Best Citi Credit Cards of January 2024

Best credit cards from Citibank

There are six main credit cards offered by Citi when considering the best Citi credit card which offer varying benefits to cardholders depending on what you are seeking:

Citi Custom Cash Back

Reward rate: Earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in the top eligible spend category each billing cycle, plus an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months.

Regular APR: 19.24%-29.24%.

Signup bonus: $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening.

Our verdict: The Citi Custom Cash Back Card is a fantastic choice for those seeking flexible rewards when looking at Citi best credit cards. With its unique earning structure, this card offers 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, automatically adjusting to where you spend the most. This flexibility allows cardholders to maximize rewards on their highest spending area without the hassle of changing categories. Additionally, it provides a solid 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a versatile card for everyday use.

Pros:

• Flexible rewards: 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, automatically adjusts to your highest spending area.
• 1% cash back: Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No annual fee: Cardholders can enjoy rewards without an annual fee.
• Introductory offer: Often includes an introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Cons:

• Category limit: The 5% cash back is limited to your top spending category, which might not always align with your highest expenses.
• Foreign transaction fee: Charges foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside the U.S.

Apply now: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Learn more: Citi Custom CashSM Card Review

Citi Rewards+ Card

Reward rate: Earn 5x hotel & car rentals, 2x supermarkets & gas stations, 1x on all other purchases.

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months.

Regular APR: 18.74%-28.74%

Signup bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 within the first 3 months of account opening.

Our verdict: The Citi Rewards+ Card stands out for its innovative features amongst the best Citi bank credit card offerings, particularly its rounding up of points on every purchase to the nearest 10. This means that even smaller purchases can earn a minimum of 10 points, which can significantly boost rewards accumulation. Furthermore, it offers 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1x), making it ideal for everyday essentials. As a cherry on top, it offers 10% points back on the first 100,000 ThankYou Points redeemed each year.

Pros:

• Rounding up points: Every purchase is rounded up to the nearest 10 points, which boosts rewards on smaller transactions.
• Bonus categories: 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1x).
• 10% points back: Get 10% points back on the first 100,000 ThankYou Points redeemed each year.
• No annual fee: It’s a rewards card with no annual fee.

Cons:

• Limit on bonus categories: Bonus categories have a cap on earning higher points.
• Foreign transaction fee: Charges a fee for transactions made outside the U.S.

Apply now: Citi Rewards+ Credit Card

Citi Secured Mastercard

Reward rate: None.

Intro APR: None.

Regular APR: 27.74%

Signup bonus: None.

Our verdict: For those looking to build or rebuild credit when looking at Citi bank credit card options, the Citi Secured Mastercard is a standout choice. It helps individuals establish or improve their credit history responsibly by requiring a security deposit and offering a credit limit equal to the deposit. This card reports to all three major credit bureaus, aiding in the establishment of a positive credit profile when used responsibly. Additionally, it comes with access to Citi Identity Theft Solutions for added security.

Pros:

• Credit building: Helps build or rebuild credit history with responsible use.
• Security deposit: Requires a security deposit, equal to the credit limit, which can be beneficial for managing spending.
• Reports to credit bureaus: Reports to all three major credit bureaus, aiding in credit history establishment.

Cons:

• Security deposit required: Requires a security deposit, which might be a barrier for some applicants.
• No rewards: Does not offer rewards or cash back for purchases.

Apply now: Citi Secured Mastercard

Citi Diamond Preferred Card

Reward rate: None.

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months.

Regular APR: 18.24%-28.99%

Signup bonus: None.

Our verdict: The Citi Diamond Preferred Card shines with its focus on offering an extended 0% intro APR period for both balance transfers and purchases. This feature makes it a strong option for those aiming to consolidate debt or finance larger purchases without accruing interest for an extended period. Moreover, it provides access to Citi Entertainment, granting cardholders exclusive access to presale tickets and VIP experiences for concerts, sporting events, dining, and more.

Pros:

• Long intro APR: Offers an extended 0% intro APR period for both balance transfers and purchases.
• Access to Citi Entertainment: Exclusive access to presale tickets and VIP experiences.
• No annual fee: Cardholders enjoy these perks without an annual fee.

Cons:

• Lack of rewards: Doesn’t offer rewards or cash back for purchases.
• Balance transfer fee: Charges a balance transfer fee.

Apply now: Citi Diamond Preferred

Citi Double Cash Card

Reward rate: 2% cash back (1% when you pay and 1% when you pay off the card)

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 18 months.

Regular APR: 19.24%-29.24%

Signup bonus: $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening

Our verdict: Renowned for its simplicity and rewarding structure, the Citi Double Cash Card stands out by providing 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% cash back as you pay for those purchases, effectively earning a total of 2% cash back on every purchase when the balance is paid in full. This straightforward and competitive cash back model appeals to those seeking consistent and uncomplicated rewards.

Pros:

• Simple cash back structure: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% as you pay them off.
• No category restrictions: Doesn’t limit cash back to specific spending categories.
• No annual fee: No annual fee for cardholders.

Cons:

• No Intro APR: Doesn’t usually offer an introductory APR period for balance transfers or purchases.
• Foreign transaction fee: Charges fees for transactions made outside the U.S.

Apply now: Citi® Double Cash Card

Learn more: Citi Double Cash Review

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Reward rate: Earn 4% on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter; unlimited 3% on restaurants and eligible travel; unlimited 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

Intro APR: None.

Regular APR: 20.49%

Signup bonus: None.

Our verdict: Exclusive to Costco members, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers impressive rewards for Costco purchases and beyond. It provides 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases worldwide, 2% cash back on all Costco purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The lack of an annual fee (beyond the Costco membership) makes it an attractive option for frequent Costco shoppers, especially with its robust rewards structure for everyday spending.

Pros:

• High rewards at Costco: Offers significant rewards (up to 4%) on Costco purchases.
• No annual fee (beyond Costco membership): Doesn’t have an additional annual fee.
• Dining and travel rewards: Earns rewards for dining and eligible travel.

Cons:

• Costco membership required: You must have a Costco membership to access this card.
• Rewards redemption limitation: Rewards are typically issued once a year and are redeemable only at Costco.
• Foreign transaction fee: Charges fees for transactions made outside the U.S.

Apply now: Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Learn more: Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi Review | Credello

Summary of the best Citi credit cards

Overview of Citi credit cards

After diving into some of the best Citi credit card available on the market, it’s important to identify the different types of cards to consider. Ranging from cards geared towards travel to pure cash back cards, learning about the different types can help you narrow down which is right for you:

Types of Citi credit cards

1. Cash back credit cards

A Citi cashback credit cards is designed to reward everyday spending, often with tiered rewards across different purchase categories. These cards provide monetary benefits on groceries, gas, dining, and more, appealing to those looking to maximize rewards on their routine expenses.

2. Travel credit cards

Tailored for globetrotters and frequent travellers, these cards offer lucrative travel rewards such as airline miles, hotel stays, and comprehensive travel insurance. Additionally, they often come with the perk of no foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international use.

3. No annual fee credit cards

These cards provide rewards and benefits without the burden of an annual fee, making them an attractive choice for individuals seeking simplicity and value without extra costs.

4. Intro APR credit cards

Introductory APR cards offer a period of low or 0% interest on purchases or balance transfers, allowing cardholders to save significantly on interest charges during the introductory period.

5. Citi co-branded cards

Partnering with various brands, including airlines and retail giants, Citi offers co-branded cards that provide specialized rewards, discounts, and exclusive perks within those partnerships.

Pros and cons of Citi credit cards

Pros

• Diverse rewards: Citi’s range of rewards programs caters to various lifestyles and spending patterns. From cash back on everyday purchases to travel points for frequent flyers, these options allow cardholders to maximize benefits based on their preferences.
• Introductory offers: Many Citi cards offer enticing introductory deals, such as a 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for a specific period. This feature enables cardholders to save on interest charges, especially when making significant purchases or consolidating debt from other cards.
• Co-branded partnerships: Citi’s collaborations with airlines, hotels, and major retailers result in co-branded cards that offer unique advantages. These partnerships often include sign-up bonuses, enhanced rewards, discounts on partner purchases, and exclusive access to events or experiences. For frequent customers of these brands, these cards can significantly amplify rewards and perks.
• Consumer protections: Citi cards typically come with built-in consumer protections. These may include purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranty coverage, and fraud liability protection, offering peace of mind for cardholders.
• No foreign transaction fees: Certain Citi cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them an excellent choice for international travelers. Avoiding these fees helps save money when making purchases abroad or using the card for international transactions.
• Digital tools: Citi’s online and mobile banking platforms are user-friendly and intuitive, providing easy access to account information, transaction history, rewards tracking, and the ability to make payments or redeem rewards seamlessly.

Cons

• Annual Fees: While some Citi cards have no annual fees, premium cards with enhanced rewards and benefits may come with annual fees. For individuals who don’t maximize these benefits, the annual fee might outweigh the card’s advantages.
• Interest Rates: Standard interest rates on Citi cards can be relatively high, particularly for individuals with lower credit scores. Carrying a balance on these cards could result in significant interest charges, negating the value of rewards earned.
• Complex Rewards Structures: Certain Citi cards have intricate rewards programs that may require strategic spending to maximize benefits. Understanding rotating categories, spending thresholds, or limitations on earning rewards can be challenging and might not align with everyone’s spending habits.

How to choose the right Citi credit card for you

When selecting a Citi card, consider your spending habits, preferences, and financial goals. Evaluate the rewards, fees, interest rates, and additional benefits offered by each card to find the best fit for your needs. Each credit card has a specific balance of cost vs. rewards which you need to consider before applying as factors such as the annual fee can heavily influence the value of a card.

How to apply for a Citi credit card

The application process typically involves online submission of personal information and consenting to a credit check. To do so, visit the website of the specific credit card that you want to apply for and click the “Apply Now” button. Approval is based on factors such as credit score, income, and credit history.

Credit score needed for a credit card from Citibank

Citi’s credit cards cater to various credit profiles, with premium cards often requiring higher credit scores compared to cards with more accessible entry criteria. For the most part, an average credit score of good (or at least above 650) will be required in order to get approved for the majority of cards from Citibank.

Methodology

The primary methodology used to compile the best Citi credit cards centered around the amount of value the specific card brings to cardholders. For example, a card with no annual fee but also one that offers no benefit to the holder would be ranked lower than a card with an annual fee but ample benefits. In addition to this, the extra benefits offered by a card such as a welcome bonus were also taken into account as these add even more value to the cardholder.

FAQs