Citi Custom Cash® Card
vs. Citi Simplicity® Card

If you're looking for a Citi card with no annual fee and introductory 0% APR offers, you may be considering the Custom Cash and the Simplicity cards. The Citi Custom Cash is ideal for earning cash back, with 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent) and 1% on all other spending.

By contrast, the Citi Simplicity excels for those seeking to avoid fees, offering no late fees or penalty rates and a longer 0% APR period on balance transfers. Choose the Custom Cash for rewards or the Simplicity for its forgiving fee structure and balance transfer benefits.

You might prefer the Citi Custom Cash if: you're looking to maximize cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle. This card rewards your spending habits by offering 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% thereafter. It does offer a 0% APR introductory period of 15 months on both new purchases and balance transfers.

You might prefer the Citi Simplicity if: your primary goal is to manage existing debt or have a longer cushion to pay off new purchases. This card stands out with its 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers and a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases, which can provide substantial savings on interest charges for people who are planning to transfer balances or foresee large purchases in the near future. While it doesn't offer rewards or cash back, the absence of late fees and penalty rates adds to its appeal for those seeking simplicity and a straightforward way to reduce interest expenses.

The Citi Custom Cash earns a MoneyGeek balance transfer card rating of 3.3 out of 5, reflecting its solid offering in this category. With no annual fee and a welcome bonus, this card is tailored for people who appreciate straightforward rewards. It's particularly well-suited for consumers who prefer high earning categories but don't want to tracking rotating categories. It automatically awards 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent, then 1%).

For new purchases or transferring existing balances, the card offers an introductory 0% APR for 15 months, which can be a valuable feature for managing large expenses or reducing interest on other credit card debt. The regular APR ranges from 19.24% to 29.24% variable — the card can be a cost-effective tool initially, but strive to pay off balances before the promotional period ends to avoid higher interest charges.

The Citi Simplicity, with a MoneyGeek Balance Transfer Score of 4.6 out of 5, stands out for those seeking a lengthy introductory period for balance transfers. Ideal for managing existing debt, the card boasts a 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers, one of the longest available. It also offers a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases, providing a buffer for new spending.

With no annual fee, late fees or penalty rates, the Citi Simplicity is recommended for individuals with a credit score ranging from 670 to 850 who are looking to consolidate debt and avoid additional charges.

Our breakdown will help compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards, introductory offers and other features. For example, if you're looking to maximize cash back from your top spending category, the Citi Custom Cash's rewards structure could be appealing. But if avoiding fees is a priority, the Citi Simplicity's lack of late fees could be a deciding factor.