The Best Citi Credit Cards for Rewards, Perks, and Cash-Back [2024]

Citi is one of the world’s largest credit card issuers. While large doesn’t always mean the best, Citi does deliver appropriately with consumer and small business credit cards for nearly every need.

The issuer offers credit card solutions that match a variety of spending agendas, whether you want a rewards-earning credit card or to manage small business finances while earning miles for travel.

With so many choices, it would be helpful to have a guide that can assist you to select the perfect Citi credit card for your own spending profile and reward redemption preferences, with benefits you’ll find valuable.

Let’s take a look at what you can expect from this collection of the best Citi credit cards as we cover all the information you need to find the best Citi-issued card for your objectives.

The Best Citi Credit Cards — Overview

Best Card for Travel

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Welcome Offer

For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.

75,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.49% to 28.49% Variable APR

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com.
• Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
• Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Earning rewards on the purchases you make, including travel, and being able to redeem those rewards for the same, would be top requirements for a travel rewards credit card. The Citi Strata Premier card does all of that and more.

With elevated earnings on everyday purchases such as at supermarkets, gas stations, EV charging stations, and dining, ThankYou Points will accumulate quickly. We like that the points can be redeemed directly for travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners for potentially even greater value.

To learn more about the Citi Strata Premier card and its benefits for travelers, check out our expanded article on the top benefits of having the card.

Bottom Line: The Citi Strata Premier card is a good choice for earning valuable ThankYou Points if your spending mix aligns with the bonus earning categories. 

Best Airline Cards

If American Airlines is your preferred airline, having a Citi AAdvantage credit card can add value with flight benefits, lounge access, accelerated earnings, and much more.

Additionally, American Airlines has made changes to its frequent flyer program to include spending on branded credit cards as counting towards Loyalty Points for AAdvantage elite status. This makes having an AAdvantage-branded card a huge benefit if elite status is important to you.

Here are 2 of the top American Airlines-branded Citi cards that can make your travels more comfortable and provide ongoing benefits:

Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Access to Admirals Clubs, tons of added benefits, and a way to spend towards elite status make this a great option for American Airlines loyalists.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

Access to Admirals Clubs, tons of added benefits, and a way to spend towards elite status make this a great option for American Airlines loyalists.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

70,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$980

Annual Fee

$595

APR

21.24% - 29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi^®/AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® is a go-to card thanks to its exclusive perks and benefits for people who love to fly American Airlines. With a complimentary Admirals Club membership, free checked bags, inflight discounts, and the ability to earn Loyalty Points for every $1 you spend, there is plenty to love about the card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
• Earn 10 miles per $1 spent on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars
• Earn 10 miles per $1 spent on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels

Cons

• $595 annual fee
• Doesn’t earn many miles on all other eligible purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Admirals Club^® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.24% - 29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Program

The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card is top-of-the-line when it comes to AAdvantage credit cards.

If you fly frequently with American Airlines and want extensive travel perks, lounge access, and priority treatment, the card will add value to your travel life. A new annual household membership to the American Airlines Admirals Club lounge, for example, costs up to $1,650 (depending on your American Airlines AAdvantage program status), so receiving complimentary lounge membership alone is worth the card’s annual fee.

Also, consider the flight benefits of priority check-in, security, and boarding, plus the savings of having a free checked bag for you and your traveling companions.

Hot Tip: Learn more about all the key benefits of the card in our article that goes more in-depth. 

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite™ Mastercard^®

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

50,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99, waived for first 12 months

APR

20.49% to 29.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

Blue skies and fair winds make for a good day to fly! Choosing your airline can be difficult, since factors like location, time, and destination all go into whether or not you can fly somewhere.

An easy choice for many people is American Airlines, because they’re the largest airline in the world. If you’re an American, you’ve probably flown American Airlines at least once.

Frequent fliers tend to enjoy the treatment they can get, from boarding privileges to free bags to lounge access. There’s many reasons to fly with AA, and if so then getting a Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® could be for you.

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
• Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases
• Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% to 29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Program

If Admirals Club lounge access isn’t important to you or if you’re looking for an AAdvantage credit card that offers plenty of American Airlines benefits without a high annual fee, consider the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card.

The card comes with priority check-in, security, boarding privileges, and a free checked bag for you and 4 of your traveling companions on the same reservation.

Plus you’ll earn 2x miles at gas stations, restaurants, and on American Airlines purchases.

Bottom Line: Both Citi and Barclays offer co-branded American Airlines credit cards. We compare the benefits and perks of all the best American Airlines credit cards in our comprehensive guide, as well as the best ways to redeem American Airlines miles for maximum value.

Best Cards for Cash-Back

Cash-back credit cards earn the most flexible rewards currency, and that’s a great reason to have one in your wallet for everyday purchases. To help you select a cash-back card that matches up with your spending habits, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Citi’s best cash-back cards, including their perks and benefits, to consider.

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, without an annual fee!

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, without an annual fee!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Custom Cash^® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, with a $0 annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
• $0 annual fee
• Multiple redemption options

Cons

• Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
• Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Get 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• $0 annual fee.
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash^® Card account per person.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

With the Citi Custom Cash card, you’ll earn 5% cash-back on up to $500 for purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle. There are 10 eligible spending categories, including restaurants, grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations, select travel/transit, select streaming services, home improvement, fitness clubs, and live entertainment.

This card also has access to the Citi ThankYou Points ecosystem when paired with a premium card like the Citi Strata Premier card.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

$200 cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% to 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Double Cash^® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee

Cons

• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% to 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Citi Double Cash^® Card Travel Portal Special Offer
  Earn a total of 5 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal via cititravel.com or by calling 1-833-737-1288 (TTY: 711). Offer is valid through 12/31/2025.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Cash-back is the most flexible type of reward you can earn and the Double Cash card makes it easy with a total of 2% cash-back (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay) on every purchase you make. That’s about as simple as it gets and explains why the card is so popular.

Cardholders have access to select ThankYou Rewards transfer partners — Choice Privileges, JetBlue TrueBlue, and Wyndham Rewards — at a reduced ratio but will need a premium ThankYou card in order to access all transfer partner redemptions.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.74% - 27.74% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi is a great Citi’s cash-back rewards card designed specifically for Costco Members.

Card Highlights

• Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Costco Anywhere card can be valuable to Costco members because it earns bonus cash-back on a wide variety of merchants, including gas stations, travel, restaurants, and at Costco. If you look at the earnings for gas stations and EV charging purchases alone, the 4% cash-back (up to $7,000 in purchases each year) equates to a 12 cent discount on each $3 gallon of gas.

Bottom Line: The Citi Custom Cash card ensures your highest everyday expenses earn 5% cash-back. Fixed-rate cash-back cards such as the Double Cash card can help you earn well on every purchase you make, even those that don’t fall into bonus earning categories. For Costco members, the Costco Anywhere card can help members maximize earnings on everyday purchase categories and at Costco. 

Best Cards for Business

Citi business credit cards offer many of the same features and benefits as the personal versions of the card.

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel.

CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®

A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel.

Welcome Offer

For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,050

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99

APR

20.49% to 29.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

With the CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® Mastercard^®, you get a card that gives you perks like boarding privileges, free checked bags, and discounts on inflight purchases, while also earning more miles for your next award redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on cable and satellite providers, at gas stations, on car rentals, and on select telecommunications merchants
• 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Designed for businesses
• For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
• 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
• Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
• Earn 1 AAdvantage^® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% to 29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Program

The CitiBusiness Platinum Select card, for example, offers the same American Airlines flight benefits as the AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card. The card also earns 2x miles on select business purchases, such as those with telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental agents, and at gas stations.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Business Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Business Card by Citi

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn 4% cash-back on gas/EV charging purchases, 3% cash-back at restaurants and travel, 2% cash-back at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Business Card by Citi

Earn 4% cash-back on gas/EV charging purchases, 3% cash-back at restaurants and travel, 2% cash-back at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.74% - 27.74% Variable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4% back on gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, including Costco Travel
• 2% back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com

Cons

• You only receive your cash-back rewards once per year
• The 4% cash-back on gas purchases is limited to up to $7,000 in purchases per year

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Discover the only business credit card designed exclusively for Costco members
• 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Costco Anywhere Business card requires a Costco membership but does not charge an annual fee. You’ll enjoy 4% cash-back on gas and EV charging purchases (up to $7,000 in purchases each year) and on dining, plus 3% on select travel, and 2% on all those Costco purchases.

Bottom Line: If you’re a frequent business traveler with American Airlines, you’ll appreciate the travel perks available for you and your travel companions with the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card. If your business shops at Costco, you’ll find a lot of value in having the Costco Anywhere Business Card with cash-back earnings up to 4%, and it comes with no annual fee as long as you have a membership at Costco.

Best Introductory 0% APR Cards

If you’re considering a large purchase or have credit cards carrying high-interest balances, you could save money with a card that offers a 0% APR. Citi shines in this area and issues several cards that carry these valuable offers.

You would save money because purchases and balance transfers made within the required time period will not incur interest charges if the amounts are paid off prior to the offer expiration date. After that date, regular interest rates will apply.

Here are a few of the best Citi cards with 0% APR offerings:

Most credit cards charge transfer fees when making a balance transfer, so you’ll want to consider these charges before you make the transfer. It’s important to pay off transferred balances before the introductory period expires to avoid interest. You should also pay off purchases before the promotional rate expires to avoid interest charges and fees.

For more information on 0% APR credit cards, our comprehensive guide to the best 0% APR credit cards has everything you need to know. We also have a guide for the best balance transfer credit cards with 0% intro APR.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking to transfer balances from high-interest credit cards and pay the debt off over time with 0% interest, any of these cards can help you facilitate that process. These cards also have promotional 0% APR periods for purchases.

Best Card for Building Credit

Citi^® Secured Mastercard^®

Citi^® Secured Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for those with little or no credit history and can help you build your credit.

Citi^® Secured Mastercard^®

A great option for those with little or no credit history and can help you build your credit.

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

26.99% Variable

Card Highlights

• The Citi^® Secured Mastercard^® is a no annual fee credit card that helps you build your credit when used responsibly.
• Unlike a debit card, it helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus. Once available, you will also have free access to your FICO score online.
• Use your card anywhere Mastercard^® is accepted – worldwide.
• A security deposit is required. Once approved, your credit limit will be equal to your security deposit (minimum of $200).
• Get help staying on track with Auto Pay and account alerts.
• With Flexible Payment Due Dates, you can choose any available due date in the beginning, middle or end of the month.
• Manage your account 24/7 online, by phone, or in our mobile app.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 26.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

If your credit history is minimal or you’ve yet to build a strong credit history, Citi has a credit card option that can fit such a scenario.

The no-annual-fee Citi Secured card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The card does require a security deposit, but since it reports your payment history to all 3 credit bureaus, all those on-time payments you make will be reported and reflected positively on your credit report.

Bottom Line: If you have little or no credit, a secured credit card can help you build a credit history. The Citi Secured card accomplishes this by reporting your payment activity on the card to all 3 credit bureaus, allowing you to see your credit score improve over time.

Everything Else You Need To Know

ThankYou Points

ThankYou Points are a valuable rewards currency, but not all ThankYou Points have equal value. For some great ideas on how to earn ThankYou Points and keep your points active, we’ve put together a guide to the best ways to earn lots of ThankYou Points.

For everything you need to know to maximize Citi ThankYou Points redemption, access our guide to the best ways to redeem ThankYou Points for maximum value. Only cardholders of premium Citi credit cards, such as the Citi Strata Premier card and the Citi Prestige^® Card (no longer open to new applicants), can transfer points to the full suite of airline and hotel partners. Citi ThankYou Points can be also be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, statement credits/cash-back, and charitable donations.

We’ve also created an article of frequently asked questions regarding Citi ThankYou Points that explains everything about how the points work.

Citi Shopping Benefits and Protections

Protections and benefits vary by Citi credit card and not all cards will have these benefits:

• Citi Merchant Offers
• Damage and theft purchase protection
• Return protection
• Cell phone protection (Citi Prestige card)

Cit Travel Benefits and Protections

Unfortunately, Citi does not offer any key travel benefits or insurance protections on any of its cards.

Final Thoughts

Citibank was founded in the early 1800s and started issuing credit cards in the 1960s, so the bank is a well-established institution.

Citi has created a fine collection of credit cards with products for every financial situation, so whether you’re just starting out or a big spender, you’re sure to find the right Citi card to fit your situation.

Although earning and redeeming Citi ThankYou Points certainly offers value, the lack of any travel benefits or protections will require you to select your Citi-issued card wisely, perhaps to supplement a travel rewards credit card.