If you’re the kind of person who likes getting money back on everything you buy, without having to jump through hoops, activate categories, or worry about travel points, then the Citi Double Cash® Card is probably already on your radar. It’s built a solid reputation in the United States for one incredibly straightforward reason: it offers one of the most generous flat cashback rates on the market, applied to every single purchase you make. No complicated tiers, no rotating categories – just consistent, high-percentage cashback.
But how does it work its magic? What are the specifics of earning that celebrated cashback, and what else should you know about this popular card? Let’s dive into the details of the Citi Double Cash Card, explore its unique rewards structure, look at its costs, and see why it’s a go-to choice for maximizing everyday spending rewards.
Earning Cashback: The Unique 1% + 1% System
The name “Double Cash” isn’t just marketing; it describes exactly how you earn rewards with this card. The Citi Double Cash Card offers an unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase. However, it breaks that earning into two parts:
- You earn 1% cashback when you make a purchase.
- You earn the other 1% cashback when you pay for that purchase.
This means to get the full 2% cashback on a purchase, you must pay at least the minimum amount due on your statement. Paying off the full statement balance ensures you earn the full 2% on all your purchases for that billing cycle. This structure subtly encourages good payment habits, rewarding you fully when you stay on top of your bills.
The beauty here is the simplicity. That 2% earning rate applies to everything. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying bills, shopping online, or filling up your gas tank, you consistently earn 2% back. There are no limits on how much cashback you can earn. This makes it a fantastic card for all your spending that doesn’t fall into specific bonus categories on other cards you might have.
Redeeming Your Cashback: Easy and Flexible
Citi makes redeeming the cashback you earn with the Double Cash card quite simple and flexible.
- You can redeem your cashback once your accumulated rewards balance reaches $25.
- Redemption options include:
- Direct Deposit: Have the cashback transferred electronically to your bank account.
- Statement Credit: Apply the cashback directly to your credit card balance, reducing the amount you owe.
- Check: Request a check mailed to you.
While the options are focused purely on getting cash back to you (as opposed to travel points), the process is easy and puts tangible money back in your pocket.
Understanding the Costs: The Powerful Zero Annual Fee
A huge factor in the appeal of the Citi Double Cash Card is its no annual fee. You get that robust 2% cashback rate without having to pay a yearly cost just to carry the card. This means every dollar of cashback earned directly adds to your savings or can be used for spending, without having to offset an annual fee first.
The card also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. While this is a nice perk, like Discover, Mastercard’s acceptance internationally isn’t quite as universal as Visa or some Amex cards, so it might not be your primary card for overseas travel.
Other Features to Note
While the focus is on cashback, the card does offer other features:
- Introductory APR: The Citi Double Cash Card often features a 0% introductory APR period on balance transfers, which can be a useful tool for consolidating high-interest debt (remember the balance transfer fee!). Note that this 0% usually does not apply to new purchases.
- Citi Entertainment: Access to presale tickets and VIP packages for concerts, sporting events, and more.
Is the Citi Double Cash® Card Right for You?
This card is typically an excellent fit for:
- People who want a straightforward, high flat-rate cashback card with no annual fee.
- Consumers whose spending doesn’t consistently align with rotating or tiered bonus categories offered by other cards.
- Individuals who want to earn a high return on all their everyday spending.
- Those looking for a simple, easy-to-understand rewards structure.
- Users who will pay at least the minimum payment each month to earn the full 2% cashback.
It might be less suitable if you prefer travel rewards, want luxury travel perks, or carry balances long-term and would benefit from a longer 0% intro APR period on purchases.
Ready to Earn Double? How to Apply for the Citi Double Cash® Card
If the Citi Double Cash Card’s simple 2% cashback formula appeals to your spending style in the US, applying for the card is a clear next step.
- Check Your Credit Score: The Citi Double Cash Card generally requires good to excellent credit for approval (typically a FICO score of 670 or higher). Knowing your score beforehand gives you an idea of your approval odds.
- Visit the Official Citi Website: The safest and most direct way to apply is through the official Citibank website or a trusted financial comparison site that links directly to the official application page.
- Complete the Online Application: The application will ask for standard personal and financial information: Name, Address, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, employment details, annual income, and monthly housing payment. Fill everything out accurately and completely.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Before submitting, carefully read the terms, including the APRs (especially the standard purchase APR after any potential intro period), details of the balance transfer offer, and confirm the no annual fee. Pay attention to the 1% purchase / 1% payment earning structure details.
- Submit the Application: Once you’ve reviewed everything, submit the online application. You may receive an instant decision, or it might go into review.
If approved, your card will be mailed to you. Once it arrives, activate it and start using it for all your everyday purchases, making sure to pay at least the minimum each month to get that full 2% cashback!
