Our Verdict
When it comes to credit cards, CITI offers a diverse range of options to cater to different needs and preferences. Want cash back rewards, travel benefits, or balance transfer offers? CITI has credit cards to suit your lifestyle. With its extensive network and global presence, CITI credit cards provide convenience and flexibility for both domestic and international transactions.
To get the most out of your CITI credit card, take advantage of its mobile banking app and online tools that allow you to easily manage your account, track your expenses, and make payments on the go.
Headquartered in New York City, and operational in all 50 states. CITI provides strong customer support to address any inquiries or concerns you may have. So, if you’re in the market for a credit card that offers a wide range of benefits and rewards, CITI credit cards should be on your radar. For assistance with CITI credit cards, you can reach its customer service via [1-800-950-5114] or visit its website: www.citi.com
Pros
- Offers a range of rewards programs, including cashback and points-based systems
- Provides various sign-up bonuses and introductory offers
- Allows balance transfers with low or zero interest rates
- Offers a variety of credit card products to fit different needs and lifestyles
- Provides fraud protection and security features
- Offers access to exclusive events, pre-sale tickets, and VIP experiences.
Cons
- Charges high annual fees for some credit cards
- Imposes high interest rates for late payments or carrying a balance
- Requires a high credit score to qualify for certain credit cards
- Limits customer support options
- Incorporates foreign transaction fees for international purchases.
Who Citi Credit Cards Is Best For
CITI credit cards may be the perfect choice for you if you:
- Are looking for a credit card that offers various rewards programs that fit your needs, such as cashback, point-based systems, and exclusive access to events, pre-sale tickets, and VIP experiences
- Need to transfer balances from other credit cards with low or no interest during a specific period
- Want to access exclusive discounts, special promotions, and partnerships with various merchants
- Are ready to pay an annual fee to receive additional benefits and rewards
- Value enhanced security features like fraud detection and zero liability protection.
Who Citi Credit Cards Isn't Right For
CITI credit cards may not be the best fit for you if you:
- Prefer a credit card option that offers airport lounge access, travel insurance, and other travel perks for frequent travelers
- Are looking for a credit card with extensive customer service options available during weekends or holidays
- Require a credit card solution that is easily accessible or accepted in regions outside of the United States
- Prefer credit cards without annual fees, as some CITI cards may have annual fees associated with them
- Have specific credit card needs due to your business’s size or complexity.
What Citi Credit Cards Offers
Citi Custom Cash Card: Use Citi Custom Cash Card to earn cash back on your top eligible spending category each month, and receive a welcome bonus and cash back on all other purchases.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Choose Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard for American Airlines’ frequent flyers. Earn rewards points for American Airlines purchases, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets. Enjoy a welcome bonus and other travel perks.
Citi Simplicity Card: Opt for Citi Simplicity Card if you want a simple credit card with no annual fee, no late fees, or penalty APRs. Enjoy a long introductory 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers.
Citi Premier Card: Consider Citi Premier Card if you are a frequent traveler. Earn rewards points for travel purchases, dining, gas stations, and supermarkets. Get a welcome bonus and other travel perks.
Citi Diamond Preferred Card: Choose Citi Diamond Preferred Card for balance transfers and a long introductory 0% APR period. Get a welcome bonus and rewards points for gas stations and restaurants.
Citi Rewards+ Card: Opt for Citi Rewards+ Card to earn rewards points on gas stations and supermarkets. Enjoy a welcome bonus and other rewards perks.
Citi Double Cash Card: Get Citi Double Cash Card for cash back on all purchases.
Citi Credit Cards Details
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
- Earning rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $500 in spending each month in your top eligible spending category, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Sign-up bonus: Earn $300 cash back after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- Redeem earned cash back for statement credits, direct deposits, or checks.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside of the United States.
- Enjoy benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and Citi Entertainment access.
- Receive a credit for Postmates and other eligible subscription services.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- Earning rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on American Airlines purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® miles after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Redeem earned miles for flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, and more.
- Annual fee: $450 per year.
- Enjoy benefits such as Admirals Club membership, priority check-in, boarding, and screening, and a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
- Receive travel and purchase protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and extended warranty coverage.
Citi Simplicity® Card
- No annual fee.
- No late fees or penalty APRs.
- Earning rewards: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $750 in the first 3 months.
- Redeem earned cash back for statement credits or checks.
- No foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside of the United States.
Citi Premier® Card
- Annual fee: $95 per year.
- Earning rewards: Earn 3x points on travel including gas stations, 2x points on dining out and entertainment, and 1x point on all other purchases.
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Redeem earned points for travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
- Enjoy benefits such as airport lounge access, travel accident insurance, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
- Receive a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, as well as travel and purchase protections.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
- Annual fee: $95 per year.
- Earning rewards: Earn 2x points on gas stations and restaurants, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- Redeem earned points for travel-related purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
- Receive a credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, as well as travel and purchase protections.
Citi Rewards+® Card
- No annual fee.
- Earning rewards: Earn 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year in combined purchases), and 1x point on all other purchases.
- Sign-up bonus: Earn 15,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- Round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
- Redeem earned points for statement credits, gift cards, travel rewards, and more.
Citi® Double Cash Card
- No annual fee.
- Earning rewards: Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, and another 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases.
- Redeem earned cash back for statement credits, direct deposits, or checks.
- No limit on the amount of cash back you can earn.
- No foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside of the United States.
Where Citi Credit Cards Stands Out
Rewards Program
Take advantage of Citi’s variety of rewards programs, including travel rewards, cash back, and everyday spending rewards, to get the most out of your spending.
Introductory Offers
Save money on interest charges with Citi’s introductory offers, such as 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for a certain number of months.
Flexible Redemption Options
Redeem your rewards points for a variety of flexible options, including travel-related purchases, statement credits, merchandise, and more, to suit your preferences.
Security Features
Keep your account secure with Citi’s range of security features, such as fraud alerts, identity theft solutions, and zero liability for unauthorized transactions.
Mobile Banking
Download Citi’s mobile banking app to manage your credit card account on-the-go, allowing you to track your spending, pay bills, and manage rewards from your phone or tablet.
Where Citi Credit Cards Falls Short
Limited Acceptance
Keep in mind that Citi credit cards may not be as widely accepted as other major networks like Visa or Mastercard. It’s essential to ensure that the places you plan to use your card accept Citi cards.
Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel internationally or make purchases from foreign merchants, be aware that Citi credit cards often charge fees for these transactions. These fees can add up and take a toll on your finances.
High Interest Rates
Keep in mind that Citi credit cards may come with higher interest rates, especially if you have an average or lower credit score. If you tend to carry a balance from month to month, you could end up paying a lot in interest charges over time.
Annual Fees
Some Citi credit cards have annual fees that you need to factor in. If you prefer to avoid paying an annual fee altogether, you might want to explore other credit card options.
Limited Bonus Categories
Citi credit cards may not offer as extensive or diverse bonus categories compared to other options. This could limit your ability to earn rewards on your everyday spending, potentially affecting your overall rewards accumulation.
How to Qualify for Citi Credit Cards
To qualify for a Citi credit card:
- Meet the minimum age requirement
- Meet income and credit score requirements (670 and above)
- Provide all necessary information (Personal and financial information, e.g. your address, Social Security number, and employment information)
- Pass a credit check
- Consider other factors like your debt-to-income ratio, payment history, and other financial obligations may be taken into consideration
- Wait for approval.
How to Apply for Citi Credit Cards
Citi does not openly share its specific application procedures for personal credit cards on its website. To get accurate and detailed information about applying for Citi credit cards, your best course of action is to directly contact a Citi representative or visit a Citi branch. By speaking with a knowledgeable banker, you can receive personalized guidance and obtain all the necessary information about the application process, including required documentation, eligibility criteria, and any specific steps involved.
To apply for a Citi credit card, adhere to the following steps:
- Visit the Citi website to access its credit card options and application process
- Review the different Citi credit cards available and choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as rewards programs, interest rates, annual fees, and any introductory offers.
- Click on “Apply Now” button or a similar prompt to start the application process.
- Provide personal information including your full name, address, contact details, Social Security number, and date of birth.
- Provide information about your current employment status, income, and monthly housing payment. Citi evaluates these details to assess your creditworthiness and determine your credit limit.
- Select any desired features or add-ons for your credit card, such as rewards programs or specific benefits.
- Review terms and conditions, pay attention to interest rates, fees, grace periods, and any other relevant details to ensure you understand the terms of use.
- Submit your application and wait for a response from Citi.
Alternatives to Citi Credit Cards
Consider these alternative banks for personal credit cards:
American Express
Explore American Express’ credit card offerings on its website. Choose a card that fits your lifestyle, and apply online to take advantage of their excellent customer service.
Discover
Head to Discover’s website to find a credit card that matches your preferences. Apply online for a card with cashback rewards, low-interest rates, or other features that appeal to you.
Capital One
Check out Capital One’s website to compare its credit cards, including cashback, travel rewards, and low-interest options. Apply online for the card that best suits your financial goals.
Remember to carefully review each card’s terms, benefits, fees, and rewards before applying to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Customer Reviews
On Trustpilot, Citi has an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 1,356 customer reviews. Although some customers expressed satisfaction with the rewards program and found the Citi credit cards easy to use, several others reported issues with the customer service and hidden fees. Moreover, some customers voiced their frustration with the redemption process for rewards points. While there are some positive reviews, the majority of feedback suggests that Citi could improve its customer service and transparency to better serve its customers.
Pro Tips
- Choose the right card for your needs
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses
- Use the Citi mobile app
- Maximize rewards
- Watch for annual fees
- Pay on time
- Consider balance transfers
- Sign up for email alerts
- Contact customer service
Recap
Citi offers a variety of credit cards to suit different needs, including cash back, travel rewards, and balance transfer cards. Some cards come with annual fees, while others do not. Citi also offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, and you can earn rewards on purchases such as travel, dining, or groceries.
To get the most out of your Citi credit card, you should use the Citi mobile app to manage your account and track your rewards. You should also pay on time to avoid fees and damage to your credit score. If you have high-interest debt on another credit card, transferring the balance to a Citi card with a 0% introductory APR can save you money on interest.
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