Bank of America® Travel Rewards
vs. Citi Simplicity® Card

If you're seeking a credit card with no annual fee, you may be considering the Bank of America Travel Rewards and the Citi Simplicity Card. The Bank of America Travel Rewards is better for earning travel points on every purchase, with a generous 0% APR period on purchases. In contrast, the Citi Simplicity Card is ideal for balance transfers, offering an industry-leading 0% APR period and no penalty fees. Choose the Bank of America Travel Rewards for travel benefits or the Citi Simplicity for debt management and simplicity.

You might prefer the Bank of America Travel Rewards if: You value earning points on every purchase and are interested in travel rewards. This card offers unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, and you can redeem these points for travel-related expenses. With a high issuer satisfaction rating, it's clear that many customers appreciate the services provided by Bank of America. Additionally, the card comes with an attractive introductory offer of 25,000 points and a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers, which can be particularly beneficial if you plan to make a large purchase or transfer a balance from another card.

You might prefer the Citi Simplicity Card if: Your main goal is to pay down debt via balance transfers. This card features an industry-leading 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, which can provide substantial savings on interest charges. Although it doesn't offer rewards or points on purchases, it does come with the peace of mind of no late fees and no penalty rates, which can be a relief if you occasionally miss a payment. The Citi Simplicity Card also offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, making it a solid option for those looking to finance a purchase without interest for a year.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards card is a solid choice for those who desire a travel rewards card with no annual fee. It is a respectable option for managing existing debt while earning travel points. The card is particularly beneficial for individuals with a credit score ranging from 670 to 850. Cardholders can earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel-related expenses. Additionally, the card offers an introductory 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR of 18.24% to 28.24%. This makes it an attractive option for those planning significant expenses or looking to transfer balances from other high-interest cards. The absence of foreign transaction fees further enhances its appeal to international travelers.

The Citi Simplicity Card is ideal for those seeking a reprieve from high-interest debt. It's a card tailored for balance transfers, offering a long 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers. This card is a solid choice for individuals with a credit score ranging from 670 to 850. It doesn't charge late fees or penalty rates. While it doesn't offer rewards or cash back, its simplicity and cost-saving features make it a valuable tool for managing existing credit card debt. The absence of an annual fee further enhances its appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features, allowing you to gauge which card aligns with your financial habits — whether you prioritize long-term savings on interest with balance transfers or earning rewards on every purchase.