Citi Double Cash^® Card Review [2025]: Up to 2% Cash Back on Everything

Card basics

Who should get the Citi Double Cash Card?

While we can see the Citi Double Cash Card being a good fit for a lot of people, we'd most recommend it to you if:

• You value convenience and want to keep your rewards earning simple.
• You're looking to make a balance transfer.
• You need a go-to card for purchases that won't earn as much with your other cards.

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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.

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 18.24% - 28.24% (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.

If you want a daily driver

While this card's cash back is good, other no-annual-fee cash back credit cards offer higher rates in specific categories, such as dining, gas, groceries, or online purchases, This is why we recommend the Citi Double Cash Card if you already have cards earning high rates in your top spending categories.

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

Who should consider another card

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.

Read more: Best Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees

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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Lengthy introductory APR period: New cardmembers can enjoy a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers within 18 months of account opening (then 18.24% - 28.24% (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 and 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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.

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

How to redeem cash back with the Citi Double Cash

The Citi Double Cash Card earns rewards in the form of Citi ThankYou® Points. From there, you can redeem your points as cash back in one of three ways:

• Receive a statement credit on your card account.
• Receive a direct deposit to a checking or savings account.
• Receive a check.

Alternatively, you can redeem your points to book travel, purchase gift cards, or make online shopping purchases.

Overall, these redemption options are pretty typical for a cash back credit card. But it's worth noting that using your points to book travel can be a good way to maximize their value. Citi has 20 transfer partners, including Wyndham Rewards, jetBlue, Choice Privileges, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

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 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 18.99% - 28.49% 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 on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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.

FAQs

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 up to 2% cash back rate on all purchases 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

5.0

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

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

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

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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Simple flat-rate cash back on all your purchases
• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) APR
• No annual fee

Drawbacks

• 3% foreign transaction fee
• 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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, 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).