Citi Double Cash Card Review: For Easy Cash Back and Paying Off Debt

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a top choice if you’re looking for high cash back on everyday purchases, earning a Cash Back Score of 4.6 out of 5, 3rd among 77 cash back cards. For no annual fee, it lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. While this split structure can feel less convenient than cards that offer full rewards upfront, its rate is still higher than the typical 1.5% found on other cash back cards.

The card also offers an 18-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% – 28.49% after that — one of the longest among cash back cards. However, it doesn’t include an intro APR for new purchases, which could be a drawback for those planning to carry a balance on new spending. Still, it includes the standard $200 welcome bonus commonly found among cash back cards.

If you’re after higher rewards on specific categories like dining or groceries, a card with bonus rates like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card may be a better fit. But whether you want a versatile all-in-one card or a complement to your current lineup, the Citi Double Cash is a solid choice.

The Citi Double Cash card’s standout 2% cash back rate is one of the main reasons we rank this card so highly.

The card doesn’t provide bonus rates for specific categories, but it does have a bit of a gimmick. You earn 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay it off. To maximize the full 2% cash back, you’ll need to complete payments, which might be less convenient than cards that reward the entire amount upfront, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.

For a limited time (through December 31, 2024), you can earn 5% cash back on travel bookings through the Citi Travel portal.

Redemption options are flexible and include cash back, statement credits, direct deposit or a check. Plus, your cash back won’t expire as long as your account stays open.

The Citi Double Cash offers an 18-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% – 28.49% after that, which is one of the best offers among cash back cards. Although it lacks an intro APR on purchases, it has a $200 welcome bonus.

Introductory APR Offers

The Citi Double Cash comes with an 18-month 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% – 28.49% afterward, a feature that stands out among cash back cards. This allows you to transfer existing balances and pay them down interest-free for an extended period.

However, the card does not offer an intro APR on purchases, which is a common feature among competitors like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Wells Fargo Active Cash. This lack of an intro APR might be a dealbreaker if you're looking to finance new purchases without immediate interest.

Welcome Bonus

The Citi Double Cash offers a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 within the first six months. This bonus aligns with the welcome offer of other cash back cards, however it does not provide the best return. For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash lets you earn the same amount, but it only has a required spend of $500.

The Citi Double Cash lacks premium perks like travel benefits or purchase protections. However, it includes access to Citi Entertainment®, which offers special ticket access for concerts, sports and more.

The Citi Double Cash’s fees are not egregious, but other cash back cards have less painful fee structures. The Citi Double Cash card penalizes late payments with a late payment fee and a penalty APR of up to 29.99%. The card also charges a foreign transaction fee, which typically isn’t a problem day to day but is important to know if you’re traveling.

Here's a breakdown of the Citi Double Cash’s fees and penalties:

• Annual Fee: $0
• Variable APR: 18.49% to 28.49%, based on creditworthiness
• Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
• Late Fee: Up to $41
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (minimum $5) for the first four months, then 5% (minimum $5)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%

The Citi Double Cash card is relatively accessible. Despite having one of the highest flat-rate cash back offers, you can qualify for this card with fair credit.

However, user feedback from forums like myFICO highlights mixed experiences. While some with fair credit have been approved, others with stronger profiles have faced denials. This suggests Citi places importance on a well-rounded credit history, not just the score alone.

The Citi Double Cash card garners a moderate issuer satisfaction rating of 4.1 out of 5. Users appreciate its simple 2% cash back structure and lack of an annual fee, making it a favorite for everyday spending.

However, feedback from forums like myFICO and Reddit reveals some dissatisfaction with Citi's customer service, noting slow response times and difficulties in resolving issues. Additionally, the cash back earning process of earning 1% during purchase and 1% during card payment is seen as less intuitive compared to other cards.

We compare the Citi Double Cash with other cash back cards to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Pairing the Citi Double Cash® with a card with bonus categories can be a strategic move to help you maximize the cash back you earn from your purchases.

We evaluated the Citi Double Cash using our Cash Back Score, reviewing 77 cards in total. The evaluation considered several factors:

• Effective Reward Rate (50%): Measures how rewarding the card's cash back program is.
• Annual Fee (10%): Rates the annual fee, with 5 indicating no fee.
• Intro Purchase Offer (5%): Rates the 0% APR offer on purchases.
• Recommended Credit (5%): Rates the accessibility based on credit score.
• Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Based on JD Power issuer satisfaction study.
• Penalties (5%): Rates penalty rates and fees.
• Regular APR (5%): Rates the regular APR.
• Foreign Transaction (5%): Rates foreign transaction fees.
• Offer ROI (5%): Rates the return on introductory bonus offers.

We respond to some frequently asked questions about the Citi Double Cash to help you better understand this card's features.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.