For those who prefer simplicity and value straightforward cash back, the Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best options available. Unlike cards that offer rewards only in specific categories, the Citi Double Cash Card allows you to earn cash back on all purchases, with a unique twist. In this post, we’ll explore how you can make the most of the Citi Double Cash Card, including its benefits, how it compares to other cash back cards, and tips on maximizing your earnings.
Key Benefits of the Citi Double Cash Card:
The Citi Double Cash Card offers a simple yet powerful way to earn cash back on all your spending. Here’s a detailed look at its key benefits:
| Benefit | Details | How to Utilize |
|---|---|---|
| 2% Cash Back on All Purchases | Earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay it off. | Use the card for all your purchases to earn cash back on everything. |
| No Annual Fee | Enjoy all the benefits without worrying about an annual fee. | No need to worry about offsetting an annual fee to make the card worthwhile. |
| Balance Transfer Offer | 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then, 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR). | Transfer high-interest debt to save on interest payments. |
| Flexible Redemption Options | Redeem your cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check. | Choose the redemption method that works best for your financial needs. |
| No Caps or Category Restrictions | Earn cash back without worrying about rotating categories or spending caps. | Use the card year-round without having to adjust your spending habits. |
How the Citi Double Cash Compares to Other Cash Back Cards:
To understand where the Citi Double Cash Card stands out, let’s compare it to other leading cash back cards on the market:
| Card | Annual Fee | Cash Back Rate | Bonus Categories | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Double Cash Card | $0 | 2% cash back on all purchases | None | 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 | 1.5% cash back on all purchases | 3% on dining and drugstores | 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months |
| Discover it® Cash Back | $0 | 5% cash back in rotating categories, 1% on all other purchases | Rotating quarterly categories | Cashback Match™ – match all cash back earned in the first year |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 | 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 2% at U.S. gas stations, 1% on all other purchases | Supermarkets, gas stations | 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | 1.5% cash back on all purchases | None | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | 3% cash back in category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores & wholesale clubs, 1% on all other purchases | Choice of category (e.g., gas, dining) | No annual fee, 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | $0 | 2% cash back on all purchases | None | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months |
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose | Choose your categories | 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas or groceries) |
| Apple Card | $0 | 3% cash back on Apple products, 2% on Apple Pay purchases, 1% on all other purchases | Apple Pay, Apple products | No fees, Daily Cash back redeemable instantly |
| PayPal Cashback Mastercard® | $0 | 2% cash back on all purchases | None | Redeem cash back directly to your PayPal account |
Maximizing Cash Back Rewards with Citi Double Cash:
Here are a few strategies to ensure you’re getting the most out of your Citi Double Cash Card:
- Use It for All Purchases: The beauty of the Citi Double Cash Card is its simplicity—there are no categories to remember or rotating schedules to track. By using this card for all your everyday purchases, you can consistently earn 2% cash back. Remember, you’ll earn 1% when you make the purchase and another 1% when you pay off your balance.
- Pay Off Your Balance in Full: To maximize your cash back, it’s crucial to pay off your balance in full each month. This way, you’ll avoid interest charges and ensure you’re earning that extra 1% cash back when you pay.
- Take Advantage of the Balance Transfer Offer: If you’re carrying high-interest credit card debt, consider transferring it to the Citi Double Cash Card. The 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months can help you pay down your debt faster without accruing additional interest. Just be mindful of the balance transfer fee, which is either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Redeem Cash Back Wisely: Citi offers flexible redemption options, including statement credits, direct deposits, and checks. Choose the option that best suits your financial situation. For example, if you prefer simplicity, a statement credit can reduce your next credit card bill.
- Combine with Other Citi Cards: If you have other Citi credit cards that earn ThankYou® Points, such as the Citi Premier® Card, you can combine your cash back rewards with those points to enhance your overall rewards strategy. This is especially useful if you prefer travel rewards over cash back.
Who Should Get the Citi Double Cash Card?
The Citi Double Cash Card is a great choice for:
- Simple Cash Back Seekers: If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense cash back card that rewards all your spending, this card is an excellent option.
- Debt Consolidators: The 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months makes it an attractive choice for those looking to pay down high-interest debt.
- Fee-Averse Consumers: With no annual fee, this card is cost-effective and easy to maintain without needing to offset the cost with rewards.
However, if you prefer to earn more cash back in specific categories like groceries or gas, you might want to consider cards like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, which offer higher earn rates in those areas.
Conclusion
The Citi Double Cash Card is a standout option in the cash back credit card market. Its simple, straightforward rewards structure makes it easy to use, while the lack of an annual fee and the generous balance transfer offer add to its appeal. By using the Citi Double Cash Card for all your purchases, paying off your balance in full, and redeeming your cash back wisely, you can maximize your rewards and make your everyday spending work harder for you.
For other cash rewards, offers and benefits, please visit our Rewards and Offers complete posts