Our take: If you’re trying to consolidate your credit card debt or finance a big purchase, the Citi Simplicity® Card offers a long 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. However, beyond the 0% intro APR period, this card has little to offer—cardholders don’t get rewards or any perks or protections.
Pros
- Long 0% APR period
- No annual fee
Cons
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
Citi Simplicity Highlights
Card type: 0% APR, Balance transfer
- Welcome Bonus: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rewards: This card does not offer rewards.
Citi Simplicity Overview
Like the name suggests, the Citi Simplicity® Card stands out for its simplicity—it has no annual fee, no rewards, no late fees, and no penalty rate.
The primary benefit of the card is the long 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. Cardholders get a 0% intro APR for 12 months on new purchases. After that, a 19.24%–29.99% variable APR.
For balance transfers, the intro APR period is even longer—cardholders get a 0% APR for 21 months from the date of first transfer (transfers must be completed within four months from the date of account opening). You’ll also have to pay a fee of either $5 or 3% of the total amount, whichever is greater. After that, there’s a 19.24%–29.99% variable APR.
Plus, if you have trouble remembering when your credit card payment is due, you can adjust the due date. And if you do make a late payment (which we don’t recommend), you won’t be charged a fee or a penalty APR.
Who is Citi Simplicity good for?
The Citi Simplicity® Card is ideal for those who prioritize a straightforward, affordable credit card. It’s especially beneficial for individuals looking to consolidate debt or make significant purchases given its extended 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers.
Who shouldn’t get Citi Simplicity?
Individuals who seek robust rewards, travel perks, and various protections and insurances should opt for a different card. Unless you’re planning to take advantage of Citi Simplicity’s 0% intro APR period, there are better no-annual fee card options on the market.
Citi Simplicity rates and fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each purchase transaction in U.S. dollars.
- Intro APR on purchases: 0% intro APR for 12 months from date of account opening
- Purchase APR: 19.24%–29.99% variable
- 0% APR Balance transfer: 0% APR for 21 months from the date of first transfer (transfers must be completed within four months from the date of account opening). Plus, there’s a fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. After the intro period ends, there’s a 19.24%–29.99% variable APR
Additional benefits
- No late fees: If you miss a single payment you won’t be charged for your oversight.
- $0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges: You’re completely protected against unauthorized charges on your account.
Credit cards similar to Citi Simplicity
While Citi Simplicity cardholders get a long 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, cardholders who need more time to pay off a big-ticket item may need a card that offers a longer intro APR period on purchases, like the Wells Fargo Reflect.
If, however, your priority is earning rewards, you might opt for a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card vs. Citi Simplicity
Like the Citi Simplicity® Card, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card doesn’t offer rewards. This no-annual-fee card offers a period on purchases and balance transfers. After that, 17.99%–29.99% variable APR. If you opt for a balance transfer, there’s also a fee of 5% for each balance transfer (minimum $5).
Plus, you’ll get some additional protections and insurance with the card: Reflect cardholders receive $600 worth of cell phone protection.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Citi Simplicity
For those more interested in earning rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® stands out as a solid $0 annual fee card.
Freedom Unlimited cardholders earn 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases, plus 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery service) and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
If you opt for the Freedom Unlimited, you’ll still get a 0% intro APR period. With the Unlimited, cardholders receive 15-month 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers (then 20.49%–29.24% variable APR).
The Freedom Unlimited offers a handful of key protections, too, like purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and trip cancellation insurance.
Is the Citi Simplicity right for you?
The Citi Simplicity® Card is a great choice for those focused on simplicity and affordability The card’s lengthy 0% intro APR period, no annual fee, no late fees, and no penalty APR make it a cost-effective credit card option.
However, due to the Citi Simplicity’s lack of rewards, welcome bonus, perks and protections, some cardholders might be better off with another card. Plus, if you plan to do international traveling, the Simplicity charges a foreign transaction fee, which could add up.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Citi Simplicity Card hard to get?
The Citi Simplicity® Card may be hard to get for some cardholders, as you’ll likely need at least a good FICO score or better to qualify.
What are the disadvantages of Citi Simplicity Card?
The disadvantages of the Citi Simplicity® Card are its lack of rewards, welcome bonus, protections, and perks.
Is Citi Simplicity a Mastercard or Visa?
The Citi Simplicity® Card is a Mastercard.
Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.
