What Citizens Bank credit cards offer
Citizens Bank issues cash back cards, travel rewards cards, and cards built for people rebuilding credit. The bank operates in 11 states — Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island — and you must live or work in one of those states to open an account. Citizens does not offer cards through online-only banking; you explore through a branch, by phone, or online if you already bank there.
The card lineup is smaller than Chase or Bank of America, but Citizens targets specific spending patterns: everyday cash back for groceries and gas, bonus categories for travel, and secured cards for credit building. Most cards carry no annual fee, though some have foreign transaction fees.
Key Takeaways
- Citizens Bank credit cards are only available to residents or workers in 11 specific states, so geographic may be able to access is the first filter.
- The bank's cash back cards return 1.8% to 3% depending on the card and category, with no annual fee on most options.
- Travel cards earn points on flights and hotels but charge foreign transaction fees unless you hold a premium checking account.
- Citizens offers a secured card for people with limited or damaged credit history, requiring a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit.
Citizens Bank cash back cards and their categories
The Citizens Bank Cash Back Card returns 1.8% cash back on all purchases with no caps, no rotating categories, and no annual fee. This flat-rate structure appeals to people who do not want to track bonus categories or set up rewards quarterly. The card also offers an introductory 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers, though the length varies based on creditworthiness.
The Citizens Bank Dividend Rewards Card works differently: it earns 1% cash back on all purchases, then pays a dividend on your cash back balance once per year. The dividend rate is not fixed and depends on the bank's profitability that year. This card also carries no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it useful for international travel if you want to avoid the 3% charge that most Citizens cards impose abroad.
Both cards require good to excellent credit to open. Citizens publishes no minimum score, but the bank typically approves applicants with scores in the 670+ range, though approval is not may provide at any score.
Travel rewards cards and earning structure
The Citizens Bank Rewards Card earns points on travel and dining: 3 points per dollar on flights, hotels, and rental cars booked through the bank's travel portal, 1 point per dollar on dining, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Points redeem for cash, statement credits, or travel bookings. There is no annual fee, but the card charges 3% on foreign transactions unless you maintain a Citizens Bank checking account with a minimum balance.
The earning rate on travel is lower than cards from American Express or Chase if you book outside their portals — you earn only 1 point per dollar on a flight booked directly with the airline. The portal requirement is a real constraint for frequent travelers who have preferred airlines or hotels and book directly.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. There is no minimum redemption amount, so you can cash out even small balances.
Secured cards for building or rebuilding credit
The Citizens Bank Secured Credit Card requires a cash deposit between $500 and $25,000, which becomes your credit limit. You hold the deposit in a savings account while you use the card, and the bank reports your payment activity to all three credit bureaus. There is no annual fee.
After 18 months of on-time payments, Citizens reviews your account for conversion to an unsecured card. If approved, you get your deposit back and the card converts to a standard Citizens card with a new credit limit based on your creditworthiness at that time. Conversion is not automatic — the bank evaluates your payment history, credit score, and account status before deciding.
The secured card carries a variable APR that is typically higher than unsecured cards from the same issuer. Interest rates on secured cards from Citizens have ranged from 18% to 24% APR depending on market conditions and your credit profile.
Annual fees, APR, and other costs
Most Citizens Bank cards carry no annual fee. The exception is premium travel cards or business cards, which may charge $95 or more, though Citizens' current consumer lineup does not include a premium card with an annual fee.
Purchase APR varies by card and creditworthiness. Cash back cards typically carry APR in the 16% to 24% range for may have access to applicants. Introductory 0% APR periods on purchases and balance transfers are common but last only 6 to 12 months depending on the card and your approval. After the intro period ends, the standard APR applies to any remaining balance.
Foreign transaction fees are 3% on most Citizens cards unless you hold a may have access to Citizens Bank checking account. The Dividend Rewards Card has no foreign transaction fee regardless of your checking account status.
How Citizens Bank cards compare to other regional issuers
Citizens Bank operates in fewer states than national issuers like Chase or Bank of America, which limits its reach. Within its footprint, Citizens' cash back rates are competitive but not exceptional: 1.8% flat is solid, but American Express and Discover offer 1% to 2% on broader categories. Citizens' travel cards earn fewer points per dollar on travel than premium cards from Chase or American Express unless you book through the bank's portal.
Where Citizens stands out is simplicity: no rotating categories to track, no annual fees on most cards, and straightforward redemption. The secured card is a practical option for credit building, though the conversion timeline (18 months) is longer than some competitors offer.
Citizens' geographic restriction is the largest limitation. If you do not live or work in one of its 11 states, you cannot open a Citizens credit card, period. This rules out the entire issuer for most of the country.
How to open a Citizens Bank credit card
You can explore online through Citizens' website if you already have a Citizens Bank checking or savings account. If you do not bank with Citizens, you must visit a branch in person or call the bank's phone line to explore. The branch requirement exists because Citizens verifies your state residency or employment before approval.
You will need a Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stub or tax return), and a government-issued ID. For secured cards, you also need the cash deposit amount available in a linked Citizens Bank account or ready to transfer.
Approval decisions typically come within one to three business days. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Citizens sends a written explanation citing the reason — usually credit score, income, or debt-to-income ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to bank with Citizens to get one of their credit cards?
No, but you must live or work in one of Citizens' 11 states. If you do not already have a Citizens checking or savings account, you will need to explore for a credit card in person at a branch or by phone. Online applications are only available to existing Citizens Bank customers.
What happens to my deposit if my secured card is denied for conversion?
Your deposit stays in the savings account and remains yours. The card itself stays open as a secured card, and you can continue using it. You can request conversion again after another 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, or you can close the account and withdraw your deposit at any time.
Can I use a Citizens credit card if I live outside their 11 states?
No. Citizens Bank only issues credit cards to people who live or work in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Rhode Island. If you live elsewhere, you will not be able to open an account.
Are Citizens Bank rewards cards worth it if I do not use the travel portal?
Only if you value the other benefits. The travel card earns 1 point per dollar on dining and everything else, which is lower than flat-rate cards from other issuers. If you book travel directly with airlines or hotels, you lose the 3x multiplier, making the card less competitive than alternatives.
How long does it take to convert a secured card to unsecured?
Citizens reviews accounts after 18 months of on-time payments. Conversion is not may provide — the bank evaluates your full credit profile before deciding. If approved, you get your deposit back. If denied, your account stays secured and you can request review again later.