Citi Rewards+ vs. BankAmericard Credit Card Comparison

Q: What are the rewards earning potentials for each card?

Although it isn't among our best rewards cards , the Citi Rewards+ lets you earn rewards on purchases. The BankAmericard does not have a rewards program.

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When considering the Citi Rewards+® Card and the BankAmericard® Credit Card, both stand out for their balance transfer offers with a 0% introductory APR. However, the BankAmericard edges ahead for those focused on balance transfers, thanks to its longer 0% APR period.

By contrast, the Citi Rewards+ Card offers a robust rewards program, particularly for travel through Citi Travel, making it a compelling choice if you want to earn while they spend. While the BankAmericard may be the go-to for balance transfers, the Citi Rewards+ shouldn't be overlooked if you value earning rewards on your purchases.

Citi Rewards+® Card

BankAmericard® Credit Card

MoneyGeek Rating

3.5/ of 5

Rates & Fees

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Regular APR
17.99% - 27.99% variable
15.74% - 25.74% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
0% for the first 18 billing cycles
Intro Offer
Earn 20,000 Points
-
Rewards Summary
Earn 1X–5X ThankYou® Points
-
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
0% for the first 18 billing cycles
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, introductory fee for transfers made within 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3% of the amount of each transaction
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
670-850 (good to excellent)
Penalty APR
Up to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness
None
Not sure?
The Citi Rewards+ offers a shorter 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers compared with the BankAmericard, but it compensates with a rewards program that includes a unique round-up feature and bonus points. The Citi Rewards+ is better if you value rewards, while the BankAmericard is more suitable if you seek a longer introductory APR period. Both cards have no annual fee, but the Citi Rewards+ has a higher potential APR after the introductory period and a balance transfer fee that increases after four months.

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the BankAmericard Credit Card if you're looking for a card with a longer introductory APR period to manage existing debt or plan for a large purchase. With no rewards program, it's straightforward if you prefer simplicity and are less concerned with earning points or cash back on their spending.

You might prefer the Citi Rewards+ Card if( you frequently spend on travel, supermarkets and gas stations. The card's rewards program, which includes bonus points on travel booked through Citi Travel and points that round up on every purchase, can add up to significant savings for the right user.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features side by side clarifies which card aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you're planning a balance transfer, consider the BankAmericard's longer intro APR period. Alternatively, if earning rewards on everyday purchases is a priority, the Citi Rewards+ may be more appealing. Use this section to pinpoint the card that best fits your spending patterns and financial goals.

Regular APR: BankAmericard

The BankAmericard offers a lower regular APR range of 16.24% to 26.24% variable, making it preferable if you're seeking lower interest rates on carried balances compared with the the Citi Rewards+ card's 18.74% to 28.74% variable APR.

Annual Fee: Tie

Both the BankAmericard and the Citi Rewards+ offer a $0 annual fee, making them equally appealing if you're looking to avoid extra costs.

Introductory 0% APRs: BankAmericard

The BankAmericard offers a longer introductory 0% APR period of 18 billing cycles for both purchases and balance transfers, compared with the Citi Rewards+ Card's 15 months. This makes the BankAmericard more favorable if you're seeking to avoid interest for a longer duration.

Rewards: Citi Rewards+

The Citi Rewards+ is better for rewards, offering 2X ThankYou Points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year, then 1X Points thereafter, plus 1X Points on all other purchases. It also features a special offer for bookings through CitiTravel.com and rounds up points on every purchase, with a 10% rebate on redeemed points.

The BankAmericard does not have a rewards program.

Welcome Offers: Citi Rewards+

The Citi Rewards+ offers a better welcome bonus, providing 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first three months, equivalent to $200 in gift cards. The BankAmericard Credit Card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Recommended Credit Score: Tie

Both the Citi Rewards+ and the BankAmericard cater to individuals with good to excellent credit scores, ranging from 670 to 850.

Penalties and Fees: BankAmericard

The BankAmericard is better for penalties and fees, lacking an APR penalty and having a slightly lower late fee compared with the Citi Rewards+. Both cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, but the BankAmericard's more lenient penalty structure makes it more favorable in this category.

Issuer Satisfaction: BankAmericard

Bank of America leads in issuer satisfaction with a rating of 4.5, compared with Citi's 4.1. This suggests that BankAmericard holders may have a slightly better experience in terms of issuer support and services.

Other Features & Perks: Tie

Both cards offer unique perks. The Citi Rewards+ provides special booking bonuses and a unique point rounding feature, while the BankAmericard offers free FICO score access, aiding in financial management. Choosing between them depends on personal preference for travel benefits or financial tools.

Methodology

MoneyGeek offers insights and reviews on credit card options like the Citi Rewards+ and BankAmericard using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. In this comparison, both cards are assessed based on their highest-scoring use case, which is balance transfers. The evaluation considers factors such as the quality of balance transfer offers and the terms of introductory purchase APRs.

FAQ: Citi Rewards+ vs. BankAmericard Card

What are the rewards earning potentials for each card?

Although it isn't among our best rewards cards, the Citi Rewards+ lets you earn rewards on purchases. The BankAmericard does not have a rewards program.

How do the introductory APR offers compare between the two cards?

The BankAmericard offers a longer 0% APR period than Citi Rewards+, putting it among our best zero-interest cards.

Are there any annual fees for either card?

Both the Citi Rewards+ and the BankAmericard are no-annual-fee cards , making them cost-effective options.

What are the foreign transaction fees associated with these cards?

Both cards charge foreign transaction fees, which could impact international purchases. Cards with no foreign transaction fees are available.

Can I earn a signup bonus with either of these credit cards?

The Citi Rewards+ offers a signup bonus; BankAmericard does not.

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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Citi Rewards+® Card vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card