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 16.24% – 26.24% Variable APR. APR | 12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers] then 19.24% – 29.99% (Variable) APR |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | 3% |
Purchase APR | 16.24% – 26.24% Variable APR. | 19.24% – 29.99% (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 prevent declined purchases and overdrafts, with no transfer fees, though other fees may apply.
Account Alerts: Receive email or text alerts to stay informed about your balances and payment due dates, ensuring you never miss a payment.
FICO® Score: Opt-in to access your free monthly FICO® Score through your Mobile Banking app or Online Banking, helping you track 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 certain situations in which you might prefer the BankAmericard over the Citi Simplicity Card:
- You want a Long 0% introductory APR On Purchases: The BankAmericard also offers longer 0% introductory APR on purchases, which can be beneficial if you're planning a major purchase and need time to pay it off without incurring interest.
- Lower ongoing APR: The BankAmericard has a lower ongoing APR range than the Citi Simplicity card, which could save you money on interest in the long run, especially if you are unable to pay off your balance in full during the introductory APR period.
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%
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 1 percent on all other purchases. 10% percent cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats. 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked using Capital One Travel.
|
1.5% – 5%
5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases
| 1.5%
unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
$200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
|
$200
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 making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0
| 3%
| 3% |
Purchase APR | 19.99% – 29.99% variable
| 20.24%–28.99% variable
| 18.24% – 28.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers |
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