Citi Simplicity Card Review

Our Citi Simplicity card review highlights one of the longest introductory APR offers available. With 0% balance transfers for 21 months and no penalty APR, the card stands out among contenders in our overview of the best balance transfer cards for average credit, despite its shortcomings in offering any lucrative rewards system.

What it does offer, however, is solid approval odds, no annual or extra fees, and plenty of time to pay down transferred balances.

About Citi Simplicity

The Citi Simplicity card is really mostly a typical credit card, with little to offer in the way of rewards or flashy perks. However, instead of trying to attract customers with potentially complex cash-back promises, it focuses on its balance transfer offer for marketing. It has one of the longest 0% APR periods on the market, regardless of credit scores or tier level.

It’s also one of the few balance transfer cards that doesn’t charge late fees or a penalty APR. Even if you’re late paying your bill on time, your APR won’t spike, which is an uncommon feature among cards in this category.

Features and Benefits

The Citi Simplicity card offers simplicity and predictability, making it easy to focus on paying down debt during the intro offer duration.

• 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening
• Balance transfer fee: 3% within the first 4 months of account opening
• No annual fee
• No late payment fees
• No penalty APR
• Choose your payment due date

Citi Simplicity Reviews: Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for Citi Simplicity: 8.9

The Citi Simplicity card scores highly in our review due to its excellent intro APR offers and nearly complete lack of additional fees. The 21-month, 0% balance transfer feature is rare, especially at its tier level. However, its lack of rewards and limited long-term value keep it from ranking higher. That said, if you need a way to pay down debt and won’t qualify for a high-rewards card with a similar offer, this one can work well.

Why We Like It

We like the Citi Simplicity card because it provides the longest intro period for balance transfers available in this review series. For anyone carrying high balances, having nearly two years of breathing room can make repayment much more realistic. The absence of late fees and penalty APRs is another layer of protection that most cards offer only partially, if at all.

What We Don’t Like

The biggest downside to this Citi offering is its lack of a rewards program. While it features one of the best intro offers, it doesn’t offer much in the way of long-term value for everyday spending.

Citi Simplicity Rates, Fees, and Information

The Citi Simplicity card has no annual fee, making it affordable over the long term. Its 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months requires you to transfer into the card within the first four months. The 0% offer also extends to purchases made in the first 12 months. After the promo period, a variable APR of between 18.24% and 28.99% will apply, is subject to change, and is based on your credit profile.

Citi Simplicity Customer Reviews

Customers who have left reviews generally like the 21-month balance transfer window and the lack of a penalty APR. Many say those factors help to minimize stress during repayment since paying your bill on time isn’t tied to late fees or interest spikes. However, and not surprisingly, reviewers often note disappointment with the absence of ways to earn rewards.

Citi Simplicity Vs Citi Diamond Preferred

The Citi Simplicity card and Citi Diamond Preferred card share similarities, but Simplicity stands out for its no-late-fee feature. Diamond Preferred offers the same lengthy 0% intro APR period. However, it charges a 5% transfer fee, versus the 3% that Simplicity charges.

While both cards have decent approval odds for those with average credit, the Diamond card generally requires somewhat higher scores. The payoff could be in its slightly lower APR average. Only the Simplicity card appears in our review of the best balance transfer cards for average credit.

Who Is Citi Simplicity Best For?

The Citi Simplicity card is a solid choice if you require maximum time to repay balances without paying interest, or might benefit from incurring no penalties for a late payment. If you’re looking for a balance transfer card with a long intro APR offer primarily for helping with consolidation, this one has the most extended timeframe that our research could uncover for those with good, but not yet excellent, credit.

How to Get the Most From Citi Simplicity

To maximize the benefits of this card, transfer balances within four months of your account opening to qualify for the intro APR and fees. Use the 21-month window strategically to pay down balances in full, and always make at least the minimum payment on time. While there are no penalty or late fees, missing payments can still affect your credit score.

Citi Simplicity Alternatives

The Citi Simplicity card is excellent for debt repayment, but it’s not the best fit for everyone, as it does come up short on long-term rewards benefits. If you’re looking for flat-rate or rotating category rewards or other perks, these alternatives may be a better fit. Each of them ranks in our overview of the best balance transfer cards for average credit.

• 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.
• Citi Double Cash: Long intro period plus a flat 2% return on purchases
• Alliant Visa Platinum: 2% transfer fees and low ongoing APR

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Citi Simplicity card markets its intro offers above all else and provides one of the longest intro APRs available in this credit card tier. While it lacks rewards and other perks, it does offer decent approval odds for those with average credit and a repayment structure with no penalty or late fees.

About Author

Deane Biermeier