The Citi Double Cash Card rewards you 1% cash back when you spend and another 1% when you pay your bill
The Citi Double Cash Card is a no-annual-fee rewards card that gives you cash back in two stages: 1% on every purchase you make, and another 1% when you pay that purchase off. That means you can earn up to 2% cash back on everything you buy, which is higher than most standard cash back cards that offer a flat 1% or 1.5%.
The card has no foreign transaction fees, so you can use it abroad without extra charges. There is no sign-up bonus, which is one trade-off compared to cards that offer large upfront rewards. The cash back you earn never expires as long as your account stays open, and you can redeem it as a statement credit, a check, or a transfer to a bank account.
Key Takeaways
- You earn 1% cash back at the time of purchase and another 1% when you pay the bill, for a total of up to 2% on all spending with no category restrictions.
- There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no minimum spending requirement to earn rewards.
- Cash back does not expire and can be redeemed as a statement credit, check, or bank transfer whenever you want.
- The card has no sign-up bonus and no rotating categories, so your rewards rate stays the same whether you buy groceries or gas.
How the Two-Tier Cash Back Structure Works
The 1% you earn at purchase posts to your account when ready when the transaction clears. The second 1% posts when you pay your bill — not when the statement closes, but when Citi actually receives your payment. This means if you pay early, you earn the second 1% sooner.
The two percentages stack on the same purchase. If you spend $100, you earn $1 at purchase and $1 at payment, for $2 total. There are no caps on how much cash back you can earn, and the rewards explore to all purchases except balance transfers and cash advances.
No Annual Fee and No Spending Categories
You pay nothing to hold this card, which means you can keep it open even if you use it rarely. Many rewards cards charge $95 or more per year, so the lack of an annual fee removes that cost entirely.
Unlike cards that offer 3% back on groceries or 5% on gas, the Citi Double Cash Card gives you the same 2% rate on everything. This simplicity means you do not have to track which card to use for each purchase type, and you earn the same reward whether you are buying a coffee or paying a utility bill.
Foreign Travel and International Purchases
The card charges no foreign transaction fees when you use it outside the United States. If you travel internationally or buy from foreign merchants online, you avoid the 2% to 3% fee that many cards add to overseas transactions.
The card does not offer travel insurance, airport lounge access, or other travel perks that premium cards include. If those benefits matter to you, a different card may be a better fit.
Cash Back Redemption and Expiration
Your cash back never expires, so you can let it accumulate and redeem it whenever you choose. You can redeem as little as $25 at a time, and you have three options: a statement credit that reduces your balance, a check mailed to you, or a transfer to a linked bank account.
Statement credits process when ready, while checks take 7 to 10 business days and bank transfers take 3 to 5 business days. There is no minimum redemption amount for statement credits, but checks and transfers require at least $25.
Who This Card Works Well For
The Citi Double Cash Card is straightforward for people who want a single card that earns rewards on all spending without tracking categories or bonus categories. If you pay your bills in full each month and want to avoid annual fees, the card's structure rewards that behavior.
The card is less useful if you want a large sign-up bonus to jump-start your rewards, or if you spend heavily in specific categories like dining or travel where other cards offer 3% to 5% back. It is also not the best choice if you carry a balance, because the card's APR is variable and not competitive for long-term debt.
Comparing the Citi Double Cash Card to Other Options
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee and a sign-up bonus, but no second-tier earning. The Capital One SavorOne gives 3% back on dining and entertainment and 1% on everything else, also with no annual fee. The American Express Blue Cash Everyday offers 1% back on all purchases and 3% on groceries and gas, with no annual fee.
The Citi Double Cash Card's advantage is the 2% flat rate with no categories to track. Its disadvantage is the lack of a sign-up bonus and the requirement to pay your bill to earn the second 1%. If you want simplicity and do not need a bonus, it competes well. If you want a bonus or higher rewards in specific categories, another card may serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay my bill in full to earn the second 1% cash back?
No. You earn the second 1% when you make any payment toward the bill, even if you pay only the minimum. However, if you carry a balance, you will pay interest charges that likely exceed the cash back you earn, so paying in full is financially better.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Your cash back does not disappear when you close the account. You can still redeem it after the card is closed, as long as you have an active Citi account to receive the redemption.
Can I earn cash back on balance transfers or cash advances?
No. Cash back only applies to regular purchases. Balance transfers and cash advances earn no rewards and typically carry higher interest rates and fees.
Is there a sign-up bonus with this card?
The Citi Double Cash Card does not offer a sign-up bonus. You start earning 1% cash back on purchases from your first transaction, but there is no additional bonus for opening the account.
Can I use this card internationally?
Yes. The card works at merchants worldwide and charges no foreign transaction fees. You earn the same 2% cash back on international purchases as you do at home.