Rewards Plan
Sign up Bonus
Our Rating
0% Intro
Annual Fee
APR
- Long Intro 0% APR
- Extreme Forgiveness
- No Rewards System
- Balance Transfer Fee
Rewards Plan
Sign up Bonus
Our Rating
PROS
- Long Intro 0% APR
- Extreme Forgiveness
CONS
- No Rewards System
- Balance Transfer Fee
APR
18.74% - 29.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
0% Intro
12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers
Credit Requirements
Good - Excellent
The Citi Simplicity® Card markets itself as the premier choice for the occasionally forgetful customer who still maintains good credit (660 or above). The card never charges late fees for any late payment, ever. Although you should always strive to pay your bills on time, this card can take you a long way if you’re prone to slip up every now and then.
While most cards waive the fee on just the first late payment, the Citi Simplicity Card waives fees on all late payments. It also provides the freedom to choose payment due dates in order to accommodate any kind of financial situation.
Despite its exceptional forgiveness policy, the card has no kind of rewards program enticing customers to swipe. There’s also a sizable difference in duration for the card’s intro 0% APR periods on purchases and balance transfers, which, as you’ll see, can come into conflict with the card’s seemingly generous interest policy.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of the Citi Simplicity Card.
What is the Initial Credit Limit?
Citi does not promote a minimum credit limit for successful applications, but it should be at least $500. However your specific credit limit will be determined by a number of factors including your credit history, income and current income to debt ratio.
Can I Get Pre Approved?
It is possible to get pre approved for the Citi Simplicity via mailer, but if you apply online, it is a full application process, which will trigger a hard credit pull. So, unless you receive a direct mailer, you will struggle to obtain pre approval.
When Should You Consider It?
The Citi Simplicity is a great card if you’re carrying a credit card balance or are planning a large purchase in the near future, since there is a 0% introductory rate for up to 21 months. This will allow you to pay down your debt or cover your purchase without paying any interest.
When Shouldn't You Consider It?
The 0% introductory rate is the main perk of this card. So, if you’re looking to earn ongoing rewards and benefits, there are other cards for those with good to excellent credit that have these features.
In This Review..
Pros & Cons
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of the Citi simplicity Card – and whether or not it’s right for your wallet.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No Annual Fee
| Lack of Rewards Program |
0% Intro APR | No Sign Up Bonus |
Extreme Forgiveness | Balance Transfer Fee |
Automatic Account Alerts | Unimpressive Cardholder Perks |
- No Annual Fee
As with most other Citi options, this card doesn’t charge an annual fee, which means you don’t have to worry about swiping enough to cover a fixed yearly payment. No annual fee is a highly competitive perk since the average annual credit card fee is around $147.
- 0% Intro APR
The Citi Simplicity Card’s other attractive perks are the exceptionally long interest-free periods for purchases. New customers enjoy 0% interest 12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers, then 18.74% – 29.49% (Variable).
However, keep in mind that the two lengthy zero-interest periods can backfire on your credit if you’re not diligent with your payments.
- Extreme Forgiveness
The Citi Simplicity Card is the only card on the market that doesn’t charge penalties on any late payments or raise interest as a result.
The generous forgiveness policy also beats out dozens of competitors that only forgive the first late payment, such as the Citi Double Cash Card.
- Automatic Account Alerts
Users benefit from automatic account alerts, helping them stay informed about their account activity and potential unauthorized transactions.
- Lack of Rewards Program
The card doesn’t offer any rewards on purchases, leaving customers with little incentive to actually use it. Most credit cards, on the other hand, typically offer rewards for either specific spending categories
- No Sign Up Bonus
Besides the long 0% intro, there is no sign up bonus.
- Balance Transfer Fee
The card has a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% (whichever is greater).
However, there is an intro balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater for transfers completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Unimpressive Cardholder Perks
The card's benefits, including $0 liability on unauthorized charges and identity theft protection, are considered unremarkable, offering standard features without standout perks.
The absence of additional protections, such as purchase or travel insurance, may deter users seeking extra coverage for their purchases or during travel.
How To Apply For Citi Simplicity Credit Card?
- 1.
Visit the Citi Simplicity Credit Card home page and then click “Apply Now”.
- 2.
A page comes up; just fill in your personal information correctly.
- 3.
Next, fill in your security number, date of birth and other information. Also fill in your financial information, and then take your time to read through the terms and conditions.After this, tick to agree and then click on “Agree and Submit.”
How It Compared To Other 0% Intro APR Credit Cards?
The Citi Simplicity® Card is a strong contender in the 0% intro APR credit card category, especially for balance transfers, thanks to its generous introductory period. While it doesn't offer rewards or a welcome bonus, it holds up well against other options like the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, Bank Americard, and Citi Diamond Preferred, which all feature similar extended intro APR offers.
Alternative cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Freedom Flex, Wells fargo Active Cash, The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards offer a unique combination of rewards and introductory APR, with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
While this falls short of the Citi Simplicity card's balance transfer period, the inclusion of rewards and welcome bonus may be more appealing for users seeking ongoing benefits.
Is the Citi Simplicity Card Right for You?
The Citi Simplicity Card could be appealing for those who occasionally miss payments, thanks to its focus on simplicity. However, with a high interest rate, inconsistent 0% APR offers, and a lack of rewards, it might not be the best fit for someone looking for long-term value or a more rewarding credit card experience.
Compare The Alternatives
Though the Citi Simplicity Card stands alone when it comes to exceptional late-payment forgiveness, many other cards still boast either strong forgiveness policies or generous intro 0% APR periods.
|
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Savor card | Chase Freedom Unlimited® card | Citi Simplicity® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $0
| $0
|
Rewards |
1% – 8%
unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). You’ll also earn 1% on all other purchases. Plus, you get 10% cash back on purchases through Uber and Uber Eats, 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
|
1.5% – 5%
5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery), 3% on drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases
|
N/A
None
|
Welcome bonus |
$250
$250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
|
$250
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
N/A
None
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0
| 3%
| 3%
|
Purchase APR | 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
| 19.99 – 28.74% variable
| 18.74% – 29.49% (Variable)
|
FAQ
Although you can apply by phone, the quickest application method is online. When you submit an application, you should get an approval decision almost immediately.
In most cases, you can expect a decision within one or two business days. It will then take a further 10-14 days to receive your new card.
One of the attractive things about getting a Citi credit card is that it will integrate with your Citi bank account. Citi has a linking feature, which allows you to link your credit cards, checking account, savings account and other Citi products.
This not only means that you can log in to all your accounts with a single ID and password, but you can enjoy real time transfers and benefit from any relationship discounts.
There are a number of reasons why your application was denied and Citi may not be forthcoming with its specific reason, so you’ll need to do a little detective work. The most obvious reason for denial is your credit score is too low to qualify.
However, if you have a good to excellent score, your application may be rejected due to insufficient income, or unstable employment. If you can work out the reason why your application was denied, you can work on this and consider reapplying in six to 12 months.
Most credit card companies tend to reserve the cards with the best benefits for those with high credit scores. The Citi Simplicity is essentially a balance transfer card offering 0% introductory rate for up to 21 months.
Since this is a potentially a very lucrative benefit, Citi needs to be confident that you are financially responsible.
Compare Citi Simplicity Card
The BankAmericard and the Citi Simplicity card don't offer rewards or welcome bonuses, only a long 0% intro APR. Here's our winner:
The Citi Diamond Preferred and Simplicity cards don't offer rewards or welcome bonuses – just a long 0% intro APR. Here's our winner:
Citi Simplicity vs. Citi Diamond Preferred: Which Is Better?
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