Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Citi Simplicity Card vs Macy's American Express Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Citi Simplicity Card comes from Citi at $0/yr; the Macy's American Express Card from Department Stores National Bank 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 Simplicity CardMacy's American Express Card
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonusNo 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.)--
Min spend to unlock bonus--
IssuerCitiDepartment Stores National Bank
Card categorycashback
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      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
      Read the full review
      Macy's American Express Card
      $0/yr ·

      Editorial take: Citi Simplicity Card

      Editorial take: Macy's American Express Card

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Citi Simplicity Card or Macy's American Express Card?
      Neither card has a publicly advertised sign-up bonus today. Watch for limited-time offers from each issuer.
      Is the Citi Simplicity Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the Macy's American Express Card?
      The Citi Simplicity Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the Macy's American Express Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the Macy's American Express Card's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Citi Simplicity Card.
      Can I have both the Citi Simplicity Card and Macy's American Express Card?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi and Department Stores National Bank) the application rules don't conflict. 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 Simplicity Card or the Macy's American Express Card first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Citi Simplicity Card: no published min spend. Macy's American Express 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.