Apply for the Citi Double Cash Card

The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards available, offering a straightforward rewards program that makes it easy for cardholders to earn cash back without needing to keep track of rotating categories or complicated reward structures.

This card allows users to earn 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you make the purchase and an additional 1% when you pay for it.

With no annual fee, the Citi® Double Cash Card is ideal for those who prefer simplicity and flexibility in their rewards program.

Reasons to Choose the Citi® Double Cash Card

1. Simple and Generous Cash Back Rewards The Citi® Double Cash Card makes earning rewards easy. With 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay it off—there’s no need to worry about rotating categories or specific spending requirements. This consistent rewards structure is perfect for people who want to earn cash back without the need to track spending patterns.
2. No Annual Fee One of the most appealing aspects of the Citi® Double Cash Card is that it comes with no annual fee. This makes it an excellent option for consumers who want to earn rewards without incurring any additional costs. Many other credit cards that offer cash back or rewards charge an annual fee, but this card allows you to enjoy the benefits without any yearly charges.
3. Excellent for Everyday Spending Since the Citi® Double Cash Card provides 2% cash back on every purchase, it is a great option for everyday spending. Whether you are buying groceries, paying bills, or shopping online, you will earn a solid return on all purchases. The simplicity of the 2% cash back rate means you don’t need to worry about categories, bonus categories, or any other complexities that some other cash-back cards require.
4. Balance Transfer Opportunities The Citi® Double Cash Card offers an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months. If you have existing credit card debt with a high interest rate, this offer can help you save money while paying down your balance. After the introductory period ends, the APR on balance transfers increases to a variable rate, but the 0% APR for the first 18 months can provide a significant advantage for managing debt.
5. Strong Security Features As a part of Citi’s extensive network, the Citi® Double Cash Card provides enhanced security features, such as Citi® Identity Theft Solutions and fraud protection. These tools help protect you from unauthorized transactions and offer support if you need to resolve any security issues. Citi’s fraud protection features give cardholders peace of mind knowing their information is secure.
6. Access to Citi’s Global Network and Customer Service Citi is a well-established name in the credit card industry and offers 24/7 customer service. With Citi’s global network, cardholders can use their Citi® Double Cash Card at millions of locations worldwide, ensuring flexibility whether you are at home or traveling abroad.

Negative Factors of the Citi® Double Cash Card

1. No Sign-Up Bonus While the Citi® Double Cash Card offers exceptional rewards on everyday purchases, it does not come with a sign-up bonus. Many other cash-back and rewards credit cards offer attractive bonuses for new cardholders after meeting certain spending requirements, but the Citi® Double Cash Card does not provide this kind of incentive. This might be a disadvantage for consumers who are looking for immediate rewards.
2. High APR for Regular Purchases After the introductory APR on balance transfers expires, the Citi® Double Cash Card has a relatively high variable APR (between 16.24% to 26.24% depending on your creditworthiness). If you carry a balance from month to month, the interest charges can quickly outweigh any cash-back rewards you earn. It’s important to pay off your balance in full to avoid high-interest charges, as the card does not offer a 0% APR for purchases.
3. Foreign Transaction Fees The Citi® Double Cash Card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S. This is a disadvantage if you travel frequently or make purchases in foreign currencies, as the fee can quickly add up. If you need a credit card for international use, consider a card with no foreign transaction fees.
4. Balance Transfer Fee While the Citi® Double Cash Card offers an introductory 0% APR for balance transfers, a balance transfer fee of 5% (min $5) applies to each transfer. While this fee is typical of many cards that offer balance transfers, it’s important to consider this cost when consolidating your debt.
5. Requires Good to Excellent Credit The Citi® Double Cash Card is best suited for those with good to excellent credit, which typically means a credit score of 700+. If your credit score is lower, you might not be approved for this card or might receive less favorable terms, such as a higher APR.

What Are the Requirements to Apply for the Citi® Double Cash Card?

To apply for the Citi® Double Cash Card, you must meet several requirements:

1. Credit Score The card typically requires a good to excellent credit score (generally 700+). If your score is below this threshold, you might not qualify for the best terms or be approved altogether.
2. Income You must have sufficient income to meet the requirements for the credit limit associated with the card. You may be asked to provide proof of income during the application process.
3. Age Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for the card.
4. Residency You must be a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
5. Credit History A strong credit history is important for qualifying for the Citi® Double Cash Card. The card issuer will evaluate your credit report to determine your eligibility and set your credit limit.

Fees and Costs

Here’s a breakdown of the fees and costs associated with the Citi® Double Cash Card:

• Annual Fee: $0
• Introductory APR: 0% on balance transfers for the first 18 months (then variable APR applies).
• Balance Transfer Fee: 5% of the amount of each transfer (min. $5).
• APR: 16.24% – 26.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers after the introductory period.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the Citi® Double Cash Card’s cash back work?
   • You earn 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay it off. There are no categories or restrictions to worry about.
2. Is there a welcome bonus with this card?
   • No, the Citi® Double Cash Card does not offer a sign-up bonus, but its consistent cash-back rewards make it a great option for ongoing earning.
3. What is the APR for purchases?
   • After the introductory 0% APR for balance transfers expires, the Citi® Double Cash Card has a variable APR of 16.24% to 26.24% based on your creditworthiness.
4. Is there a foreign transaction fee?
   • Yes, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S.
5. How can I redeem my cash back?
   • You can redeem your cash-back rewards for statement credits, gift cards, or even direct deposits into your checking or savings account.

Conclusion

The Citi® Double Cash Card is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a simple, effective way to earn cash back on their everyday purchases.

With 2% cash back on all purchases and no annual fee, this card is an ideal option for those who want to earn rewards without the hassle of rotating categories or complicated rules.

However, the foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, and high APR after the introductory period are worth considering.

If you plan to carry a balance or use the card for international travel, these fees could add up.

Overall, if you are looking for a straightforward cash-back card with solid rewards on every purchase, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a strong contender in the cash-back credit card space.