*Citi Rewards+® card has been cancelled.
City has several options that can work for you if you are looking for the best reward credit card to suit your lifestyle and spending habits. The Citi Rewards+® Card offers the best rewards for gas and grocery spending, while the Citi DoubleCash® Card offers unlimited flat cashback when you spend on the card and then pay back your purchase.
Essentially, Citi Rewards+ is an option that earns some extra points through bonuses and round-ups, and is for those who want to point back on gas and grocery spending. Double Cash is suitable for those who want a simple set and forget it method to earn unlimited cashback on all their spending.
However, you will be able to learn a little more about the features and benefits of some cards, allowing you to choose the best card. Here’s how these City cards are compared to each other:
Main details
| City Rewards + Card | City Double Cash Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonus |
|
|
| Remuneration rate |
|
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| Intro April | 0% intro APR for 15 months with balance transfers made within the first 4 months and at the time of purchase. Then April continues 17.74%-27.74% (variable) | 0% intro APR for 18 months with balance transfers made in the first 4 months. Then April continues 18.24%-28.24% (variable) |
| Annual fees | $0 | $0 |
City Rewards + Card vs City Double Cash Card Highlights
Which cards make the most money?
City Rewards + vs. City Double Cash Card Expense Example
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household won $94,003 in 2022 and spent $72,967. They also broken down the numbers from discretionary categories such as groceries, gas, entertainment that can be applied to Citi Rewards+ and Citi double cash cards, and saw what they would earn from a reward perspective.
| Annual spending | amount | City Rewards + Card (Points)* | City Double Cash Card (Cashback)** |
|---|---|---|---|
|
*These values do not take into account the “rounding” feature of Citi Rewards+. With each purchase, don’t forget that Citi closes its revenues to 10x points. This means that many small purchases will ultimately earn more rewards than some large purchases. This table also does not take into account the annual 10% redemption bonus for rewards+.
** The double cash reward figure assumes that the cardholder has paid for all these purchases, earning 1% at the time of purchase and an additional 1% at the time of payment. |
|||
| Grocery and Gas (combined to show the points to earn a scenario) | $5,703 (Grocery) $3,120 (Gas) |
12,000 (double points for the first $6,000) | $176.46 |
| Over $6,000 Grocery and Gas Expenditure | $2,823 | 2,823 | n/a |
| restaurant | $3,639 | 3,639 | $72.78 |
| Apparel and Services | $1,945 | 1,945 | $38.90 |
| Entertainment | $3,458 | 3,458 | $69.16 |
| Personal Care Products and Services | $866 | 866 | $17.32 |
| First year value (including welcome offer) | – | 44,731 (equivalent to $447.31 for a $223.65 cashback or gift card) | $374.62 |
| Value of the second year | – | 24,731 ($123.65 cashback, $247.31 gift card) | $374.62 |
From a value standpoint, if you’re interested in straight cashback, you’re standing there to make it a little more possible with City’s double cash. City reward + thanks points are worth just 0.5 cents each when redeemed for cashback, so we recommend redeeming thanks points in other ways.
Why do I need to get a Citi Rewards+ card?
Citi Rewards+ cards only spend moderately on gas and groceries, and are usually worth it if you make a large number of small purchases rather than a few large purchases on your card. If you spend more than $6,000 a year on gas and groceries, you may feel that your card’s reward structure is somewhat limited. In this case, you can choose a double cash card or other reward card that focuses on grocery store purchases and gas station spending.
Additionally, Reward+ is perfect for those interested in redeeming rewards for things other than cash, such as gift cards and charitable contributions. The best case is to combine these points with Premium City Travel Cards and the points of gratitude you earned.
Additional benefits
In addition to welcome bonuses, roundup features, annual redemption bonuses and intro APR offers, Citi Rewards+ Card perks include standard MasterCard perks, including $0 liability for fraudulent purchases and identity theft protection services. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to City Entertainment. City Entertainment offers pre-sale tickets, events and more opportunities. The event will include music festivals, professional football games and even a high-end restaurant experience.
Redemption options
You can redeem your appreciation points in several different ways:
- Gift Card
- Shops with Points on Amazon.com or PayPal
- Donation
- Statement Credit (value less than 1 cent per point)
- Cash (less than 1 cent per point)
- Student and mortgage payments
- Point Transfer and Sharing
- Paying online bills
Recommended Credit Score
To qualify for this card, you will need excellent credits (670-850).
Why do I need to get a City Double Cash Card?
The City Double Cash Card is valuable for those who want a simple process to earn a flat cashback on all their expenses. There are no gimmicks, warnings, or special categories to track.
Essentially, it is designed to reward those who spend on the card before repaying the purchase. This makes it easy to earn 2% cashback. For some, simplicity is too good.
Additional benefits
In addition to the long intro APR on balance transfers, the card offers benefits such as $0 fraud liability, 24-hour fraud protection, identity theft service, and access to City Entertainment.
Redemption options
Cashback reward redemption options include statement credits, direct deposits, cheques and points redemption of thanks. If you choose, you can redeem the reward as points on your gift card. Travel to the city or shop with Amazon or PayPal points. It can also be combined with gratitude points earned on other cards.
Recommended Credit Score
Like the Citi Rewards+ card, you will need excellent credits (670-850) to qualify for this card.
Conclusion
City is the issuer who has pioneered some great offers in the credit card reward space. In particular, the City Double Cash Card is a perennial hit due to its high unlimited cashback ratio.
In addition to the respectable reward rates, Citi Rewards+ Card has some quirks that help Cardholders earn slightly more rewards in the form of thanks points. Unfortunately, the Citi Rewards+ thanks point is half the cashback you get with a double cash card when you ask for cash or statement credits.
As always, consider other options from today’s list of best reward credit cards in case another card piques your interest.
*Information about CitiPremier® and CitiPrestige® credit cards is collected independently by Bankrate. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
