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

Citi Double Cash® Card