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When it comes to cash back credit cards, simplicity and value are key factors many people consider. The Citi Double Cash Credit Card stands out by offering one of the most straightforward and high-value cash back rewards structures in the market. With no annual fee, this card promises a hassle-free way to earn cash back on every purchase.
But is the Citi Double Cash Credit Card the best cash back option for you? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into everything you need to know—from its rewards program to fees, benefits, and comparisons with other cash back cards—to help you decide whether the Citi Double Cash deserves a spot in your wallet.
The Citi Double Cash Credit Card is loved for its simple, no-fuss rewards program. Cardholders earn 2% cash back on every purchase, broken down into 1% when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay it off. There are no categories to worry about, and no caps on how much cash back you can earn. This makes it an excellent choice for people who prefer an easy, automatic way to earn rewards.
Cash back earned on the Citi Double Cash can be redeemed in several ways:
While the redemption options are fairly flexible, many people use this card purely for cash back, as it’s one of the most valuable options for straightforward savings.
Unlike many competitors, the Citi Double Cash does not offer a sign-up bonus. While this might be a downside for those who love getting a quick boost of rewards after opening a new card, the card’s 2% cash back on all purchases more than makes up for the lack of an upfront bonus in the long run.
One of the key selling points of the Citi Double Cash is its $0 annual fee, which makes it a great option for those who want a rewards card without paying to use it. However, here are some additional costs to keep in mind:
While the Citi Double Cash does come with an 18-month 0% introductory APR for balance transfers, it doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR for purchases.
Aside from its straightforward cash back, the Citi Double Cash Credit Card offers several additional benefits that can add value to your overall credit card experience:
For those looking to pay off existing credit card debt, the Citi Double Cash offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After the promotional period, the APR will be between 19.24% and 29.24% depending on your creditworthiness. While this is helpful, note that there’s a balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater.
Cardholders get access to Citi Entertainment, which includes exclusive access to events such as concerts, sports games, dining experiences, and more. This benefit is more of a fun extra and isn’t directly tied to cash back, but it’s worth noting for those who enjoy experiences.
The Citi Double Cash offers basic purchase protection and extended warranty on eligible purchases. While these benefits aren’t as comprehensive as those found on premium cards, they can still add peace of mind for occasional large purchases.
To get a better sense of how the Citi Double Cash stacks up, let’s compare it to a few other popular cash back credit cards:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases but adds bonus categories, such as 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining, and 3% on drugstores. It also comes with a sign-up bonus of $200 after spending $500 in the first three months and a 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. However, it does have more complicated categories compared to the Citi Double Cash’s simple flat-rate cash back.
Read our review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card here.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also offers a flat 2% cash back on all purchases and comes with a $200 sign-up bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. It has no annual fee and includes a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. While both cards are very similar in terms of cash back, the Wells Fargo card’s bonus and 0% APR on purchases make it slightly more appealing for new cardholders.
Read our review of the Discover it Cash Back card here.
The Discover it® Cash Back offers 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It also features no annual fee and a cash back match at the end of the first year, effectively doubling your rewards. However, the rotating categories require activation, and the 5% cash back is capped.
The Citi Double Cash Credit Card is best suited for cardholders who want a simple and reliable cash back card without the need to track bonus categories. The 2% cash back rate on all purchases is among the highest for a no-fee card, and the ability to redeem cash back for statement credits or deposit into a bank account is flexible enough to fit most people’s needs.
However, if you travel internationally often, the 3% foreign transaction fee is a significant drawback, and the lack of a sign-up bonus may deter those looking for quick rewards when they first open a card.
The Citi Double Cash Credit Card offers an unbeatable 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, making it one of the best no-fee cash back cards available. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a card with minimal effort required to earn rewards, making it an ideal choice for long-term, everyday spending. While it lacks a sign-up bonus and isn’t suited for international travel, the straightforward rewards structure and 0% APR on balance transfers make this card a great option for anyone looking to earn significant cash back without worrying about fees or complicated categories.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to earn cash back on every dollar you spend, the Citi Double Cash Credit Card is a solid pick that’s hard to beat in the cash back category.
Affiliate and Relationship Disclosure: Credit Mileage may receive compensation from affiliate links included in this post at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission of providing quality financial education and resources. Additionally, Credit Mileage has a direct business relationship with eCreditAdvisor, which may be mentioned or linked in our content. Our opinions and recommendations remain our own, and we only promote products or services that we believe offer value to our readers. We currently do not have any credit card affiliate links on our website.
Editorial note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. None of these organizations have reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content in any way.
Legal and Financial Advice Disclosure: Credit Mileage is not a law firm, and this article is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. This information is meant purely for educational purposes. We strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information, but it is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor before making any decisions regarding your financial situation.
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