Citi credit cards come with a variety of features and benefits so it is important to consider which features will save you the most money or earn you the most money in rewards. For many, a Citi credit card with a 0% APR on balance transfers will provide the greatest benefits. These deals can help you sharply reduce your monthly interest expense for 12, 15 or even 18 months. Plus, you can use the money you would have spent paying interest to pay your credit card debt down faster.
People looking to save money on new purchases can also benefit from the long introductory periods for purchases available on 0% APR credit cards from Citi. As with balance transfers, Citibank offers some of the longest 0% rates on purchases. If you carry small balances from month to month, a 0% APR on purchases can create modest savings. However, if you are planning on a large purchase, such as a vacation or a large household expense, getting a card with a 0% APR could save you close to $100 for every $1000 you spend, depending on how much your current rate is and how long you need to repay the purchase.
If you don't carry large balances from month to month, then two key things to consider when evaluating Citi credit cards are long term interest rates and rewards. If you want a bare bones credit card that isn't likely to tack on annual fee in the future, stick with the Citi Platinum card. If you're looking for rewards, especially in the short term, the Citi Thank You Preferred Card is likely your best bet. With its current promotion, you can rack up a lot of Citi Thank You rewards. If you'd prefer a cash back credit card, then the Citi Dividend card is a pretty straightforward 1% cash back card that also offers 5% cash back in certain categories. However, to get the 5% cash back, you have to call or register online every few months, which some may find a hassle.
Citi Credit Card Reviews
Citi Dividend Credit Card Review: I used to love the Citi Dividend card. A few years ago, you could earn a full 5% cash back on gas, groceries, and drug store purchases. Today, it offers a standard 1% cash back with 5% cash back in rotating categories. While it is a good card for balance transfers, it is really just an average cash back credit card.
