Citi Simplicity® Card
vs. BankAmericard® Credit Card

Shield Insurance

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Both the Citi Simplicity® Card and the BankAmericard® Credit Card offer appealing features for those seeking relief from interest with their generous 0% introductory APR periods on balance transfers. But the Citi Simplicity edges out slightly with its longer intro APR period for balance transfers and additional perks like no late fees or penalty rates.

While the BankAmericard Card is also a strong contender, especially with its 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles, the Citi Simplicity's longer balance transfer offer and consumer-friendly policies make it the better choice if you prioritize flexibility and longer-term financial planning.

Credit Card logo for Citi Simplicity® Card
Citi Simplicity® Card
Credit Card logo for BankAmericard® Credit Card
BankAmericard® Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site

Which Card Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Citi Simplicity if you're seeking a longer introductory period to manage balance transfers without worrying about late fees or penalty rates. Its 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers can provide ample time to pay down debt, making it a strong contender if you have existing balances to transfer.

You might prefer the BankAmericard if you're looking for a card with a competitive introductory APR offer and a lower variable APR after the introductory period. Although its 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers is slightly shorter, it may be a better fit if you plan to pay off your balance quickly and want to avoid higher interest rates in the long run.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will clarifyh which card aligns with your financial needs. For instance, if avoiding fees is paramount, the Citi Simplicity's lack of late fees may appeal to you, while the BankAmericard's free FICO score check could sway those focused on credit monitoring.

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    Regular APR: BankAmericard

    The BankAmericard® Credit Card offers a more favorable range starting at 16.24%, compared with the Citi Simplicity® Card's starting APR of 19.24%.

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    Annual Fee: Tie

    Both the BankAmericard and the Citi Simplicity offer a $0 annual fee.

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    Introductory 0% APRs: Tie

    For balance transfers, the Citi Simplicity offers a longer 0% APR period of 21 months, compared with the BankAmericard's 18 billing cycles. However, for purchases, both cards offer an 18 billing cycle 0% APR, making it a tie depending on whether the user prioritizes balance transfers or purchases.

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    Rewards: Tie

    Neither the Citi Simplicity Card nor the BankAmericard offers rewards such as cash back, miles or points. If you're prioritizing rewards, exploring other options may be beneficial.

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    Welcome Offers: Tie

    Neither the Citi Simplicity nor the BankAmericard offers a welcome bonus. Both cards lack introductory offers that provide cash back, miles, or points.

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    Recommended Credit Score: Tie

    Both the Citi Simplicity and the BankAmericard require a credit score range of 670 to 850, indicating they are accessible to people with good to excellent credit.

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    Penalties and Fees: Citi Simplicity

    The Citi Simplicity is better for penalties and fees, charging no late fees compared with the BankAmericard's late fee of up to $40. Both cards do not have a penalty APR, but Citi Simplicity's higher rating for penalties indicates fewer fees overall.

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    Issuer Satisfaction: BankAmericard

    Bank of America outperforms Citi in issuer satisfaction with a rating of 4.5 compared to 4.1, indicating a higher level of customer satisfaction.

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    Other Features & Perks: Tie

    Both cards offer unique perks: the Citi Simplicity provides no late fees, no penalty rate and Citi Quick Lock. BankAmericard offers free FICO score access. Choosing depends on which perks align more closely with your financial habits and needs.

Methodology

We have reviewed over 200 credit cards like the Citi Simplicity and BankAmericard using a ranking process tailored to specific use cases. For these cards, the balance transfer score is most relevant, reflecting their strongest features. The largest factors in this score are the quality of the balance transfer offer and the introductory APR on purchases. Other considerations include issuer satisfaction and penalty fees.

FAQ: Citi Simplicity vs. BankAmericard Card

What are the balance transfer fees for each card?

Do either of the cards offer a rewards program?

What is the regular APR after the introductory period?

Are there any annual fees for these cards?

Can I get a free credit score with either card?

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.


*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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