards.


Example: Real-world cashback potential

Let’s say you spend $30,000 per year on everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and online shopping.

  • With the Citi Double Cash Card, you’d earn 2%, or $600 in cashback annually — with no annual fee.
  • A flat-rate structure means you don’t have to track bonus categories or activate quarterly promotions.
  • If you used multiple category cards, you might earn slightly more — but only if you meticulously track and optimize your spending.

For most people who value simplicity and guaranteed returns, the Citi Double Cash Card offers one of the best passive reward structures available.


Security, convenience, and account management

Citi offers a strong suite of digital tools to help you manage your Double Cash Card safely:

  • Citi Mobile App – Check balances, make payments, and redeem rewards easily.
  • Custom alerts – Receive notifications about due dates, large transactions, or suspicious activity.
  • 24/7 customer service – Access support at any time for account questions or assistance.
  • Autopay options – Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and maintain good credit standing.

Conclusion

The Citi® Double Cash Card remains one of the most popular and consistently top-rated cashback cards in the U.S. for a reason:
it’s simple, rewarding, and fee-free.

With its 2% total cashback on every purchase, no annual fee, and introductory 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers, it’s a practical choice for anyone who values reliability and transparency over complexity.

While it’s not a premium travel card, its everyday earning power and effortless structure make it an excellent addition to almost any wallet.

Used wisely — especially by paying your balance in full each month — the Citi Double Cash Card can deliver hundreds of dollars in annual rewards, true debt-reduction potential through balance transfers, and long-term financial flexibility.

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