Citi Rewards+® Card
vs. Citi Simplicity® Card

Updated: April 24, 2024

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If you're looking for a Citibank credit card with no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR offer, you may be considering the Citi Rewards+ Card and the Citi Simplicity Card. The Citi Rewards+ Card is better for earning rewards, with 2x hankYou Points per $1 spent on supermarkets and gas and then one point per dollar. In contrast, the Citi Simplicity Card is ideal for those seeking a longer balance transfer offer with 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers and no penalty APR.

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

  • Regular APR
    18.74% - 28.74% variable
    19.24% - 29.99% variable
    0% APR Offer
    0% for 15 months on purchases
    0% for 12 months on purchases
    Balance Transfer Offer
    0% for 15 months on balance transfers
    0% for 21 months on balance transfers
    Annual Fee
    $0
    $0
    Rewards Summary
    Earn 1X – 5X ThankYou® Points
    -
    Recommended Credit
    670-850 (Good to Excellent)
    670-850 (Good to Excellent)
    Not sure?

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

You might prefer the Citi Rewards+® Card if: You're interested in earning points on your everyday purchases. With a special offer of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on travel through Citi and 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year, this card is tailored for those who want to maximize their rewards. It also provides a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, making it a solid choice for new purchases or managing existing debt while earning rewards.

You might prefer the Citi Simplicity® Card if: Your primary goal is debt management. This card stands out with its industry-leading 0% introductory APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases, which can provide substantial savings on interest charges when transferring balances from other high-APR cards. While it doesn't offer a rewards program, it compensates with no late fees and a straightforward approach to credit, making it a strong contender for those seeking simplicity and an extended period to pay off balances without accruing interest.

MoneyGeek's Take on the Citi Rewards+® Card

The Citi Rewards+® Card, with a MoneyGeek balance transfer card rating of 3.4, caters to travelers and reward-seekers. This card offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, making it a solid choice for those looking to make a large purchase or transfer balances from other high-interest cards. With no annual fee, it's cost-effective for the budget-conscious.

Cardholders can earn 5X ThankYou® Points on travel purchases through Citi and receive 10% points back on the first 100,000 ThankYou Points they redeem each year. These features make the Citi Rewards+® Card particularly good for those who frequently travel and want to earn rewards on their spending.

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 Simplicity® Card

The Citi Simplicity Card is a standout for those seeking a reprieve from balance transfer fees and penalties. With a MoneyGeek balance transfer score of 4.6 out of 5, it's a top contender among balance transfer cards. This card is tailored for individuals who prioritize simplicity and predictability in their financial tools. No late fees, penalty rates, or annual fees make it a straightforward choice for managing credit without the worry of unexpected charges.

The card's hallmark feature is its generous 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers, one of the longest offers available, making it ideal for those looking to consolidate and pay down existing debt without accruing interest. Additionally, the Citi Simplicity Card requires a credit score ranging from 670 to 850, accommodating a broad spectrum of consumers with good to excellent credit.

Citi Simplicity® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Simplicity® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5

Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% variable
0% APR Offer
0% for 12 months on purchases
Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 21 months on balance transfers
Rewards Summary
N/A
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Details Comparison: Citi Rewards+® Card vs. Citi Simplicity® Card

Our breakdown will help you compare APRs, fees, required credit, rewards and other features of the Citi Rewards+® Card and Citi Simplicity® Card. By examining these aspects side by side, you can identify which card aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.

    discount icon

    Regular APR

    The Citi Rewards+® Card offers a better regular APR range from 18.74% to 28.74% variable, compared to the Citi Simplicity® Card's APR range of 19.24% to 29.99% variable.

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    Annual Fee

    Both the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Simplicity® Card have no annual fee. This makes them equally attractive for users looking to avoid extra costs.

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    Introductory 0% APRs

    For introductory 0% APR on purchases, the Citi Rewards+® Card offers a longer period of 0% for 15 months, compared to the Citi Simplicity® Card's 0% for 12 months. However, the Citi Simplicity® Card leads in balance transfers, with a 0% introductory rate for 21 months, surpassing the Citi Rewards+® Card's 15 months.

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    Rewards

    The Citi Rewards+® Card is better for rewards, offering the ability to earn ThankYou® Points per $1 spent and 10% points back on redeemed points. The Citi Simplicity® Card does not offer a rewards program.

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    Welcome Offers

    The Citi Rewards+® Card is better for those looking for a welcome offer**, offering 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first three months. The Citi Simplicity® Card does not provide a welcome offer.

    creditApproved icon

    Recommended Credit Score

    Both the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Simplicity® Card require a credit score ranging between 670 and 850 (good to excellent). This makes neither card superior based on the recommended credit score criteria alone.

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    Penalties and Fees

    The Citi Simplicity® Card is better for penalties and fees due to its $0 late fee and no penalty APR. Both cards charge 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%. However, the absence of late fees and a penalty APR with the Citi Simplicity® Card makes it more favorable for those concerned with potential penalties.

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    Issuer Satisfaction

    Both the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Simplicity® Card are issued by Citibank, so neither card has an advantage over the other in terms of issuer satisfaction.

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    Other Features & Perks

    Both cards offer distinct perks tailored to different preferences. The Citi Rewards+® Card is better for maximizing rewards on small purchases, while the Citi Simplicity® Card focuses on ease of use and simplicity in card management.

FAQ: Citi Rewards+® vs. Citi Simplicity®

What are the main differences in rewards between the Citi Rewards+® Card and the Citi Simplicity® Card?
Which card offers a longer introductory APR period on balance transfers?
Are there any annual fees associated with either the Citi Rewards+® Card or the Citi Simplicity® Card?
How do the penalty APRs compare between the two cards?
Can I avoid late fees with either the Citi Rewards+® Card or the Citi Simplicity® Card?

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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