Discover best Citi credit cards for cash back and travel rewards. Compare top picks like the Citi Double Cash and Strata Premier to maximize your 2024 benefits.
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Introduction
Are you looking to maximize your spending with cash back and travel rewards? Citi offers some excellent credit card options in 2024 for both cash back enthusiasts and frequent travelers. Whether you prefer earning points on everyday purchases or getting rewards for your next vacation, Citi has a range of cards designed to suit your needs. Let’s explore the top Citi credit cards to help you make the right choice.
Citi® Double Cash Card: Best for Simple Cash Back
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the simplest and most rewarding cash back cards on the market. It offers a flat-rate 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off the balance. This makes it an ideal card for those who want straightforward rewards without needing to track categories.
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 2% cash back on all purchases
Benefits: No limits on rewards, and no rotating categories to activate
This card is perfect for those who want a no-hassle rewards system with no annual fee.
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for Flexible Cash Back
The Citi Custom Cash® Card allows you to earn 5% cash back on your highest spending category each billing cycle, up to $500, including groceries, dining, and more. This card is great for people whose spending habits change each month since it adapts to where you spend the most.
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 5% back in your top category each month (up to $500), 1% on all other purchases
Benefits: Automatically adjusts to your spending, offering flexibility
This card offers flexibility and is perfect if your expenses vary throughout the year.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Best for Travel Rewards
For travelers, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers exceptional rewards. It allows you to earn 3x points on air travel, restaurants, and gas purchases, along with 10x points on hotel bookings and car rentals made through the CitiTravel portal. This card is perfect for those who frequently travel and want to earn big rewards on those purchases.
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards: 10x points on hotels and car rentals, 3x points on air travel, restaurants, and gas stations
Benefits: Includes trip protection and no foreign transaction fees
This card is a great choice for frequent travelers who want both rewards and travel protection.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for Wholesale Shoppers
If you’re a Costco member, this co-branded card offers impressive rewards on gas, travel, dining, and at Costco. You can earn 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,000 per year), 3% on dining and travel, 2% at Costco, and 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0 (with Costco membership)
- Rewards: 4% back on gas, 3% on dining and travel, 2% at Costco, 1% on all other purchases
- Benefits: No foreign transaction fees and strong gas rewards
This card is perfect for Costco shoppers who also want great rewards on gas and dining.
Why Choose Citi Credit Cards?
Citi offers a diverse range of credit cards designed to match different spending habits. Whether you want simple cash back, flexible rewards, or travel perks, there’s a Citi card that’s right for you. Their cards come with additional perks like no foreign transaction fees (on select cards), 0% introductory APR offers, and access to exclusive events through Citi Entertainment.
How to Choose the Right Citi Card
To find the right Citi credit card for you, consider your spending habits:
Frequent travelers will love the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card for its travel perks.
Simple spenders will benefit most from the Citi Double Cash® Card, which offers no-fuss cash back.
If your expenses vary, the Citi Custom Cash® Card provides flexibility by adapting to your top spending category each month.
Costco members can maximize their rewards with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card.
Conclusion
Citi credit cards offer fantastic benefits, from cash back on daily expenses to rewards for big travel purchases. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a cash back enthusiast, or a wholesale shopper, there’s a Citi card that fits your financial needs. Review your spending habits and pick the card that helps you make the most of your 2024 rewards.
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FAQs About Citi Credit Cards
What is the best Citi credit card for flat-rate cash back?
The Citi Double Cash® Card is the best option for flat-rate cash back, offering 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay). There are no categories to track, making it simple to use for all types of spending.
What are the key benefits of the Citi Custom Cash® Card?
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle, up to $500. The categories include dining, groceries, gas, and more. It automatically adapts based on where you spend the most, making it a great option for people with varying spending habits.
Which Citi card is best for travel rewards?
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a top choice for travel rewards. It provides 10x points on hotel bookings and car rentals through CitiTravel, 3x points on air travel, dining, and gas stations, and includes additional perks like trip protection and no foreign transaction fees.
Does Citi offer a credit card for Costco members?
Yes, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is available for Costco members. It offers 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,000 annually), 3% on dining and travel, 2% at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases. This card is excellent for frequent Costco shoppers who also spend on gas and dining.
Are there any Citi credit cards with no annual fees?
Yes, Citi offers several credit cards with no annual fees, including the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Citi Custom Cash® Card. Both of these cards provide strong rewards without the burden of an annual fee.
What is the foreign transaction fee on Citi credit cards?
Some Citi cards, like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travelers. However, other Citi cards may have fees for foreign purchases, so it’s important to check the terms of your specific card.
Can I transfer a balance to a Citi credit card?
Yes, many Citi cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers for an introductory period. For example, the Citi Diamond Preferred® Card and Citi Simplicity® Card are popular choices for those looking to transfer and consolidate debt.
How do I redeem cash back from Citi credit cards?
Cash back can typically be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit to your bank account, or a check. Some cards allow you to redeem cash back anytime once you meet the minimum redemption amount.
Are Citi credit cards good for building credit?
Yes, using Citi credit cards responsibly can help build your credit score. Paying your balance on time and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio are essential for improving your credit.
Is it possible to upgrade my Citi credit card?
Yes, Citi allows cardholders to upgrade to a different card that may have more benefits or rewards suited to their spending habits. You can contact customer service or check your online account for upgrade options.
Can I earn rewards on international purchases with Citi cards?
Yes, many Citi credit cards offer rewards on international purchases. However, be sure to check for foreign transaction fees, which may apply depending on the card.
How does the Citi Rewards+® Card work?
The Citi Rewards+® Card provides unique rewards by rounding up points to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, meaning you’ll earn more points on everyday transactions. It offers 2x points at supermarkets and 1x points on all other purchases.
What should I do if my Citi card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, immediately report it to Citi’s customer service. They can help you freeze your account to prevent unauthorized transactions and issue a replacement card.
Are there any Citi credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses?
Yes, many Citi credit cards provide sign-up bonuses for new customers. These bonuses can be significant if you meet the spending requirements within the first few months.
