Citi Rewards+® Card
vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card

Updated: August 9, 2024

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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
Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit 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

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.

    discount icon

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

    rewards icon

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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 evaluates credit cards 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.

For a deeper understanding of our process, review our ranking methodology.

FAQ: Citi Rewards+ vs. BankAmericard Card

What are the rewards earning potentials for each card?
How do the introductory APR offers compare between the two cards?
Are there any annual fees for either card?
What are the foreign transaction fees associated with these cards?
Can I earn a signup bonus with either of these credit cards?

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

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.

Read Full Bio »
*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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