Chase vs Citizens Credit Cards

(July 2024)

S'witty Kiwi Editors
July 1, 2024

Our Verdict

In this detailed comparison between Chase and Citizens credit cards, Chase comes out as the winner because it offers a more versatile range of options with attractive rewards and travel benefits.

Chase credit cards provide a robust selection of rewards, from sign-up bonuses to high rewards rates in various categories like travel, dining, and groceries. Its flexibility to redeem rewards for statement credits, gift cards, travel, or transfers to partner airlines and hotels is a notable advantage. Moreover, the inclusion of travel perks such as airport lounge access, travel credits, and insurance coverage enhances the value of these cards.

While Citizens credit cards have merits, such as unlimited cash back and zero liability protection, these cater to a more straightforward cash back approach. If you’re looking for a more diverse and intricate rewards structure, along with travel benefits, Chase cards offer a broader spectrum of opportunities.

Before you make your final decision, take a moment to evaluate your individual financial needs and priorities to ensure you select the credit card that works best with your desires and goals.

Why Choose Chase Credit Cards

Who Chase Credit Cards Is Best For

Chase credit card is best for you if you:

Want rewards and flexible payments, like Chase Sapphire, Freedom Unlimited, and Freedom Flex.
Enjoy travel perks and redeem rewards for travel, such as Sapphire Reserve, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and United Explorer.

Who Chase Credit Cards Is Not Right For

Opt out of Chase credit card if you:

Possess a low credit score or lack credit history: Most Chase cards require a strong credit score (at least 690 FICO). If your score is low or you lack a credit history, explore alternatives like secured or fair credit cards to build your credit.
Spend less amount than can offset fees or earn rewards: While Chase cards offer rewards, it also entails annual fees ($0 to $550). If your spending cannot cover fees or generate rewards, compare cards based on your budget and spending patterns.
Prioritize simplicity and flexibility: Chase cards have intricate reward systems and redemption processes. If you favor straightforward options, seek cards with uncomplicated cash back or versatile points that don’t tie you to specific loyalty programs.

Why Choose Citizens Credit Cards

Who Citizens Credit Cards Is Best For

Citizens credit card is ideal for you if you:

Want to earn cash back – Citizens Cash Back Plus™ World Mastercard® offers up to 1.9% cash back on purchases, no annual or foreign transaction fees, and added protections.
Aim to save on interest – Citizens Clear Value® Mastercard® features a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, along with no annual fee and protective benefits.
Seek premium banking benefits – Citizens Private Client™ World Elite Mastercard® provides 2% cash back, a $195 annual waivable fee with a qualifying account, and access to its financial services.

Who Citizens Credit Cards Is Not Right For

Avoid Citizens credit card if you:

Have a high credit score or extensive credit history, as better offers are available from other issuers.
Have no banking relationship with Citizens Bank or have no intention to, as its benefits are linked to its checking accounts.
Prefer diverse and flexible rewards; Citizens cards offer only cash-back options.

Chase vs. Citizens Credit Cards: Main Differences

	Chase Credit Cards	Citizens Credit Cards
Ideal For	Rewards, travel benefits, and flexible payments with various card options.	Simple banking, unique features, and rewards through three card types.
Charges	Annual fees ($0 - $550) 3% foreign transaction fees Variable interest rates. Fee waivers are available.	No annual or foreign transaction fees, or variable interest rates. Earn rewards via purchases, checking, or spending thresholds.
Standout Features	Gain from sign-up bonuses High rewards Flexible redemptions Travel perks, and security.	Unlimited cash back Liability protection Extended warranty ID theft protection.

Chase vs. Citizens Credit Cards: Standout Features

Chase Credit Cards

Offers Generous Bonuses: Chase credit cards feature enticing sign-up bonuses for new card members who spend a specified amount within the initial months.
Provides High Rewards Rates: Its cards provide elevated rewards rates across diverse categories like travel, dining, groceries, and more.
Enables Flexible Redemption: Chase credit cards allow versatile redemption choices, including statement credits, gift cards, travel, or transfers to partner airlines and hotels.
Delivers Travel Perks: Its cards come with travel benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits, insurance coverage, and no foreign transaction fees.

Citizens Credit Cards

Provides Unlimited Cash Back Rewards: Citizens’ credit cards offer consistent, unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases, with no caps or rotating categories.
Ensures Zero Liability Protection: Its cards come with zero liability protection, ensuring you’re not accountable for unauthorized transactions on your card or account.
Offers Extended Warranty Coverage: Citizens credit cards extend warranty protection for eligible purchases with warranties of 12 months or less, granting an extra year of coverage.
Supplies ID Theft Protection: Its cards include ID theft protection services, promptly detecting and aiding in the resolution of identity theft incidents. It monitors your credit file and offers support.

Chase vs. Citizens Credit Cards: Options

Chase Credit Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 15.99%–22.99% variable
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $550
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 16.99%–23.99% variable
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction
- APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months, then variable APR of 14.99%–23.74%
Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction
- APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months, then variable APR of 14.99%–23.74%
Disney® Premier Visa® Card
- Annual Fee: $49
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 15.99% variable
Disney® Visa® Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 15.99% variable
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $69
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% (U.S. dollars)
- APR: 15.99%–22.99% variable
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $99
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 15.99%–22.99% variable
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $149
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 15.99%–22.99% variable
United Explorer Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 16.49%–23.49% variable
United Gateway Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 16.49%–23.49% variable
United Club Infinite Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $525
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 16.49%–23.49% variable
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 15.99%–22.99% variable
Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 15.99%–22.99% variable
Iberia Visa Signature® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 15.99%–22.99% variable
Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- APR (Purchases): 26.74% variable
Slate Edge Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- APR: 0% intro APR for 18 months, then a variable APR of 20.24%–28.99%
Prime Visa
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 19.24%–27.24% variable
Amazon Visa
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR
  - Purchases – 19.24%–27.24% variable
  - Balance Transfers – 19.24%–27.24% variable APR
United Quest Card
- Annual Fee: $250
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR
  - Purchases – 21.49%–28.49% variable
  - Balance Transfers – 21.49%–28.49% variable APR
Aeroplan® Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR
  - Purchases – 21.49%–28.49% variable
  - Balance Transfers – 21.49%–28.49% variable APR
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 20.99% – 27.99% variable
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $250
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 20.99% – 27.99% variable
Instacart Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 19.99% – 28.74% variable
DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 19.99%–28.74% variable for purchases and balance transfers
World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 21.24%–28.24% variable for purchases and balance transfers
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 21.24%–28.24% variable for purchases and balance transfers
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR
  - Purchases: 20.99%–27.99% variable APR.
  - Balance Transfers: 20.99%–27.99% variable APR
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Annual Fee: $99
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
APR:
Purchases: 21.24%–28.24% variable APR
Balance Transfers: 21.24%–28.24% variable APR

Kindly check https://creditcards.chase.com/ for the respective special offers, sign-up bonuses, rewards and additional benefits.

Citizens Credit Cards

Citizens Cash Back Plus™ World Mastercard®

Annual or Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
Bonus:

1.8% cash back on all purchases.
Upgrade to 1.9% with Citizens Quest® Checking.

Citizens Clear Value® Mastercard®

Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. 18.74% – 26.74% variable APR afterwards.

Citizens Private Client™ World Elite Mastercard®

Annual Fee: $195 (waivable for Private Client™ Checking customers)
Bonus: 2% cash back on all purchases

Pros and Cons of Chase Credit Cards

Offers cash back, points, or miles on purchases
Allows you to redeem rewards for statement credits, gift cards, travel, and more
Gives travel benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits, insurance, and no foreign transaction fees
Provides flexible payment options, including 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
Grants security protections such as fraud alerts, zero liability protection, and purchase protection

Requires annual fees ranging from $0 to $550, depending on the card
Has foreign transaction fees of 3%
Demands meeting certain credit score and income requirements for qualification
Follows a rule limiting the number of new cards that you can open within a specific period
Involves dealing with complex reward structures and redemption options
Requires activation of rotating bonus categories every quarter
Offers different point values which can be confusing

Pros and Cons of Citizens Credit Cards

Helps you avoid monthly fees easily for basic savings and checking accounts
Ensures no overdraft fees if overdrawn amount is less than $52
Offers access to free financial planning services through Citizens Checkup
Provides unlimited cash-back rewards on all purchases
Offers zero liability protection, extended warranty protection, and ID theft protection on all cards

Offers low rates on interest-bearing deposit accounts
Charges a $3 fee for out-of-network ATM use
Provides no reward programs or redemption options besides cash back
Requires high credit score and income requirements for some cards

Chase vs. Citizens Credit Cards: Customer Reviews

Chase has a rating of 1.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Most negative comments mention poor customer service, account closures, fraud, and high fees. On the positive side, some customers like the rewards, benefits, and security features.

Citizens has a lower Trustpilot rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars. Most of the negative feedback talks about account freeze, low-interest rates, communication issues, and overdraft fees. Positive reviews mention helpful staff, cash-back rewards, and financial planning services.

On BBB, Chase gets an A+ rating overall with 1.1 out of 5 stars. It receives complaints mainly about billing, collection, and product problems.

On BBB, Citizens gets NR (No Rating) overall with 1.07 out of 5 stars. This may be due to the lack of adequate information or pending review.

Keep in mind that these ratings might not represent everyone’s experiences or all the products each financial institution offers.

Chase and Citizens Credit Cards Competitors

Capital One

It has a variety of credit cards for different needs like cash back, travel, balance transfers, and business expenses. Check out cards like Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Capital One Spark Cash for Business. Capital One offers cool perks like no foreign transaction fees, credit score tracking, and virtual card numbers

Discover

Discover’s credit cards are great too, with options for cash back or travel rewards. It has no annual or foreign transaction fees and even matches all your rewards in the first year. You might like cards such as Discover it® Cash Back, Discover it® Miles, or Discover it® Student Cash Back.

American Express

It has a range of cards unique to different lifestyles – if you’re into cash back, travel, dining, shopping, or entertainment. Benefits include access to Amex Offers, the Membership Rewards program, and the Global Assist Hotline. Popular choices are the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, American Express® Gold Card, and The Platinum Card®.

Pro Tips

Right Selection: Opt for Chase if you want rewards and travel perks; go for Citizens for cash back and savings.
Credit Score: Ensure your credit score fits Chase or Citizens’ requirements.
Fees vs. Rewards: Match your spending to cover fees and earn rewards with Chase; Citizens has no fees.
Reward Style: Chase offers versatile rewards; Citizens gives consistent cash back.
Key Features: Chase has bonuses, high rewards, flexible redemption, and travel perks. Citizens offers cash back, protection, and extended warranty.
APR Comparison: Compare variable APR rates for purchases and transfers.
Client Reviews: Consider both good and bad customer experiences from platforms like Trustpilot and BBB.
Competitors: Look beyond Chase and Citizens at Capital One, Discover, and American Express.

Recap

Chase Credit Cards offer rewards, travel perks, and flexible payments, but come with annual fees and complex rewards. Citizens Credit Cards are good for cash back, savings, and premium benefits, with no fees attached.

Chase has high rewards and travel perks, while Citizens offers easy fee avoidance and unlimited cash back. Consider your needs and explore options from Capital One, Discover, and American Express too.