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One of the longest balance transfer offers available at 21 months.
The Citi Simplicity® Card key feature is its terrific 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 21 months after account opening, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable.
On the downside, the card’s 0% intro APR on purchases isn’t as robust: It’s 12 months long, after which your APR will be 19.24% to 29.99% variable. This means the Citi Simplicity® Card isn’t as balanced as competitors that offer 18-month intro APRs on both purchases and balance transfers.
The Citi Simplicity® Card is also somewhat one-dimensional: the card lacks any sort of rewards on purchases and chooses to focus entirely on its introductory APR offers. Meanwhile, other cards on the market — including the Citi Double Cash — offer strong combinations of intro APRs on top of rewards. Sure, they offer shorter promotional interest periods, but you might find the kickback on purchases a worthy consolation, especially since cards with rewards will still be valuable after their intro APRs expire.
Ultimately, if you want a well-rounded card that does it all, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But, if you're looking for a top of class intro APR on balance transfers, the Citi Simplicity® Card is more than worth considering among the competition.
finder.com's rating: 4.4 / 5
★★★★★
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Rewards | N/A |
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 21 months (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable) Balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
| Minimum credit score | 670 |
| Issuer | Mastercard |
| Balance transfer fee | Balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
| Cash advance rate | 29.99% variable |
| Cash advance fee | $10 or 5% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3% of the transaction value |
| Interest free period | Up to 23 days |
| Returned payment fee | Up to $41 |
| Additional cardholder fee | $0 |
| Security deposit | N/A |
Here’s how to apply for the Citi Simplicity® Card:
The Citi Simplicity® Card has a $0 annual fee and a market-leading balance transfer intro APR. But there’s one thing you can’t get around: the balance transfer fee.
This will set you back the greater of $5 or 5% of each transfer. This percentage is on the high side, as some card providers charge just 3%.
Here are examples of the fees you’ll pay with the Citi Simplicity® Card versus other credit cards:
| Fee to transfer $1,000: | Fee to transfer $5,000: | Fee to transfer $10,000: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Simplicity® Card — 5% balance transfer fee | $50 | $250 | $500 |
| A credit card with a 3% balance transfer fee | $30 | $150 | $300 |
If you’re trying to figure out whether you’d be better served with a card with a long intro APR or one with no balance transfer fees, use our balance transfer calculator to see how much you’ll save.
The Citi Simplicity® Card‘s closest competition are cards that offer at least 18-month intro APRs. Here’s a look at the Citi Simplicity and two competitors side-by-side.
Citi Simplicity® Card |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express |
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|
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
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Minimum credit score 670 |
Minimum credit score 670 |
Minimum credit score 670 |
|
Annual fee $0 |
Annual fee $0 |
Annual fee $0 |
|
Purchase APR 0% intro |
Purchase APR 0% intro |
Purchase APR 0% intro |
|
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 21 months (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable) Balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 19.74% to 29.74% variable) Balance transfer fee applies (3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time) |
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 18.49% to 29.49% variable) Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
|
Rewards None |
Rewards Up to 1.5% cash back |
Rewards Up to 3% cash back |
|
Welcome offer N/A |
Welcome offer $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
Welcome offer Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. |
Compare even more credit cards
While the Citi Simplicity® Card is the winner for balance transfer intro APR, its competitors offer much better intro APRs on purchases.
If you’ve squeezed all you can out of your intro APR and you’re now thinking about closing your card, there may be another option available. Instead of closing your card and taking a hit to your average account age, consider asking Citi for a product change. Here’s what to request one.
You won’t be able to transfer your existing Citi balance to your new Citi card. However, your new card can give you perks you couldn’t get with the Citi Simplicity® Card, such as rewards or travel credits. Importantly, while Citi is usually very accommodating with product changes, users have reported mixed results getting a product change from the Citi Simplicity® Card. Your mileage may vary.
Citi has the longest intro APR period on balance transfers and is the go-to pick for anyone that needs plenty of time to pay off a debt. Still, there are a few reasons you might want to go with a different card.
If you’re interested in how the Citi Simplicity stacks up to the competition, select up to four cards and choose Compare to see their features side-by-side.
Citi has been in business for more than 200 years, but it was not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). As of September 2021, more than 200 customer complaints on the BBB site give the bank a score of 1 out of 5. And because Citi failed to resolve customer complaints on the site, BBB has rated the bank with the lowest F rating. Citi is rated slightly higher at 1.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot, where customers mostly complain about poor customer service.
While Citi receives its share of negative reviews, the Citi Simplicity® Card generally earns positive sentiment online from consumers and experts alike. Customers consistently give the Citi Simplicity® Card high marks as a balance transfer card — and with the card’s excellent intro APR on transfers, it’s easy to see why.
Many customers say Citi constantly sends them balance transfer checks, which can be annoying if you’re done with transfers. If you experience this and don’t want to receive checks, call Citi support and ask to opt out.
Though the Citi Simplicity® Card is valuable for only one feature, it’s hands-down one of the best balance transfer credit cards on the market. The reason is simple: It consistently possesses one of the longest intro APR on transfers on the market.
If you’re looking for more than just a balance transfer offer, consider looking for a card that offers rewards. With the extensive options out there, you’re sure to find one with the right mix of intro length and rewards to fit your needs.
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johnbasanes Finder
March 28, 2019
Hi Marlene,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Though we are not Citibank, checking on the phone number you provided leads me to the website of Citibank directly. It is specific to credit card applications. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Kara
January 17, 2019
Can I see how much I will get approved for before actually signing up for the credit card?
Jeni Finder
January 18, 2019
Hi Kara,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Please note that credit limit is determined by the information you provide when you send your application. There is no definite way to determine what your credit limit might be, as card providers often follow their own unique policies when deciding your credit limit.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Michael
June 03, 2017
If I open an account so I can trader balances for my wife who has high interest rates on her cards is that possible. I have a high credit score and she does not. We would like to reconcile all her cards on a new one with you company in my name (she can be a cardholder) but she doesn’t qualify on her own. I understand I would be presonally responsible for the full debt. But I just wanted to verify before applying.
Cordially michael
Anndy Finder
June 18, 2017
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately, Citi does not allow balance transfer between two people’s names. However, other credit card brands do. We do have a guide that talks about balance transfers that can be done jointly. Please read through that guide and check your options there too.
Cheers,
Anndy
Marlene
March 28, 2019
I know this is being picky. but, I just applied for a card and was accepted. my concern was when I call the number and give my information and security code they want me to say yes I am who I am. I have been warned not to say yes on the phone to anyone. I want to verify that this number 888 201 4523 is really your company . that I am really speaking to you. I never ever had to do a phone verification for any other card I have gotten. thanks
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