If you’re considering a new credit card, Citibank is a great place to start. Packed with extra benefits and features, you’re sure to find something that suits your lifestyle and finances with Citi credit cards.
Below, we’ve listed the best Citi credit card offers today and how to choose the right card for you.
List of Best Citi Credit Cards
- Citi Premier® Card: 60,000 bonus points
- Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: $200 bonus
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®: 50,000 bonus miles
- Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer: up to 2% Cash Back
- CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: 65,000 bonus miles
- American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card: $50 + 10,000 bonus miles
- Citi Rewards+® Card: 20,000 bonus points
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: 50,000 bonus miles
1. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card offers new cardholders a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points, which you can get after making purchases worth $4,000 in the first three months.
You can exchange these bonus points for $600 worth of gift cards from a large variety of retailers.
The Citi Premier® Card can serve as a travel card and everyday cashback card, letting you redeem rewards with a host of travel transfer partners, gift cards, and shopping points. With competitive bonus categories and exclusive entertainment perks, it could be a nice versatile addition to your wallet.
Citi Premier® Card - 60,000 bonus points
The Citi Premier® Card offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 60,000 bonus points. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Citi Premier® Card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $4,000 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited in the form of 60,000 points, which can be redeemed for $600 in gift cards.
Learn more about the Citi Premier® Card 60,000 bonus points offer
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2. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Citi is offering new Custom Cash℠ Card cardmembers a welcome bonus of $200 when spending $1,500 in the first six months of ownership.
This is in addition to the 5% cash back each month on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, 1% thereafter).
The Citi Custom Cash Card is a great addition to your wallet if you’re looking for a set it and forget it cashback card with some variety. Rather than the standard cashback tiers of other cards, it gives you 5% rewards on your top spending category each statement up to a spending limit.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card - $200 bonus
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the $200 bonus. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Citi Custom Cash℠ Card using the link below.
- Within 6 months, spend $1,500 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited as $200 cash back.
Learn more about the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card $200 bonus offer
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3. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers new cardholders 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months.
Bonus Tip: You also get a $125 flight discount if you spend $20,000 in a single year and renew your card.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® - 50,000 bonus miles
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 50,000 bonus miles. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® credit card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $2,500 using your new card.
- Bonus miles will be credited in your AAdvantage® account in 8-10 weeks.
Learn more about the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® 50,000 bonus miles offer
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4. Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer
You'll earn up to 2% cash back each month on purchases (1% when you buy + 1% when you pay).
The Citi® Double Cash Card is hard to beat when it comes to straightforward rewards with no annual fee. You get a flat rate of 2% rewards—1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay it back—an incentive to build up your credit score by making payments on time.
Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer - up to 2% Cash Back
The Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 2% Cash Back. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Citi® Double Cash Card using the link below.
- Spend with your new card, earn 1% cash back.
- By the due date, pay at least the minimum balance due, earn an additional 1% cash back.
Learn more about the Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer 2% Cash Back offer
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5. CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® offers new cardholders 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first four months.
Bonus Tip: You also get a single companion pass for a domestic flight after you spend $30,000 in a single year and renew your card. But keep in mind, redeeming that certificate will cost you $99 + taxes and fees.
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is best suited to businesses that fly American Airlines regularly, with the companion benefit and free checked bag easily justifying the annual fee. But if you fly with other airlines just as much as American Airlines, you could earn more savings and perks with a general travel rewards card.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® - 65,000 bonus miles
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 65,000 bonus miles. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® credit card using the link below.
- Within 4 months, spend $4,000 using your new card.
- Bonus miles will be credited in your AAdvantage® account in 8-10 weeks.
Learn more about the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® 65,000 bonus miles offer
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6. American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® offers new cardholders 10,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles and $50 as a statement credit on your Citi bill after spending just $500 in the first three months.
The Citi American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card is a solid entry card if you want to start earning travel rewards with American Airlines, offering some versatility. You can choose to redeem points earned on purchases as miles or as loyalty points you can put towards upgrades and priority boarding.
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card - $50 + 10,000 bonus miles
The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the $50 + 10,000 bonus miles. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $500 using your new card.
- Bonus miles will be credited in your AAdvantage® account and $50 will appear as a statement credit in your Citi account in 8-10 weeks.
Learn more about the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® Card $50 + 10,000 bonus miles offer
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7. Citi Rewards+® Card
The Citi Rewards+® Card offers new cardholders a welcome bonus of 20,000 bonus ThankYou Points, which you can get after making $1,500 in purchases within the first three months.
You can exchange these bonus points for $200 worth of gift cards from a large variety of retailers, or transfer to one of the 16 airlines that Citi's ThankYou Rewards program partners with to make the points even more valuable.
Citi Rewards+® is great for earning money on even the smallest of purchases, rounding up each card purchase and giving you points back when you redeem them. Like the Citi Premier® Card, you can redeem points several different ways, providing ultimate flexibility. You can also combine your rewards points from these cards and transfer them for travel rewards.
Citi Rewards+® Card - 20,000 bonus points
The Citi Rewards+® Card offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 20,000 bonus points. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Citi Rewards+® Card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $1,500 using your new card.
- Bonus will be credited in the form of 20,000 points, which can be redeemed for $200 in gift cards.
Learn more about the Citi Rewards+® Card 20,000 bonus points offer
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8. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, for a limited time, offers new cardholders 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months. This card come with free Admirals Club® membership and access for up to 2 guests or immediate family members traveling with you. You'll also get your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
Bonus Tip: You also get 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying miles if you spend $40,000 in a single year.
Whether you’re a true blue American Airlines loyalist or you fly with a number of airlines, this card is worth having in your wallet and can make your AA flights more pleasant, in addition to earning solid rewards. Cardholders get travel benefits and partner benefits that can offset the moderately low annual fee.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® - 50,000 bonus miles
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offer requires you to make purchases using the account's card in order to earn the 50,000 bonus miles. Full requirements to receive this bonus are:
- Apply for a new Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® credit card using the link below.
- Within 3 months, spend $5,000 using your new card.
- Bonus miles will be credited in your AAdvantage® account in 8-10 weeks.
Learn more about the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® 50,000 bonus miles offer
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How to Choose the Best Citi Credit Card for You
Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question, as choosing the best Citi credit card will be largely dependent on your personal circumstances and spending habits. All credit cards are different, both in their terms of use and the rewards offered.
If you’re considering a Citi credit card, look carefully at your personal finances. Answer these questions when trying to find the best Citi card for you:
- How’s your credit score?
- Do you want to be able to earn hassle-free rewards with your credit card?
- Are you a frequent traveler looking for travel-based rewards?
- Do you plan to make big purchases that you want to be able to pay flexibly?
- Do you have other credit card debt?
For all of the above, there are Citi credit cards that could be suited for you– so take your time to consider what your needs actually are!
Compare and contrast cards both within the Citi network and outside of it — you may be able to find better APRs or rewards elsewhere, and brand loyalty shouldn’t stop you from shopping around.
Whatever you do, make sure that you are in a financial position to be able to pay off your credit card on time every month. If you don’t, you could face unexpected and unwanted fees, or have your credit score affected.
About Citi
Citigroup has been around since 1967, though back then it was known as First National City Bank. It’s now known as the biggest credit card issuer globally, boasting over 138 million accounts.
Citi first began its operations in New York City, but by the early eighties had expanded into South Dakota where they eventually moved to. This move, a result of South Dakota’s repeal of usury laws, enabled Citi’s credit card division to become the most profitable in the company.
Citi cards now offer a variety of different types of credit cards, with high-stakes rewards, such as cash back, miles, and points. It also offers balance transfers, spending management, and purchase plans for its customers.
In addition to credit cards, Citi specializes in mortgages and investments, and has partnerships with large US-based companies, including AT&T and American Airlines.
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Types of Credit Cards Offered by Citi
Citi offers a variety of different types of credit cards, so no matter your circumstances, there’s likely to be one that works for you.
While rewards are certainly an important consideration, if you have a low or no credit score, then Citi will still be able to help you get your foot on the ladder to better cards.
Secured Citi Credit Cards
If you have a low or zero credit rating, then a secured card can help you begin to build your credit score.
Once you’ve amassed a high enough credit score, you may be able to graduate to a higher-tier card with more rewards, and get your initial card deposit back.
This is a great option for those who are just starting out, or need time to improve their FICO Score.
Cash Back Citi Credit Cards
Just as it says, these credit cards are for those of you looking for cash back rewards. Better still: no annual fee!
There are multiple cards within the Citi range that offer cash back rewards, so be sure to compare and contrast to find the best cash back card for you.
Travel Citi Credit Cards
If you’re an avid traveler, then you’ll want a card that can earn you points and miles as you spend on your normal day-to-day expenses.
Simply by doing your grocery shopping, paying for gas, or going out to eat, you can rack up rewards and points!
Zero-Annual-Fee Citi Credit Cards
Citi has a variety of no-annual-fee credit cards, which is a great bonus. If you need to pay off your current debt and earn rewards while you do so, one of these cards could be a great option.
Balance transfers are a good choice on these cards, too, but be sure to read the fine print as this will likely come with additional fees.
However, with the no-annual-fee tag, it’s likely worth it– especially if it helps you pay off your existing debt.
Zero-Percent Intro APR Citi Credit Cards
Many of the Citi credit cards come with a 0% intro APR offer for a limited time, meaning you can make interest-free purchases.
Just be aware that you’ll still need to make sure all of your monthly payments are on-time and in full! You’ll also want to check the fine print and see if there are any conditions attached.
Small Business Citi Credit Cards
If you own a small business, then a Citi credit card designed to specifically deal with that is available for you.
These cards can offer you various benefits and rewards for travel or business purchases, and may also offer either no or a waived annual fee (for a limited amount of time).
Co-Branded Citi Credit Cards
As mentioned, Citi has many partnerships available which offer rewards from specific stores or brands.
If you’re a frequent shopper at any of these, or want to rack up some miles and travel-based rewards, it could be worth checking one of these out.
Partners include American Airlines, Costco, and Walmart, amongst others.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- There are plenty of different Citi credit cards available: Whether you’re looking for cards for cash back, travel, balance transfers, student cards, and more, Citi will have an option to suit.
- Rewards categories are large and varied: You can earn on everyday purchases, such as groceries and gas, or larger purchases, such as travel. There are both flat and tiered rates available for rewards.
- Bonuses when you sign up: Many of the Citi cards offer a variety of bonuses, such as 0% intro APR, and many of the cards come without an annual fee attached.
- You can use your Citi cards in tandem: If you have multiple Citi cards, you can often use them together in order to maximize your rewards and value. As Citi uses their internal ThankYou Rewards program to redeem your points, this is especially important.
- No limit to number of Citi cards you can hold: While there is no limit on the number of cards you can hold, you will be limited on how many you can apply for within a specific time period. You must wait 8 days between applications, and can only make a maximum of 2 card applications over a 65-day period.
Cons
- Most Citi cards require at least good credit: While there are some exceptions to this rule, the cards with the best rewards and bonuses will need you to have a FICO Score of at least 670.
- Beginners have limited card options: If you’re just starting out with a credit card, building, or re-building credit, there’s only a handful of cards available to you with Citi. Having said that, if your priority is to build a credit score and you stick with a card long enough to be able to do so, you’ll be able to graduate to other better cards! In that case, a Citi card could still be worth it.
Citi’s Credit Card Rewards Program
As mentioned, the main rewards program is Citi’s ThankYou Rewards.
When you spend using various Citi credit cards (including Citi Rewards+®, and Citi Premier®), you can earn ThankYou Rewards points. Points can then be redeemed from within the ThankYou Rewards platform. Now, even cash back cards like the Citi® Double Cash allow rewards to be further maximized by transferring to ThankYou Rewards if you have another eligible card.
In addition, some cards include travel and airline rewards. In fact, one of the best ways to maximize the value of rewards earned is by transferring points to one of Citi’s 15+ airline and hotel partners.
As we’ve already covered, you can also transfer and share points between cards, which is especially helpful if you have multiple Citi cards or cards shared between family and partners.
Depending on what kind of rewards would be beneficial for you, there’s bound to be a card that will work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best Citi credit card?
This is highly dependable on your own circumstances and what you’re looking for.
Be sure to fully investigate the rewards, bonuses, as well as your financial situation and needs in order to determine the best Citi card for you.
Can you have more than one Citi credit card?
Yes — as long as you’re approved, you can hold as many Citi credit cards as you like. Just be aware that there are some restrictions on applications within a certain period of time.
What credit score do you need for a Citi credit card?
The majority of Citi cards will require a good or better credit score in order to qualify (FICO Score of 670 or higher). However, if you have low or no credit, there are still options available to you, though not as many.
What’s the credit limit on a Citi card?
Your credit limit will depend on your credit score, income, and credit history. When you apply for a Citi card, they will determine your credit limit for you.
Be aware that every time a hard line of inquiry is opened on your credit score, this could affect you negatively.
Where are Citi cards accepted?
Citi credit cards are mostly Mastercard affiliated, though some are affiliated with Visa. This means that your card will be accepted globally, though there may be some international fees that apply.
What’s the easiest Citi card to get?
Both the Citi® Secured Mastercard® and Citi Rewards+® Student cards are designed to be credit builder cards. Though you’ll still have to apply and be approved, these two cards are specifically for those with low or no credit score. Therefore, they should be two of the easiest Citi cards to qualify for.
Are Citi Credit Cards Worth It?
Citi’s biggest pro is really just the range of cards offered, including options for those with low or no credit score — though it’s worth bearing in mind that those are limited.
If you have good or better credit, then Citi cards are really aimed at you– and the rewards reflect that.
However, no matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s cash-back rewards, no-annual-fee, 0% introductory APR, or the opportunity to earn miles and rewards as you travel, Citi will have an option for you.
