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Citi Simplicity vs. U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
July 1, 2025
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Intro APR Offers and Availability
When it comes to 0% introductory APR periods, both of these cards were stand-outs – but there’s a big catch now. Citi Simplicity® Card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months on new purchases and 21 months on balance transfers (then a variable APR of 18.24%–28.99%). That 21-month balance transfer window is among the longest on the market.
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The US Bank Platinum Visa used to match or even exceed these intro periods – it once offered 0% APR for up to 18 billing cycles on both purchases and transfers. However, as of March 2025, U.S. Bank discontinued new applications for the Platinum in favor of a different product. In other words, if you don’t already have the U.S. Bank Platinum, you can’t apply for it today.
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This difference in availability makes Citi Simplicity the clear go-to option for anyone looking today. While U.S. Bank Platinum had been a favorite for people needing a long runway to pay off balances, Citi Simplicity is now the main option left in this niche – and it comes with a consumer-friendly fee structure.
Fees and Card Features
Fees: Annual, Balance Transfer, Foreign, Late
- Annual Fee: Both cards charge $0 annual fee, making them easy to keep long-term without any cost.
- Balance Transfer Fee: Citi Simplicity® charges 3% (or $5 min) for transfers in the first 4 months, then 5% afterward. U.S. Bank Platinum charged 3% (or $5 min) for the first 60 days, then 5% afterward. If you’re planning to transfer balances immediately, both were comparable.
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Both cards charge 3% on international purchases. Neither is good for travel spending abroad.
- Late Fees & Penalty APR: This is where Citi Simplicity shines. It has no late fees and no penalty APR, ever. U.S. Bank Platinum charged up to $40 in late fees and could impose a penalty APR.
Rewards and Perks
- Rewards Programs: Neither card offers points, miles, or cash back. They are purely interest-saving tools.
- Unique Perks: Citi Simplicity’s standout is its no late fee/no penalty APR promise, which is rare. It also gives access to your FICO score and lets you choose your due date. U.S. Bank Platinum offered cell phone protection (up to $600 with a small deductible if you paid your bill with the card).
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Use Cases: Which Card Works Best?
Best for Balance Transfers
If your main goal is paying down existing credit card debt, Citi Simplicity® is one of the strongest options on the market. The 21 months of 0% APR on transfers provides nearly two years of breathing room. Even with the 3%–5% balance transfer fee, the savings compared to ongoing interest can be significant.
Best for Large Purchases
If you were looking to finance a major purchase, the U.S. Bank Platinum once offered up to 18 months of 0% APR on new purchases. That gave more time than Citi Simplicity’s 12 months. However, since the Platinum is no longer open to new applicants, Citi Simplicity takes the lead for new purchases in 2025.
Best for Everyday Flexibility
Neither card earns rewards, so neither is ideal for long-term spending. But if you want a card you can hold without stress, Citi Simplicity is easier to live with thanks to no late fees or penalty APR. Even if you slip up, you won’t face sudden costs that undo your progress.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re comparing cards like these, it’s also worth knowing about alternatives:
- Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Offers up to 21 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, plus cell phone protection – it’s a hybrid of what Simplicity and Platinum offered.
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- Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Very similar to Simplicity, also offering 0% APR periods, but without the no late fee perk.
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- Chase Slate Edge℠: A card with 0% APR on transfers and some credit-building tools, though shorter promo periods.
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These alternatives may give you similar benefits if you’re looking beyond the Citi Simplicity.
Which Card Should You Choose?
- If you need to consolidate debt: Citi Simplicity® wins with 21 months 0% APR on balance transfers.
- If you want time for a big purchase: Citi offers 12 months 0% APR. Platinum was better, but it’s no longer available.
- For long-term peace of mind: Citi Simplicity is more forgiving with no late fees and no penalty APR.
Bottom line: In 2025, Citi Simplicity is the clear winner. The U.S. Bank Platinum is gone for new users, and even when it was available, Citi’s fee forgiveness made it a safer bet.
FAQ
Is the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card still available for new applicants?
No. It was discontinued in 2025. Existing users can keep using it, but no new applications are accepted.
Does the Citi Simplicity Card have any annual or late fees?
No. It charges $0 annual fee, no late fees, and no penalty APR.
Do these cards earn rewards?
No. Neither offers rewards or sign-up bonuses.
Which card is better for balance transfers?
Yes, Citi Simplicity is better. It offers 21 months of 0% APR on balance transfers versus Platinum’s 18 months (when available).
What’s the catch with 0% APR offers?
No, but you must pay off your balance before the promo ends. Interest applies afterward, and a balance transfer fee of around 3% is charged upfront.
Does Citi Simplicity help build credit?
Yes. Like any credit card, on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus, so Citi Simplicity can help build your credit history. Its forgiving fee structure makes it easier to avoid mistakes that hurt your score.
Is Citi Simplicity better than Citi Diamond Preferred?
Yes and no. Both cards have long 0% APR promos, but Simplicity stands out with no late fees or penalty APR. Diamond Preferred doesn’t have that perk but otherwise performs similarly.
Can I use Citi Simplicity for everyday spending?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. While it works like any credit card, it doesn’t earn rewards. It’s best used as a debt management tool rather than a daily spending card.
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