The Citi Double Cash card: A comprehensive review

Earn twice the rewards, simplify your spending.

In the world of credit cards, where benefits often come with strings attached, the Citi Double Cash Card redefines simplicity and value. It’s a card designed for everyday use, offering a straightforward rewards structure that ensures you earn cash back on everything you buy—and pay off. Whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or booking a vacation, this card turns your spending into savings without complicated categories or enrollment processes.

The most striking feature? Its double cash back rewards—1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. Add to that a generous welcome bonus, a limited-time travel reward boost, and no caps on earnings, and you have a card that suits a wide range of lifestyles. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense way to maximize rewards while keeping your financial life streamlined, the Citi Double Cash Card is an excellent choice.

Advantages of the card

  • Earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase – Get 1% back when you buy and an additional 1% back as you pay for your purchases. This structure ensures that every dollar you spend and repay works doubly hard for you.
  • No spending categories or caps – Forget the hassle of tracking categories or worrying about limits. With the Citi Double Cash Card, you earn cash back on all purchases, making it a truly universal rewards card.
  • Generous welcome bonus – Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 within the first six months of account opening. It’s a great head start for new cardholders.
  • Special travel rewards – Through the Citi Travel℠ portal, earn 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions until December 31, 2025. Perfect for those planning trips or staycations.
  • Balance transfer perks – Enjoy 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. This can help consolidate debt and save on interest.
  • Flexible redemption options – Redeem your rewards as statement credits, direct deposits, checks, or even for gift cards and travel. This versatility ensures your rewards align with your needs.

Disadvantages of the card

  • No rewards on balance transfers – While the card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers, these transactions do not earn cash back, which might disappoint those looking to maximize rewards on all activities.
  • Foreign transaction fee – A 3% fee applies to purchases made outside the U.S., which can deter frequent international travelers.
  • Higher interest rates post-intro period – After the 0% intro APR period ends, variable rates range from 18.24% to 28.24%. This can become costly for those carrying a balance.
  • Lack of premium travel perks – Unlike some competitors, this card doesn’t include luxury travel benefits like lounge access or insurance for trip interruptions.
  • Cash Back earned as points – Rewards are accrued as ThankYou® Points, which might confuse users expecting straightforward cash back.
  • Limited time for bonus – The welcome bonus requires spending $1,500 in six months. While reasonable for many, it may be a challenge for low spenders.

Extra features offered by the Citi Double Cash card

The Citi Double Cash Card is a product of Citi, a globally recognized financial institution with a strong reputation for innovation and customer service. This card caters to individuals seeking simplicity and value in their credit card rewards program. Its unique double cash back system makes it ideal for those who prioritize earning rewards without navigating complex categories or annual fees.

While the card doesn’t offer extensive travel perks, its no-nonsense approach ensures it remains accessible to a wide audience. With Citi’s robust digital tools, cardholders also enjoy seamless account management, fraud protection, and 24/7 customer support, ensuring peace of mind and convenience.

Learn how to apply for your credit card

Applying for the Citi Double Cash Card is a quick and hassle-free process, designed to get you earning rewards as soon as possible. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned credit card user, Citi ensures that the application steps are intuitive and user-friendly.

Discover the main ways to apply for the card

Citi understands that different people have different preferences, which is why they offer multiple ways to apply for the Double Cash Card. Whether you’re comfortable with online applications or prefer a more personal touch, Citi accommodates your needs.

The online application process is seamless and quick, offering a response in under a minute for most applicants. Alternatively, you can apply over the phone by speaking with a representative who will guide you through the process. This flexibility ensures you can choose the method that best suits your comfort level and convenience.

Prerequisites for request

To qualify for the Citi Double Cash Card, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements. Applicants must have a good to excellent credit score, typically in the range of 700 or higher. Citi also evaluates your creditworthiness based on your credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio.

You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. During the application process, you’ll need to provide personal details such as your employment status and annual income to help Citi determine your eligibility. Meeting these criteria ensures that your application is processed smoothly, setting you up to enjoy the card’s rewards.

From the site

Applying for the Citi Double Cash Card through Citi’s official website is straightforward and convenient. The site provides detailed information about the card’s benefits, rewards, and terms, allowing you to make an informed decision before applying.

Once you’re ready, the online form walks you through each step, from entering your personal details to reviewing your application. Citi’s secure platform ensures your information is protected throughout the process. Additionally, most applicants receive a response in under a minute, making this one of the fastest ways to get approved and start earning cash back.

From the app

For tech-savvy users, the Citi mobile app offers a streamlined way to apply for the Double Cash Card. Available for iOS and Android, the app lets you apply, track your application status, and manage your account—all from your smartphone.

The app provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the application process. It also integrates features like pre-approval checks and customer support, ensuring a smooth experience. Once your card is approved, you can instantly add it to your digital wallet and start earning rewards even before the physical card arrives.

By agency

Citi’s digital-first approach means that the Double Cash Card is not typically available for in-person applications at physical branches or agencies. Instead, Citi focuses on providing robust online and mobile application channels, ensuring accessibility and efficiency for all users.

You will be redirected to another page.

Related content