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This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

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Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » BankAmericard vs. Citi Simplicity Card: How They Compare?

BankAmericard vs. Citi Simplicity Card: How They Compare?

The BankAmericard and the Citi Simplicity card don't offer rewards or welcome bonuses, only a long 0% intro APR. Here's our winner:
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The BankAmericard and Citi Simplicity cards are both balance transfer credit cards that offer a 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers, making them a good option for cardholders who are looking to pay down existing debt or save money on interest on new purchases.

However, there are some key differences between the two cards, which may make one a better fit for your needs than the other.

General Comparison: BankAmericard vs. Citi Simplicity

Both the BankAmericard and the Citi Simplicity card don't offer rewards or welcome bonuses. Instead, cardholders are eligible for a long 0% intro APR. 

When comparing the 0% intro APR, BankAmericard offers a longer 0% intro period on purchases than the Simplicity card.

BankAmericard®

citi simplicity

BankAmericard
Citi Simplicity Card
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Rewards
N/A
None
Welcome bonus
N/A
None
0% Intro APR
21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, then 15.74% – 25.74% Variable APR APR
12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers] then 18.74% – 29.49% (Variable) APR
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
3%
Purchase APR
15.74% – 25.74% Variable APR
18.74% – 29.49% (Variable)
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Which Extra Benefits You'll Get With Each Card?

Each card offers a couple of additional benefits:

BankAmericard

BankAmericard®

  • Balance Connect® for overdraft protection: Link your Bank of America checking account to your credit card to avoid declined purchases and overdrafts, with no transfer fees—though other fees may apply.

  • Account Alerts: Set up email or text alerts to keep track of your balances and payment due dates, helping you stay on top of your finances and never miss a payment.

  • FICO® Score: Get access to your free monthly FICO® Score through the Mobile Banking app or Online Banking, so you can monitor and improve your credit health.

Citi Simplicity Card

citi simplicity

  • No Late Fees and No Penalty Rate: The Citi Simplicity Card offers the benefit of no late payment fees or penalty interest rates, providing peace of mind if you miss a payment deadline.
  • $0 Liability On Unauthorized Charges: Cardholders are protected from unauthorized charges, ensuring they won't be held responsible for fraudulent transactions made on their account.
  • Automatic Account Alerts: The card provides automatic account alerts, helping users stay informed about their account activity and financial transactions, enhancing security and awareness.
  • 24/7 Customer Service: Citi Simplicity Cardholders have access to round-the-clock customer service, ensuring assistance and support are readily available at any time.

When You Might Prefer The BankAmericard?

There are a few situations where the BankAmericard might be a better option than the Citi Simplicity Card:

  • You want a Long 0% introductory APR On Purchases: The BankAmericard offers a longer 0% intro APR on purchases, making it a great choice if you're planning a large purchase and want more time to pay it off without interest.
  • Lower ongoing APR: The BankAmericard has a lower ongoing APR compared to the Citi Simplicity Card. This could save you money on interest in the long run, especially if you’re not able to pay off your balance in full after the intro APR period ends.

When You Might Prefer The Citi Simplicity Card?

  • You prioritize no fees: If you value a card with no late fees, no penalty rates, and a commitment to keeping things simple, this card may be your preferred choice.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for cards with 0% intro APR, here are some good options:

Capital-One-Savor-One

chase freedom unlimited card

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor card
Chase Freedom Unlimited® card
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards
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
1.5% unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
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.
$200 $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
3%
3%
Purchase APR
19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
19.99 – 28.74% variable
18.74% – 28.74% Variable APR

Compare Citi Simplicity Card

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?

Compare BankAmericard

The BofA Unlimited Cash rewards is the clear winner when comparing it with Bank Americard – here's our side-by-side comparison

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards vs. BankAmericard

BankAmericard is the winner, offering a longer 0% intro period on purchases than the Reflect card and a lower APR.

Here's our comparison: BankAmericard vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card

In terms of 0% intro APR, the BankAmericard outshines the Diamond Preferred card. But what about other benefits?

Here's our comparison: BankAmericard vs. Citi Diamond Preferred Card

Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.