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Side-by-side

Citi Double Cash vs Citi Simplicity Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Double Cash comes from Citi at $0/yr; the Citi Simplicity Card from Citi at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureCiti Double CashCiti Simplicity Card
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonus$200 cash backNo welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program
Bonus value (est.)$200-
Min spend to unlock bonus$1,500 in 6 mo-
IssuerCitiCiti
Card categorycashback
Best earning category (Citi_travel_hotel_car_attractions)5x1x
Transfer partnersciti-tyNone
Headline benefits
  • 2% everywhere
  • No annual fee
  • TY transfers at 0.7 of premium
  • Simple earning
    Read the full review
    Citi Double Cash
    $0/yr · $200 cash back
    Read the full review
    Citi Simplicity Card
    $0/yr · No welcome bonus; product is a 0% intro APR balance-transfer card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no rewards program

    Editorial take: Citi Double Cash

    The OG flat 2% card. The cash back is paid as ThankYou Points, and those points transfer directly to Citi's airline and hotel partners at 0.7 of the premium ratio (1,000 points = 700 miles at most partners); moving them onto a Citi Strata Premier or Strata Elite account gets the printed ratios, 1:1 at most partners. Rock solid for non-bonus spend.

    Editorial take: Citi Simplicity Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi Double Cash or Citi Simplicity Card?
    The Citi Double Cash has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the Citi Simplicity Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the Citi Double Cash's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi Simplicity Card?
    The Citi Double Cash has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Citi Simplicity Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Citi Simplicity Card's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Citi Double Cash.
    Can I have both the Citi Double Cash and Citi Simplicity Card?
    Yes, though both are issued by Citi so the same issuer-specific application rules apply (Chase 5/24 if applicable, Amex once-per-lifetime bonus, etc.). Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Citi Double Cash or the Citi Simplicity Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi Double Cash: $1,500 spend in 6 months. Citi Simplicity Card: no published min spend. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.