The Citi® Double Cash Card is an unlimited cash back credit card from Citi that offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. But how does the Double Cash stack up against the competition? Here is everything you need about the Citi Double Cash Card vs. its biggest rivals:
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Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards on the market today, thanks to impressive, flat-rate cash back, lucrative introductory 0% APR offers, and more. Cardholders earn 2% back on every eligible purchase: 1% back at the time of sale and an additional 1% back when they pay their statement balance. Cash back is redeemable for statement credits, direct deposits, checks, or converted as ThankYou® points.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You prefer earning cash back at a flat rate rather than in rotating categories
- You’re looking to either consolidate existing balances or pay down a large purchase with no interest charges for an extended period of time
- You like to have the flexibility of converting cash back into lucrative rewards points
- You’re considering a credit card without an annual fee
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
The Citi Double Cash Card is a leading unlimited cash back credit card from Citibank. The card is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards on the market today, thanks to impressive, flat-rate cash back, lucrative 0% introductory APR offer, and no annual fee.
Double Cash cardmembers earn 2% back on every eligible purchase: 1% back at the time of sale and an additional 1% back when they pay their statement balance. The card also features a lengthy 18-month introductory APR on balance transfers – one of the longest intro APR periods available today for a cash back credit card.
It’s worth noting that not all transactions apply for 2% cash back with cards like the Double Cash. Here is a list of transactions that do not qualify for rewards:
| Balance transfers | Card account checks | Unauthorized or fraudulent transactions |
| Cash advances | Returns for credit | Traveler’s cheques or foreign currency purchases |
| Lottery tickets | Money orders or wire transfers | Reloading of a prepaid debit or gift cards |
| Card fees, late fees, or finance charges | ||
And here is a quick breakdown of all the other current offers with the Double Card:
- No annual fee
- 0% Intro APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the variable APR will be 14.24% – 24.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
How Does the Citi Double Cash Compare to Other Unlimited Cash Back Cards?
Are you thinking about applying for the Citi Double Cash Card? While the card is an exceptional value, here is how it compares to many of the leading competitors on the unlimited cash back card market:
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 20.49% to 29.24% Variable Regular Purchase APR
- 20.49% to 29.24% Variable Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% Variable Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 15 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card is a reliable option for customers looking to pair an attractive cash back rewards program with generous introductory interest rates. Cardholders can redeem for cash, travel, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.49% to 29.24% Variable
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.49% to 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% Variable
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- You are looking for a low-rate credit card to perform a balance transfer
- You prefer straightforward rewards earnings rather than quarterly categories requiring activation
- You’ll make at least $500 in purchases in the first 90 days
- You do’t want to pay an annual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited isn’t an exact match for the Citi Double Cash Card, but that doesn’t mean there are no comparisons between the two credit cards. The Freedom Unlimited Card earns an unlimited 1.5% back with every purchase – with some exceptions. That 1.5% back isn’t as impressive as the up to 5% back that comes with the Citi Custom Cash℠Card or even the unlimited 2% back with the Double cash. That said, earning 1.5% back is an exceptional value.
Freedom Unlimited also earns 3% back on bonus categories dining and restaurant purchases, including take-out orders and deliveries through eligible delivery services, like Grub Hub and UberEATS. That 3% back also applies to drugstore purchases. Finally, the card earns 5% back on travel booked through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal.
The Citi Double Cash provides more of an introductory APR period than Chase. The Double Cash offers 0% introductory APR for 18 months on balance transfers vs. the 15 months of 0% intro APR with Freedom Unlimited. Fortunately, Chase extends that intro App to purchases and balance transfers versus only BTs with Citibank.
TD Double Up Card
TD Double Up Card
TD Double Up Card
- 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The TD Double Up Visa Card is a no-annual-fee 2% cash back card from TD Bank. The card also offers an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, a $150 statement credit bonus after meeting minimum spend requirements, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Earn up to 2% cash back on all purchases
- 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You already bank with TD Bank
- You prefer statement credits to travel or merchandise awards
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
- You’re looking for a credit card that can earn additional cash back
TD Bank Double Up
The TD Double Up Card is one of the closest competitors to the Double Cash Mastercard regarding features. Like the Double Cash Card from Citibank, the TD Double Up Visa Card earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. And, like Citi’s card, that 2% back takes the form of 1% back now – and 1% back later.
Cardholders automatically earn 1% cash back on all purchases, regardless of category, and an additional 1% cash back when rewards are redeemed into an eligible TD deposit account. Because of this unique structure, the card offers exceptional value to current TD Bank banking customers looking to maximize their savings.
Where the two cards diverge are the sign-up bonus and introductory APR. The Double Up enjoys 0% intro APR on BTs for 15 months vs. the 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers with the Double Cash Card from Citibank.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 15 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa Card offers Wells Fargo customers unlimited 2% back, two generous introductory offers, and various protections – all for no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You don’t like the hassle of bonus reward categories
- You want a lengthy 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- You want a card with a $0 annual fee
Wells Fargo Active Cash
The Wells Fargo Active Cash is a versatile cash back credit card that provides unlimited 2% cash back rewards without the annual fee. The card provides many of the same features as Citi’s Double Cash Mastercard but with a key difference.
The major difference between the Citi Double Cash vs. the Wells Fargo Active cash is the introductory APR offers. The Double Cash provides 18 months of 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. The WF Active Cash, on the other hand, provides 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers.
Have an existing balance? In that case, the Double Cash might be right for you. Prefer to earn rewards as ThankYou Rewards points instead of cash back? The Double Cash is again the winner. But if you want an intro APR on purchases, the Active Cash has the edge.
Apple Card
Apple Card
Apple Card
- 15.74% to 26.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
You don’t need to need to be a die-hard fan to fall in love with the intelligently designed Apple Card. Designed for digital use in conjunction with Apple Pay (spoiler: an iPhone is required), this card boasts no annual fee – or any fees for that matter – up to 3% cash back for Apple and other popular retailers, automatic cash back rewards, a gorgeous interface for monitoring your spending, and innovative security features to make credit card theft a worry of the past.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Earn cash back with every purchase
- No hidden fees
- Get a detailed breakdown of your spending from your iPhone
- Regular Purchase APR: 15.74% to 26.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- You own an iPhone (or are planning to buy one)
- You’re loyal to the Apple ecosystem
- You frequently use your mobile device for making purchases (a.k.a. your digital wallet)
- You do’t want to worry about carrying your wallet everywhere you go to make purchases
- You do’t want the hassle of deciding how to redeem rewards
Apple Card
You don’t need to be a die-hard fan to fall in love with the intelligently designed Apple Card. The card earns accelerated rewards with Apple Pay making the card essentially an unlimited 2% back credit card – with a twist. Apple Pay is one of the most popular digital/mobile wallets on the market,
The card earns 2% cash back on all purchases made through Apple Pay, placing the card firmly in the same space as the Citi Double Cash. The Apple Card also earns 3% cash back on purchases with select brands, including Apple products and subscriptions, Panera, T Mobile, Nike, ExxonMobil, and Walgreens, plus 1% back on all other purchases.
While the 2% back with Apple Pay make the Apple Card a competitor to the Double Cash Card from Citi, the comparison is incomplete. Only select transactions (outlined above) do not earn cash back with the Citi Double Cash vs. the Apple Card’s 2% back only through one mobile wallet. Where Apple Pay enjoys popularity, the double cash back with the Double Cash is early universal.
The Citi Double Cash Card also features a lengthy 0% intro APR period on balance transfers. New Citi Double Cash cardmembers enjoy 18 months of 0% intro APR on BTs – one of the longest balance transfer offers for a cash back card on the market today.
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
- 19.99%, 28.99% or 31.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 31.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® is an excellent option for everyone who wants a no-hassle rewards credit card in their wallet. Accepted everywhere Mastercard is accepted, this card boasts and impressive 3% cash back on PayPal purchases and 2% cash back on all other purchases with no redemption threshold or complicated categories to worry about.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 3% back on PayPal purchases
- Earn unlimited 2% back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- ID Theft Protection
- No foreign transaction fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99%, 28.99% or 31.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 31.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $29
- You’re eager to earn 3% cash back on PayPal purchases without rotating categories
- You do not want limits on when or how much of your cash back earned can be applied towards your PayPal balance
- You seek a credit card offering identity theft support without an annual fee
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard offers the same hassle-free approach as the Citi Custom Vas, but with a heavy emphasis on the PayPal network. Cardholders earn their 3% back when using their card anywhere in the world where PayPal is accepted. All other purchases with the card earn 2% cash back.
The great feature of the PayPal Mastercard is the seamless way it integrates into an existing PayPal account. Cardmembers can use their card to set up recurring payments of subscriptions, send money to friends or family, or male purchases at millions of retailers worldwide.
Like the Apple Card, the strength of the PayPal Cashback Mastercard is offset by some limitations. The primary limitation is the PayPal network. While PayPal is one of the largest third-party payment platforms in North America, it is limited abroad, making it less useful for those planning on traveling with their credit card. Additionally, the Double Cash features that 0% intro APR offer – something the PayPal Mastercard lacks.
Related Article: The Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
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