Best Citi Credit Cards of October 2022 - NerdWallet Advertiser disclosure

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Best Citi Credit Cards of October 2022

NerdWallet Oct 11, 2022 Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money. ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2022 Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Bank of America Capital One Chase Citi US Bank Wells Fargo Citi-branded credit cards include a fantastic flat-rate cash-back card, cards with extra-long 0% APR periods for balance transfers, and even an outstanding store card. Some Citi cards earn rewards in the form of ThankYou points, and many Citi cards offer access to Citi Entertainment deals. ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2022 Visa Mastercard American Express Discover Bank of America Capital One Chase Citi US Bank Wells Fargo Citi-branded credit cards include a fantastic flat-rate cash-back card, cards with extra-long 0% APR periods for balance transfers, and even an outstanding store card. Some Citi cards earn rewards in the form of ThankYou points, and many Citi cards offer access to Citi Entertainment deals.Show summary

NerdWallet' s Best Citi Credit Cards of October 2022

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for High rewards + no annual feeCiti Premier Card: Best for Travel rewardsCiti Simplicity Card: Best for Balance transfers + late fee waiverCiti Diamond Preferred Card: Best for Balance transfersCiti Double Cash Card: Best for Cash backCiti Rewards Card: Best for Outsize rewards on small purchasesCiti Rewards ℠ Student Card: Best for College studentsCostco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi: Best for Wholesale shoppersCiti Secured Mastercard: Best for Building credit

Best Citi Credit Cards From Our Partners

Credit cardNerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.Annual feeIntro APRRegular APRLearn more Citi Custom Cash℠ CardApply now on Citibank's application 4.7/5 Best for High rewards + no annual fee$00% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months16.99%-26.99% Variable APRApply now on Citibank's application Citi Premier CardApply now on Citibank's application 4.9/5 Best for Travel rewards$95N/A18.99%-26.99% Variable APRApply now on Citibank's application Citi Simplicity CardApply now on Citibank's application 4.5/5 Best for Balance transfers + late fee waiver$00% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases16.99%-27.74% Variable APRApply now on Citibank's application Citi Diamond Preferred CardApply now on Citibank's application 4.4/5 Best for Balance transfers$00% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases15.99%-26.74% Variable APRApply now on Citibank's application Citi Double Cash CardApply now on Citibank's application 4.9/5 Best for Cash back$00% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months16.99%-26.99% Variable APRApply now on Citibank's application Citi Rewards CardApply now on Citibank's application 3.3/5 Best for Outsize rewards on small purchases$00% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening16.49%-26.49% Variable APRApply now on Citibank's application Costco Anywhere Visa Card by CitiApply now on Citibank's application 4.6/5 Best for Wholesale shoppers$0N/A18.24% Variable APRApply now on Citibank's application Our pick for High rewards + no annual feeApply nowon Citibank's application

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

4.7NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee $0Intro APR 0% intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 monthsRegular APR 16.99%-26.99% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score690850good - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is one of the most valuable, versatile and low-maintenance cards in the issuer's portfolio, offering a 5% rewards rate on eligible purchases for an annual fee of $0. Terms apply. The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is one of the most valuable, versatile and low-maintenance cards in the issuer's portfolio, offering a 5% rewards rate on eligible purchases for an annual fee of $0. Terms apply. Pros You'll earn 5% back automatically on up to $500 spent in your eligible top spending category per billing cycle. (Other purchases earn 1% back.) Those eligible spending categories include major ones like restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, travel and more. The card also features an intro APR and a rich sign-up bonus. Cons Your bonus rewards will be limited by that $500-a-month spending cap. And the card's ongoing rate on other purchases — 1% back — is pretty low. So you'll want to use this card strategically.Read full review Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 16.99% - 26.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories. No Annual Fee Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person. Our pick for Travel rewardsApply nowon Citibank's application

Citi Premier Card

4.9NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee $95Intro APR N/ARegular APR 18.99%-26.99% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score690850good - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The rewards on the Citi Premier Card are generous. It earns 3X points on airfare, hotels, gas stations, and restaurants and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. It also offers a good sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. The rewards on the Citi Premier Card are generous. It earns 3X points on airfare, hotels, gas stations, and restaurants and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. It also offers a good sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Pros The sign-up bonus and ongoing rewards make the Citi Premier Card an attractive travel card. The card also comes with no foreign transaction fees, concierge service, early ticket and VIP access to events, and the ability to transfer points to participating airline loyalty programs. Cons The annual fee is $95. And as with other Citi cards that earn ThankYou points, the value of the points varies depending on how you redeem them; choosing cash back gives you less bang for your buck. The list of airline transfer partners is lacking in good domestic options. Read full review For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases Annual Hotel Savings Benefit 80,000 Points are redeemable for $800 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases Our pick for Balance transfers + late fee waiverApply nowon Citibank's application

Citi Simplicity Card

4.5NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee $0Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on PurchasesRegular APR 16.99%-27.74% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score690850good - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Citi Simplicity Card offers an introductory APR of 0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases, and then the ongoing APR of 16.99%-27.74% Variable APR. That's a solid no interest window. The card also stands out for its lack of late fees. The Citi Simplicity Card offers an introductory APR of 0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases, and then the ongoing APR of 16.99%-27.74% Variable APR. That's a solid no interest window. The card also stands out for its lack of late fees. Pros If you're looking to consolidate debt, or even if you just need short-term financing, this card can fit the bill. Aside from its lack of late fees, it has an annual fee of $0. The card also allows you to select your own payment due date, which can be helpful if your bank account tends to run low at times. Cons The card offers no rewards. If you're primarily looking to finance a purchase rather than transfer debt, you can get a longer 0% purchase APR period on other cards, including many that offer rewards.Read full review No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.99% - 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening. There is an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater for balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening. Stay protected with Citi Quick Lock and $0 liability on unauthorized charges. Our pick for Balance transfersApply nowon Citibank's application

Citi Diamond Preferred Card

4.4NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee $0Intro APR 0% Intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on PurchasesRegular APR 15.99%-26.74% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score690850good - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is all about the long 0% intro APR period. It's about as much breathing room as you'll find anywhere for transferring debt. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is all about the long 0% intro APR period. It's about as much breathing room as you'll find anywhere for transferring debt. Pros The long 0% period for transfers is this card's defining feature, giving you more than a year to whittle down debt. Cons Because this card doesn't earn rewards, there's not a lot of ongoing value to the card once that 0% period runs out. Plus, it charges a 5% balance transfer fee (minimum $5).Read full review 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 15.99% - 26.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening. For a limited time earn a $150 Statement Credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater Get free access to your FICO Score online. With Citi Entertainment, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more. Our pick for Cash backApply nowon Citibank's application

Citi Double Cash Card

4.9NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee $0Intro APR 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 monthsRegular APR 16.99%-26.99% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score690850good - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Citi Double Cash Card offers one of the highest flat cash-back rates available. You get 2% back on everything you buy: 1% when you make purchases and 1% when you pay them off. The introductory 0% APR period for balance transfers also appeals to anyone looking to consolidate credit card debt. The Citi Double Cash Card offers one of the highest flat cash-back rates available. You get 2% back on everything you buy: 1% when you make purchases and 1% when you pay them off. The introductory 0% APR period for balance transfers also appeals to anyone looking to consolidate credit card debt. Pros The Citi Double Cash Card stands out for both for its simplicity and relative generosity. You don’t have to worry about keeping track of rotating rewards categories or opting into quarterly offers. You can get a high ongoing rewards rate on all purchases. Another upside? The $0 annual fee. Cons The 0% introductory APR offer applies only to balance transfers, so it's not ideal for financing a purchase — nor is it ideal for using abroad, thanks to its foreign transaction fee. Plus, there's a $25 minimum redemption threshold for rewards.Read full review Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. For a limited time, earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 16.99% - 26.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases. If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). Our pick for Outsize rewards on small purchasesApply nowon Citibank's application

Citi Rewards Card

3.3NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee $0Intro APR 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account openingRegular APR 16.49%-26.49% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score690850good - excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details The Citi Rewards Card is an intriguing choice for people who make a lot of small purchases because it automatically rounds up the number of points you earn when you buy something. The Citi Rewards Card is an intriguing choice for people who make a lot of small purchases because it automatically rounds up the number of points you earn when you buy something. Pros You earn 2 points per dollar spent at supermarkets and gas stations (for the first $6,000 spent per year) and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Every purchase is rounded up to the next 10 points. So a $4 coffee earns 10 points, and a $54 bill at the supermarket becomes 110 points (54 x 2 = 108, rounded up to 110). You get 10% of your points back when you redeem, on up to 100,000 redeemed points per year. There's a decent sign-up bonus and a good 0% intro APR period. Cons The rewards earning system is rather complicated, and rewards redemption isn't as straightforward as cash back. If you spend a lot on groceries and gas, in particular, you can find more lucrative options. Read full review Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com For a limited time, earn 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent at restaurants up to $6,000 in the first 12 months and 1 ThankYou Point per $1 spent thereafter. 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 16.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). The Citi Rewards Card - the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase - with no cap. Earn 2X ThankYou Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou Points on All Other Purchases. Our pick for Wholesale shoppersApply nowon Citibank's application

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

4.6NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.Apply nowon Citibank's applicationAnnual fee $0Intro APR N/ARegular APR 18.24% Variable APRRecommended Credit Score720850excellentSee your approval oddsSee your approval odds A credit score in or above the recommended range means you have a higher chance of approval, but doesn’t guarantee it. Use this link to create an account and connect your credit score with TransUnion to get an estimate of your approval odds based on your credit score and other factors. Read more.Why We Like It Pros & Cons Product Details If you’re already a Costco member and spend a lot on gas, restaurants and travel, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi could make a lot of sense for you. And it can be used anywhere, not just at Costco. If you’re already a Costco member and spend a lot on gas, restaurants and travel, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi could make a lot of sense for you. And it can be used anywhere, not just at Costco. Pros The ongoing rewards are rich: 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases on up to $7,000 in spending a year (1% after that); 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com; and 1% back on all other purchases. The annual fee is $0 (though you do have to be a Costco member, which requires a yearly membership fee). The card charges no foreign transaction fee, so it's a good travel companion. Cons The card offers no sign-up bonus, and cardholders are limited in how and when they can redeem their rewards. You receive a rewards certificate once a year in your February billing statement. Also, for a store card, 2% back at Costco and Costco.com is a surprisingly low rate. Other store cards can offer better incentives for shopping specifically with that retailer.Read full review Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members. 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter. 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases. 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com. 1% cash back on all other purchases. No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases. Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico.

FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CITI CREDIT CARDS

Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Our pick for: High rewards + no annual fee The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers a lot of value for a $0 annual fee: 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle (1% back elsewhere). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.

Citi Double Cash Card

Our pick for: Cash back Year after year, the Citi Double Cash Card has been a top choice among flat-rate cash-back cards. You earn 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you buy something and 1% when you pay it off. There's no 0% intro period for purchases or bonus categories, but the high rewards rate more than makes up for the lack of bells and whistles. Read our review.

Citi Premier Card

Our pick for: Travel The Citi Premier Card earns bonus points on airfare, hotels, supermarkets, dining and gas stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well. Read our review.

Citi Simplicity Card

Our pick for: Balance transfers + late fee waiver The Citi Simplicity Card has an excellent 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, and an OK one on purchases. It doesn't charge an annual fee, late fees or penalty APRs either. Its balance transfer fee is on the high side, though. Read our review.

Citi Diamond Preferred Card

Our pick for: Balance transfers The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers a super-lengthy 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, and there's also a decent offer on purchases. But the balance transfer fee is pricey. It doesn't have the late-fee forgiveness of Citi's other balance-transfer card, but it's still a great option. Read our review.

Citi Rewards Card

Our pick for: Outsize rewards on small purchases The Citi Rewards Card might not be right for everyone, but its unique rounding-up feature means that every purchase will earn at least 10 points. The card offers bonus rewards at gas stations and supermarkets and has no annual fee. And the 0% intro APR period shouldn't be overlooked. Read our review.

Citi Rewards ℠ Student Card

Our pick for: College students The Citi Rewards ℠ Student Card offers bonus rewards at gas stations and supermarkets, and its rounding-up feature means you can earn outsize rewards on small purchases. A good option for students with a lot of little expenses. Read our review.

Citi Secured Mastercard

Our pick for: Building credit The Citi Secured Mastercard is a straightforward card for people new to credit — put down a security deposit, use the card to establish a positive credit history and then move up to a better card (and get your deposit back). One note: This card is for people just starting out with credit, rather than people with bad credit from past mistakes. Read our review.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Our pick for: Wholesale club shoppers The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi turns everyday spending into rewards you can redeem at Costco (although you can only redeem them once a year). You earn bonus rewards on gas, at restaurants, on travel and at Costco itself. There's no annual fee for the card, but you have to be a Costco member (which does require a fee). Read our review.

Other cards issued by Citi

Citi issues branded credit cards in partnership with American Airlines. Learn more about these cards by reading the reviews linked below: American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard Last updated on October 11, 2022

Methodology

NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

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