Citi Rewards Card and Citi Double Cash Card are the strongest options for people with good credit
If your credit score is in the 670–739 range, you have two main Citi cards worth considering: the Citi Rewards Card and the Citi Double Cash Card. Both cards require good credit to get approved, both carry no annual fee, and both offer cash back on purchases. The choice between them depends on whether you want a simpler rewards structure or one that rewards you twice on every purchase.
The Citi Rewards Card gives you 1% cash back on all purchases, with no categories to track or bonuses to chase. The Citi Double Cash Card gives you 1% cash back when you buy and another 1% when you pay the bill—effectively 2% on everything. Neither card has a sign-up bonus, so you are choosing based on the ongoing rewards rate and how the card fits your spending habits.
Both cards report to all three credit bureaus, so using either one responsibly will help you build toward excellent credit. The main difference is the rewards rate: if you want the highest cash back percentage on everyday spending, the Double Cash Card is the better choice.
Key Takeaways
- The Citi Double Cash Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), while the Citi Rewards Card offers 1% on everything.
- Both cards require good credit (typically a score of 670 or higher) and charge no annual fee.
- Neither card includes a sign-up bonus, so the decision comes down to the ongoing rewards rate that matches your spending.
- Both cards report to the major credit bureaus, so responsible use will help you build credit history.
Citi Double Cash Card: 2% cash back on all purchases
The Citi Double Cash Card is designed for people who want a straightforward rewards structure without bonus categories. You earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay the bill. This means every dollar you spend earns 2% in cash back, regardless of what you buy or where you buy it.
The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, which makes it useful if you travel internationally. Cash back is deposited as a statement credit, so you do not have to redeem it separately or wait for a check. The card also includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access items.
The main drawback is that there is no sign-up bonus and no way to earn more than 2% on any category. If you spend heavily in a specific area—groceries, gas, restaurants—a card with category bonuses might earn you more. But if your spending is spread across many categories, the Double Cash Card's flat 2% rate is hard to beat.
Citi Rewards Card: 1% cash back with no categories to track
The Citi Rewards Card is simpler than the Double Cash Card: you earn 1% cash back on every purchase, everywhere. There are no bonus categories, no rotating categories, and no spending caps. You do not have to remember which card to use for groceries versus gas versus restaurants.
This card also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Cash back is credited to your account as a statement credit. The card includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, the same as the Double Cash Card.
The Citi Rewards Card is a good choice if you want the simplest possible rewards structure and do not want to think about maximizing cash back. However, at 1% cash back, it earns half as much as the Double Cash Card on the same spending. If you can remember to pay your bill promptly, the Double Cash Card's 2% rate makes it the stronger choice for most people with good credit.
How your credit score affects which Citi card you can get
Citi typically approves the Rewards Card and Double Cash Card for people with good credit, which most issuers define as a score of 670 or higher. If your score is below 670, you may not be approved for either card. If your score is 740 or higher (excellent credit), you will likely be approved for both cards and may also be considered for Citi's premium cards, such as the Citi Prestige or Citi Premier.
Your credit history matters as much as your score. Citi looks at how long you have had credit accounts open, how much of your available credit you are using, and whether you have missed payments. If you have a recent late payment or high credit card balances, your approval odds are lower even if your score is in the good range.
Before you explore, check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com to make sure there are no errors. You can also check your credit score through your bank, credit card issuer, or a free service like Credit Karma. Knowing your score before you explore helps you choose a card you are likely to be approved for.
What happens after you are approved for a Citi card
Once Citi approves your process, you will receive your card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Before you use it, you need to set up it. You can set up your card online through Citi's website, through the Citi mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card.
After set up, set up a payment method so you can pay your bill on time each month. You can pay online, through the mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Most people set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date. Even if you plan to pay in full, making at least the minimum payment by the due date is critical to building good credit.
Once your card is active and you have made your first purchase, the card will start reporting to the credit bureaus. This helps build your credit history and shows lenders that you can manage credit responsibly. Keep your credit utilization low (use less than 30% of your available credit) and pay on time every month to continue building your credit.
Comparing the Citi Rewards Card and Double Cash Card side by side
| Feature | Citi Rewards Card | Citi Double Cash Card |
|---|---|---|
| Cash back rate | 1% on all purchases | 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay = 2% total |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Sign-up bonus | None | None |
| Foreign transaction fees | None | None |
| Purchase protection | Yes | Yes |
| Extended warranty | Yes | Yes |
| Credit score needed | Good (670+) | Good (670+) |
How to decide between these two cards
The choice between the Citi Rewards Card and the Citi Double Cash Card comes down to one question: do you want to earn 1% or 2% cash back? If you can remember to pay your bill on time, the Double Cash Card's 2% rate makes it the stronger choice. You earn twice as much cash back on the same spending, and there is no extra work involved—you just have to pay your bill.
Choose the Citi Rewards Card only if you strongly prefer simplicity and do not want to think about the timing of your payment. The 1% rate is lower, but the card is straightforward: earn cash back, get it credited to your account, move on. For most people with good credit and regular spending habits, the Double Cash Card is the better value.
If you spend heavily in a specific category—groceries, gas, dining—and want to maximize rewards, neither of these cards is your best option. Citi offers other cards with bonus categories, but those typically require excellent credit. For good credit and broad spending, the Double Cash Card is the strongest choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need excellent credit to get approved for the Citi Double Cash Card?
No. Citi approves the Double Cash Card for people with good credit, typically a score of 670 or higher. You do not need excellent credit (740+), though a higher score improves your approval odds and may get you a better interest rate.
Can I earn more than 2% cash back with the Citi Double Cash Card?
No. The Double Cash Card earns 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay, for a total of 2% on all purchases. There are no bonus categories or ways to earn a higher rate. If you want higher rewards on specific categories, you would need a different card.
How long does it take to get my Citi card after I am approved?
Your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online, through the mobile app, or by phone before you use it. Some people receive their card sooner, but 7 to 10 days is the standard timeframe.
Does the Citi Rewards Card have a sign-up bonus?
No. Neither the Citi Rewards Card nor the Citi Double Cash Card includes a sign-up bonus. Both cards focus on ongoing cash back rewards rather than introductory offers.
What should I do if my credit score is below 670?
If your score is below 670, you may not be approved for either of these cards. Consider building your credit first by using a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account. Once your score reaches 670 or higher, you can explore for the Citi Rewards Card or Double Cash Card.