Citi Double Cash^® Card Review [2024]: Up to 2% Cash Back on Everything

Card basics

Who should get the Citi Double Cash Card?

If you value convenience most

If you're someone who values simplicity and straightforward cash back earnings above all else, the Citi Double Cash card is made for you. You don’t have to worry about activating categories, monitoring enrollment periods, or having your bonus cash back reset every quarter. Just swipe and go about your business.

You can earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.

If you want to get out of debt

This card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months after account opening (then a 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR after that).

This is one of the longest intro APR periods available for balance transfers, and you earn cash back on top of that, unlike many other cards with similar intro periods that don't offer rewards programs.

The Citi Double Cash is also great for cost-aware users since there’s a $0 annual fee.

Not the jet-setter’s card of choice

While the Citi Double Cash card has a lot of conveniences going for it, it's not ideal for frequent international travelers. 

It has a foreign transaction fee of 3%, which would wipe out your cash back earning potential if you use it while traveling abroad.

A complementary option

While this card's cash back is good, other no-annual-fee cash back credit cards offer a higher rate in specific categories. The Citi Double Cash Card might be better as a secondary credit card to use when your primary card doesn’t earn at a higher rate.

For example, you could use the Citi Custom Cash^® Card for your grocery shopping since it earns 5% on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1% cash back). 

Since it only earns 1% on all other purchases, you could use the Citi Double Cash for other spending to earn the higher rate.

Here's a closer look at the card's top benefits:

• Effortless earning for all categories: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
• Lengthy introductory APR period: New cardmembers can enjoy a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers within 18 months of account opening (then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)), making this a great card to help you use a balance transfer to pay off debt.
  
  Note that there is a balance transfer fee, which is a percentage of the amount of each transfer. At present, the fee is 3% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum) within 4 months of account opening; then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) after the 4 month intro period ends. And, of course, if you don't pay your balance transfer off by the end of the intro period, the remaining balance will be subject to the regular APR for balance transfers.
• $0 annual fee: Citi Double Cash Card users can enjoy rewards without having to worry about annual fees. That means all the cash back you earn can stay in your pocket.

• Card security: Citi will send you alerts if there’s any unusual activity on your credit card, and you’re not responsible for any charges from unauthorized purchases. This can give you nice peace of mind.
• Access to presale event tickets and more: Citi Entertainment offers special access to thousands of events, including dining experiences, concerts, and sporting events. 

Earning & redeeming cash back

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look at how your cash back can add up with the Citi Double Cash Card. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of 1 cent per reward earned.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $950

Year two earnings: $750

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model, which takes a look at points earned via spending, if there is a sign-up bonus, and the annual fee. 

Best ways to earn

The Citi Double Cash card keeps it about as simple as it gets for earning cash back rewards. Members can earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.

There are no bonus categories to maximize beyond this flat rate on everything you buy.

While there are credit cards that earn higher cash back in specific categories, the Citi Double Cash Card's universal 2% return means you don't miss out if a purchase doesn't perfectly align with any rotating categories. 

Maximizing your redemptions

Cashback rewards can be redeemed once your rewards balance reaches a minimum of $25. However, cashback rewards can expire if you don’t make any purchases or payments for 12 months.

Cardmembers have four redemption options with the Citi Double Cash Card:

• Receive a check
• Receive a statement credit on your card account
• Receive a direct deposit credit on a linked Citi savings, Citi checking account, or another checking account used to make Citi credit card payments at least twice
• Convert your cashback rewards into Citi ThankYou points

While opting for a check or account credit may be the easiest way to redeem rewards, converting your cash back into Citi ThankYou points could be the most lucrative option. This basically turns your cashback rewards into travel rewards. Your cash back transfers at a 1:1 ratio, so $1 of cash back equals 100 Citi ThankYou points.

And once you convert your rewards into ThankYou points, you can redeem them for gift cards, merchandise, or even to book travel through the Citi portal. Even better, if you have a Citibank travel rewards card, such as the Citi Prestige (no longer accepting applications) or Citi Strata Premier ℠ Card card (perhaps as part of the Citi trifecta), you can use one of those cards to transfer your ThankYou points directly to more than a dozen Citi transfer partners. 

Other cards to consider

Though the Citi Double Cash^® Card is widely considered to be one of the best cashback credit cards available, it isn't the only cashback card that's worth having. Other credit card issuers offer similar cards, and some of them even come with other perks in addition to a welcome bonus and balance transfer offer.

Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Another cashback card to check out is the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®.

This Chase card earns 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases and has a $0 annual fee.

Unlike the Citi Double Cash, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable, so if you have a big purchase coming up soon, the Chase Freedom Unlimited could be a smarter choice for you.

Learn more in our Citi Double Cash vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited review.

Citi Double Cash vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Another flat-rate cash reward option is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. This card allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

It also offers a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months and a 0% intro APR for purchases for 15 months from account opening, then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable.

Unlike the Citi Double Cash, which doesn’t have an intro APR offer on purchases, the Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an intro APR period for both purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi Double Cash^® Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

Why We Like It

Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back

Rates and fees

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See how these cards compare:

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Has a $0 annual fee
• Has an easy-to-earn welcome offer
• Offers a simple rewards program and flexible redemption methods
• Comes with intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers
• Doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees
• Rates and fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

• High base rewards rate of 1.5%
• $0 annual fee
• Valuable welcome bonus for new cardholders
• Intro APR offers for purchases and balance transfers

Citi Double Cash Card FAQ

Citi Double Cash^® Card: Bottom line

The Citi Double Cash^® Card(Rates and fees) is ideal for those looking for a no-fuss way to earn cash back rewards. Its flat unlimited 2% rate provides excellent earnings without having to juggle rotating categories or promotions. While not the highest earner in popular categories, the Double Cash's simplicity and $0 annual fee makes it a valuable addition to any wallet.

Ultimately, the Citi Double Cash Card is a reliable option for straightforward cash back, but personal spending habits should be taken into account when choosing the best fit. Explore other options in our list of the best balance transfer credit cards.

Earn Cash Back Twice

Citi Double Cash^® Card

4.8

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Simple flat-rate cash back on all your purchases
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No bonus categories to maximize earnings
• No introductory APR on purchases

Card Details

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).