Why the Citi Double Cash will always have a place in my wallet
Editor's Note
Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
Every year, the TPG Awards honor excellence in credit cards, loyalty programs and travel. Please click here to read more about our winner selection process and methodology for the 2024 TPG Awards.
Who doesn't love a cash back card? If wallets were closets, there would be no better staple than a card that earns you cash back across every purchase — this means you're getting something back for every dollar you spend.
For me, there's one card that stands out above and beyond the rest for me: the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees).
The Citi Double Cash was named the Best Cash Back Credit Card at the 2024 TPG Awards for its hassle-free earning rate of 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases, so cardholders don't have to worry about bonus categories and, best of all, no annual fee.
At TPG, it's easy to get lost in the glitz and glam of premium travel credit cards — and while these do make a big difference in your overall travel experience — for me, no card can replace the Citi Double Cash in my wallet.
Here are four reasons why.
Unlimited cash back
The Citi Double Cash earns unlimited 2% cash back — 1% when you buy and an additional 1% when you pay for your purchase — on every purchase you make.
There are no limits or bonus categories to track — just unlimited cash back on everything you buy.
When I first started getting into the credit card rewards game, the Citi Double Cash quickly became one of my favorite cards. Thanks to its simple and straightforward earning structure, it's a great addition to any beginner's wallet.
The real bonus is that this card is also a great way to fill in gaps in my reward-earning strategy. I'm earning some type of credit card reward with every dollar I spend, regardless of which card I use.
No annual fee
Did I mention that this card features no annual fee? Not only does the Citi Double Cash help me earn on my regular spending, but it also does this without costing me a fee I have to pay year after year. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
With the Citi Double Cash, I never have to optimize my spending to justify its annual fee because it is a card that gives without asking for anything in return.
Great for balance transfers
At TPG, we recommend paying your cards off in full each month but also understand that sometimes, this isn't possible. If you're looking for a way to reduce high-interest credit card debt, the Citi Double Cash might be a good option for you since it offers a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for 18 months on balance transfers.
Following the end of the introductory period, there will be a variable APR of 17.49%-27.49% based on your creditworthiness.
To qualify for this offer, new cardholders must complete the transfer within four months of opening their accounts; a 3% balance transfer fee (minimum $5) will apply.
This can help you consolidate your card debt so that you can quickly and effectively pay off your balances while saving on sky-high interest rates.
Ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points
Finally, one of the Citi Double Cash Card's most notable perks is that it earns cash back in the form of Citi ThankYou points.
These points can be redeemed for regular cash back or transferred to three loyalty partners — Choice Privileges, JetBlue TrueBlue and Wyndham Rewards.
However, if you also have a Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees) or Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants), these points can be combined in your Citi account and then transferred to any of Citi's various transfer partners. This helps you reap the maximum benefits of your rewards.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
There are tons of cash back cards on the market, but few knock it out of the park like the Citi Double Cash Card. I love knowing I get unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, anywhere, as a cardholder. As I add more cards to my wallet, the Citi Double Cash will remain a staple I reach for again and again.
To learn more about the card, check out our full Citi Double Cash review.
Apply here: Citi Double Cash.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.