Are in search for a credit card filled with flashy sign-up bonuses and complex bonus categories, the Citi Double Cash Card stands out for its simplicity and consistent value.
This no-annual-fee card offers an impressive 2% cash back on every purchase – 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay your bill. It’s a straightforward, hassle-free way to earn rewards on your everyday spending without having to keep track of rotating categories or spending caps.
Benefits
- Earn a market-leading 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
- Simple, easy-to-understand rewards structure
- Pair with a bonus category card to maximize earnings
Additional Citi Double Cash Benefits & Tips
Redeeming Cash Back Reward
Once you’ve accumulated some cash back as ThankYou Points, you can redeem them anytime through your online account or the Citi Mobile App. Redemption options include:
- Statement credits to your Double Cash account
- Direct deposit into your bank account
- Paper check by mail
- Gift cards
- Travel bookings
- Merchandise
No Cap on Earning Cash Back
Unlike some cash back cards that cap your bonus earnings after a certain dollar amount, the Citi Double Cash has no limits on how much 2% cash back you can earn each year. The more you spend, the more you earn!
Using Shopping and Travel Portals
Citi offers bonus points or cash back at select retailers and travel providers when you click through their online shopping portals before making a purchase. This allows you to stack extra rewards on top of the 2% base earnings from the Double Cash Card.
Price Protection and Extended Warranty
The Double Cash Card provides price protection which refunds you the difference if you find a lower price on an eligible item within 60 days of purchase. It also extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items by up to 24 months.
Features of the Citi Double Cash Card
Unlimited 2% Cash Back
The standout feature of the Citi Double Cash Card is its market-leading 2% cash back rate on all purchases. While many cash back cards offer bonus categories for things like gas, groceries, or travel, the Double Cash keeps things simple by earning 2% back on every single purchase.
Welcome Bonus Offer
New cardholders can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months. This welcome offer is fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Limited-Time 5% Back on Travel Bookings
Through December 31, 2024, Citi Double Cash cardholders can earn 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal. This is a nice temporary perk for travel purchases.
Flexible ThankYou Point Redemption
While the Double Cash is marketed as a cash back card, you technically earn Citi ThankYou Points that can be redeemed for cash back at a rate of 1 cent per point. However, ThankYou Points also give you the flexibility to redeem for travel bookings, gift cards, merchandise, and more. You can even transfer points to Citi’s airline and hotel partners like JetBlue, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels if you have other premium Citi cards.
Cost and Fees
No Annual Fee
- Intro 0% APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months
- After intro period, variable APR of 19.24% – 29.24% applies based on creditworthiness
- Intro balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) on transfers in first 4 months
- After 4 months, balance transfer fee is 5% (minimum $5)
- 3% Foreign Transaction Fee on purchases made outside the U.S.
How to Apply for the Citi Double Cash Card
You can apply for the Citi Double Cash card online through the Citi website or over the phone by calling (877) 645-3708. You’ll need to provide some basic personal and financial information like:
- Full name
- Home address
- Annual income
- Monthly housing payment
- Social security number
- Existing credit card/loan details
Most applicants will get an instant decision, but in some cases, additional verification may be required which could delay the process. Citi recommends a credit score in the 670-850 range for the best approval odds, but they do approve some applicants with “fair” credit scores as low as 630.
Tips to Activate Your New Citi Double Cash Card
Once approved and your new Double Cash card arrives in the mail (usually 7-10 business days), you’ll need to activate it before making any purchases:
- Call the number on the sticker affixed to your new card
- Provide identifying information like the last 4 digits of your SSN
- Create your 4-digit Card PIN for transactions requiring a PIN
- Activate your online account access
Be sure to sign the back of your card and follow any other instructions provided in the Welcome Kit that comes with your new card.
How to Login into Your Online Account
You can manage your Citi credit card account through their online banking platform or mobile app. To log in for the first time:
- Go to com
- Click “Register” to create your User ID and Password
- Provide personal details to verify your identity
- Set up security questions and account alerts
If you lose or forget your User ID and/or Password, simply click the “Forgot User ID/Password” links on the login page to have info sent to your email address or phone number on file.
How to Make Payments on Your Citi Double Cash Card
There are several convenient ways to make payments on your Citi credit card each month:
- Online Bill Pay: Log into your account and make a one-time payment or set up automatic recurring payments
- Mobile App: Use the Citi Mobile App to make payments from your smartphone or tablet
- Phone Payment: Call 1-855-473-4583 to pay by automated phone service 24/7
- Mail Payment: Send check or money order using the payment coupon and return envelope
- In Person: Make cash or check payments at a local Citi banking branch
Be sure to pay at least the minimum amount due by the statement due date to avoid late fees. Pay the full statement balance each month to earn the maximum 2% cash back and avoid interest charges.
Conclusion
The simplicity and consistency of the Citi Double Cash Card make it a fantastic “default” card to use for non-bonus spending across all categories. Its unlimited 2% cash back earnings, lack of an annual fee, and flexibility as part of the ThankYou Rewards program allow it to hold its own as a primary card or as a valuable companion to other credit cards in your wallet.
Whether you’re just getting started with rewards cards or looking to optimize your strategy, the Double Cash is absolutely worth considering.
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