Citi is one of the largest credit card issuers in the United States in terms of cards in circulation and outstanding balances. It was also among the first issuers of rewards credit cards, having launched the American Airlines AAdvantage card in the 1980s and the Shell Mastercard in the early 1990s. Today, Citi offers a wide array of cards, including balance transfer, rewards, student, and secured credit cards. To save our readers time, we’ve done extensive research to single out the best Citi credit cards based on the needs of individual consumers and small business owners.
Best Citi Credit Cards for August 2021
- Best Overall, Best for Cash Back: Citi® Double Cash Card
- Best for Points: Citi Rewards+℠
- Best for Balance Transfer: Citi Simplicity®
- Best Airline: Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Best Business: CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
- Best for No Credit History: Citi® Secured Mastercard®
Best Overall, Best for Cash Back : Citi® Double Cash Card
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| Regular APR (%) | 13.99% - 23.99% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make: 1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay. |
| INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 18 Months |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 3% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros & Cons
The Citi Double Cash Card is our choice for the best overall Citi card as well as Citi's best cash back card. Double Cash is the gold standard for cash back rewards, with 1% back on purchases followed by another 1% when you pay your bill. There is no one-time bonus, but the lack of an annual fee and the card's ongoing rewards structure on all purchases make it a winner.
Ability to earn an outstanding 2% cash back rewards on unlimited purchases
Generous introductory APR on balance transfers
Have four months to complete a balance transfer
No one-time bonus
$25 minimum for cash back redemption
No purchase APR promo
Best for Points : Citi Rewards+℠
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Earn 15,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening.
| Regular APR (%) | 13.49% - 23.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2X ThankYou Points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and 1X points on all other purchases. |
| INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 15 Months |
| INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 15 Months |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 3% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros & Cons
Our choice for Citibank's best card for points is the Citi Rewards+. It earns 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000) and 1x points everywhere else. Every purchase receives a boost to the nearest 10 points, so a $2 purchase earns 10 points instead of two. The card includes a bonus of 15,000 points after spending $1,000 within three months, and you'll get 10% of the first 100,000 points you redeem each year. It also includes a 0% intro APR promo for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Automatic point-earning boost on all purchases
Competitive introductory 0% APR offers
For the first 100,000 points you redeem, you’ll get 10% of them back
No annual fee
Points-earning rate is low without extra rewards features
Lots of rewards program rules to learn
Best for Students : Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card
Earn 2,500 Bonus Points after you spend $500 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening.
| Regular APR (%) | 14.49% - 24.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X point on all other purchases. |
| INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 7 Months |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 3% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros & Cons
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is the best Citi credit card for students based on its earning power and APR promo on purchases. It earns 2x points on grocery and gas purchases (up to $6,000), while everything else earns one point per dollar. Every purchase is rounded up to the next 10 points, so small transactions can earn outsized rewards. New cardholders can earn a small bonus and receive a 0% APR on purchases for seven months. Unfortunately, this card is not accepting new applications at this time.
Strong rewards for category spending
No annual fee
0% APR on purchases for seven months
No balance transfer promotional rate
Charges a foreign transaction fee
Purchase APR promo is shorter than normal
Best for Balance Transfer : Citi Simplicity®
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| Regular APR (%) | 14.74% - 24.74% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 18 Months |
| INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 18 Months |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Rewards Earning Rate | This card does not offer a rewards program. |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros & Cons
Citi Simplicity is our pick for the best Citi balance transfer card because of its 0% APR on transfers and new purchases that extends for 18 months from the date of account opening. While many balance transfer cards require transfers to be completed within 60 to 90 days, the Simplicity card gives you four months. There is a 3% balance transfer fee (min $5), but that can be justified if you're moving a significant balance from a high-interest card.
Outstanding 0% APR offer for 18 months from account opening on balance transfers
0% introductory APR offer on new purchases for 18 months from account opening
No late fees, penalty rates, or annual fees
3% foreign transaction fee
No rewards program or one-time bonus offer
Limited value after APR promos expire
Best Airline : Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
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Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
| Regular APR (%) | 15.99% - 24.99% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 for the first year, then $99 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases. Plus 1 mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros & Cons
We chose the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard as Citi's best airline credit card because of its one-time bonus, enhanced earnings opportunities on American Airlines, global dining, and gasoline purchases as well as its exceptional per-mile value. Cardholders also receive the first checked bag for free, priority boarding, and 25% off in-flight food and beverage purchases. The card has a $99 annual fee, but it is waived the first year.
Generous 50,000-mile one-time bonus after spending $2,500 in the first three months of account opening
Strong 2x miles per dollar rewards on flight purchases, dining, and gas
Spending can help earn or maintain elite status
No annual fee the first year
Maximizing rewards value requires savvy—and probably an international destination
Best Business : CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
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Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.
| Regular APR (%) | 15.99% - 24.99% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 for the first year, then $99 |
| Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 2 miles per $1 on eligible American Airlines, telecommunication, cable and satellite providers, car rentals and gas station purchases. Earn 1 mile per $1 on other purchases. |
| Cash Advance APR (%) | 25.24% |
| Cash Advance Fee | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros & Cons
The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard is Investopedia's choice for best Citi business card due to its substantial bonus and travel benefits, like priority boarding, free first checked bag for up to four travel companions, and no foreign transaction fees. Travel-related earnings opportunities are also impressive, with 2X miles on American Airlines, gasoline, and car rentals. Business owners can also earn additional miles on spending with free employee cards.
Excellent one-time offer
Useful travel extras on American Airlines
No foreign transaction fees
Annual fee applies after the first 12 months
Best for No Credit History : Citi® Secured Mastercard®
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| Regular APR (%) | 22.49% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit to Activate | $200 |
| Pay deposit in installments | No |
| Allows upgrade to unsecured card | Yes |
| Rewards Earning Rate | This card does not offer a rewards program. |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros & Cons
The Citi Secured Mastercard is our pick as the best Citi card for those with little or no credit history. It provides access to a credit line with a deposit as low as $200 and credit-building potential with responsible use. There are many secured cards on the market, but it can be advantageous to begin your credit journey with a major issuer like Citi that can provide a wide array of non-secured options once you've established a solid credit history. The Citi Secured Mastercard also has no annual fee.
No annual fee
Minimum credit line of $200
Free credit score
No rewards
Final Verdict
Citi has many credit cards for a variety of financial goals. Its cards earn rewards, offer 0% APR promos, build credit, and more. When selecting Citibank's best credit card, we wanted a card that offered a combination of the best rewards and perks available. Our choice for the best Citi credit card is the Citi Double Cash Card. It earns unlimited 2% cash back, has no annual fee, and offers 18 months of no-interest financing on balance transfers for new cardholders.
Compare the Best Citibank Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Intro Offer | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Double Cash Card
Best Overall, Best for Cash Back |
$0 | 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers | 1% on spend and 1% on payments |
| Citi Rewards+
Best for Points |
$0 | 15,000 points after $1,000 in 3 months | 2x on gas; Rounds up to nearest 10 points |
| Citi Rewards+ Student Card
Best for Students |
$0 | Not available | 2x on gas; Rounds up to nearest 10 points |
| Citi Simplicity
Best for Balance Transfer |
$0 | 0% APR for 18 months on purchases & balance transfers | None |
| Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Best Airline |
$99 (first year waived) | 50,000 miles after $2,500 within 3 months | 2x on dining, gas & AA |
| CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
Best Business |
$99 (first year waived) | 65,000 miles after $4,000 in 4 months | 2x cable, telecom, car rentals, gas & AA |
| Citi Secured Mastercard
Best for No Credit History |
$0 | Min credit line of $200 | None |
Editorial Picks for Best Citibank Credit Cards
Citi Double Cash Card
Best Overall, Best for Cash Back
The Citi Double Cash Card is the best overall and best for cash back because it earns an unlimited 2% on all purchases: 1% on purchases and 1% when you pay your balance. The card also gives you four months to take advantage of the 0% APR promo for 18 months on balance transfers.
Read the full Citi® Double Cash Card Review
Citi Rewards+
Best for Points
The Citi Rewards+ is the best for points based on the earnings boost and rebate on redemptions. Every purchase is rounded up to the next 10 points and you'll receive a 10% rebate on the points you redeem.
Read the full Citi Rewards+℠ Review
Citi Rewards+ Student Card
Best for Students
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card offers many of the same benefits as the standard version of the card but is designed for students. It even includes a 0% APR promo on purchases to give students more time to pay off their spending.
Read the full Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card Review
Citi Simplicity
Best for Balance Transfer
The Citi Simplicity gives cardholders 18 months of no-interest financing on purchases and balance transfers with some of the lowest balance transfer fees available. It has no annual fee and does not charge late fees or a penalty APR should you miss a payment.
Read the full Citi Simplicity® Review
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Best Airline
People who fly American Airlines receive many travel perks that save money and time with the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard. Your purchases earn a bonus on American flights, dining, and gas and can help you earn elite status.
Read the full Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® Review
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
Best Business
Business owners can turn their expenses into free flights with the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard. It includes free checked bags and priority boarding, plus there are no foreign transaction fees while traveling internationally.
Read the full CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® Review
Citi Secured Mastercard
Best for No Credit History
The Citi Secured Mastercard helps people build their credit with credit lines ranging from $200 to $2,500, depending on their security deposit. It reports to all three credit bureaus and includes free access to your FICO score online.
Read the full Citi® Secured Mastercard® Review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the History of Citi?
Citi credit cards are issued by Citibank, which itself is part of the global financial services giant Citigroup. Citi began issuing credit cards in the 1960s in New York City but greatly expanded its reach in the early 1980s when it took advantage of South Dakota's repeal of usury laws that had restricted the amount of interest banks could charge customers. The new law also allowed banks headquartered in that state to charge higher interest to residents of other states, a move that was upheld in a landmark Supreme Court ruling. As a result, Citi moved its credit card operations from New York to South Dakota and grew rapidly by leveraging the mass medium of the day—direct mail—to make these higher-rate offers to consumers across the nation. Through these efforts, Citi's credit card operations changed from being the least profitable to the most profitable division among Citigroup.
Today Citi offers a variety of cards to consumers and small business owners, with rewards that include cash back, points, and miles. Its cards also provide options for cardholders wishing to transfer balances, manage spending, and plan for larger purchases. In addition, Citi maintains co-brand partnerships with major air carriers like American Airlines and major travel sites like Expedia.
What Kinds of Credit Cards Does Citi Issue?
Citi primarily issues Mastercard network-branded cards, along with a few cards through the American Express network. Citi offers a variety of card types for both consumers and small businesses in the following categories:
- Cash back credit cards
- Generic travel points
- Airline miles
- 0% APR promotions
- Co-branded cards
- Secured cards
- Small business
What Credit Score Is Needed for a Citi Credit Card?
Citi generally targets consumers and small business owners with good to excellent credit, though it does offer student and secured card products that can accommodate those with less credit history or lower credit scores.
The score needed to get approved for the best Citi credit cards depends on which card you are applying for. While most options require anywhere from 670 to 850 in FICO scores, the bank also has a secured card for people who need help with their credit.
Is a Citi Credit Card Right for Me?
Citibank offers a variety of credit cards to fit the needs of a variety of consumers and small businesses. The bank has cards that earn cash back, flexible points, or airline miles, while many offer 0% APR promos and other attractive benefits. It even offers secured credit cards for customers rebuilding their credit. With so many cards to choose from, Citibank has something for everyone.
Can You Have More Than One Citi Credit Card?
Yes, as long as your credit enables you to get approved, you may have more than one credit card. Citibank restricts bonuses on new applications if you've received a bonus from the same card, or family of cards, in the previous two to four years, depending on the card being applied for.
How Does Citi's ThankYou® Rewards Program Work?
Citi offers multiple cards that earn ThankYou Rewards points, which is Citi's propriety rewards platform. ThankYou points can be redeemed through Citi for airline travel, hotel stays, cash back, merchandise, or gift cards.
The following Citi cards earn ThankYou Rewards:
- Citi Rewards+
- Citi Prestige
- Citi Premier
- AT&T Access Card from Citi
Aside from the Citi ThankYou Rewards program, Citi offers other rewards cards that include cash back (as with Citi Double Cash) and partner-based programs like airline and travel co-branded cards.
How Good Is Citi Customer Service?
Citi received a score of 801 out of 1,000 points in the 2020 J.D. Power U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. The average score among major national issuers was 810. Citi offers online access to FICO credit scores through its mobile app and through its secure website when cardholders are logged in.
Methodology
We reviewed all of the Citibank credit cards to capture annual fees, rewards, interest rates, one-time bonuses, benefits, and more. These data points were analyzed and ranked to help us determine the best Citi credit cards for a variety of users. This list of the best credit cards from Citibank reflects the results of our calculations. To keep this list current, we constantly monitor the Citi website for changes so that we can provide you with the most current rankings.
MEET OUR CREDIT CARDS EXPERT
Ben Woolsey is Investopedia's Senior Editor for Credit Cards. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including marketing for banking and financial institutions such as Associates First Capital and Bank One. Prior to Investopedia, he managed credit card content for CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com.