Citi Simplicity Credit Card Review: Manage Debt with a Low Introductory APR

Editor's note: This article is periodically updated with fresh details and offers.

Citi is a partner of TPG for advertising.

Overview of the Citi Simplicity Card

The Citi Simplicity® Card is a no-frills option that provides an introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers upon account opening. While it has no annual fee, it lacks rewards and offers limited benefits, with relatively high variable APR rates. Card rating*: ⭐⭐

*Card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.

As TPG's Brian Kelly understands well, overcoming debt can be challenging. However, if you're trying to eliminate credit card debt or manage a large purchase over time, the Citi Simplicity® Card's low introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers might be beneficial.

Let's examine this no-annual-fee card in more detail to help you determine if it's the right fit for you.

The details for the Citi Simplicity Card have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Citi Simplicity Card introductory offer

The Citi Simplicity Card does not provide a cash or rewards bonus upon signing up. Its primary attraction lies in two introductory APR offers for new cardholders.

You will receive a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months starting from the date you activate your Citi Simplicity card. Following this period, your APR will vary between 19.24% and 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.

Additionally, balance transfers made within the first four months of opening your Citi Simplicity account will benefit from a 0% introductory APR for 21 months from the date of the initial transfer. After the introductory period ends, your APR will range from 19.24% to 29.99%, based on your credit profile.

A balance transfer fee will apply, which is either $5 or 5% of the transferred amount (after the four-month introductory offer), whichever is higher.

Be aware that once your introductory purchase APR concludes, any new purchases and outstanding balances will start to accumulate interest until all debts—including any transferred amounts—are fully paid off.

Citi Simplicity Card Advantages

The Citi Simplicity Card does not provide rewards and offers only limited benefits. Here’s what you can anticipate from this card:

• Contactless chip-enabled card that allows for tap-to-pay transactions
• 24/7 access to live customer support
• Automated account alerts to notify you about your balance, upcoming payments, or if you exceed your credit limit
• $0 liability for unauthorized charges
• Flexibility to choose your payment due date from any available option at the start, middle, or end of the month
• Citi Identity Theft Solutions to assist if you fall victim to identity theft
• No annual fee

Rewards with the Citi Simplicity Card

Since the Citi Simplicity Card does not offer any rewards, the primary incentive to use it is its introductory APR rates for purchases and balance transfers. If you’re not focused on reducing debt, there’s little reason to choose this card. If you do take advantage of these introductory offers, it’s important to pay off your balance in full before the promotional period ends.

It’s crucial to recognize what occurs after your introductory purchase APR period concludes, especially if you are utilizing the introductory balance transfer APR. At this stage, any new purchases and outstanding balances will start to accrue interest until all debts, including transferred amounts, are cleared. To minimize interest at the variable APR rate, you should aim to pay off your purchase balance completely and refrain from making new purchases until the entire card balance is settled.

The Citi Simplicity card imposes a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less suitable for purchases made outside the U.S.

Which cards are alternatives to the Citi Simplicity Card?

If you're aiming to improve your credit, there are various options available; some may suit your needs better than the Citi Simplicity.

• If you want to earn rewards while establishing credit: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other transactions.
• If you already possess a solid credit score: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) provides unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay). Its straightforward approach makes it one of our top choices for beginner reward cards. For further information, check our complete review of the Citi Double Cash.

The information regarding the Discover it Secured Credit Card has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details on this page have not been verified or endorsed by the card issuer.

For more choices, explore our recommendations for the best secured credit cards and the best starter credit cards.

Is the Citi Simplicity Card a good choice?

The Citi Simplicity Card can be a viable option if you seek a card with an introductory APR on purchases and no late fees or penalty interest. However, other cards may provide lower variable APRs and reduced balance transfer fees, so it’s worth evaluating alternatives based on your specific needs.

In summary

While the Citi Simplicity Card does not earn points or any other rewards, it could be a suitable choice for making a significant purchase with an extended time frame to pay off the balance. If your goal is to rebuild your credit score while benefiting from a lengthy introductory APR period, this card might be a good match for you.