Citi Simplicity credit card review: Reduce debt with a low introductory APR offer
Editor's Note
Citi Simplicity Card overview
The Citi Simplicity® Card is a straightforward card that offers an introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers upon opening a new account. However, this no-annual-fee card doesn't offer rewards, its benefits are minimal and its variable APR rates are relatively high. Card rating*: ⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Getting out of debt can be difficult. But, if you're working to pay down credit card debt or are looking to pay off a large purchase over time, you may find that the Citi Simplicity card is useful thanks to its low introductory annual percentage rate (APR) rate for purchases and balance transfers.
Let's examine this no-annual-fee card more closely so that you can decide whether it's right for you.
The information for the Citi Simplicity Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Citi Simplicity Card pros and cons
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Citi Simplicity Card welcome offer
The Citi Simplicity doesn't offer a cash or rewards bonus when you sign up. Its main allure is two introductory APR offers to new cardholders.
You'll automatically get 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from the date you open your Citi Simplicity card account. After that, your APR will range between 18.24% to 28.99%, variable based on your creditworthiness.
Also, for balance transfers that you complete within four months of opening your Citi Simplicity, you'll get 0% introductory APR for 21 months from the date of the first transfer. Once the introductory period is over, your APR will be 18.24% to 28.99%, variable based on your creditworthiness.
There is an introductory balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each credit card balance transfer for the first four months, whichever is greater. After the four-month introductory period, the fee is either $5 or 5% of the amount of each credit card balance transfer, whichever is greater.
Note that once your introductory purchase APR expires, both new purchases and unpaid purchase balances will automatically accrue interest until all balances — including any transferred balances — are paid in full.
Related: The best balance transfer credit cards
Citi Simplicity Card benefits
The Citi Simplicity doesn't offer any rewards and only has minimal perks.
These are the benefits that you can expect from this card:
- Automatic account alerts that you can set up to remind you about your balance levels, payments due or when you go over your credit limit
- Choose your payment due date as any available due date at the beginning, middle or end of the month
- Contactless-chip enabled card that will allow you to tap to pay
- Identity Theft Protection Program offered by Mastercard to help if you are a victim of identity theft
- No annual fee
- $0 liability on unauthorized charges
- 24/7 live customer service
Related: 5 steps to take when your personal information is compromised
Earning rewards on the Citi Simplicity Card
Again, because the Citi Simplicity doesn't earn rewards of any kind, the main reason to use it is its introductory APR offers for purchases and balance transfers. If you're not trying to pay down debt, you have little reason to open this card. If you opt to use these introductory offers, you'll want to pay off your balance in full within the introductory period.
It's imperative to understand what happens once your introductory purchase APR period ends if you are also using the introductory balance transfer APR offer. At this point, new purchases and unpaid purchase balances will automatically accrue interest until all balances, including transferred balances, are paid in full.
To minimize the interest you pay at the variable APR rate, you'll want to pay off your purchase balance in full and stop using the card for new purchases until you've paid off the entire balance on your card in full.
Additionally, the Citi Simplicity card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so you won't want to use it for purchases outside the U.S.
Related: How to use a credit card to finance home improvements
Which cards compete with the Citi Simplicity Card?
If you're looking to build your credit, you have several options. One of these might be a better fit than the Citi Simplicity.
- If you want to earn bonus rewards while building credit: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. For more details, see our full review of the Discover it Secured Credit Card.
- If you already have a good credit score: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make a purchase, and 1% as you pay). Its simplicity makes it one of our favorite starter reward cards. For more details, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
The information for the Discover it Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
For additional options, check out our picks for the best secured credit cards and the best starter credit cards.
Related: How to earn points and miles with a low credit score
Is the Citi Simplicity Card worth it?
The Citi Simplicity Card can be a good option if you are looking for a card with an introductory APR on purchases or an option that doesn't charge late fees or penalty interest. However, other cards offer lower variable APRs and lower balance transfer fees, so you may want to consider a different card depending on your specific needs.
Bottom line
The Citi Simplicity card doesn't earn any points — or any other type of rewards, for that matter — but may be a good option if you're looking to make a large purchase and have more time to pay that balance off. If you're looking for a way to rebuild your credit score and take advantage of a long introductory APR period, this card could be a fit for you.
Related: What is APR on a credit card?