If you’re searching for a straightforward credit card that makes balance transfers manageable while also offering long-term value, this Citi Double Cash card review highlights how and why the product consistently ranks among the best balance transfer cards for average credit.
With a long 0% intro APR on balance transfers and unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, this card combines the ability to reduce debt with everyday rewards without the need for an excellent credit score.
Unlike some balance transfer cards that fall short on long-term benefits, the Citi Double Cash card offers an immediate 18-month balance transfer rate plus long-term rewards continuing long after the introductory period ends.
Pros
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
Unlimited 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
$200 welcome bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases
$0 annual fee
Cons
Balance transfers don’t earn rewards
3% foreign transaction fee
Rewards redeemable only through Citi’s ThankYou Points system
About the Citi Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash card earns a reputation as one of the top contenders among balance transfer cards available to borrowers with good or average credit scores. It’s especially attractive because beyond the temporary intro APR offer, cardholders earn rewards consistently without having to juggle rotating categories or enrolling in quarterly or monthy categories.
This makes it particularly appealing if you have a credit score above 670 and want to combine debt repayment with continuous cash-back rewards on purchases.
Product InsightsThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau updated its information regarding the Citi Double Cash card effective December 31, 2024, and notes that the information is subject to change. In summary: Citibank, N.A. issues the Citi Double Cash card, which is available nationwide and typically requires a good to excellent credit score of 620 or higher. Purchase APRs range from about 18.24% to 28.24%, depending on your credit profile, with a $0 annual fee. The card also carries standard fees for balance transfers, cash advances, and late payments, and its APR is variable, meaning it may fluctuate over time. |
Features and Benefits
The Citi Double Cash card’s standout qualities include a generous intro APR offer for balance transfers and simple but rewarding cash back features.
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
- Earn 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
- $200 bonus (20,000 ThankYou Points) after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
- 5% back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked with Citi Travel
- $0 annual fee
- Flexible redemption options, including statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, and more
- 24/7 fraud protection and customer service
Citi Double Cash Reviews: Editorial Rating
Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Citi Double Cash: 9.4
We rated the Citi Double Cash card highly because its 18-month balance transfer period is longer than most card offers associated with average credit in mind. Add in the card’s lack of an annual fee and strong customer satisfaction ratings, and this card ranks near the top of the category.
| Intro Offer | Credit Score Needed | Intro Balance Transfer Fee | Annual Fee |
| 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months / $200 bonus after $1,500 spending in 6 months | Good (670+) | 3% | $0 |
Why We Like It
We like that the unlimited 2% back on all purchases provides simplicity and consistency regarding rewards earnings, especially for a card available to those with average credit versus excellent. The card offers solid intro offers and continued usefulness.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest downside is that Citibank charges a 3% foreign transaction fee for using this card out of the country, which limits its usefulness if you’re a frequent international traveler. Rewards redemption is also slightly less flexible than that of some competitors, as it’s available only through the Citi ThankYou Points system.
Citi Double Cash Rates, Fees, and Information
The Citi Double Cash card has no annual fee, making it affordable to carry long-term. Its 18-month 0% intro APR applies only to transferring a balance, not to new purchases. After the intro period, a variable APR based on your creditworthiness, and standard fees for balance transfers, late payments, and foreign transactions will apply.
Citi Double Cash Customer Reviews
Customers generally like the Citi Double Cash card for its straightforward rewards and strong balance transfer offer. Many note that the unlimited 2% structure makes earning cash simple and predictable, as opposed to rotating-category cards, which are common in this card tier. Some reviews mention frustration with the Citi ThankYou Points redemption process. However, the overall sentiment is positive.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Vs Citi Double Cash
Both the Citi Double Cash and Chase Freedom Unlimited cards are popular cash-back card choices. The Double Cash card focuses on consistent rewards and a long balance transfer period, while Chase Freedom Unlimited provides higher rewards in bonus categories and travel benefits. However, the Chase card is more difficult to qualify for unless you have an average credit score nearer the high end of the scale and above 700.
| Citi Double Cash | Chase Freedom Unlimited | |
| Intro Offer | 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months / $200 bonus after $1,500 spending in 6 months | 0% APR for 15 months / $200 bonus after $500 spending in 3 months |
| Ongoing Rewards | 2% cash back on all purchases | 5% on travel via Chase, 3% on dining/drugstores, 1.5% on everything else |
| Approval Odds for Average Credit | Good | Okay |
| Prequalification Available? | Yes | Yes |
Who Is Citi Double Cash Best For?
The Citi Double Cash card is best for people with a credit score in the low to mid-average range and above 670 who want a simple, flat-rate rewards program combined with a strong balance transfer card offer.
How to Get the Most From Using Citi Double Cash
To maximize the benefits of this card, transfer balances within the first 4 months to lock in the intro balance transfer fee. Use the card for everyday purchases to earn your 2% cash back rewards and redeem them through the company’s ThankYou system.
Paying your bill on time ensures you maintain your intro APR offers and avoid late fees.
Any portion of your balance transfer amount or other balance remaining when the intro offer ends will begin accruing interest charges based on your current total balance at your regular rate.
Citi Double Cash Alternatives
Citi Double Cash is a solid choice with a generous balance transfer window. However, it may not be your first choice, particularly if you need a card with no international use fees or if you’d feel comfortable with, and could earn more rewards with, a card that targets specific or rotating categories. If that sounds like you, check our overview of the best balance transfer cards for average credit, which includes information on the following nearest competitors in the category.
- Discover it Cash Back: Competitive 15-month, 0% intro APR plus rotating 5% categories and a Cashback Match.
- BankAmericard: 18-month, 0% APR timeframe for both transfers and purchases.
- Alliant Visa Platinum: Low, 2% transfer fee and credit union membership benefits
- Citi Simplicity: 21-month, 0% APR balance transfer offer plus 12-month, 0% APR on purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Citi Double Cash Card credit limit?
Does the Citi Double Cash Card have an annual fee?
How do I qualify for the Citi Double Cash Card?
Conclusion
The Citi Double Cash card offers one of the most balanced packages for borrowers with average to good credit. With 18 months of 0% APR on balance transfers, unlimited 2% cash back, and a $200 welcome bonus, it’s both a short-term debt reduction tool and a long-term rewards card. While not ideal for international travelers or those seeking ultra-high categorical rewards, it’s a solid contender among the best transfer cards for average credit.
Deane Biermeier is a certified financial educator through the University of Minnesota and a respected authority in financial research, writing, and editing, renowned for his in-depth analyses and expert advice. With a distinguished career that previously spanned home improvement, real estate, and finance topics, Deane's role at Trusted Company Reviews focuses exclusively on finance.
Deane has contributed to leading publications such as Forbes Home, US News and World Report, Newsweek Vault, and others.
Since joining TrustedCompanyReviews.com in 2023, he has solidified his reputation as a crucial resource for clear, factual financial guidance.
Deane Biermeier
Last Updated: October 29, 2025
Editorial Reviews
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