Credit cards are not only a convenient payment method but also help users manage spending, earn rewards, and build a solid credit profile. Among many providers, Citi credit cards stand out due to a wide range of benefits and global reach.
In this guide, we’ll discover Citi credit cards, key benefits, how to apply to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Introduction to Citi Credit Cards
Citigroup Inc.
Citigroup Inc. (Citi) is a major global financial services provider based in New York City. Founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York, Citi has grown into a multinational institution. Today, it serves customers in nearly 160 countries and jurisdictions around the world.
Citi employs a large global workforce and offers a diverse suite of services. These include consumer banking, corporate and investment banking, credit products, securities brokerage, and wealth management.
Citi Credit Cards
Citi credit cards are a key part of its consumer banking division because they provide users with effective tools to manage their personal finances. They offer valuable features such as rewards programs, travel perks, and strong security protections. You’re focused on either everyday purchases or long-term financial goals, Citi has a card that fits your lifestyle.
Accordingly, Citi ranks as the third-largest credit card issuer in the United States. This position reflects both its scale and its commitment to innovation. Moreover, the bank continues to invest in digital platforms and customer-first services. As a result, Citi credit cards remain highly competitive, offering convenience, value, and a trusted global network.
Advantages of Citi Credit Cards
In order to make the most out of daily purchases, Citi credit cards provide customers with a variety of advantages. You can find many different reasons to own a credit card from Citigroup. Let’s explore some main benefits:
Earn Valuable Reward
Citi credit cards offer various rewards programs, including cash back, travel discounts, air miles, and thankyou Points. For example, you can easily earns the Citi reward points through everyday purchases at supermarket or gas stations.
Build and Improve Credit
Responsible use of Citi credit cards such as making timely payments and maintaining low balances, can help establish and enhance your credit history. Furthermore, for beginners, Citi also offers secured options to start building credit, which complements other entry-level tools, especially personal loans.
Access to Digital Tools
Citigroup Inc. offers digital tools and mobile alerts to help manage your account effectively. Features include balance notifications and payment reminders to avoid late fees and interest charges.
Robust Fraud Protection
With Citi’s $0 Liability policy, you don’t need to be responsible for unauthorized charges. Additional security features like real-time alerts and the ability to lock your Citi credit cards provide peace of mind.
Emergency Purchasing Power
In unexpected situations, Citi credit cards can provide the necessary funds for emergencies, such as: car repairs or medical expenses. Thus, it offers financial flexibility when needed.
Convenient Holds for Rentals
Using a Citi credit card to place holds for hotel rooms or car rentals can free up your cash because the hold amount is temporarily placed on your credit line instead of your bank account. In other word, it is helpful when managing larger expenses alongside Home Loans or planning family travel.
Exclusive Entertainment Access
Citi cardholders can enjoy special access to events through the Citi Entertainment program, including presale tickets and VIP experiences.
Different Types of Citi Credit Cards
There are a variety of Citi credit cards. However, each designed to meet specific financial needs and lifestyle preferences. For that reason, whether you’re looking for cashback, travel rewards, low intro APR, or tools to build credit, there’s a Citi credit card tailored for you.
Cash Back Credit Cards
If you’re looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases, Citi’s cash back credit cards are great choices.
Citi Double Cash Card
Key Features:
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This Citi credit card offers simple, rewarding value with 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. Moreover. there’s no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Note: Rewards don’t apply to balance transfers, cash advances, interest, fees, or refunded transactions.
- The card comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for everyday use.
- Due to 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, this Citi credit card may be ideal for consolidating high-interest auto loans.
- A 3% transfer fee (min. $5) applies in the first 4 months, then increases to 5%. This makes the card ideal for consolidating high-interest balances.
- New cardholders can earn a $200 welcome bonus after spending $1,500 within the first 6 months. This bonus is issued as 20,000 ThankYou points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Redemption Options:
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Statement credit
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Direct deposit or mailed check
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ThankYou Points for travel, gift cards, or purchases at Amazon.com and PayPal
Citi Custom Cash Card
Key Features:
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Each billing cycle, you’ll earn 5% cash back (as ThankYou Points) on your top eligible spending category, up to $500.
Categories include restaurants, gas, groceries, select travel and transit, streaming, drugstores, home improvement, fitness clubs, and live entertainment.
Note: After reaching the $500 cap, you’ll earn 1% back on that category for the rest of the cycle.
- All other purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back, with no restrictions.
- The card comes with no annual fee so it is a budget-friendly option that still delivers strong rewards.
- You can also earn a $200 welcome bonus (20,000 ThankYou Points) after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months.
- The card offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers. After that, a variable APR of 18.24%–28.24% applies.
Flexible Redemption: Rewards are issued as ThankYou Points, redeemable for:
- Statement credits
- Direct deposits or checks
- Gift cards, travel via Citi Travel℠
- Shopping with points at Amazon.com or PayPal
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Key Features:
- The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is exclusively for active Costco members. When you frequently shop at Costco and spend on categories like gas, dining, or travel, this card delivers strong, ongoing rewards.
- This card offers tiered cash back rewards across multiple high-spend categories:
| Spending Category | Cash Back Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas at Costco (up to $7,000/year) | 5% | Then 1% after $7,000 cap |
| Other eligible gas & EV charging stations | 4% | Same $7,000/year cap, then 1% |
| Restaurants & eligible travel | 3% | Applies globally |
| Purchases at Costco & Costco.com | 2% | Unlimited |
| All other purchases | 1% | Unlimited |
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There’s no annual fee as long as you maintain a Costco membership, making it a practical and cost-effective Citi credit card choice.
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You’ll pay no foreign transaction fees, allowing you to use the card abroad without extra charges. Therefore, it’s more convenient for those managing personal finances or investing in global travel.
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For added convenience, the card also functions as your Costco membership ID, helping you lighten your wallet and speed up checkout.
Redemption Options:
Your cash back rewards are issued annually in the form of a reward certificate, included in your February billing statement. Furthermore, you can redeem this certificate: cash or merchandise but in person only at any U.S. Costco warehouse, including Puerto Rico locations.
Note: You can’t redeem online so you must visit a physical Costco store. Moreover, you also need to bring your active Costco membership to apply for and maintain this card.
Rewards Citi Credit Cards
Citi offers a variety of credit cards tailored to different spending habits and lifestyle goals but still offers valuable rewards on these purchases.
Citi Strata Premier Card
Key Features:
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The Citi Strata Premier Card is a premium rewards credit card for individuals who want to maximize returns on both everyday spending and travel. It’s especially ideal for those who frequently spend on dining, groceries, gas, airfare, and hotels whether at home or abroad.
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Earn 60,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, equivalent to $600 in travel or gift cards.
- Competitive Points Earning Structure
| Spending Category | Reward Rate |
|---|---|
| Hotels, rental cars, attractions via CitiTravel.com | 10X points per $1 |
| Restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations (including EV charging) | 3X points per $1 |
| Air travel and hotels (not booked via CitiTravel) | 3X points per $1 |
| All other eligible purchases | 1X point per $1 |
- The generous bonus easily offsets the card’s $95 annual fee.
Valuable Travel & Purchase Benefits:
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$100 annual hotel credit on bookings of $500+ via CitiTravel.com
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No foreign transaction fees, perfect for international travelers
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Travel protections for trip delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and rental car insurance
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Purchase protection for theft or damage (within 90 days)
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Extended warranty, adding up to 2 extra years on eligible items
Redemption Options:
Points are earned as ThankYou Points, redeemable in multiple ways:
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Travel via CitiTravel.com at 1 cent per point
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Gift cards, statement credits, or cash back
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Shop with Points at Amazon or PayPal
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Point transfers at a 1:1 ratio to over 15 airline and hotel partners, including Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Turkish Airlines
Citi Custom Cash Card
Key Features:
Although the Citi Custom Cash Card is advertised as a cash back card, it actually earns rewards in the form of ThankYou Points, which is Citi’s flexible, points-based loyalty program. This gives cardholders more versatility in how they redeem and maximize their rewards.
Here’s how you earn points each billing cycle:
| Spending Type | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
| Top eligible spending category (auto-selected) | 5 points per $1 (up to $500 per billing cycle) |
| Same top category after $500 cap | 1 point per $1 |
| All other purchases | 1 point per $1 (unlimited) |
Points are earned as ThankYou Points, redeemable in multiple ways:
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Travel via CitiTravel.com at 1 cent per point
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Gift cards, statement credits, or cash back
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Shop with Points at Amazon or PayPal
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Point transfers at a 1:1 ratio to over 15 airline and hotel partners, including Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Turkish Airlines
Note: Redemption values may vary depending on how you use your points. Typically, travel and gift card redemptions offer the best value while other options may provide slightly less return per point.
Travel and Airline Credit Cards
For frequent travelers and jetsetters, Citi credit cards for travel and airline deliver generous miles, premium perks, and exclusive access that can elevate every journey.
AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Key Features:
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The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Card is built for frequent flyers who prefer American Airlines. With valuable travel perks and mile-earning potential, it’s ideal for those looking to maximize rewards and enjoy added convenience.
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Earn 50,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $2,500 within the first 3 months. This’s a strong start toward your next trip. As a result, this type of Citi credit card is recommended for travelers looking to consolidate spending while having the flexibility to manage parallel goals or handle payday loans emergencies. Moreover, they don’t need to worry about loyalty rewards.
- Earning Miles Made Simple
| Spending Category | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
| Eligible American Airlines purchases | 2 miles per $1 |
| Restaurants and gas stations | 2 miles per $1 |
| All other purchases | 1 mile per $1 |
Key Travel Benefits:
- First Checked Bag Free for you and up to 4 companions, up to $400 saved per round trip
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Preferred Boarding on American Airlines flights
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25% Inflight Discount on food and drinks when using your card
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$125 Flight Discount each year after $20,000 in spending and renewal
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No Foreign Transaction Fees, ideal for global travelers
Redemption Options: You can use your miles for a variety of rewards:
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Flights with American Airlines or oneworld partners
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Seat upgrades to premium cabins
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Hotel stays and car rentals via AAdvantage® partners
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Vacation packages and exclusive experiences
Note: Flight redemptions, especially on international routes, often provide the best value per mile.
AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Key Features:
- The Citi/ AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is tailored for frequent flyers loyal to American Airlines. Due to luxury travel benefits and strong mile-earning potential, it’s ideal for travelers who value comfort, convenience, and elite status perks.
- Earn 100,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $10,000 within the first 3 months.
- Earning Rates:
| Spending Category | Earning Rate |
|---|---|
| Eligible American Airlines purchases | 4 miles per $1 spent |
| Car rentals and hotels booked | 10 miles per $1 spent |
| All other purchases | 1 mile per $1 spent |
- Annual fee is $595
Travel Benefits:
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Admirals Club Membership (worth up to $850)
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Priority check-in, screening, and boarding
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First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions
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25% inflight savings on food and drinks
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$100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit (every 4 years)
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No foreign transaction fees
Additional Perks:
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Loyalty Points: 1 per $1 spent, plus bonus of 10,000 points at 50K and 90K levels
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Admirals Club access for authorized users (add 3 for $175 total)
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Statement Credits:
| Benefit | Maximum Annual Value | Eligibility Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Car Rental Rebate (Avis, Budget) | $120/year | Up to $120 back on eligible prepaid rentals booked directly at Avis.com or Budget.com |
| Lyft Credit | $120/year ($10/month) | Earn $10 credit each month after completing 3 eligible Lyft rides |
| Grubhub Credit | $120/year ($10/month) | Receive $10 back each month on eligible Grubhub purchases |
Redemption Options:
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Book flights with American Airlines or oneworld partners
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Upgrade to premium cabins
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Redeem for hotel stays and car rentals via AAdvantage partners
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Apply miles to vacation packages
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Access exclusive events and experiences through the AAdvantage program
Balance Transfer & Low-Interest Cards
If you’re looking to manage debt or finance large purchases with minimal interest, Citi’s balance transfer and low-interest card is great choice.
Citi Simplicity Card
Key Features:
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No Late Fees or Penalty APR: Citi Simplicity stands out by not charging late fees or applying a penalty APR, providing peace of mind if a payment is missed.
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No Annual Fee: There is no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those focusing on debt management.
- Introductory APR Offers
| Transaction Type | Intro APR Offer |
|---|---|
| Balance Transfers | 0% APR for 21 months from account opening (then variable 18.24%–28.99%) |
| New Purchases | 0% APR for 12 months (then variable 18.24%–28.99%) |
- Choose Your Payment Due Date: Flexibility to align with your schedule
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Citi Quick Lock: Instantly lock/unlock your card via the Citi Mobile app
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$0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges
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Citi Entertainment: Exclusive access to concerts, sports, and more
Note: No Rewards Program. If earning rewards on purchases is a priority, you may consider other type of Citi credit cards as they offer cash back in the form of ThankYou Points.
Citi Diamond Preferred Card
Key Features:
- The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers generous introductory APR periods:
| APR Type | Introductory Period | Post-Intro APR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Transfers | 0% for 21 months | 17.24% – 27.99% (variable) | Transfers must be completed within 4 months |
| Purchases | 0% for 12 months | 17.24% – 27.99% (variable) | Based on creditworthiness |
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A 5% fee applies to each balance transfer (minimum $5).
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The Citi Diamond Preferred Card charges no annual fee. Consequently, it can become a cost-effective option for users focused on debt repayment or large purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- Citi Flex Loan: Convert a portion of your credit line into a fixed-rate loan with flexible repayment terms. Therefore, you can consolidate smaller personal or business expenses.
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Customizable Payment Due Date: Choose a payment due date that aligns with your schedule.
Business Credit Cards
Citi credit cards are tailored for entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering rewards on business spending, travel perks, and tools to help manage company expenses efficiently.
AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Key Features:
- Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard is used for small business owners who frequently travel with American Airlines
- Earn 65,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first 4 months of account opening.
- Annual Fee is $99, waived for the first 12 months.
- Earning Rates
| Category | Miles Earned |
|---|---|
| Eligible American Airlines purchases | 2 miles per $1 |
| Purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers | 2 miles per $1 |
| Purchases at gas stations | 2 miles per $1 |
| Purchases at car rental merchants | 2 miles per $1 |
| All other purchases | 1 mile per $1 |
Additional Benefits:
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First Checked Bag Free for you and up to 4 companions on domestic American Airlines itineraries.
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Enjoy early boarding on American Airlines flights.
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Receive a $99 domestic companion certificate (plus taxes and fees) after $30,000 in purchases each card membership year.
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Get a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases when using the card on American Airlines flights.
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No Foreign Transaction Fees is added so that you can make purchases abroad without incurring additional fees.
Business Features:
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AAdvantage Business Program: Earn miles for your business and Loyalty Points for travelers on eligible business travel. Includes travel management tools with essential reporting capabilities, duty of care, traveler activity, expense management, and more.
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Employee Cards: Add employee cards at no additional cost and earn miles on their purchases.
Redemption Options: Redeem your AAdvantage miles for
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Flights with American Airlines and oneworld partners.
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Seat upgrades to premium cabins.
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Hotel stays through aadvantagehotels.com.
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Car rentals via aadvantagecars.com.
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Vacation packages through aavacations.com.
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Exclusive experiences and events.
Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi
Key Features:
- Small business owners who frequently shop at Costco and seek to maximize cash back rewards on daily expenses, can make use of Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi.
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Annual Fee is $0 but you need a paid Costco membership.
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You need to have Business cash back Visa.
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This requires an active Costco membership.
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An excellent score is typically required for approval.
Cash Back Rewards:
| Purchase Category | Cash Back Rate |
|---|---|
| Gas at Costco | 5% on the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter |
| Other eligible gas and EV charging purchases | 4% on the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter |
| Restaurants and eligible travel purchases (including Costco Travel) | 3% |
| Purchases from Costco and Costco.com | 2% |
| All other purchases | 1% |
Note: The 5% and 4% cash back rates on gas and EV charging apply to the first $7,000 in combined purchases per year; after reaching this cap, the cash back rate drops to 1%.
Additional Benefits:
- No foreign transaction fees – ideal for international purchases
- Travel insurance, rental car coverage, and purchase protection
- Free employee cards (each user must also be a Costco member)
This Citi credit card aligns well with businesses also exploring personal investment options or those seeking better mortgage rates to expand operations.
Rewards Redemption:
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Cash back is issued once a year as a reward certificate after the February billing statement.
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The certificate can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico locations.
Note: The reward certificate must be redeemed in person at a Costco location. That means it cannot be used online.
Secured Credit Cards
Secured Citi credit cards are ideal for individuals building or rebuilding credit, offering essential tools and protections while helping establish a strong financial foundation through responsible card usage.
Citi Secured Mastercard
Key Features:
- The Citi Secured Mastercard is designed for individuals aiming to build or rebuild their credit history. By requiring a refundable security deposit, it provides a pathway to establish creditworthiness through responsible use.
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A refundable deposit ranging from $200 to $2,500 is required, which sets your credit limit.
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Monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) helps in building a positive credit history.
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Enjoy the benefits of the card without any annual charges.
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A variable APR of 26.24% applies to purchases.
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Access to credit monitoring tools like Citi Quick Lock, $0 liability on unauthorized charges, and fraud alerts enhance account security.
Additional Benefits:
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Flexible Payment Options: Choose your payment due date to align with your financial schedule.
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Upgrade Potential: With consistent, responsible use, you may become eligible for an unsecured Citi credit card in the future.
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Digital Access: Manage your account conveniently through the Citi Mobile® App and online banking.
How To Apply For Citi Credit Cards
Applying for a Citi credit card can be a straightforward process if you follow these key steps:
Check Your Creditworthiness
First of all, you should review your credit report and score to understand your credit standing. Consequently, you may identify which credit cards you’re likely to qualify for.
Explore Pre-Qualified Offers
Citigroup offers pre-qualification tools that allow you to see potential offers without impacting your credit score. However, these offers can’t guarantee the approval but can guide your choices.
Choose the Right Credit Card
Select a Citi credit card that aligns with your financial needs and credit profile.
Prepare Necessary Information
Gather the following details for your application:
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Full legal name
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Date of birth
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Social Security number
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Contact information (address, phone number)
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Employment status and annual income
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Monthly housing payment
Submit Your Application
Apply through one of the following methods:
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Online: Visit the issuer’s website for a quick application process.
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Phone: Call the issuer’s customer service line.
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In Person: Visit a local branch if available. Especially, it is useful if opening a checking account at the same time.
Understand Terms and Conditions
Before submitting, review the card’s terms, including interest rates, fees, and repayment obligations, to ensure they fit your financial situation.
Be Aware of Credit Impact
Each application may result in a hard inquiry, potentially affecting your credit score slightly. To minimize impact, limit the number of applications you submit.
Citi credit cards provide a smart way to manage spending, build credit, and earn valuable rewards. With diverse options for both personal and business needs, they align well with broader financial goals. Choose the right credit card from Citigroup Inc. and let it support your journey toward better financial health.
