Citi Rewards+® Card
vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

Updated: April 24, 2024

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If you're looking for a no-annual-fee credit card with rewarding introductory offers, you may be considering the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi Double Cash Card. The Citi Double Cash Card is better for those who value a higher cash back rate on all purchases with its unlimited 2% cash back (1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay).

In contrast, the Citi Rewards+ Card is ideal for those who prefer to earn points, especially with its five ThankYou Points per $1 spent in special categories and a 20,000 bonus points offer. Your choice should align with your spending habits and whether you prefer points over cash back.

Credit Card logo for Citi Rewards+® Card
Citi Rewards+® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.5/ of 5
MoneyGeek Rating
3.5/ of 5

  • Regular APR
    18.74% - 28.74% variable
    19.24% - 29.24% variable
    0% APR Offer
    0% for 15 months on purchases
    -
    Balance Transfer Offer
    0% for 15 months on balance transfers
    0% for 18 months on balance transfers
    Annual Fee
    $0
    $0
    Rewards Summary
    Earn 1X – 5X ThankYou® Points
    Earn 1%–5% cash back
    Recommended Credit
    670-850 (Good to Excellent)
    670-850 (Good to Excellent)
    Not sure?

Citi Rewards+® Card vs. Citi Double Cash® Card: Which Is Better for You?

You might prefer the Citi Double Cash® Card if: You value simplicity and efficiency in a rewards program. With an effective reward rate of 5.0, this card offers a compelling 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. This straightforward approach to earning rewards makes it an attractive option for those who want to maximize their cash back without tracking specific categories. Additionally, the Citi Double Cash® Card caters to a broader range of credit scores, starting at 580, making it more accessible to individuals with fair credit.

You might prefer the Citi Rewards+® Card if: You frequently spend on travel and want to benefit from category-specific rewards. This card stands out with its 5X ThankYou points on travel purchases made through Citi, and it automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, which can add up over time. The Citi Rewards+® Card also offers an introductory 0% APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, which can be particularly advantageous if you're planning a large purchase or looking to manage existing debt. However, it's worth noting that this card is best suited for those with good to excellent credit scores, ranging between 670 and 850.

MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Rewards+® Card

The Citi Rewards+® Card, with a MoneyGeek balance transfer card rating of 3.4 out of 5, caters to travelers eager to rack up points on their journeys. This card offers a unique perk: 10% points back on ThankYou points redeemed, up to the first 100,000 points per year, enhancing its appeal to reward-savvy consumers.

With a $0 annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, it's designed for those who want to save on interest and earn rewards simultaneously. The card's rewards program is particularly beneficial for travel enthusiasts, offering 5X ThankYou points on travel purchases through Citi, making it a compelling choice for frequent travelers.

Citi Rewards+® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Rewards+® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.5/ of 5

Regular APR
18.74% - 28.74% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 15 months on purchases
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
Earn 1X – 5X ThankYou® Points
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi Double Cash® Card, with a MoneyGeek balance transfer score of 3.4 out of 5, stands out for its straightforward cash back program. Cardholders earn an effective 2% cash back on all purchases, which is distributed as 1% when you buy and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. This card is particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer a simple reward structure without category restrictions.

One of the card's notable features is its 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months, which can be a valuable tool for managing existing credit card debt. However, it's important to note that there is no introductory APR offer for new purchases. The Citi Double Cash® Card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those with a recommended credit score between 580 and 740. The card's cash back rewards and balance transfer offer make it a strong contender for anyone looking to consolidate debt and earn rewards on their everyday spending.

Citi Double Cash® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Double Cash® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5

Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
0% APR Offer
N/A
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 18 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–5% cash back
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Details Comparison: Citi Rewards+® Card vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

Our breakdown will help you compare the Citi Rewards+® Card and Citi Double Cash® Card across key areas such as APRs, fees, required credit, rewards and introductory offers. By examining these features side by side, you'll be able to identify which card aligns with your spending patterns and financial goals.

    discount icon

    Regular APR

    The Citi Rewards+® Card offers a slightly better APR ranging from 18.74% to 28.74% variable, compared to the Citi Double Cash® Card's 19.24% to 29.24% variable.

    annualFee icon

    Annual Fee

    Both the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card have a $0 annual fee. This makes them equally appealing to those looking to avoid yearly charges.

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    Introductory 0% APRs

    For introductory 0% APR offers on purchases, the Citi Rewards+® Card is the clear winner with its 0% APR for 15 months, a feature not available on the Citi Double Cash® Card. When it comes to balance transfers, the Citi Double Cash® Card takes the lead with its 0% APR for 18 months, compared to the 15 months offered by the Citi Rewards+® Card.

    coins icon

    Rewards

    For consistent rewards across all purchases, the Citi Double Cash® Card is better with its 2% cash back on every purchase. The Citi Rewards+® Card, however, offers higher earning rates in specific categories and a unique 10% points back on redemptions, making it potentially more valuable for users with significant spending in those categories.

    rewards icon

    Welcome Offers

    Both the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card offer welcome bonuses after spending $1,500 in the first three months. The Citi Double Cash Card offers $200 cash back, while the Citi Rewards+ Card provides 20,000 bonus points. The choice between them hinges on whether you prefer cash back or points.

    creditApproved icon

    Recommended Credit Score

    For individuals with lower credit scores, the Citi Double Cash Card is better due to its acceptance range starting at 580. The Citi Double Cash Card recommends a credit score ranging from 580 to 740 (fair to good), while the Citi Rewards+ Card targets those with scores between 670 and 850 (good to excellent).

    autopay icon

    Penalties and Fees

    Both the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card impose a late fee of up to $41, a penalty APR of up to 29.99%, a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater and a foreign transaction fee of 3%. Neither card is better than the other in terms of penalties and fees as they share identical fee structures.

    points icon

    Issuer Satisfaction

    Both the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card are issued by Citibank, which has an issuer satisfaction rating of 4.1. Neither card is better than the other in terms of issuer satisfaction as they share the same score.

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    Other Features & Perks

    The Citi Rewards+® Card is better for those who make small purchases frequently, as it rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase. The Citi Double Cash® Card is more suited for those who prefer a straightforward cash back approach, offering cash back on all purchases.

FAQ: Citi Rewards+® vs. Citi Double Cash®

What are the main differences in rewards between the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card?
How do the APRs compare between the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card?
Are there any differences in fees between the two cards?
What credit scores are required for the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card?
Which card should I choose if I want to maximize cash back on all purchases?

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


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