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 American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.