Are you in the market for a new card and considering the Citi Simplicity® Card? Before you apply for the card, you'll want to learn some key facts about the offer and how it compares to other cards on the market.
First, let's cover the basics. In reviewing the card, we rated it a 4.5 out of 5.0, which means that like many other cards, we found the Citi Simplicity® Card to have some solid benefits and some possible drawbacks.
If you're looking for a card with a long 0% intro rate on balance transfers, this is your card. However, its lack of a rewards program is a definite drawback for cardholders.
Next up, let's dive into the details you should consider before applying. Here's a rundown of the card's key features, rates, and terms:
Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we often earn referral fees from partners. For more information, see our ad disclosure and review policy.
Advertiser Disclosure
CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
BEST OVERALL RATING
★★★★★
4.5
- 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 19.24% - 29.99%, 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 balances transfers completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
|
|
|
|
|
|
0% Intro APR Period 12 months on Purchases
|
0% Intro APR Period 21 months on Balance Transfers
|
19.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good Credit
|
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
There's certainly a lot to like about the Citi Simplicity® Card. But just like with other cards we review, we stress that potential applicants should pay attention to this card's rates and fees as part of the bigger overall picture.
Let's dive deeper into those rates and fees, as they could make or break whether owning the card makes sense for you and your financial situation.
The interest rate, also known as APR (annual percentage rate), tells you what percentage of your balance you can expect to pay in interest annually if you carry a balance.
According to the issuer, the Citi Simplicity® Card currently charges the following interest rates on purchases and balance transfers:
- Purchase Intro: 0% Intro APR Period 12 months on Purchases
- Balance Transfer Intro: 0% Intro APR Period 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
Another possible expense to consider is the annual fee, which is the amount a cardholder is required to pay each year for the privilege of owning a particular card.
Here's the annual fee for the Citi Simplicity® Card as listed by the issuer:
See site for details »
So far, we've covered the Citi Simplicity® Card in great detail, from its many benefits to its current rates and fees. But what are your odds of approval? What credit score is needed to become a cardholder?
According to the issuer, the current general credit history requirement for the card is:
- Credit Level: Excellent, Good Credit
If you feel you have the credit needed for approval and you're ready to apply, you can do so online on the issuer's secure website.
Keep in mind that rates and features may change, so if you like what the card is offering today, you may want to apply now to lock it in its current terms before it's too late.
We've discussed the many benefits, drawbacks, and requirements of the Citi Simplicity® Card, but how does it rank versus similar cards on the market? Below are all the category-specific ratings our team gives the card, along with the card's ranking within each category.
Quick hint: Want to see our best-reviewed cards in each category? Simply click the category name to see our top picks:
All told, our team's review of the Citi Simplicity® Card resulted in a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, as the card features many pros and cons for a potential cardholder to consider. Ultimately, it's up to you to determine if the card's benefits outweigh its possible drawbacks. If you determine that it's a fit for your needs, you may want to apply soon, as terms throughout the industry change regularly.
We hope our guide has been helpful in learning all you need to know about the Citi Simplicity® Card. We wish you the very best on your financial journey!
Be sure to visit the official website for Citi Simplicity® Card to learn complete details about its features and terms. If you’re not quite sure if Citi Simplicity® Card is right for you, we encourage you to check out these guides to popular alternatives:
Before applying for the Citi Simplicity® Card offer or any other offer, be sure you understand all fees, interest rates, and terms so you can make the best decision for your own financial goals.
Toby founded Digital Brands, the parent company of CardRates.com and its sister sites, and now serves as Chairman of the Board. He lends his 15 years of credit card industry experience to educate consumers on the responsible use of credit. His knowledge base spans credit card reward programs to credit repair, lending, and credit bureau reporting.
Our finance experts work hard to show you the best credit cards. Want to show your appreciation? Share this page!
