Citi® Double Cash Card

Citi · Mastercard

4.5/5 RatingGood to Excellent (670+)

Key Details

Annual Fee
None
Regular APR
18.49%–28.49%
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
Balance Transfer Fee
3% or $5, whichever is greater
Rewards Rate
2% cash back

Sign-Up Bonus

$200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months

Rewards Structure

  • All Purchases (1% when buying, 1% when paying)2%

Pros

  • Flat 2% on everything — one of the highest flat rates
  • No annual fee
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
  • Can convert to ThankYou points with Citi Premier

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • No sign-up bonus in some offers
  • Must pay bill to earn second 1%

Who Should Get This Card?

People who want the simplest, highest flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee. Best paired with a Citi Premier for point transfers.

Compare This Card

Smart Payoff Strategy for the Citi® Double Cash Card

The Citi® Double Cash Card has a regular APR of 18.49%–28.49%. It also offers an introductory rate of 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, giving you a window to pay down purchases or transferred balances interest-free. The key is creating a monthly payment plan that clears your balance before the intro period ends — once the regular APR kicks in, interest compounds daily on any remaining balance.

Use our payoff calculator to model different payment scenarios with this card's APR range and see how quickly you can eliminate any carried balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Citi® Double Cash Card

What credit score do I need for the Citi® Double Cash Card?

The Citi® Double Cash Card typically requires Good to Excellent (670+) credit. If your score is near the lower end of this range, you may still be approved but could receive a lower credit limit or higher APR within the card's range. If your score is below the requirement, consider building credit with a secured card or no-fee starter card for 6–12 months before applying.

Is the Citi® Double Cash Card worth the no annual fee?

Since the Citi® Double Cash Card has no annual fee, it costs nothing to hold in your wallet. You earn 2% cash back rewards on purchases with zero yearly cost. This makes it a risk-free addition to your wallet — even if you use it only occasionally, it contributes to your total credit limit (helping utilization) and account age (helping credit history length).

What is the APR on the Citi® Double Cash Card?

The regular APR is 18.49%–28.49%. Your actual rate within this range depends on your creditworthiness — better credit typically gets the lower end. The card also offers an intro APR of 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, which can save significant interest on purchases or balance transfers during the promotional period. Use our payoff calculator to see exactly how much interest you would pay on a specific balance.

Can I carry a balance on the Citi® Double Cash Card without losing money on rewards?

No. Even at the low end of the 18.49%–28.49% APR range, monthly interest charges will exceed your rewards earnings on the same spending. For example, a $2,000 balance accrues roughly $30–$50 in monthly interest at typical APRs, while 2% cash back rewards on that spending is worth far less. Always pay in full to keep your rewards profitable.

How does the Citi® Double Cash Card compare to similar cards?

Use our comparison tool to evaluate the Citi® Double Cash Card against alternatives side-by-side across 11 features including APR, rewards rate, annual fee, and sign-up bonus. Key factors to compare: if you prioritize rewards, compare the earning rate in your top spending categories. If you carry a balance, compare APR ranges. If you travel internationally, compare foreign transaction fees.

Does the Citi® Double Cash Card charge foreign transaction fees?

The Citi® Double Cash Card has a foreign transaction fee of 3%. This means international purchases and some online transactions processed abroad will incur an additional charge. If you travel frequently, consider a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid this cost.

What happens if I pay only the minimum on the Citi® Double Cash Card?

Paying only the minimum (typically 1–3% of your balance or $25–$35) means most of your payment goes to interest, not principal. On a $3,000 balance at the midpoint of the 18.49%–28.49% APR range, minimum-only payments could take 10–20 years to pay off and cost more in interest than the original balance. Always aim to pay significantly above the minimum — our calculator can show you the exact timeline.

Can I do a balance transfer with the Citi® Double Cash Card?

Yes, the Citi® Double Cash Card allows balance transfers with a fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater. Combined with the intro APR of 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, this can be a cost-effective way to consolidate high-interest debt. See our balance transfer guide for a complete strategy.

How can I maximize rewards with the Citi® Double Cash Card?

Focus your spending in the card's highest-earning categories: 2% on All Purchases (1% when buying, 1% when paying). Route recurring bills and everyday purchases through the appropriate category to maximize returns. Pair this card with a complementary card that covers categories where the Citi® Double Cash Card earns a lower rate. Always pay in full to ensure interest charges don't erode your rewards.

Will applying for the Citi® Double Cash Card hurt my credit score?

Applying for any credit card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which typically lowers your score by 5–10 points temporarily. The new account also reduces your average account age. However, the increased credit limit can improve your utilization ratio. Most people see their score recover within 3–6 months if they manage the new card responsibly. Avoid applying for multiple cards within a short period to minimize cumulative impact.