City Cash Back Card vs Credit Cards: A Detailed Comparison

The City Cash Back Card is a game-changer for those who want to earn rewards without the high interest rates of traditional credit cards.

Unlike many credit cards, the City Cash Back Card has no annual fee, making it a more affordable option for frequent users.

In fact, the City Cash Back Card offers a higher cash back rate on certain categories, such as dining and groceries, compared to some credit cards.

However, it's worth noting that the City Cash Back Card has a lower overall cash back rate compared to some premium credit cards.

The Citi cash back card has some great benefits that make it worth considering. No annual fee means you can use the card without worrying about an extra charge at the end of the year.

One of the standout features of this card is its high rewards rate. This means you'll earn more points or cash back for every dollar you spend, which can add up quickly.

The card's mobile app is also user-friendly, according to the Citi credit cards mobile app review. This makes it easy to track your spending, make payments, and manage your account on the go.

The Citi Double Cash Card offers a flat 2% cash back on every purchase you make, with 1% back when you make the purchase and another 1% back when you pay it off.

This card essentially doubles the industry standard cash back rate, which used to be 1%. You can redeem your cash back for a paper check, statement credit, or a deposit into a linked Citi checking or savings account.

The Citi Double Cash Card also offers 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal, from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025.

You can earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, with no rewards limits or spend caps.

To maximize your cash back rewards, consider a cash-back credit card that offers higher rewards for spending in your specific categories, such as gas stations or grocery stores.

Redeeming cash back for a credit on your statement doesn't earn the second 1%, but it's still a minor consideration, and you can earn a very close to 2% return on spending if you pay your bill in full every month.

The Citi Double Cash card rewards you with 2% cash back on all purchases, split into two parts: 1% for every dollar spent and another 1% for every dollar paid back. This means you'll earn cash back twice on every purchase.

You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit, which will directly reduce your balance. Alternatively, you can get it as a direct deposit into a bank account or as a paper check.

The card also offers a sign-up bonus of $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

At NerdWallet, we review credit cards with a careful eye towards both the numbers and the nuances. Quantitative features, like fees, interest rates, and rewards, are weighed against qualitative factors, such as the ease of application and the simplicity of the rewards structure.

We consider the cash value of benefits and perks, as well as the likelihood of using certain features. This helps us understand how well-suited a card is for everyday use or specific purchases.

Our star ratings serve as a general gauge, comparing each card to others in its class. But they're just one consideration when choosing a credit card.

We look at the ease of application and the simplicity of the rewards structure to get a sense of how easy or difficult it is for a typical cardholder to get good value from the card.

The Citi Double Cash card offers a straightforward rewards structure: you get 1% cash back on every dollar you spend, and another 1% back on every dollar you pay back. This means you can earn a total of 2% cash back on all purchases.

You can redeem your cash back in three ways: as a statement credit, a direct deposit into a bank account, or as a paper check. This flexibility makes it easy to get the cash you've earned.

To get the most out of your rewards, it's a good idea to pay off your charges as quickly as possible. This will maximize your earnings and help you avoid interest charges.

The card also comes with a sign-up bonus: earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer is a great way to boost your rewards earnings.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a top-notch flat-rate cash back credit card, offering a whopping 2% cash back on every purchase. This is one of the highest flat rewards rates available, beating out many other cards that top out at 1.5%.

You can redeem your cash back rewards in various ways, including for a paper check, statement credit, or a deposit into a linked Citi checking or savings account. This flexibility makes it easy to get the most out of your rewards.

Through December 31, 2025, you'll also earn 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on the Citi Travel portal, providing an added bonus for travel enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a card with no bonus categories, the Citi Double Cash Card is a great option. It earns double cash back on all purchases, but that's it - no rotating categories or specific bonuses.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a simple, straightforward choice. It's a good fit for people who want to earn cash back on all their purchases without having to keep track of bonus categories.

Some cards offer a combination of a flat rate and bonus categories, but the Citi Double Cash Card is a pure flat rate card. It earns 2% cash back on all purchases, with no rotating categories or specific bonuses.

If you're looking for a card with no bonus categories, the Citi Double Cash Card is a great option. It's easy to use and earns a high return on all purchases.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a great option for earning cash back rewards, offering a flat 2% cash back on every purchase, with 1% back when you make the purchase and another 1% back when you pay it off.

This card is a Mastercard, and it's one of the best flat-rate cash back credit cards on the market. New cardholders can also transfer a balance from another credit card.

The Citi Double Cash Card has a $0 annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to earn rewards without paying extra. You can redeem your cash back for a paper check, statement credit, or a deposit into a linked Citi checking or savings account.

Some other credit cards worth considering include the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, which also offers 2% cash back on all purchases, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card, which earns 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on everything else.

Here are some key features of the Citi Double Cash Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card:

The Citi Double Cash Card also offers a balance transfer option, with a 0% intro APR for 18 months, and a balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a reliable choice for those seeking low-hassle cash rewards on every purchase. It's ideal for consumers who want a straightforward cash back experience.

The card offers 2% cash back on every purchase, with 1% earned when you make the purchase and another 1% back when you pay it off. This rewards structure is unlimited, and the annual fee is $0.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a Honda Accord in a market filled with flashy credit cards. It may not have the sizzle of some other options, but it's a dependable choice.

If the Citi Double Cash Card isn't the right fit for you, consider these alternatives:

The Citi Double Cash Card has a sign-up bonus that's definitely worth noting: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

You can redeem this bonus as 20,000 ThankYou Points, which can be used for $200 cash back. This is a great incentive to get started with the card.

The Citi Double Cash Card also offers balance transfer, allowing new cardholders to transfer a balance from another credit card.

The Citi ThankYou Rewards program offers a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

You can earn 2% on every purchase with this card, which means you'll get unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

To earn cash back, you must pay at least the minimum due on time.

Balance transfers do not earn cash back, and the intro APR does not apply to purchases.

Intro balance transfer fees are 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening, and 5% of each transfer (minimum $5) after that.

Here's a breakdown of the balance transfer fees:

There is an intro 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months, but interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance by the due date each month.

Our editors rate credit cards objectively based on the features they offer consumers, fees, and interest rates. They compare cards in their category to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

The ratings are the expert opinion of our editors, not influenced by any remuneration this site may receive from card issuers. This ensures you get unbiased advice on which credit cards to consider.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a valuable workhorse among credit cards, offering superior flat-rate cash back on every purchase. It's ideal for consumers who want low-hassle cash rewards on everything they charge.

The card gives you 2% cash back on every purchase, with rewards being unlimited. The annual fee is $0, making it a great option for those who want reliable rewards with minimum effort.

The Citi Double Cash Card stands up well on its own, but it also makes an ideal companion to a bonus-category credit card for those who use a two-card strategy to maximize cash back.