Citi Double Cash
Cardholders who want a simple, high flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee.
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Suggested credit
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
Annual fee
No annual fee (confirm current terms with Citi)
APR
Variable purchase and balance transfer APR — see current Citi terms
Foreign transactions
Foreign transaction fee applies — better suited to domestic use
Overview
The Citi Double Cash pioneered the two-stage cash back model: one rate when you buy, plus a second rate when you pay. The combined earn rate makes it one of the strongest no-annual-fee flat-rate cash back cards on the market. Recent product updates recategorized rewards as ThankYou Points, which unlocks additional value for households that also hold an eligible Citi travel card capable of transferring points to airline and hotel partners.
Rewards
Earns cash back in two stages: a base rate when you make a purchase, plus an additional rate when you pay for it. Cash back is issued as ThankYou Points on current versions of the card, which can be redeemed for cash or, when paired with an eligible Citi travel card, transferred to airline and hotel partners.
Benefits
- Two-stage cash back structure rewards on-time payment
- Rewards can convert to transferable ThankYou Points when paired with eligible Citi cards
- Long intro APR window on balance transfers on current terms
Pros
- · High flat-rate cash back with no categories to track
- · No annual fee
- · Strong balance transfer offer historically available
Cons
- · Foreign transaction fee makes it unsuitable for international travel
- · Two-stage earning requires paying the balance to receive the second half
- · Cash-only value unless paired with an eligible ThankYou travel card
Approval guidance
Citi enforces application velocity rules; frequent applicants may be denied even with strong credit.
Confirm current terms before applying. APR, welcome offers, rewards rates, and fees change frequently. The definitive source is the issuer's own product page. This overview is educational and reflects the card's typical structure, not a snapshot of any specific offer.
Reasonable alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the two-stage cash back work?
You earn a base rate on every purchase and an additional rate when the purchase is paid off. If you pay only the minimum, you still earn the second rate on the portion of the balance paid, but carrying a balance means interest charges typically exceed the additional rewards earned.
Related resources
- How to use credit cards wisely
- Credit card utilization strategy
- How credit scores work
- Rewards credit card strategy
- Affiliate disclosure
Last updated 2025-01-05. Written by the UseYourCredit Editorial Team.