2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST CITIBANK CARDS


Introduction: The Best Citibank Cards and a Complete Citi Cash Back Card Review

When searching for the best credit cards on the market, signing up for some obscure card offered by a bank you have never heard of is usually not a great idea.

A Citibank card, however, brings with it the trusted name of a banking company that has been around since 1812. From a Citibank travel card to a Citibank rewards card, there are a number of quality options for Citibank cards on the market today.

Top Citibank Cards Red Award Emblem

Award Emblem: Top Citibank Cards

In this brief article, AdvisoryHQ will explain why a Citibank card is so special and what separates a Citibank rewards card from other competitors. We offer a Citibank cash back card review of six of the top Citibank cards today through a helpful comparative table. 

In our FAQ section we look at how you can get the most out of your Citibank travel card or Citibank rewards card as well as what features to look for in the top Citibank cash back and Citi Card rewards programs. Finally, we will offer a complete review of six of the top Citi Card offers available today. 

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What Makes a Citibank Card Special?

Besides being one of the oldest banks in the U.S. financial sector market, Citibank is also one of the largest. According to Wikipedia, Citibank has 983 North American branches and a firm presence in several foreign markets as well.

Not only do they offer a quality Citibank travel card, Citi Cash card, and other Citibank cards, but this massive financial company also offers insurance, regular banking products, and investment strategies. 

Furthermore, Citibank offers an online services division which has over 15 million users. If you own a Citi travel card or any other type of best Citi card, this online presence is sure to help you in your money management. 

In today’s increasingly mobile-driven world, the best Citi card offers a whole range of online banking tools that offer you flexibility and instant access to your funds anywhere you take your smartphone. 



AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Citibank Cards

List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):


Top 6 Best Citibank Cards| Brief Comparison & Ranking

Best Citi Card Names

% or Low Intro APR Offer?

Intro Duration

Annual Fee

Citi Diamond Preferred® Card

0%

21 months

None

Citi Simplicity® Card

0%

21 months

None

Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students

0%

7 months

None

Citi® Double Cash Card

None Offered

None Offered

None

Citi® Secured MasterCard®

None Offered

None Offered

None

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World MasterCard®

None Offered

None Offered

$95

Table: Top 6 Citi Card Offers | Above list is sorted alphabetically



How to Get the Most Out of a Citibank Travel Card or a Citibank Rewards Card?

Finding the best Citibank card for you will depend largely on your lifestyle and how you plan to use the card over the long term. For example, if you only travel once a year or so, a Citibank travel card most likely won’t earn you many rewards. However, if you travel a lot for business or to visit family, a Citi travel card could save you hundreds of dollars in miles and rewards. 

best citi card

Image source: Pixabay

Similarly, the best Citi card rewards programs will depend largely on how you use the card. If you use your card only sparingly, chances are that you won’t benefit from significant Citi card rewards.

If, however, you are able to use your Citibank card for your everyday purchases and develop the financial responsibility to pay off your balance in full each month, you can earn significant amounts of money from Citibank cash back rewards while avoiding any and all interest fees. 

Furthermore, since the best Citi card also comes with an introductory 0% APR for 21 months, you can effectively receive a no interest loan for almost two years.

If you have a major expense, such as a home or auto repair, you may be able to sign up for the best Citi card offers and make the most of the 0% APR while avoiding a personal loan altogether. 


What to Look for in Citibank Cash Back and Citi Card Rewards Program

Finding the top Citi card offers requires you to understand how you will be using the card. However, it is also important to take the time to read the fine print on any Citibank card you sign up for. 

According to the news agency Reuters, last year, Citibank had to pay $770 million to its users for illegal credit card practices. This penalty was due to the fact that Citibank was using deceptive marketing practices and not clearly stating the costs and fees associated with the Citibank cards they offered. 

When searching for the top Citibank cards, then, it is important to make sure you understand the complete terms and conditions associated with the Citi cash card or Citibank travel card you apply for. Review the fees associated with the card, including the annual fee (if there is one), late payment fees, late payment APR, cash advance fees, and foreign transaction fees.

As with any credit card, the best Citi card may publicize a low introductory APR in order to attract your attention. Before signing up for any Citibank card, however, make sure to check what comes after those Citi card offers. 



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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology

What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?

Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.


Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Citibank Cards

Below, please find the detailed review of each credit card on our list of the top Citi cash card and Citi travel card. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these Citibank cards to score so highly in our selection ranking.

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Citi Diamond Preferred® Card Review


The Citi Diamond Preferred® Card is one of the most chosen Citibank cards on the market today. The 0% intro APR is basically a zero-interest loan for almost two years. Hundreds of people have taken advantage of this Citibank rewards card to avoid the banks and gradually pay off debt without any sort of interest fees. 

Citi Diamond Preferred® - citibank cards

Image source: Citibank Corporation

After the introductory APR on this best Citi card expires, you will still enjoy a variable APR between 12.24% – 22.24% according to your credit score. Furthermore, there is no annual fee with this best Citi card.

Furthermore, as with other Citibank cards, the Diamond Preferred Card allows you to choose your monthly due date according to your own personal financial schedule and pay day. This unique feature comes in handy for people on a tight budget who are living paycheck to paycheck.



Citi Simplicity® Card Review


Another of the top Citibank cards is the Citi Simplicity® Card. This best Citi card also comes with a 0% intro APR for 21 months, including purchases and balance transfers.

Citi Simplicity® Card - citibank card

Image source: Citibank Corporation

If you have built up an unhealthy amount of debt on a card that is charging you an arm and a leg in interest, you might be able to devise a perfect plan to escape from the debt through changing to this best Citi card and sticking to a payment plan over the 21-month no interest intro period. 

Furthermore, among Citibank cards, the Citi Simplicity® Card is unique in that it comes with absolutely no late fees, no penalty rate, and no annual fee. If you are looking for a card that will give you great access to credit without miring you in hidden payment schemes, this Citibank card is a great option, hands down. 

Related: Top Credit Cards for Good & Average Credit | Ranking & Reviews



Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students Review


If you are a college student, the Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card for College Students is one of the best Citibank cards for you. The 0% introductory APR on this card only lasts for 7 months, but the regular APR for purchases starts at 14.24%, which is a low rate, especially for college-aged students who don’t have the greatest credit histories.

Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card - citibank cash back

Image source: Citibank Corporation

Furthermore you can earn 2,500 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $500 within the first three months of opening your account.

This bonus is a way for Citibank to try and sway young clients to stay with them over the long term. Furthermore, with this best Citi card, you will earn rewards on all purchases that you make. 




Citi® Double Cash Card Review


For people who are looking for the best Citi cash card or Citibank rewards card, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a great option. With this quality Citi cash card, you can earn, as the name says, double the amount of rewards.

Citi® Double Cash Card - citibank rewards card

Image source: Citibank Corporation

You can earn 1% on purchases and 1% as you pay for those purchases on this best Citi card. This is one of the only credit cards that will pay you rewards not only when you make the purchase, but also when you pay off your balance either in full or over monthly payments. 

Furthermore, with this best Citi card, you can also benefit from a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. To get this deal, you have to complete the balance transfer within four months of opening the account. 



Citi® Secured MasterCard® Review


The Citi® Secured MasterCard® is by far the best Citi card for people with bad credit. With this quality Citibank card, you can start the process of rebuilding your credit.

Citi® Secured MasterCard® - citi card rewards

Image source: Citibank Corporation

If you have been trying to get a better rate on a home or car loan, this is the best option among Citibank cards to quickly build credit through responsible use of the card. 

There is no annual fee associated with this best Citi card for rebuilding credit and for low credit. To get a credit line, you simply have to provide a security deposit anywhere between $200 and $2,500. After 18 months of responsible use of this Citibank card, your security deposit will be returned and you should be able to apply for other Citibank cards, such as a Citi travel card or a Citi rewards card.                                                                               

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CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World MasterCard® Review


For businesses that fly frequently, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World MasterCard® is a quality Citibank card that will allow you to gain serious rewards and miles. With this Citi travel card, you and your business can earn 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World MasterCard® - citibank travel card

Image source: Citibank Corporation

Furthermore, this top Citi Bank travel card comes with a low 15.49% APR and absolutely no foreign transaction fees. On American Airlines flights, this best Citi card will also allow you one free checked bag and Group 1 boarding preference. Furthermore, you will receive free employee cards so that they can also earn miles from American Airlines. 

Read More: Best Credit Cards to Build Credit | Ranking & Reviews | Credit Cards for Building Credit


Conclusion — Top 6 Citibank Cards

This Citi cash back card review has looked at some of the top features of the best Citibank cards on the market today.

There is a best Citi card available for whatever your financial situation may be and however you plan to use your Citibank card. 



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Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.

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