Citi Double Cash – How to Apply
The Citi Double Cash® Card is a rare kind of rewards card—one that truly keeps it simple.
With many credit cards offering complex rewards programs, the Double Cash strips away the confusion and gives you what matters most: consistent cashback on every purchase.
This is a card built for practicality. It doesn’t matter where or how you spend—groceries, online shopping, bills, or even subscriptions.
You earn 1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay. It’s a clear structure that benefits people who manage their credit well.
What’s more, it’s ideal for people who don’t want to think too much about their card’s reward strategy. There’s no need to track rotating categories or chase special deals. It’s all about reliable rewards, month after month.
Citi Double Cash
No annual fee No sign-up bonusHow Does the Citi Double Cash® Card Work?
When you make a purchase, you immediately earn 1% cash back. Then, when you make a payment toward that purchase—even a partial payment—you earn the second 1% cash back. Together, that gives you up to 2% total on every dollar you spend and pay off.
There’s no cap on earnings. You can earn unlimited cash back as long as you continue to pay off what you spend. This model encourages financial responsibility and rewards good credit behavior.
The card has no annual fee, making it cost-effective even for users who don’t spend large amounts. It also offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months, which is an excellent opportunity for those looking to pay down debt.
While there’s a foreign transaction fee, the card is best suited for domestic spending or travel within the U.S.
Main Benefits of the Citi Double Cash® Card
The biggest benefit is, of course, the dual cash back structure. Many other cards offer 1.5% or even 2% on specific categories, but Citi Double Cash gives you 2% effectively on everything—with no effort required.
Another strength is its redemption flexibility. You can get your cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, or even convert it into Citi ThankYou® Points. If you have another Citi card that earns ThankYou® Points, like the Citi Premier®, you can pool your points for travel or gift cards.
Security and support are also part of the package. The card includes fraud protection, EMV chip technology, and 24/7 customer service.And because this card is part of the Mastercard network, it’s widely accepted both online and offline, giving you confidence no matter where you spend.
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Cons of the Citi Double Cash® Card
While this card is great for consistent spenders, there are some downsides.
First, there’s no upfront bonus. Most competitors offer a sign-up incentive, but Citi Double Cash skips this in favor of long-term simplicity.
Next, it doesn’t have bonus categories. You won’t earn extra cash back on groceries, dining, or gas like some other cards do. If you’re someone who strategically uses rotating category cards, this might feel limiting.
There’s also a foreign transaction fee of 3%, which means international travelers might want to use a different card when abroad.
Finally, you won’t find travel or luxury perks—no concierge service, no lounge access, and no travel insurance benefits.
APR and Fees
Here’s what to expect from a financial standpoint:
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR on Purchases: 19.24% – 29.24% (variable)
- APR on Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR for 18 months; after that, variable rate applies
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (minimum $5)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Late Payment Fee: up to $41
As long as you pay on time and avoid carrying a large balance, these fees can be avoided or minimized.
How to Apply for the Citi Double Cash® Card
- Go to the official Citi Double Cash application page.
- Click the “Apply Now” button to begin.
- Fill out your personal information, including name, address, SSN, and income details.
- Submit your application for a quick credit check.
- If approved, your card should arrive within 7–10 business days.
Once your card arrives, you can begin earning 2% back right away. Use it for everyday purchases and pay your balance regularly to maximize its value.
