If you’re looking for a straightforward and rewarding cash back credit card, the Citi Double Cash Card is a top contender. With its simple structure, this card offers an impressive way to earn cash back on every purchase, making it perfect for those who want to maximize their rewards without worrying about rotating categories or complicated bonus rules. Let’s dive into the details and compare it with other leading credit cards on the market to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Key features of the Citi Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash Card is a popular choice for those seeking an easy-to-use, no-annual-fee card with great cash back benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this card stand out:
1. Cash back on every purchase
The most attractive feature of the Citi Double Cash Card is its 2% cash back on all purchases. You earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase, and 1% cash back when you pay it off, making it one of the most rewarding options for everyday spending. This is a great option if you don’t want to keep track of rotating categories or spend requirements like other cards that require a little extra effort to earn bonus rewards.
2. No annual fee
Unlike many other high-reward cards that charge hefty annual fees, the Citi Double Cash Card has no annual fee, making it an affordable option for those who don’t want to pay extra just to have a great rewards card. This makes it a solid choice for people who want to maximize their cash back without incurring additional costs.
3. Introductory offer
While the Citi Double Cash Card doesn’t offer the largest welcome bonus, it does offer a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months, making it an ideal card for anyone looking to pay off high-interest debt without incurring extra charges.
4. No bonus categories to track
One of the things that set the Citi Double Cash Card apart from other cash back cards is that it doesn’t require you to keep track of bonus categories. This is a huge perk for people who want to earn cash back on everything from groceries to gas to shopping without worrying about rotating categories. It’s all straightforward, with a solid cash back rate on every purchase.
5. Redemption options
You can redeem your cash back in the form of a statement credit, a check, or direct deposit, giving you plenty of flexibility in how you use your rewards. Additionally, Citi offers the option to transfer your rewards to participating Citi ThankYou Rewards partners for travel redemptions, which gives you even more ways to get the most out of your cash back.
How does the Citi Double Cash Card compare to other cards?
The Citi® Double Cash Card is a great all-around cash back card, but how does it stack up against some of the top contenders in the market? Let’s take a look at a few cards that might be on your radar.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is similar to the Citi Double Cash Card, but with one key difference: 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases. While the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers great bonus categories, the Citi Double Cash Card is a better choice for those who want a flat rate on everything. Plus, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has a 0% intro APR for 15 months, but also offers a $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months, making it a slightly more lucrative option if you’re looking for extra rewards.
2. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card also offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase, similar to the Citi Double Cash Card, but with no introductory APR period for balance transfers and purchases. Additionally, it has no annual fee and offers a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months. While the Citi Double Cash Card offers a higher rewards rate (2%), the Quicksilver Card offers a similar experience, but with fewer perks and no 2% back on your payments.
3. Discover It cash back
The Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. While it offers higher cash back in rotating categories, it’s more complicated to keep track of and doesn’t offer the flat 2% cash back that the Citi Double Cash Card does. The Discover it Cash Back card also offers cash back matching at the end of your first year, which can be a nice bonus, but for consistent, uncomplicated rewards, the Citi Double Cash Card is the way to go.
Who is the Citi Double Cash Card ideal for?
The Citi Double Cash Card is perfect for someone who wants easy cash back without having to worry about rotating categories or keeping track of bonus offers. Here are the types of people who would benefit the most from this card:
- People who prefer simple rewards: If you want to earn a consistent 2% cash back on all purchases, the Citi Double Cash Card is ideal. There’s no need to worry about bonus categories or restrictions.
- Those who want to pay off debt: The 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers is a great way to save on interest while paying down existing credit card debt.
- Cash back enthusiasts: If you prefer cash back over travel points or other rewards, this card is a great option for earning straightforward cash on every purchase.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Citi Double Cash Card | Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Capital One Quicksilver | Discover it Cash Back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 18 months on balance transfers | 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers | 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers | 0% for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers |
| Cash Back Rate | 1% on purchases, 1% on payments | 1.5% on all purchases, 5% on travel, 3% on dining | 1.5% on all purchases | 5% on rotating categories, 1% on other purchases |
| Sign-up Bonus | None | $200 bonus after $500 spent in first 3 months | $200 bonus after $500 spent in first 3 months | Cash back match at end of first year |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None | None | None |
Conclusion
The Citi Double Cash Card is a top choice for anyone looking for a simple, no-fee cash back card with great rewards. It’s perfect for those who want to earn a flat 2% cash back on every purchase and don’t want to worry about keeping track of rotating categories or complicated bonus structures.
If you’re looking for a straightforward card with a solid cash back rate, the Citi Double Cash Card is a great option to help you maximize your rewards on everyday spending.