| Last updated on February 20th, 2024
Citi Simplicity® Card
Citi Simplicity® Card
Citi Simplicity® Card
- 18.99% - 29.74% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- 18.99% - 29.74% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Citi Simplicity® Card is one of the most consumer-friendly balance transfer cards available today, 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from the date of first transfer as well as 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from when the account opens.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.99% - 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater for balances transfers completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: No Late Fee
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You have a significant balance elsewhere that you’d like to transfer over and pay off without interest
- You enjoy the freedom of having 12 months with 0% introductory APR on the purchases made with this card
- You want a credit card with robust consumer protection features
In-Depth Review: Citi Simplicity® Card
If you’re looking for a straightforward balance transfer card with no late fees, no penalty rate, and no annual fee to worry about, then the Citi Simplicity® Card is a solid option. Big balances can feel like a huge burden, but that’s where the Citi Simplicity® Card shines.
Who Can Benefit from the Simplicity® Card?
The Citi Simplicity® Card is designed to benefit a wide range of individuals. Whether you are a frequent traveler, a student, or someone looking to consolidate your credit card debt, this card offers features that can help you manage your finances more effectively. With no annual fee and no late fees, the Citi Simplicity® Card provides a hassle-free experience for those who want simplicity and convenience in their credit card usage.
Additionally, the card offers a long introductory APR period on balance transfers, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on interest charges. So, if you are looking for a credit card that offers simplicity, convenience, and savings, the Citi Simplicity® Card may be the right choice for you.
How to Get the Card
To be eligible for a Citi low-rate credit card (like the Diamond Preferred or Simplicity), it is generally recommended to have a good to excellent credit score.
A great feature of Citi credit cards is the ability to pre-qualify before applying. This pre-screening process only applies to Citi’s proprietary rewards cards, including the Citi® low-rate credit cards.
These offers are based on credit score, borrowing history, and other readily available personal information. If you receive a pre-qualified offer, your chances of approval are generally favorable. Even better, there is no credit check needed to pre-qualify with Citi.
Introductory APR Offers
The Simplicity credit card, similar to Citi’s Diamond Preferred® Card, specializes in offering zero interest rates for an extended period.
0% APR for 12 Months on Purchases
When you open an account, you’ll enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. The Simplicity card provides a generous 12-month introductory period for zero interest charges on purchases. This makes it ideal if you’re planning a large purchase that requires multiple installments. It’s worth considering and keeping on your shortlist.
0% APR for 21 Months on Transfers
Additionally, you’ll benefit from a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from the date of your first transfer, as long as the transfer is completed within the first four months. This makes it one of the top balance transfer credit cards available. To take advantage of over a year and a half of zero APR on balance transfers, you must complete the transfer within four months of opening your account. Please note that a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater, will apply.
Once the introductory periods end, the card will offer a competitive everyday rate that varies based on your creditworthiness and the Prime Rate.
Citi® Benefits
The Simplicity® Card also has impressive Citi features and protections. These include:
- Citi Entertainment:Citi provides cardholders exclusive access to events and ticket presales for popular concerts, sporting events, and more.
- Citi Lost Wallet:Citi’s Lost Wallet service provides emergency card replacement and emergency cash should your card be lost or stolen.
- Citi Identity Theft Solutions:Citi provides comprehensive support in identity theft and offers expedited service to help get your life back on track should you fall victim.
Citi allows cardholders to choose a monthly payment due date that works for them. This feature lets you tailor your payments to your schedule, not the bank.
Other Citi features include:
| $0 Fraud Liability | Virtual Account #s | FICO Score Access |
| Citi Quick Lock | Citi ID Theft Protection | Fraud Alerts |
Mastercard Benefits
| Zero Liability Protection | Mastercard Global Services | ID Theft Protection |
Comparison
The Citi Simplicity offers 21 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers, but how does it stack up to other offers? Here are the longest intro APR offers from big banks in the United States:
| Credit Card | Purchase Intro APR | Balance Transfer Intro APR |
|---|---|---|
| Citi Simplicity® Card | 0% for 12 months | 0% for 21 months |
| BankAmericard® | 0% for 21 months | 0% for 21 months |
| Chase Slate Edge | 0% for the first 18 months from account opening date | 0% for the first 18 months from account opening date |
| U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | 0% for 21 months from account opening date | 0% for 21 months on balances transferred within 60 days from account opening |
| Wells Fargo Reflect Card | 0% for 21 months | 0% for 21 months |
What We Like About the Card
Intro APR
First and foremost, the card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers. This is a major advantage as it can save you significant interest charges, especially if you have a large purchase or existing debt to transfer.
No Annual Fee
Another plus is that the card does not have an annual fee. While it is rare for balance transfer cards to charge an annual fee, seeing “$0” is always a welcome sign.
Things to Consider
Foreign Transaction Fee
The Simplicity® card does not perform well abroad due to its foreign transaction fee of 3% of the transaction in U.S. dollars. These fees are applicable when using the card to purchase online or in-store with foreign merchants. While foreign transaction fees may not be a dealbreaker with this card, it can still be frustrating when a major bank card offer does not include “no foreign transaction fees.”
FAQs
Have a question about the Citi Simplicity credit card? Here are some of the most common questions concerning the Simplicity from Citi bank, and the answers:
- Citi partners with Experian and FICO to generate credit scores for users, with the bank pulling all three credit bureaus when applying for the Citi Simplicity. Typically, Citibank pulls either Experian or Equifax when you apply for one of its credit cards.
- Citi has a grace period of 23 days with its credit cards – including the Citi Simplicity Card. There are no grace periods on Balance Transfers and Cash Advances, however.
- No. The Citi Diamond Preferred and Citi Simplicity are the bank’s two low rate/balance transfer cards and do not earn cash back rewards or ThankYou Rewards points on purchases. Cardmembers do have access to Citi merchant deals, however, which provide savings on purchases with partner brands.
- Citi requires good or excellent credit to successfully apply many of its credit cards – the Simplicity low rate card included. This requirement means you should expect to have a FICO credit score of 720 or higher to get the card.
- You can call Citi Customer Service at 1-800-950-5114 (TTY: 1-800-325-2865 for hearing and speech impaired services only).
Citibank Ratings
How does the Citi Simplicity stack up? Here are a selection of expert reviews for the card, as well as an overview of Citi as a bank:
| BestCards | Better Business Bureau | TrustPilot |
|
4/5 |
4/5 |
3/5 |
Should You Apply for the Citi Simplicity® Card?
The Citi Simplicity is a basic credit card that hits all the right notes, including one of the best balance transfer offers in the business. The card enjoys 0% intro APR for the first 21 months on balance transfers and 0% intro APR on purchases for the first year – all for no annual fee. Other nice perks include no penalty fees, no late fees, and a competitive APR.
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