Best Citibank Credit Card
A Citibank credit card is an excellent choice for consumers looking for cashback, rewards, and exclusive perks. With a strong reputation in the financial industry, Citi offers a range of credit cards tailored to different spending habits. Whether you’re looking for everyday cashback, travel rewards, or a balance transfer option, Citi has a credit card to match your needs.
One of the main reasons to consider a Citi credit card is the flexibility and generous rewards program. Cards like the Citi Double Cash Card and Citi Custom Cash Card offer outstanding cashback benefits without complicated point systems. Plus, Citi provides valuable perks such as extended warranty protection, fraud liability coverage, and access to exclusive deals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of Citibank credit cards, how to choose the best one for your needs, the application process, and a summary of the top Citi credit cards. If you’re looking to maximize your spending power while earning rewards, read on to find the perfect Citi credit card for you.
Citi Bank Credit Cards
AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite
2X miles for each $ spent at gas stations, restaurants & eligible American Airline purchases. 1X miles for all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus 75,000 American Airline AAdvantage Bonus Miles after spending $3,500 during first 4 months.
Annual Fee $0 for 1st year, then $99
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee $0
APR 20.24% to 29.24% Variable
Intro APR None
Citi Double Cash Credit MasterCard
5% Cash Back at hotels, car rentals & attraction booked through Citi Travel Portal. 2% Cash back: 1% at buying and 1% at paying at all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus Get $200 Cash Back after spending $1,500 during first 6 months of account opening.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 3% Intro, then 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 18.24% to 28.24% Variable
Intro APR 0% for 18 months
Citi Simplicity Credit Mastercard
Citi Simplicity Credit Mastercard does not offer any special reward. It is basically 0% Intro APR card used for balance transfer.
Welcome Bonus This card does not have welcome bonus; however, it has zero annual fee and Mastercard power.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 3% Intro then 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 18.24% to 28.99% Variable
Intro APR 0% for 21 months
AAdvantage Platinum Select World
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Travel
- No Foreign transaction Fee
- Powered by Master Card
Citi Double Cash Credit MasterCard
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Cash Back
- No Annual Fee
- Powered by Master Card
Citi Simplicity Credit Mastercard
- Best Credit Card for 0% Intro APR
- Best Credit Card for Transfer
- No Annual Fee
- Powered by Master Card
Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card
Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card does not offer any sort of reward. It has 0% Intro APR and special for balance transfer. It has power of Mastercard with zero annual fee.
Welcome Bonus with Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card, there is no welcome bonus, basically this card best fit for balance transfer & have 0% Intro APR.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 17.24% to 27.99% Variable
Intro APR 0% for 12 months
Citi Custom Cash Mastercard
5% Cash Back at your selected category up to spending of $500 each month, 4% additional at hotels, car rentals & attraction booked through Citi Travel Portal.
Welcome Bonus Get $200 Cash Back after spending $1,500 during first six months of account opening as a welcome or sign-up bonus.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 5% within 1st 4 months
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 18.24% to 28.24% Variable
Intro APR 0% for 15 months
Citi Strata Premier Credit Mastercard
10X thankhyou points per dollar spent at hotels, car rentals & attractions booked through cititravel.com, 3X at air travel, hotel, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations & EV charging stations, 1X at all other.
Welcome Bonus 75,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 during 1st 3 months. Miles have worth of $750 for gift cards & travel through thankhyou.com
Annual Fee $95
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 0%
APR 20.24% to 28.24% Variable
Intro APR N/A
Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card
- Best Credit Card for 0% Intro APR
- Best Credit Card for Balance Transfer
- No Annual Fee
- Powered by Master Card
Citi Custom Cash Mastercard
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Cash Back
- No Annual Fee + Mastercard
- Best for balance transfer with 0% Intro APR
Citi Strata Premier Credit Mastercard
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Travel
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Powered by Master Card
Citi Rewards + Student Credit Card
5X at hotels, car rentals & attraction booked through Citi Travel Portal but exclude Air Travel, 2X for $6,000 each year after that 1X, Unlimited 1X at all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus 5,000 Bonus Points after spending $500 during1st 3 months, points have worth of $50 for gift cards & travel rewards at thankhyou.com
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 18.74% to 28.74% Variable
Intro APR N/A
Citi Rewards + Credit Mastercard
5 Points at hotels, car rentals & attraction booked through Citi Travel Portal, 2 points for supermarkets & gas stations for the $6,000 spending each year, Unlimited 1X at all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus Get 20,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,500 during first 3 months. Bonuses have worth of $200 as a gift or travel reward through thankhyou.com
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 3% Intro then 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 17.74% to 27.74% Variable
Intro APR N/A
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Get 3% Cash Back at restaurants & Travel. 2% at Costco purchases, 1% at all other purchases. 0$ Annual and Foreign Transaction fee with attractive reward.
Welcome Bonus Get 5% cash back at gas, 4% at gas & electric vehicle EV charging with Costco after spending $7,000 per year, thereafter 1% as a welcome bonus.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 0%
APR 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
Intro APR N/A
Citi Rewards + Student Credit Card
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Students
- No Annual Fee
- Powered by Master Card
Citi Rewards + Credit Mastercard
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Balance Transfer
- No Annual Fee + Mastercard
- Balance transfer with 0% Intro APR
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Cash Back
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- No Annual Fee
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite
4 Miles for each dollar spent at American Airline purchases, It will be 5 Miles reward after spending $150,000.
Welcome Bonus 70,000 American Airline AAdvantage Bonus Miles after spending $7,000 in 1st 3 months.
Annual Fee $595
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 0%
APR 20.24% to 29.24% Variable
Intro APR N/A
Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite
2 Miles for each $ spent at telecommunication, satellite, car rental, gas stations, & American Airline Purchases. 1 Miles for all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus 65,000 American Airline AAdvantage Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in first 4 months.
Annual Fee $0 for 1st year than $99
Balance Transfer Fee N/A
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 0%
APR 20.24% to 29.24% Variable
Intro APR N/A
American Airline Advantage Mileup
3 AAdvantage Miles for each $ spent at grocery & American Airline purchases, 1 Unlimited mile for all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus 15,000 American Airline AAdvantage Bonus Miles after spending $500 in first 3 months.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 20.24% to 29.24% Variable
Intro APR N/A
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Travel
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Powered by Master Card
Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Travel + Business
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Powered by Mastercard
American Airline Advantage Mileup
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Travel
- Powered by Mastercard
- No Annual Fee
Citi Secured Credit Mastercard
It is a secured card. Security Deposit required from $200 to $2500.
Welcome Bonus Citi Secured Credit Mastercard is a secure card. It does not offer any reward or welcome bonus.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 18.74% to 28.74% Variable
Intro APR N/A
AT&T Points Plus Credit Card
3 Thank you points for each $ spent at gas & EV charging stations, 2 points for grocery, 1 for all other.
Welcome Bonus Get $200 statement credit after spending $1,000 during first three months of account opening.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee 5%
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee 3%
APR 20.24% to 28.24% Variable
Intro APR N/A
Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card
Get 3% cash back reward at restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco and 1% at all other.
Welcome Bonus Get 5% cash back at gas, 4% at gas & electric vehicle EV charging with Costco after spending $7,000 per year, thereafter 1%.
Annual Fee $0
Balance Transfer Fee N/A
Cash Advance 5%
Foreign Transaction Fee N/A
APR 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
Intro APR N/A
Citi Secured Credit Mastercard
- Best Credit Card for Credit Building
- Best Secured Credit Card
- No Annual Fee
- Powered by Master Card
AT&T Points Plus Credit Card
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Statement Credit
- No Annual Fee
- Powered by Mastercard
Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card
- Best Credit Card for Rewards
- Best Credit Card for Cash Back
- Best for Business
- No Annual + Foreign Transaction Fee
Benefits of a Citibank Credit Card
Citibank credit cards offer a variety of advantages, making them a great choice for both everyday purchases and special expenses. Below are some of the key benefits you can expect when you own a Citi credit card.
1. Cashback & Rewards
Many Citi credit cards provide competitive cashback offers. The Citi Double Cash Card allows users to earn 2% cashback—1% when making a purchase and another 1% when paying it off. Meanwhile, the Citi Custom Cash Card automatically gives 5% cashback on your top spending category each month.
2. 0% Introductory APR Offers
If you need to finance a large purchase or transfer an existing balance, Citi cards often include 0% APR introductory periods on purchases and balance transfers for up to 21 months. This feature can save you money on interest payments.
3. Travel Perks & No Foreign Transaction Fees
Citi offers excellent travel credit cards that provide perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. If you frequently travel abroad, a Citi credit card can help you save on fees and earn travel rewards.
4. Security & Protection
Citibank ensures your transactions remain secure with fraud monitoring, virtual account numbers, and zero-liability protection for unauthorized purchases. Additionally, some Citi credit cards provide extended warranty coverage and purchase protection.
5. Flexible Redemption Options
Unlike some issuers that restrict how you redeem rewards, Citi allows cashback, statement credits, travel bookings, gift cards, and more. This flexibility ensures you get the most value out of your rewards.
How to Pick the Best Citibank Credit Card for You
With so many Citi credit card options available, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. The best way to select a credit card is to consider your spending habits, financial goals, and lifestyle.
1. Consider Your Spending Habits
If you make large purchases frequently, a cashback credit card like the Citi Double Cash Card might be best.
If you spend more on specific categories such as dining or groceries, the Citi Custom Cash Card is a smart choice.
If you travel frequently, a Citi travel card can help you maximize your rewards and savings.
2. Determine Your Financial Goals
Need to build credit? A Citi secured card could be a good option.
Want to avoid high interest rates? Look for Citi cards with a 0% APR introductory period.
Looking for luxury travel perks? A premium Citi credit card with lounge access may suit your needs.
3. Compare Fees and Interest Rates
Some Citi cards charge an annual fee, while others are completely free. If you don’t want to pay a fee, consider a no-annual-fee card like the Citi Double Cash Card. Additionally, check the interest rates if you plan on carrying a balance.
How to Apply for a Citibank Credit Card
Applying for a Citi credit card is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete your application successfully.
1. Check Your Credit Score
Different Citi cards require different credit scores. Some require good to excellent credit (700+), while others accept applicants with fair credit (650+).
2. Gather Required Information
Before applying, ensure you have:
Social Security Number (SSN)
Proof of income
Employment details
Residential address
3. Choose the Right Citi Card
Visit the official Citibank website and compare available credit cards. Select the one that best fits your financial needs.
4. Submit Your Application
You can apply online, over the phone, or at a Citibank branch. The online application typically takes only a few minutes.
5. Wait for Approval
Approval time varies. Some applicants get an instant decision, while others may wait a few days if additional verification is required.
Summary of the Best Citi Credit Cards
Credit Card | Key Features | Best For |
| Citi Double Cash Card | Cash Card 2% cashback on all purchases | Everyday spending |
| Citi Custom Cash Card | 5% cashback on top spending category | Rotating category spenders |
| Citi Rewards+® Card | Rounds up purchases to the nearest 10 points | Small, frequent purchases |
| Citi Diamond Preferred® Card | 0% APR for up to 21 months | Balance transfers |
| Citi Premier® Card | 3X points on travel, gas, and dining | Travel rewards seekers |
Pros and Cons of Citibank Credit Card
Pros and Cons of Citibank Credit Card are as under:
Pros:
Reward Programs – Citibank credit cards come with attractive rewards, including travel miles, cashback, and shopping discounts.
Global Acceptance – Citibank cards are widely accepted worldwide, making them great for international travelers.
Exclusive Offers – Cardholders can enjoy exclusive dining, shopping, and entertainment deals.
Flexible Repayment – Various repayment options, including EMIs, allow for better financial planning.
Security Features – Citibank cards include fraud protection, contactless payments, and virtual card options.
Cons:
Annual Fees – Some premium Citibank cards have high annual fees.
High Interest Rates – Interest rates on unpaid balances can be relatively high.
Eligibility Criteria – Some cards require high income levels and credit scores.
Limited Domestic Offers – Certain discounts and offers are only available in select locations.
Foreign Transaction Fees – Some cards may charge additional fees for international transactions.
Types of Citibank Credit Cards
Citibank offers multiple credit card options designed to suit different lifestyles and spending habits.
Citibank Rewards Credit Card – Earn reward points on purchases and redeem them for gifts, vouchers, or travel discounts.
Citi Cash Back Credit Card – Get cashback on dining, groceries, and bill payments.
Citi Premier Miles Credit Card – Ideal for frequent travelers, offering airline miles and travel benefits.
Citi Prestige Credit Card – A premium card with luxury benefits, including concierge services and airport lounge access.
Citi Simplicity Credit Card – A no-annual-fee card with no late payment penalties.
Each card comes with its own set of features, so choosing the right one depends on your spending habits and lifestyle needs.
Citibank Credit Card Customer Care
Citibank provides 24/7 customer care support for its credit card users. You can reach customer service through phone, email, live chat, or by visiting a branch.
Phone Support
Citibank offers dedicated helpline numbers for different countries. Customers can call for card activation, lost card reporting, or general queries.
Live Chat & Email
The official Citibank website provides live chat and email support for quick assistance.
Citibank Branches
You can visit the nearest Citibank branch for in-person support.
Social Media Support
Citibank responds to queries via Twitter and Facebook.
IVR Self-Service
Cardholders can check balances, pay bills, and block cards using the automated voice response system.
Citibank Credit Card App Features
The Citi Mobile App enhances user experience by providing quick and easy access to all credit card services. Key features include:
Real-Time Transactions – Track spending, review statements, and monitor transactions instantly.
Bill Payments – Pay credit card bills directly from the app.
Reward Redemption – View and redeem reward points for shopping, travel, and cashback.
Security Features – Block or unblock your card, set transaction limits, and enable international transactions.
EMI Conversion – Convert large purchases into easy monthly installments.
The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms, offering a seamless banking experience.
How to Check Citibank Credit Card Application Status
Checking your Citibank credit card application status is simple and can be done through the following methods:
Online Portal – Visit the official Citibank website, enter your application reference number, and check the status.
Customer Care – Call the Citibank helpline and provide your application details.
Email Support – Send an inquiry email with your application number.
Branch Visit – Visit a Citibank branch with your application details to get updates.
Applicants can check whether their card is approved, pending, or rejected and follow up accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What credit score do I need for a Citi credit card?
Most Citi credit cards require a good to excellent credit score (700+), but some cards may accept lower scores.
2. Can I apply for more than one Citi credit card?
Yes, but Citi has a 1/8 rule, meaning you can apply for only one Citi credit card every eight days and a maximum of two in 65 days.
3. Does Citi offer pre-approval?
Yes, you can check for Citi credit card pre-approval on their website without affecting your credit score.
4. What happens if I miss a Citi credit card payment?
Missing a payment can led to late fees, interest charges, and a potential drop in your credit score. Always pay at least the minimum due on time.
How can I apply for a Citibank credit card?
You can apply online through the Citibank website or visit a branch.
What is the minimum salary requirement for a Citibank credit card?
The requirement varies by card type, typically starting from $25,000 annually.
Can I increase my credit limit?
Yes, you can request a credit limit increase based on your spending and repayment history.
What should I do if I lose my credit card?
Immediately block your card using the Citibank app or call customer care.
Are Citibank credit cards accepted internationally?
Yes, Citibank credit cards are accepted worldwide.
Can I convert my purchases into EMIs?
Yes, eligible transactions can be converted into easy EMIs.
What are the late payment charges?
Late payment fees depend on the card type and outstanding balance.
How can I check my credit card balance?
You can check through the Citi Mobile App, online banking, or phone banking.
Is there an annual fee for Citibank credit cards?
Some cards have annual fees, while others offer no-fee options.
How long does it take to receive my Citibank credit card?
Typically, it takes 7-14 business days for the card to arrive.
Can I apply for multiple Citibank credit cards?
Yes, but approval depends on your creditworthiness.
What happens if I don’t pay my credit card bill on time?
Late fees and interest charges will apply, affecting your credit score.
Final Thoughts: Is a Citibank Credit Card Right for You?
Advantage of a 0% APR introductory period. Whether you choose the Citi Double Cash Card for simple cashback or the Citi Custom Cash Card for flexible rewards, there’s a Citi credit card to suit your financial needs.
Before applying, evaluate your spending habits, financial goals, and credit score to select the best Citi credit card for you. If used wisely, a Citi credit card can help you save money, earn rewards, and improve your overall financial health.