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 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) |
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Which Extra Benefits You'll Get With Each Card?
Each card offers a couple of additional benefits:
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
- 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 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
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