Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a long-time staple among flat-rate cash back cards. It earns an effective 2% cash back on most purchases (1% when you buy, 1% as you pay)and features a 0% intro APR on balance transfers, which can be useful for debt payoff. While the “1% as you pay” mechanic is slightly less straightforward than some competitors, Double Cash remains compelling—especially because rewards are earned as Citi ThankYou® Points, which can become more valuable if you have other eligible Citi cards.

At a Glance

• Welcome Offer:
• Rewards Rate: 2% Cash Back on all purchases (1% at time of purchase + 1% upon payment)
• Annual Fee:
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Credit Score:
• Redemption: Rewards earned as ThankYou® Points, redeemable for cash, gift cards, or travel.

Overview

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a legend in the credit card world. For years, it was the only major card offering 2% back on everything. Today, it faces stiff competition, but it remains a powerhouse thanks to its simplicity and dual nature: it is both a great rewards card and a great debt-consolidation card.

Rewards & Benefits

• The 1% + 1% Structure:
  • Earn 1% unlimited cash back automatically when you make a purchase.
  • Earn an additional 1% unlimited cash back as you pay for those purchases, whether in full or over time.
  • Verdict: As long as you pay your bill, it is a flat 2% card.
• ThankYou® Points Flexibility: Technically, you earn points (100 points = $1). This is a hidden benefit. While most people just cash them out, "power users" can combine these points with other Citi cards to book luxury travel.
• Mastercard® Benefits: Includes standard protections like ID Theft Protection and 24/7 Global Service.

Fees & Requirements

• Annual Fee: .
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%.
• Purchase APR:
• Introductory Balance Transfer APR: , then
• Credit Score: Requires credit. Citi can be sensitive to recent inquiries, so avoid applying if you've opened many cards recently.

Borrower Experience

• Redemption Options: You can redeem for a statement credit, direct deposit, or a check. The $25 minimum threshold is slightly annoying compared to Capital One (no minimum), but manageable.
• Tracking: Citi’s program uses a Purchase Tracker mechanism, and statements typically break out points earned on purchases vs. eligible payments.

Who It’s Best For

• The "One Card" Strategist: If you hate juggling multiple cards and just want one piece of plastic that gives you a great return on everything, this is it.
• Balance Transfer Seekers: If you have high-interest debt on another card, moving it here gives you a year and a half (18 months) to pay it off interest-free while still keeping a decent card for the future.
• Citi Ecosystem Users: If you already have the Citi Custom Cash® or Citi Strata Premier, adding the Double Cash completes the "Citi Trifecta," maximizing your points earning.

Who Should Skip It

• International Travelers: The 3% foreign transaction fee makes this card a "stay at home" wallet dweller.
• Those Who Carry a Balance: If you don't pay off your purchase balance in full, you lose the "1% when you pay" benefit and get hit with interest.
• Thin-file/rebuilding applicants: approval standards vary, but this is generally positioned for established credit profiles (avoid presenting this as a hard rule).

Compare

Bottom Line

The Citi Double Cash® Card remains a highly competitive no-annual-fee option for people who want simple, uncapped rewards. Its “1% when you buy + 1% as you pay” setup is slightly quirky, but the combination of a solid base earn rate, a meaningful balance transfer intro APR, and ThankYou Points compatibility keeps it firmly in the top tier of flat-rate cards

Foreign Transaction Fee

The Citi Double Cash Card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States. This is a significant drawback for international travelers or anyone who shops frequently on overseas websites. If you travel abroad regularly, you may want to pair the Double Cash with a no-foreign-transaction-fee card like the Capital One SavorOne or Wells Fargo Active Cash, which both waive this fee. For purely domestic spending, the 3% fee is irrelevant and the Double Cash remains one of the best flat-rate cash back options available.

Credit Score & Approval Requirements

The Citi Double Cash Card generally requires good to excellent credit, with most approved applicants reporting a FICO score of 670 or higher. Citi considers your credit history, income, existing debt obligations, and relationship with the bank when evaluating applications. Having an existing Citi banking or credit card account may improve your approval odds. If you are unsure whether you qualify, Citi offers a pre-qualification tool on its website that lets you check your eligibility with a soft credit pull that does not affect your score.