Citi Double Cash Review: The Simple Cashback King

If you want one card that earns great rewards on everything without any category tracking, rotating bonuses, or annual fees, the Citi Double Cash has been the answer for years.

Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic cash back card.

How the 2% Works

The Citi Double Cash earns rewards in two parts:

1% when you make a purchase + 1% when you pay your bill = 2% total

This structure means:

• You must pay at least the minimum to earn the second 1%
• If you carry a balance, you still earn (but interest costs far exceed rewards)
• Paying in full monthly = simple 2% on everything

In practice: It works exactly like a straightforward 2% card. Pay your bill, get 2%.

The Cons

1. Foreign Transaction Fee

3% fee on international purchases erases your 2% rewards and then some. Not for international travel.

2. No Bonus Categories

2% everywhere means no 5% anywhere. Category cards beat it in their specialties.

3. Limited Sign-Up Bonus

$200 after $1,500 spend is modest compared to premium travel cards offering $500+ equivalent.

4. No Extra Perks

No purchase protection, extended warranty, or travel insurance. It’s a bare-bones rewards card.

5. Two-Part Rewards Structure

The 1% + 1% structure is mostly cosmetic, but it creates a small delay in earning full rewards and requires paying your bill.

Citi Double Cash vs. Competitors

vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash

Feature	Double Cash	Active Cash
Rewards	2%	2%
Annual Fee	$0	$0
Sign-Up Bonus	$200	$200
Foreign Transaction Fee	3%	3%
Cell Phone Protection	No	Yes
Balance Transfer	18 months 0%	15 months 0%

Verdict: Active Cash adds cell phone protection (up to $600/claim). For most people, Active Cash is slightly better.

vs. Fidelity Rewards Visa

Feature	Double Cash	Fidelity Rewards
Rewards	2%	2% (to Fidelity account)
Annual Fee	$0	$0
Foreign Transaction Fee	3%	1%
Redemption	Flexible	Must go to Fidelity

Verdict: Fidelity wins for international use and investors. Double Cash wins for flexible redemption.

vs. PayPal Cashback Mastercard

Feature	Double Cash	PayPal Cashback
Rewards	2%	2% (3% with PayPal)
Annual Fee	$0	$0
Foreign Transaction Fee	3%	3%
Sign-Up Bonus	$200	None

Verdict: PayPal beats it for PayPal purchases (3%). Double Cash has better bonus and flexibility.

Maximizing the Citi Double Cash

Strategy 1: One Card Simplicity

Use Double Cash for 100% of spending. Earn 2% everywhere with zero effort.

Annual return on $24,000 spending: $480

Strategy 2: “Everything Else” Card

Pair with category cards:

• Use 5% cards for their categories
• Use Double Cash for everything else

Example setup:

• Citi Custom Cash: 5% on top category
• Amex Blue Cash Preferred: 6% groceries
• Citi Double Cash: Everything else (2%)

Strategy 3: Balance Transfer Vehicle

Transfer high-interest debt to Double Cash’s 18-month 0% APR.

On $5,000 debt at 24% APR:

• Staying put: ~$1,200 in interest over 18 months
• Balance transfer: $0 in interest (just transfer fee)
• Savings: ~$1,000+

Strategy 4: Points Pairing

Have or plan to get Citi Premier? Keep Double Cash points as ThankYou Points for transfer partner access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Citi Double Cash worth it? Yes, if you want simplicity. 2% on everything with no annual fee is excellent. It’s the baseline against which other cards should be measured.

Why is it called “Double” Cash? The 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay = “double” the standard 1% card. Marketing.

Can I use this card internationally? Technically yes, but the 3% foreign transaction fee makes it a poor choice. Get a no-FTF card for travel.

Is 2% cash back good? Very good. The average cash back rate is 1-1.5%. 2% on everything beats most single cards.

Should I get Double Cash or Active Cash? Both offer 2%. Active Cash adds cell phone protection. If that matters, go Active Cash. Otherwise, similar.

Does carrying a balance affect rewards? You still earn the second 1% when paying minimums. But the 20%+ interest cost far exceeds any rewards. Always pay in full.

Last updated: January 2026

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