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Double the Cash, Zero the Interest – Citi Double Cash® Card in 2025
February 6, 2025
Why 2% Cash Back Never Gets Old
The Citi Double Cash® Card keeps it brilliantly simple: earn 2% cash back on every purchase – 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay off the bill. There are no rotating categories or gimmicks to track. Whether it’s groceries, gas, or your Netflix subscription, you’re getting a solid reward on it all. This flat-rate approach makes Double Cash a perennial favorite for everyday spending. Cardholders also enjoy peace of mind with no annual fee – every dollar of cash back is pure profit.
Even as new 2% cards hit the market, Double Cash stands out with something extra: flexibility. Your cash back accrues as Citi ThankYou® Points, meaning you can take it as straight cash or potentially get more value by converting to travel points if you have another Citi card. In other words, 2% back is just the start – savvy users can later transfer those points to airline partners for even greater value.
Lastly, Citi recently added a $200 welcome bonus for new cardmembers after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months. That’s a nice cherry on top, effectively boosting your first-year rewards. Combined with ongoing rewards, the Double Cash now delivers both instant gratification and long-term value.
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A Debt Crusher with 0% APR
Beyond rewards, the Citi Double Cash isn’t just about earning – it’s about saving. If you’re carrying high-interest credit card debt, this card offers a lifeline: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for a full 18 months. That’s one of the longest 0% intro periods around, giving you a year and a half to chip away at your balance interest-free.
Think about the potential savings: for example, transferring a $5,000 balance from a 18% APR card to Double Cash would incur a one-time 3% fee (~$150) but save you around $1,000 or more in interest over 18 months. That means more of your payment goes toward actually eliminating debt, not just servicing interest. It’s a powerful combo – earn rewards when spending, and get a break when you need to pay down debt. No wonder we call it a “double” threat!
Do note, the intro APR is for balance transfers only (not new purchases). Also, you’ll want to initiate any transfers within 4 months of opening the card to qualify for the 0% rate. And always pay at least the minimum on time – missing a payment could end your promo rate early. Used wisely, this feature can accelerate your journey to debt freedom.
Use your Double Cash rewards as extra debt payments for faster payoff. Kudos browser extension helps track balances and due dates during your 0% period.
How to Redeem (and Maximize) Your Rewards
Earning 2% is great – but how easy is it to actually use those rewards? Good news: redeeming Double Cash rewards is hassle-free. You can request your cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check at a rate of 1 cent per point. There’s no minimum redemption if you’re crediting a Citi checking account; otherwise you just need to accrue $25 worth. Simplicity rules here too.
If you’re the type who loves options, Citi allows a bit of creativity:
- ThankYou® Point transfers: Because your 2% cash back is banked as ThankYou points, you can transfer those points to certain travel partners if you also hold a premium Citi card. This essentially turns your Double Cash into a pseudo-travel card.
- Gift cards or Shop with Points: Citi’s ThankYou portal lets you redeem points for gift cards or even at checkout with select merchants. The rates can vary – sometimes you’ll find sales, but other times it’s less favorable.
- Statement credit vs. direct deposit: If you carry a balance, statement credit is effectively the same as cash. If not, a direct deposit to your bank might be preferable. Either way, there’s no redemption penalty – you get the full value.
To really maximize Double Cash, consider pairing it with a card that has bonus categories. For instance, you might use a card that gives 3-5% back on groceries or dining, and use Double Cash for “everything else.” This way, you’re always earning at least 2% on any purchase. It’s a simple two-card strategy that covers all bases with minimal effort.
Comparing Citi Double Cash® Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Citi Double Cash® Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cashback credit card category:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cash back up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Standout feature: This card offers a generous intro of APR on purchases and balance transfers
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Citi Double Cash® Card excels in providing cash back to customers
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards dining and entertainment spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides strong rewards on everyday purchases
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Put Your Cash Back on Autopilot with Kudos
Managing multiple cards to maximize rewards can seem daunting, but that’s where Kudos has your back. Kudos is a free browser extension and app that automatically recommends the best card for each purchase, helps track your rewards, and keeps tabs on due dates.
For a Citi Double Cash user, this means you’ll never miss using it when it’s the top-earning card in your wallet, and you’ll seamlessly see your 2% cash back add up alongside your other cards’ rewards. Essentially, Kudos makes maximizing cards like Double Cash effortless – no spreadsheets or mental math required. Add Kudos to Chrome – it’s free – and watch your cash back take care of itself!
Key Fees and Fine Print
No credit card is perfect, so let’s cover a few important details:
- Annual Fee: $0. Enjoy it with no yearly cost. This significantly boosts the long-term value of your rewards – you’ll never have to worry about “earning back” an annual fee.
- Balance Transfer Fee: If you use that intro 0% offer, there is a fee. This is standard; just factor it in. Often, the interest saved outweighs this cost, as we showed earlier.
- Regular APR: After 18 months, any unpaid balance transfer will accrue interest at the regular APR. The exact rate you get depends on your creditworthiness. This is a typical APR range for a cash-back card. If you plan to carry a balance after the promo, a low-APR card might be better suited – otherwise, pay it off if you can to avoid those charges.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Yes, this card charges a 3% fee on purchases made abroad. If you travel overseas frequently, Double Cash won’t be your go-to for spending there.
- Late Payment/Return Payment Fee: Up to $40. Plus, missing a payment could revoke that 0% intro APR – so set up autopay or reminders (Kudos can send alerts, too).
None of these fees are deal-breakers for most users – they’re either avoidable or common across similar cards. In day-to-day use, Double Cash is very low-maintenance: no annual fee to justify, straightforward terms, and Citi even provides your FICO® Score for free, which is a nice perk for monitoring your credit health.
Is the Citi Double Cash Card Right for You?
Yes, if you value simplicity and solid rewards. Citi Double Cash is ideal for those who don’t want to juggle category bonuses each month. It’s often recommended as a “first rewards card” or a reliable fallback card – because 2% back (with no limits) is hard to beat for any purchase. It’s also a top choice if you’re planning a balance transfer to erase debt while earning rewards on new purchases.
On the flip side, no, it might not be the best fit if you’re seeking luxe travel perks, massive upfront bonuses, or if you rarely pay your card in full. Also, globe-trotters might opt for a card without foreign transaction fees when abroad.
For many, however, the Double Cash card hits a sweet spot: no-fuss cash back, a helpful intro APR safety net, and flexibility to grow with your needs. As your financial journey evolves, you can keep this card in your arsenal – it has lasting value. Even as other cards come and go, Double Cash remains a workhorse in your wallet.
FAQ
Does the Citi Double Cash® Card have an annual fee?
No – there’s absolutely no annual fee on this card. All your rewards are net gain, with no cost to hold the card year after year.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
You’ll typically need good credit for the Citi Double Cas. Some applicants with lower scores have been approved, but having a stronger score improves your odds. Citi also looks at factors like your income and existing debts.
Can I really get 2% back on everything?
Yes. There are no caps or category restrictions on cashback with Double Cash – you get 1% back on every purchase and another 1% when you make payment on that purchase. Whether it’s $5 or $5,000, you’ll earn 2% in total, as long as you pay at least the minimum due.
How do the balance transfers work on this card?
The card offers 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. You’ll pay a one-time fee. You cannot transfer a balance from another Citi card, and any amount you don’t pay off in 18 months will start accruing interest at the regular APR. It’s a great way to pause interest and focus on principal, but mark your calendar for when the promo period ends.
Is the Citi Double Cash Card better than the Wells Fargo Active Cash?
They’re very close. Both earn unlimited 2% back on purchases. Citi’s advantage is that your rewards can convert to ThankYou points for potentially more value, and it currently has a longer 0% balance transfer period. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, on the other hand, often has a similar $200 intro bonus and includes cell phone protection. If you want simplicity with a one-card setup, Active Cash is equally strong. But if you might dip into travel rewards or need to transfer a balance, Citi Double Cash edges out as the better choice for those scenarios.
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