Bankcard Citi Overview and Comparison Guide

Citi is a well-established bankcard issuer with a wide range of credit cards to choose from. They offer a variety of rewards programs, including ThankYou Rewards and Citi Premier Card's 3x points on travel.

Citi's credit cards often have no foreign transaction fees, making them a great option for international travel. This can help save money on foreign transactions.

Citi's credit limits can be quite high, up to $50,000 or more, depending on the card and individual creditworthiness. This can be beneficial for those who need a large credit limit.

Citi bankcard has a rich history dating back to 1967 when it was first introduced as a Citibank credit card.

The first Citi bankcard was designed for customers with good credit and offered rewards such as cash back and travel points.

Citi has since expanded its offerings to include various types of bankcards, each with its own unique features and benefits, such as cash back, travel rewards, and sign-up bonuses.

Citigroup, the parent of Citibank, agreed to a $285 million civil fraud penalty in 2011 after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission accused the company of betting against risky mortgage-related investments that it sold to its clients.

In 2014, Citigroup announced it would exit retail banking in 11 markets, primarily in Europe and Central America. This move included the sale of 41 branches to BB&T in Texas in September 2014.

Citibank was ordered to pay $770 million in relief to borrowers in 2015 for illegal credit card practices. About 7 million customer accounts were affected by the bank's "deceptive marketing" practices.

In 2017, an investigation named Russian Laundromat uncovered that hundreds of banks had helped launder FSB-related funds out of Russia. Citibank was listed among the American banks that were named as having handled the laundered funds, with banks in the US processing around $63.7 million between 2010 and 2014.

Here's a list of some of the major markets where Citibank has exited consumer banking operations:

In recent years, Citibank has continued to downsize its operations, with plans to exit consumer banking in Mexico and small-business and middle-market banking operations in January 2022. The bank also announced plans to wind down retail banking in the UK in September 2022.

Citibank's expansion into new markets has been a significant part of its history. In 2002, Citigroup acquired Golden State Bancorp and its California Federal Bank for $5.8 billion.

The bank's presence in California grew even further, with over 292 branches located in the state as of September 2020. Citibank has also expanded into other metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Miami, and Chicago.

In 2004, Citigroup entered the Texas market with the purchase of First American Bank of Bryan, Texas, giving Citibank over 100 branches and $3.5 billion in assets in the state. This marked a significant expansion into the Lone Star State.

The bank continued to grow, opening 23 branches in the Philadelphia market in 2006. However, these locations were closed in 2013 due to "efficiency-driven" reasons. This move highlights the bank's willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

In 2006, Citibank also announced a naming rights sponsorship deal for the new stadium of the New York Mets, Citi Field, which opened in 2009. The deal required payments of $20 million per year for 20 years, a significant investment in the city's sports scene.

The Citi bankcard offers a range of features and benefits that make it an attractive option for consumers. Many of the cards have 0% introductory APRs, which can be a huge help for those looking to save money on interest charges.

Some cards, like the Citi Double Cash Card, earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. This can add up to significant savings over time.

If you're a Costco member, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a great option, earning 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter. This can translate to $350 back a year if you hit that spending limit on gas purchases from Costco.

Here are some of the key features and benefits of the Citi bankcard:

Rewards+ offers a range of benefits, including earning 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.

With the Citi Rewards+ Card, you can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com.

The Citi Double Cash Card offers a unique cash back structure, earning 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

To earn cash back on the Citi Double Cash Card, you must pay at least the minimum due on time. Additionally, you can earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Points.

Here's a summary of the rewards offered by Citi:

The AT&T Points Plus card offers a statement credit of $100 after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

To earn this credit, you'll need to spend a significant amount upfront, but it's worth considering if you're already an AT&T customer and can take advantage of the additional rewards.

The card also offers up to an additional $240 back toward your qualifying AT&T Wireless bills every year after eligible spend.

This can add up to significant savings over time, especially if you're already paying for AT&T services.

Citi offers a variety of bankcards, each designed for specific needs and benefits.

The Citi Rewards Card offers rewards points for every dollar spent, with redeemable points for travel, merchandise, and gift cards.

For those who want to earn cash back, the Citi Double Cash Card provides 2% cash back on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits.

The Citi Simplicity Card offers a 21-month 0% introductory APR on balance transfers, making it a great option for consolidating debt.

The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is a great option for those looking to make large purchases or consolidate debt. It offers a 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening.

One of the standout features of this card is its balance transfer option, which offers 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of first transfer. This can be a huge help for those looking to pay off high-interest debt.

The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. This fee can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor it into your decision.

The regular APR on this card is 17.49% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. This is a relatively high rate, so it's crucial to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Here are the key features of the Citi Diamond Preferred Card at a glance:

The AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard is a great option for travelers. It offers a generous sign-up bonus of 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

If you're a frequent traveler, this card can be a great way to earn miles quickly. The card earns 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.

This card is perfect for those who want to earn miles on everyday purchases. By spending $2,500 in the first 3 months, you can earn a substantial bonus that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other travel perks.

Citibank has a long history of sponsoring major sports teams and events. They've been the sponsor of the Australian Rugby Union team since 2001, signing a three-year deal.

The firm has also been a major sponsor of the Sydney Swans in the Australian Football League since 2005. This partnership has helped raise the profile of the team and the league as a whole.

First National City, the predecessor to Citibank, was heavily involved in Indy Car racing in the late 1970s. They sponsored major drivers like Johnny Rutherford and Al Unser, Sr.

In 1978, Unser won the Indianapolis 500 in First National City Travelers Checks livery. This was a notable achievement for the team and a testament to the firm's commitment to the sport.

Citibank has also been involved in Formula 1, sponsoring the Tyrrell team in 1977 and 1978. They're currently sponsoring Fernando Alonso, a well-known driver in the sport.

Since its launch in 2013, Citibank has been the main sponsor of New York City's bike-share scheme, Citi Bike. This partnership has helped promote cycling as a mode of transportation in the city.

Citibank has been referenced in various forms of media, often in humorous or satirical ways.

In the 1982 poster "And I Love New York" by Michel Kichka, a Citibank branch is satirized with a sign reading "Citibang". A bank robber is also depicted in the scene.

The 2001 song "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" references Citibank with the line "At Citibank, we will meet accidentally."

Citibank has been referenced in various forms of popular culture.

Michel Kichka, a political cartoonist, satirized Citibank in his 1982 poster "And I Love New York". The poster features a Citibank branch with the name "Citibang" and a bank robber fleeing the scene.

The 2001 song "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" mentions Citibank in the line "At Citibank, we will meet accidentally." This shows how the company has been referenced in music.

Rachel from the TV show Friends references Citibank in a conversation with Mark, saying "I have a positive balance on my credit card and I want to use it up before Citibank goes under." This highlights the company's presence in popular media.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers exclusive access to tickets for thousands of events before they're available to the general public.

You can score seats to popular concerts or sporting events with the Citi Entertainment program.

Citi credit cards offer generous perks on American Airlines, Costco, everyday expenses, and more.

Citi ThankYou points are worth 1.6 cents each, on average, according to Business Insider's points and miles valuations.

The best Citi credit cards provide purchase protections and benefits, making them a solid choice for those who want to earn rewards and have peace of mind with their purchases.

In 2007, Citigroup, the parent of Citibank, announced layoffs of 17,000 employees, or 8% of its workforce, in an effort to cut costs.

Charles Prince resigned as the chairman and chief executive of Citigroup in November 2007, following billions of dollars in losses related to subprime lending.

Citigroup reported a $10 billion loss in the fourth quarter of 2007, after an $18.1 billion write down.

Effective November 30, 2007, Citibank sold its 17 Puerto Rico branches, along with $1.0 billion in deposits, to Banco Popular.

Citibank was ordered to repay $14 million to 53,000 customers in 2008, plus an additional $4 million in interest and penalties, after a three-year investigation by the California Attorney General.

As a result of the 2007-2008 financial crisis, Citigroup received a bailout in the form of an investment from the U.S. Treasury, totaling $45 billion.

Automatic teller machines have a long history that dates back to the 1970s, when Citibank was one of the first U.S. banks to introduce them.

These machines gave customers 24-hour access to cash, a significant convenience that revolutionized the way people managed their finances.

Credit is a type of loan that allows you to borrow money from a lender, such as a bank, and pay it back with interest.

Most credit cards, including those offered by Citi, earn rewards through a valuable rewards program, like Citi ThankYou Rewards.

You can find the right credit card for your spending habits and financial goals by considering factors such as rewards programs and co-branded options, like American Airlines and Costco.

If you're looking for a credit card with no annual fee, you're in luck. Citi offers several options, including the Citi Double Cash Card and the Citi Rewards+ Card, both of which have no annual fee.

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a great choice if you want a simple earning structure without confusing bonus categories. This card offers 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you're a frequent traveler, consider the Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, which offers bonus rewards on American Airlines purchases. With this card, you can earn 2X miles on American Airlines purchases and 1X mile on all other purchases.

Here are some of the top Citi credit cards, categorized by their benefits:

Citi ThankYou points are worth an average of 1.6 cents each, making them a valuable reward. This is especially true if you're able to use them to book travel or make other purchases.