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Best Citi Credit Cards for March 2023

What is the best Citi credit card for you?

Citi is an advertising partner.

Citi is known for its low-interest and no-annual-fee credit cards, which include a variety of balance transfer, airline and rewards credit cards. Citi’s catalog of credit cards is also more secure than most, since its one of the few credit card issuers offering virtual credit card access right from your account. This hard-to-find feature can prevent credit card fraud, especially when shopping online. 

In addition to strong security features, Citi also provides a decent selection of cards that let you earn a solid return on your spending -- whether you’re shopping for everyday essentials, planning a trip or trying to get rid of credit card debt.

Citi® Double Cash Card
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Best flat-rate cash-back card Citi® Double Cash Card
7.25/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Apply Now
On Citi’s secure website
Quick Look
Intro Offer
No current offer
Annual fee
$0
APR
18.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
Rewards rate
2% Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

The Citi Double Cash Card provides cardholders with 2% cash back for their purchases, one of the best flat rates available. You get 1% cash back when the purchase is made, and the other 1% when it’s paid off. There’s no annual fee, and you have the option to take advantage of a competitive balance transfer offer.

The 0% introductory balance transfer APR lasts for 18 months (then 18.74% to 28.74% variable). Transferring a balance from a card with a high APR to the Citi Double Cash would be a good way to pay down credit card debt faster by avoiding interest payments. Just keep in mind that there’s an intro balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) so long as any transfers are made within four months of account opening (after that 5% or $5, whichever is greater) – but you’ll need to do that anyway in order to take advantage of the balance transfer offer.

Between its rewards and balance transfer offer, the Citi Double Cash is a powerful rewards card to add to your wallet.

Read more in our Citi Double Cash Card review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
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.
2%
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

The Citi Double Cash Card provides cardholders with 2% cash back for their purchases, one of the best flat rates available. You get 1% cash back when the purchase is made, and the other 1% when it’s paid off. There’s no annual fee, and you have the option to take advantage of a competitive balance transfer offer.

The 0% introductory balance transfer APR lasts for 18 months (then 18.74% to 28.74% variable). Transferring a balance from a card with a high APR to the Citi Double Cash would be a good way to pay down credit card debt faster by avoiding interest payments. Just keep in mind that there’s an intro balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) so long as any transfers are made within four months of account opening (after that 5% or $5, whichever is greater) – but you’ll need to do that anyway in order to take advantage of the balance transfer offer.

Between its rewards and balance transfer offer, the Citi Double Cash is a powerful rewards card to add to your wallet.

Read more in our Citi Double Cash Card review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
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.
2%
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Citi Premier® Card
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Great for travelers Citi Premier® Card
7/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Apply Now
On Citi’s secure website
Quick Look
Intro Offer
60,000 points Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Annual fee
$95
APR
20.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
Rewards rate
1x – 3x Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets; Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels; Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Designed with travelers in mind, the Citi Premier Card offers rewards for a few travel-related expenses including restaurants, gas stations, airfare and hotel stays. However, it doesn’t come with too many travel-centric perks, despite having a $95 annual fee.

It does include an annual $100 hotel credit for a hotel stay of $500 or more, and offers strong rewards for both travel spending and everyday spending like gas stations and supermarkets. There aren’t any travel protections like travel accident insurance or lost luggage reimbursement that many travel credit cards tend to include, but the flexibility in rewards makes up for it. And while a lot of travel cards require you to book through a specific travel portal to earn rewards, but you don’t have to worry about that here.

This card also offers a sizable welcome bonus that’s competitive with travel cards with similar annual fees.

Check out our Citi Premier Card review to learn more.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
1x
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Designed with travelers in mind, the Citi Premier Card offers rewards for a few travel-related expenses including restaurants, gas stations, airfare and hotel stays. However, it doesn’t come with too many travel-centric perks, despite having a $95 annual fee.

It does include an annual $100 hotel credit for a hotel stay of $500 or more, and offers strong rewards for both travel spending and everyday spending like gas stations and supermarkets. There aren’t any travel protections like travel accident insurance or lost luggage reimbursement that many travel credit cards tend to include, but the flexibility in rewards makes up for it. And while a lot of travel cards require you to book through a specific travel portal to earn rewards, but you don’t have to worry about that here.

This card also offers a sizable welcome bonus that’s competitive with travel cards with similar annual fees.

Check out our Citi Premier Card review to learn more.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
1x
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
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A long balance transfer offer Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
7/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Apply Now
On Citi’s secure website
Quick Look
Intro Offer
No current offer
Annual fee
$0
APR
17.74% – 28.49% (Variable)
Rewards rate
N/A This card doesn’t offer cash back, miles, or points

The Citi Diamond Preferred exists solely to alleviate some pressure you may be feeling beneath the weight of credit card debt. Cardholders get an intro 0% APR for balance transfers for 21 months, and 12 months for purchases (then a 17.74% to 28.49% variable APR). Just be aware the card offers no rewards, and you’ll need to complete any balance transferred within the first four months of account opening.

Its balance transfer offer is one of the longest available, giving cardholders a large chunk of time to pay down a transferred balance at no interest. It does unfortunately have a high balance transfer fee of 5% ($5 minimum), which keeps it from greatness. There are other balance transfer credit cards that provide the same length of time but with a lower balance transfer fee.

Read our Citi Diamond Preferred review for more information.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
Intro Purchase APR
0% for 12 months on Purchases
Regular APR
17.74% – 28.49% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
N/A

The Citi Diamond Preferred exists solely to alleviate some pressure you may be feeling beneath the weight of credit card debt. Cardholders get an intro 0% APR for balance transfers for 21 months, and 12 months for purchases (then a 17.74% to 28.49% variable APR). Just be aware the card offers no rewards, and you’ll need to complete any balance transferred within the first four months of account opening.

Its balance transfer offer is one of the longest available, giving cardholders a large chunk of time to pay down a transferred balance at no interest. It does unfortunately have a high balance transfer fee of 5% ($5 minimum), which keeps it from greatness. There are other balance transfer credit cards that provide the same length of time but with a lower balance transfer fee.

Read our Citi Diamond Preferred review for more information.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
Intro Purchase APR
0% for 12 months on Purchases
Regular APR
17.74% – 28.49% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
N/A
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
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Adaptable cash-back card Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
7.5/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Apply Now
On Citi’s secure website
Quick Look
Intro Offer
$200 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.
Annual fee
$0
APR
18.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
Rewards rate
1% – 5% 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.; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you’re looking for a bit more flexibility in your rewards program, consider the Citi Custom Cash card. For no annual fee, cardholders earn 5% cash back (on the first $500 spent, then 1%) on the eligible category you spend the most on each billing cycle. Eligible purchases include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.

5% is a strong rate for a no annual fee credit card, however, because of the $500 limit, cardholders can only earn a maximum of $25 each billing cycle at that rate before rewards fall to 1%. That means a flat-rate cash back card, like the Citi Double Cash, will likely overtake the Custom Cash’s rewards once that limit is reached.

However, very few credit cards offer rewards for home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment, so it could be worth it up to the $500 limit for those categories and then swapping to another rewards card with a higher rate.

It also features an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers.

Read our Citi Custom Cash Card review to learn more.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Intro Purchase APR
0% for 15 months on purchases
Regular APR
18.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
5%
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.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you’re looking for a bit more flexibility in your rewards program, consider the Citi Custom Cash card. For no annual fee, cardholders earn 5% cash back (on the first $500 spent, then 1%) on the eligible category you spend the most on each billing cycle. Eligible purchases include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.

5% is a strong rate for a no annual fee credit card, however, because of the $500 limit, cardholders can only earn a maximum of $25 each billing cycle at that rate before rewards fall to 1%. That means a flat-rate cash back card, like the Citi Double Cash, will likely overtake the Custom Cash’s rewards once that limit is reached.

However, very few credit cards offer rewards for home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment, so it could be worth it up to the $500 limit for those categories and then swapping to another rewards card with a higher rate.

It also features an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers.

Read our Citi Custom Cash Card review to learn more.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Intro Purchase APR
0% for 15 months on purchases
Regular APR
18.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
5%
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.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Citi Simplicity® Card
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A good Intro APR offer Citi Simplicity® Card
7.25/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Quick Look
Intro Offer
No current offer
Annual fee
$0
APR
18.74% – 29.49% (Variable)
Rewards rate
N/A This card doesn’t offer cash back, miles, or points

It’s all in the name with the Citi Simplicity Card*. Aside from its introductory 0% APR for balance transfers for 21 months, and 12 months for new purchases (then 18.74% to 29.49% variable), there isn’t much else to say.

It exists only to be used to avoid interest charges on another card or on a large, planned purchase. The balance transfer offer is one of the longest on the market, and the introductory balance transfer fee for transfers completed within four months of account opening is the standard 3% ($5 minimum) -- though it does jump up to 5% ($5 minimum) after that. But you’ll need to complete any balance transfers within the first four months of account opening anyway to qualify for the intro offer.

Take a look at our Citi Simplicity review to learn more.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
Intro Purchase APR
0% for 12 months on Purchases
Regular APR
18.74% – 29.49% (Variable)
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.
N/A

It’s all in the name with the Citi Simplicity Card*. Aside from its introductory 0% APR for balance transfers for 21 months, and 12 months for new purchases (then 18.74% to 29.49% variable), there isn’t much else to say.

It exists only to be used to avoid interest charges on another card or on a large, planned purchase. The balance transfer offer is one of the longest on the market, and the introductory balance transfer fee for transfers completed within four months of account opening is the standard 3% ($5 minimum) -- though it does jump up to 5% ($5 minimum) after that. But you’ll need to complete any balance transfers within the first four months of account opening anyway to qualify for the intro offer.

Take a look at our Citi Simplicity review to learn more.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
Intro Purchase APR
0% for 12 months on Purchases
Regular APR
18.74% – 29.49% (Variable)
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.
N/A
Citi Rewards+® Card
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Unique rewards features Citi Rewards+® Card
6/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Quick Look
Intro Offer
20,000 points Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Annual fee
$0
APR
18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Rewards rate
1x – 2x Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.; Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.

The Citi Rewards+ Card* has a few unique features that are worth paying attention to. Rewards will be rounded up to the nearest 10 points for every purchase and you’ll have 10% of the first 100,000 points you redeem each year returned to you.

Otherwise, its rewards are lackluster compared to similar credit cards with no annual fee, but you can take advantage of the introductory APR. If you need to get rid of some credit card debt, it could be a worthwhile choice, despite having a limited value when compared to other rewards credit cards.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% intro for 15 months on Balance Transfers
Intro Purchase APR
0% intro for 15 months on Purchases
Regular APR
18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
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.
2x
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.
1x
Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.

The Citi Rewards+ Card* has a few unique features that are worth paying attention to. Rewards will be rounded up to the nearest 10 points for every purchase and you’ll have 10% of the first 100,000 points you redeem each year returned to you.

Otherwise, its rewards are lackluster compared to similar credit cards with no annual fee, but you can take advantage of the introductory APR. If you need to get rid of some credit card debt, it could be a worthwhile choice, despite having a limited value when compared to other rewards credit cards.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% intro for 15 months on Balance Transfers
Intro Purchase APR
0% intro for 15 months on Purchases
Regular APR
18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
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.
2x
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.
1x
Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
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American Airlines card Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
5/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Apply Now
On Citi’s secure website
Quick Look
Intro Offer
50,000 miles Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
Annual fee
$450
APR
20.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
Rewards rate
1x – 2x Earn 2 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases.; 1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on other purchases

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard provides rewards and perks focused on making American Airlines flights more rewarding and comfortable. It has a $450 annual fee, so it should only be considered by people who travel many times a year.

Cardholders can enjoy annual Admirals Club airport lounge membership – which usually costs $650 – priority boarding, priority check-in, priority airport screening, a 25% discount on in-flight purchases, an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, among other benefits. In addition, it earns 2x AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. That’s not very high, but it’s the card perks that you’re paying for.

If you exclusively fly American Airlines and travel frequently enough to take full advantage of everything the card has to offer, there’s no doubt you’d benefit from this card. However, if that doesn’t sound like you, consider a general travel credit card with a lower annual fee instead.

Read more in our full Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases.
1x
1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on other purchases

The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard provides rewards and perks focused on making American Airlines flights more rewarding and comfortable. It has a $450 annual fee, so it should only be considered by people who travel many times a year.

Cardholders can enjoy annual Admirals Club airport lounge membership – which usually costs $650 – priority boarding, priority check-in, priority airport screening, a 25% discount on in-flight purchases, an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, among other benefits. In addition, it earns 2x AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. That’s not very high, but it’s the card perks that you’re paying for.

If you exclusively fly American Airlines and travel frequently enough to take full advantage of everything the card has to offer, there’s no doubt you’d benefit from this card. However, if that doesn’t sound like you, consider a general travel credit card with a lower annual fee instead.

Read more in our full Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
2x
Earn 2 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines purchases.
1x
1 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on other purchases
Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Learn More
Build credit with Citi Citi® Secured Mastercard®
3/10 CNET Rating CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Quick Look
Intro Offer
No current offer
Annual fee
$0
APR
27.24% (Variable)
Rewards rate
N/A This card doesn’t offer cash back, miles, or points

If you need to establish or rebuild your credit, the Citi® Secured Mastercard®* can set you on the right path. In exchange for a one-time, refundable deposit that forms your starting credit line, you can begin to create a positive credit history of on-time payments.

The card doesn’t earn any rewards, but not many secured credit cards do. Instead, it’s meant to instill responsible credit card habits while improving your credit score. Once your score is looking better, you can move on to better credit cards that feature rewards and other card perks.

You can learn more about it in our Citi Secured Mastercard review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
27.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
N/A

If you need to establish or rebuild your credit, the Citi® Secured Mastercard®* can set you on the right path. In exchange for a one-time, refundable deposit that forms your starting credit line, you can begin to create a positive credit history of on-time payments.

The card doesn’t earn any rewards, but not many secured credit cards do. Instead, it’s meant to instill responsible credit card habits while improving your credit score. Once your score is looking better, you can move on to better credit cards that feature rewards and other card perks.

You can learn more about it in our Citi Secured Mastercard review.

Intro Balance Transfer APR
N/A
Intro Purchase APR
N/A
Regular APR
27.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee
3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
N/A

Credit score requirements for Citi credit cards

Citi typically requires good to excellent credit for most of its credit cards. That means your credit scores would need to be at least 670 for FICO and 661 for VantageScore.

Citi does offer a secured credit card, however -- the Citi Secured Mastercard. Secured credit cards are designed to help establish or repair credit. You’ll have to pay a one-time, refundable security deposit upon approval. The security deposit forms your initial credit limit, and may be refunded after showing responsible use or if you choose to close your card.

Citi preselection

Preselection can help you find out how likely you are to be accepted for a credit card without damaging your credit. Preselection -- or preapproval -- offers utilize a soft credit check, matching some preliminary financial information with the card to see if may qualify. However, it’s important to note that even if you are preselected for a Citi card, it doesn’t guarantee approval.

Keep in mind that when you do officially apply for a credit card, your credit score will typically be lowered temporarily by a few points due to a hard credit check.

To get preselected for a Citi card, you can head to its website and enter your name, email, address, the last four digits of your Social Security number and which type of credit card you’re interested in.

Citi vs other issuers

Citi offers a mix of credit cards, including one of the best flat-rate cash back cards -- the Citi Double Cash card -- and a strong travel card, the Citi Premier. It also offers a secured credit card for people who need to improve their credit score with responsible card use. However, Citi doesn’t offer much in the way of additional programs, such as Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards or Capital One’s CreditWise tool.

Citi vs. Bank of America

Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program can boost both your credit card rewards and the annual percentage yield on your Bank of America savings account. To qualify, you’ll need to have a certain balance in your Bank of America bank account and/or Merrill Investing account. The higher your balance, the greater rewards you’ll receive. However, if you don’t pair your banking with your credit card choice, Citi may offer better rewards.

Bank of America offers more business credit cards than Citi as well.

Citi vs. Capital One

Capital One offers great cards for travelers thanks to its Venture card offerings, plus good rewards cards for students and general spenders. It also provides cards for people who need to build their credit, but few options for business owners. Capital One cards span a wider range of credit requirements too, making it more accessible.

Capital One also offers the CreditWise tool. It helps monitor your credit score and can help in the event of identity theft. CreditWise is available to use by anyone, not just Capital One cardholders.

How many Citi cards can you have?

There’s no stated limit to the number of Citi cards you’re able to have at one time. Having more credit cards will give you a larger pool of credit to access, which directly translates to your credit utilization. Credit utilization is one of the factors that contributes to your credit score. 

Credit utilization is how much of your total available credit you’re using. The lower your utilization, the higher your credit scores. If you have more credit to work with, it’s easier to keep your utilization on the lower side.

The age of your credit accounts also impacts your score. If you hang on to your credit cards longer while accumulating more, your credit score will likely be healthier for it. 

However, having a high number of credit cards increases the likelihood of missing a payment or overspending, unless you’re adept at managing debt and payments. How many credit cards you should have will come down to how responsible you are as a borrower.

Is Citi the right credit card issuer for you?

If one of Citi’s credit cards matches your spending habits and lifestyle, consider applying. Citi offers good options if you’re in the market for a cash-back, travel or balance transfer card. However, if you’re looking to build up your credit scores, there are other issuers that offer better secured cards (looking at you, Discover it® Secured Credit Card*).

How to choose the right Citi credit card

It comes down to finding a credit card that supports how you spend. Don’t choose a card that earns rewards for purchases you don’t typically make. Avoid choosing a credit card with an annual fee if you’re unable to take full advantage of its additional card perks or if you can’t generate enough rewards through your normal spending to cover the fee.

Consider what you need the credit card for. If you want a travel card that doubles well as an everyday credit card, you might opt for the Citi Premier.

The Double Cash is a great cash-back card that offers rewards for everything you buy. If you make a variety of purchases, its rewards could help cut down on your monthly expenses. Unlike rewards cards that lock you into spending a certain way, the Double Cash provides rewards no matter how you spend. The lack of an annual fee makes it easy to use with other credit cards as well.

Citi also provides credit cards with 0% introductory APR offers which can help get rid of existing credit card debt through a balance transfer, or help you finance a large, planned purchase. Just be sure you can pay down the balance within the given timeframe.

How to apply for a Citi credit card

Follow these steps to apply for a Citi credit card:

  1. Find the credit card that matches your budget and lifestyle.
  2. Follow one of the links above to be taken to a secure application.
  3. Fill out the application with all of the required financial and personal information.
  4. Use your card responsibly and always pay your bill on time.

FAQs

Some Citi cards carry an annual fee, such as the Citi Premier, while others like the Citi Double Cash don’t.

Generally, the easiest Citi card to get is the Citi Secured Mastercard. It’s a secured credit card which means it typically has less-strict credit requirements to qualify for compared to unsecured credit cards. Instead, you’ll need to supply a one-time, refundable deposit as collateral.

You’ll need to contact Citi to cancel your card, either online or over the phone. Just keep in mind canceling a credit card can lower your credit score, especially if you’ve had it for a number of years. The age of your credit accounts and the size of your total available credit affect your credit score.

*All information about the Citi Rewards+ Card, Citi Secured Mastercard, Citi Simplicity Card, and Discover it Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET's credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.