Citi Double Cash Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
We generally do not recommend applying for the Citi Double Cash if you’re focused on maximizing travel rewards, since it uses a 5/24 slot and does not unlock full Citi transfer partner access on its own. It works better as a downgrade option or as a support card if you already have, or plan to add, a Strata Premier or Strata Elite card to unlock better transfer access.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
The Citi Double Cash offers a straightforward approach to earning rewards without complexity. Here's what makes it worth considering:
- No annual fee: You won't pay anything to keep this card in your wallet
- 20,000 point signup bonus (redeemable as cash back): Earn this cash back bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months
- 2% back on all spending: Earn 1% when you make purchases and another 1% when you pay your bill, with no category restrictions or spending caps
- 5% back through Citi Travel portal: Earn 5% back when you book travel through the Citi Travel portal
There are multiple redemption options, but this card alone does not allow you to transfer to hotel and airline partners, which unlocks the most value in the hobby:
- Direct deposit to your bank account
- Statement credit toward your balance
- Check by mail
- Travel bookings through the Citi portal
For strategic cardholders, the Double Cash becomes more valuable when paired with the Citi Strata Premier or Citi Strata Elite card. This combination allows you to transfer your Double Cash rewards to one of the Strata cards, unlocking access to airline and hotel transfer partners, where points can potentially deliver their maximum value.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
- You want genuine travel rewards.
- While you can use your cash back to book travel through their portal, numerous better options exist.
What to Know About Citi ThankYou Rewards
Citi points offer solid value thanks to a strong transfer partner list, highlighted by exclusive access to American Airlines.
- Only the Strata Premier and Strata Elite are worth it as they’re the only Citi cards with transferable miles to all partners and strong signup bonuses.
- You can combine cash back points from other Citi cards with Strata Premier or Elite and then transfer to partners, but none of the cash back cards have good welcome offers.
- Citi has expanded its transfer partner network with several high-value options.
- Points are flexible with many airline partners, and Citi is the only credit card system that transfers to American Airlines.
How The Citi Double Cash Credit Card Fits In The Citi ThankYou Rewards Ecosystem
The Citi Double Cash is best viewed as a support card within the Citi ThankYou ecosystem. It earns 2x points on all purchases with no annual fee, but it does not unlock full transfer partner access. You'll have to pair it with a Strata card to maximize the value of the earned points.
Here’s how the main Citi ThankYou cards stack up:
- Citi Double Cash: Best Citi catch-all card for non-bonus spending. It earns 2x points on all purchases with no caps, making it useful alongside a card that unlocks better transfer access.
- Citi Strata Premier: Best pairing for most Double Cash cardholders if you don't find value with the Elite and its high annual fee. It has a $95 annual fee, a 60,000 point welcome bonus, strong bonus categories, and transfers to all Citi partners at the best available rates.
- Citi Strata Elite: Premium pairing option with a $595 annual fee, a 75,000 point welcome bonus, a larger collection of statement credits, four Admirals Club lounge passes each year, and full transfer access.
- Citi Strata: No annual fee option that can transfer to Citi partners, but only at a reduced 1:0.7 ratio. It is better than having no transfer access, but not the best choice if your goal is maximizing your points via transfer partners.
- Citi Custom Cash: No longer available to new applicants, but valuable for existing cardholders. It earns 5x points in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 in spending.
The best long-term Citi setup for most travelers is the Strata Premier or Elite plus the Double Cash. Use the Strata Premier or Elite for bonus categories, travel benefits, and full transfer access, then use the Double Cash for 2x earnings on everything else. Existing Custom Cash cardholders can also keep that card in the mix for 5x earnings in one eligible category each billing cycle.
Card Information
Differentiating Perks
Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
Citi Double Cash Application Rules
You will not be eligible for a signup bonus on the same card if you’ve received one for THAT card in the previous 48 months.
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days
You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days
You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months
You may be rejected when applying for a Citi credit card if your credit has been pulled within the last five days (by any bank).
