Citi Simplicity Card Review

Aedam Jo Written by
Citi Simplicity Card
8.99/10 MyCreditCardLab Score
Citi Simplicity® Card Rating & Score with Credit Cards System

Objective testing of credit cards involves conducting systematic evaluations based on predefined criteria to assess their features, benefits, fees, and overall value proposition.

For more information see our credit card score explanation here.
9.8

Intro APR

Intro APR credit cards offer a temporary period with low to no interest rates on purchases or balance transfers. They provide a financial break before regular rates apply.

For more information see our Intro APR score explanation here.
0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for first 21 months
9.5

Regular APR

The APR is the ongoing interest rate for balances on credit cards. This is after any intro or promo periods end. It affects the long-term cost of borrowing.

For more information see our Regular APR score explanation here.
19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR
10

Annual Fee

Annual fee credit cards require a yearly payment for membership. They offer enhanced rewards, benefits, and services in exchange for the fee. They cater to individuals seeking premium perks.

For more information see our Annual fee score explanation here.
$0
9.3

Welcome Bonus

Welcome bonus credit cards offer a one-time reward. This could be bonus points, cashback, or statement credits. You get the reward by meeting spending goals. You must do so within a set time after opening the account. The rewards entice new cardholders with immediate benefits.

For more information see our Welcome bonus score explanation here.
0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and purchases from date of account opening
6.4

Rewards

Credit card rewards programs let cardholders earn points, miles, or cashback on purchases. They can redeem these rewards for things like travel, merchandise, gift cards, or credits. This gives extra value for using the card.

For more information see our rewards programs score explanation here.
This card doesn’t offer rewards
9

Benefits

Credit card benefits include perks and features from card issuers. They include travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranties. You also get airport lounge access and concierge services. They add value and usefulness for cardholders.

For more information see our benefits score explanation here.
Payment due date flexibility, Digital wallets
9

Recommended Credit Score

The recommended credit score is the minimum score recommended by the card issuer. It's for potential cardholders to qualify for a specific credit card. Meeting or beating this score boosts the chance of approval. It also gives access to the card's benefits and features.

For more information see our Recommended credit score Rating explanation here.
690 - 850 (Fair - Exceptional)
8.5

Foreign Transaction Fee

Card issuers impose foreign transaction fees. They apply to transactions in a foreign currency or with a foreign merchant. The fees are usually 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. They may apply to purchases, withdrawals, or transfers made in a foreign currency. This raises the cost of international transactions.

For more information see our foreign transaction fees score explanation here.
3%
9

Cash Advance Fee

Each time you use your credit card for a cash advance or ATM withdrawal, the bank applies a 'Cash Advance Fee'.

For example, a Cash Advance Fee of "3% (min $10)" means the fee will be 3% of the cash advance amount, with a minimum charge of $10.

For more information see our cash advance fee score explanation here.
5% (min $10)
9.4

Balance Transfer Fee

A balance transfer fee may apply when you transfer a balance from 'Credit Card A' to 'Credit Card B'.

This fee is imposed by the credit card that gets your transferred balance. In this case, that card is 'Credit Card B.' 'Credit Card A' never charges a fee.

For more information see our balance transfer fees score explanation here.
0% intro APR for 21 months
How we rating & score here.

Best for

Discover the best credit card for your needs. Are you a student, rewards enthusiast, or cash back lover? Find the perfect fit with our thorough reviews and comparisons.
  • Small Business Owners
  • Everyday Spending
  • Balance Transfers

Considerations

Consider key factors when choosing a credit card. These include interest rates, fees, rewards programs, and more. Make an informed decision to find the right card for your financial needs.
  • Late Payment Fee
  • Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Intro APR, Introductory Bonus
  • Penalty APR

Pros

Using a credit card has many pros. These include convenience, rewards, and building credit. They also include purchase protection and fraud security. You also get access to emergency funds and introductory offers. They help with budgeting and spending tracking. They also offer travel benefits and cash flow management. Plus, rental car insurance, extended warranties, and price protection. And online shopping security and opportunities for financial discipline.
  • 0% intro rate on new purchases for 12 months
  • Cardholders will pay no annual fee
  • No penalty APR
  • No late fees

Cons

Using a credit card has cons. These include potential overspending, high interest rates, and fees such as annual fees and late payment fees. It can also hurt your credit score if used irresponsibly. Using a credit card can tempt you to carry a balance and incur interest charges. It also risks identity theft and fraud. It can lead to debt and reliance on credit for financial needs. And, it has limits on rewards and benefits compared to other forms of payment.
  • No rewards
  • Balance transfer fee
  • High regular APR
  • 3 percent foreign transaction fee
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See our full methodology

In This Review

Reviews Annual Fee Welcome Bonus Rewards Benefits Comparisons APR Credit Score needed FAQs
9.0

Review: Citi Simplicity® Card

Get in-depth credit card reviews covering features, benefits, fees, and rewards. Make informed decisions and find the perfect card for your financial goals.

For more information see our credit card score explanation here.

At MyCreditCardLab, we put each card to the score.

We score Citi Simplicity® Card 10 different factors that impact the benefits and rewards of the cards. scoring categories include:

Credit Cards Review Rating
Intro APR Excellent
Regular APR Excellent
Annual Fee Exceptional
Welcome Bonus Very Good
Rewards Fair
Benefits Very Good
Recommended Credit Score Very Good
Foreign Transaction Fee Very Good
Cash Advance Fee Very Good
Balance Transfer Fee Very Good

Who can apply for Citi Simplicity® Card?

We have categorized Citi Simplicity® Card 4 main useful user criteria. it's applied using the MyCreditCardcLab methodology.

How is Citi Simplicity® Card Different?

Limited card benefits

Most dedicated balance transfer cards are like this. The Citi Simplicity is light on perks. The card has no rewards. It offers few other benefits. Some of the unimpressive benefits the card offers include:

  • Choose your payment due date. Citi lets you pick a date to align with payday or when you pay bills each month.
  • You can use your card for contactless payments. This option is available.
10

Citi Simplicity® Card Annual Fee

Card type: No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Issuer Name: Citibank

No annual fee

Another plus is that the card does not have an annual fee. Balance transfer cards rarely charge an annual fee. Seeing "$0" is always a welcome sign.

9.3

Welcome Bonus

The card also lacks a rewards program or welcome offer. So, it lacks the long-term value of rewards cards that have balance transfer offers. 

9.8

APRs: Citi Simplicity® Card

Explore credit card APRs to understand borrowing costs. Learn how APRs vary for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. This is crucial for informed financial choices.

The table below shows the types of each APR brief description for the Citi Simplicity® Card.

Type of APR Rating
Intro APR - 0% intro APR on Purchases for first 15 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for first 21 months on qualifying balance transfers 9.8/10Excellent
Regular APR - 19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR 9.5/10Excellent
Purchase - 19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR 9.1/10Very Good
Balance transfer - 19.24% - 29.99% variable, 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, and 5% ($5 min) for each transfer after that 9.4/10Very Good
Cash advance - 29.99% variable, plus a fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater 9/10Very Good
Penalty - No Penalty Fee 10/10Exceptional
9

Citi Simplicity® Card Benefits

Discover the many benefits of our credit cards. They include cash back and travel perks, as well as purchase protection and fraud prevention. Explore our cards today and unlock a world of convenience and value.

Certainly! Here's a table. It shows the benefits of the Citi Simplicity® credit card:

Benefits Score
Flexible payment due date

Cardholders are able to choose a payment due date that works best for them.

 9/10Very Good
No penalty APR

You won’t be assessed a penalty APR if you’re late on a payment.

10/10Exceptional
21 month-APR offer on balance transfers

The 21-month offer on balance transfers is one of the longest intro APR offers. They have not paid interest for nearly two years. This gives cardholders the chance to make a serious dent in their debt.

 9/10Very Good
12 month-APR offer on purchases

If you need to pay for purchases over time, you won't have to pay interest on them for a full year. However, there are cards with longer intro APR periods on purchases. 

 9.5/10Excellent
Fewer fees

The Citi Simplicity doesn’t charge an annual fee or late fees. It does, however, charge a balance transfer fee and cash advance fee.

 9.2/10Very Good
6.4

Citi Simplicity® Card Rewards

Citi Simplicity® Card Rewards stand out as a highly versatile credit currency, offering a myriad of redemption options to suit your preferences. You can utilize your rewards in a variety of ways, including:

  • No Rewards offer

Mastercard Benefits

Zero Liability Protection Mastercard Global Services ID Theft Protection
Pro Tip
According to Citi, it can take up to 14 days to process the balance transfers you initiated in your application.
9

Recommended Credit Score

Credit Score : 690 - 850 (Fair - Exceptional)

We evaluate credit card options based on FICO credit scores. We ensure tailored recommendations that match your financial profile.

For more information see our FICO Recommended credit score Rating explanation here.

The Citi Simplicity® Card recommends a credit score of 690 (Fair) to 850 (Exceptional). That range is from Fair to Exceptional. This range ensures eligibility for tailored benefits and rewards. It aligns with your credit profile and financial needs. Apply now to access exclusive perks designed to enhance your credit card experience.

Compare The Citi Simplicity® Card vs. Other Popular Cards

Compare credit cards effortlessly to find the ideal match for your financial goals. Explore features, rewards, fees, and more to make informed decisions and maximize your benefits. You might want cash back, travel rewards, or low APR. Our tool makes it easy. It lets you compare many cards at once.

You have comprehensive information at your fingertips. You can select the card that best fits your spending and preferences. Take control of your finances. Find the perfect credit card for your needs with our easy comparison platform.
Citi Simplicity<sup>®</sup> Card Citi Simplicity® Card American Express Blue Cash Everyday<sup>®</sup> Card American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup> Card Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card
9.0MyCreditCardLab
Score 		8.9MyCreditCardLab
Score

MyCreditCardLab Score 8.9

We've meticulously evaluated this card using MyCreditCardLab's exclusive credit card rating system. Our assessment considered various cardholder needs, ultimately assigning a rating based on the need with the highest score, currently at "." Our rating scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible score.

Annual Fee
10
Intro APR
7
Regular APR
9.5
Rewards
8.6
Benefits
8.7
Welcome Bonus
9.3
Recommended Credit Score: 9.2
Foreign Transaction Fee: 9.1
Cash Advance Fee: 9.1
Balance Transfer Fee: 8.3
8.7MyCreditCardLab
Score

MyCreditCardLab Score 8.7

We've meticulously evaluated this card using MyCreditCardLab's exclusive credit card rating system. Our assessment considered various cardholder needs, ultimately assigning a rating based on the need with the highest score, currently at "." Our rating scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the best possible score.

Annual Fee
10
Intro APR
7
Regular APR
9
Rewards
9.1
Benefits
8.1
Welcome Bonus
8.7
Recommended Credit Score: 9.3
Foreign Transaction Fee: 7.7
Cash Advance Fee: 9
Balance Transfer Fee: 9.3
ANNUAL FEE
$0 $0 $0
INTRO APR
0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for first 21 months 0% intro APR for 15 months 0% intro APR for 15 months
REGULAR APR
19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR 19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR 20.49% - 29.24% (V) APR after that
WELCOME BONUS
0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and purchases from date of account opening $200 if you spend $2,000 in first 6 months Get an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
REWARDS
This card doesn’t offer rewards 3% cash back on gas station, U.S. Online Retail Purchases and grocery store Unlimited 5% cash rewards on travel and restaurants.
BENEFITS
Payment due date flexibility, Digital wallets U.S. Online Retail Purchases, Gas station, Grocery store Travel, Dining at restaurants
CASH ADVANCE FEE / APR
5% (min $10) / 29.99% 5% (min $10) / 29.99% 5% (min $10) / 29.99%
BALANCE TRANSFER FEE
19.24% - 29.99% variable APR after end Intro time Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
690 - 850 (Fair - Exceptional) 700 - 749 (Fair - Good) 690 - 850 (Fair - Exceptional)
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE
3% 2.7% 3% in U.S. dollars
BEST FOR
  • Small Business Owners
  • Everyday Spending
  • Balance Transfers
  • Cash Back Seekers
  • Gas and Groceries
  • U.S. Supermarket Spending
  • Large Welcome Bonus
  • Travelers
  • Small Business Owners
  • Everyday Spending
  • Restaurant
  • Health and Wellness
More Details Compare More Details Compare

Citi Mastercard Login

Follow these easy steps:

Step 1. Go to the Login Citi Mastercard page via the official link.
Step 2. Log in using your username and password. The login screen appears upon successful login.
Step 3. If you still can’t access Citi Mastercard Login then see forgot your username and password option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Citi Simplicity® credit card below and get the answers you're looking for.

How much is the Citi Simplicity balance transfer fee?

The Citi Simplicity® Card charges a $5 fee or 5% of the amount transferred. It charges whichever is greater.

Does the Citi Simplicity have any rewards?

The Citi Simplicity does not offer any rewards.

What are the best Citi Simplicity Card benefits?

1. Identity theft protection
2. Contactless chip technology
3. Account activity alerts
4. Zero liability fraud protection

Is the Citi Simplicity a Visa or Mastercard?

The Citi Simplicity is a Mastercard. Virtually all merchants in the U.S. and abroad accept it. The Citi Simplicity also has other Mastercard benefits. These include zero liability. They also include global service and protection from identity theft.

About Aedam Jo

Aedam Jo is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of MyCreditCardLab.com. Khunt has scored over 50+ Credit Cards himself. He has also written hundreds of reviews about their benefits, rewards, and fees. You may want cash-back rewards, travel perks, or low APRs. Aedam Jo Credit Card Reviews is here to guide you. We'll guide you through the complex world of credit cards clearly and confidently.

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