Citi offers a large portfolio of credit cards from which to choose. Each card is tailored to a consumer's different needs, lifestyle, and credit profile -- making the options appear overwhelming. For this reason, we've narrowed them down to the best business cards.
As you check out the options, you may wonder if there are advantages to doing business with a bank as large and established as Citi, and there are. In addition to a variety of credit cards, you can open a deposit account for checking and savings, get a business loan, obtain car financing, and secure a mortgage. When you have a well-managed credit card through such an institution, you can put yourself in a favorable position for many of the bank's other services and products.
So which Citi card is right for you? That depends on what you qualify for and what you want. There's no reason to stick with one card, either. You may come out ahead with a card that's perfect for cash rewards and another for travel.
Here are the best Citi business credit cards:
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all the mystery out of cash back rewards. There are no tiers or categories -- it's all flat rate. Even better? The rewards rate is high. You'll get half of the ThankYou points when you make a purchase with the card, and the other half when you delete the charge. Hence the name "double cash."
Other strong benefits of this card include a balance transfer 0% APR for a longer-than-average time period. So not only will you earn money on your purchases, but you will also be able to save a significant amount with the expensive debt that you transferred to the card.
There is no annual fee associated with the Citi Double Cash Card, and the APR is on the low end for people who have high credit scores. The key to this card is to use it for affordable expenses and then pay it off.
The ThankYou points you earn will be available as a statement credit, deposited into your bank account, or sent to you as a check. If you'd rather use what you earned for travel, you may transfer it to Citi's airline and hotel partners.
Pros
Cons
Play this card right, and the cash back rewards you can earn are very impressive. Rather than a flat rate card, you will earn the cash back in specific categories per billing cycle. The highest points are available in the initial$500 you charge, and then it drops down to a lower rate that is unlimited.
The Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't have an annual fee, so as long as you keep your balances to zero, you will walk away with a substantial amount of money earned by charging things that are within your budget. This card also comes with a longer than average 0% APR introductory rate of 15 months, then a variable APR between 18.99% - 28.99% .
It even has a cash back welcome bonus with a relatively low minimum spend, and the APR can be on the low side if you keep the account in good standing. In the end, though, it's all about the cash, and this card has it.
Pros
Cons
If you're ready to travel, look at the Citi Premier Card. This travel card is packed with perks: an annual hotel savings credit, no foreign transaction fees, and the ability to transfer the ThankYou points that you earn to Citi's many airline partners, typically at a 1:1 ratio.
Once you meet the minimum spend amount, you will earn a generous welcome bonus that you can redeem for such travel expenses as flights and hotel rooms, or you can turn it all into cash in the form of gift cards. You may also shop with the point at a number of retailers such as Amazon.com. As you charge with the Citi Premier Card on expenses like restaurants, gas, groceries, air travel, and hotels, you will amass plenty of ThankYou points. For everything else, you will still earn points, but at a lower rate.
To qualify for the Citi Premier Card, you do need good to excellent credit. The annual fee is reasonable for what you get. Be aware that you do have to treat the card with extra care, however, because if you miss payments, the low APR can rise to a very high one.
Pros
Cons
Want one of the longest time 0% APR periods? The Citi Diamond Preferred Card will be almost impossible to beat. Not only does it have a lengthy deal on purchases, it almost doubles the timeframe for balance transfers. Therefore, if your goal is to get out of debt at the least possible cost, this card can help you achieve it.
It does have a balance transfer fee to be aware of, but the money you will save in financing fees should put you way ahead. It also offers a statement credit that you will earn when you meet the minimum spend.
If you still have a balance after the end of the introductory timeframe, the APR can also be pretty decent -- depending on your credit worthiness.
Be aware that this card doesn't have a rewards program where you can continue to earn. It's not great for continued use, other than standard card transactions.
Pros
Cons
Our choice for the best Citi credit card is the Citi Double Cash Card. We chose it because the flat-rate, higher reward cash back feature is easy. With regular use, you can earn a significant amount of money as you keep the balance to zero. The 0% APR balance transfer that also comes with this card makes it especially appealing to those who have existing debt and want to pay it off at the least possible cost.
Citi? Credit Cards | Main Features |
Citi Secured Mastercard |
|
Citi Premier Card |
|
Citi Custom Cash Card |
|
Citi Diamond Preferred Card |
|
Citi Double Cash Card |
|
Because Citi offers a variety of credit cards to consumers, you will want to be sure to get the right one for you. The list we offer shows the choices we believe are the best in class, but you can make the final decision by reviewing your lifestyle as well as your financial and credit history.
No. Some Citi cards are developed specifically for people who do not have established credit or who have had credit troubles in the past. It is important to look for the card that best matches your credit rating, though, because Citi also has credit cards specifically for people who have good to excellent credit.
Not necessarily. However, it is usually wise to diversify. Not every card or card issuer fulfills every need. In general, it's a good idea to review the different credit card issuers to see what they are currently offering and get the card that suits your credit rating as well as your lifestyle
Yes. If you keep your credit card account in good standing, it is possible to trade it to a different Citi card, as long as you qualify for it. Switching accounts can make sense when you spot a credit card that has features that better suit your needs.
We reviewed the suite of credit cards that Citi currently offers. Then we selected cards in different categories, from those that are designed for people without established credit to cards that are perfect for travel, rewards, and paying off debt.
We listed five Citi cards, but there are a number of others on the issuer's menu. We also recommend the following: