Citi Simplicity® Credit Card Review

Simplicity® from Citi — all information about the credit card.

By Hanna Volkava
Updated October 20, 2023

Good Choose for 0 APR, Single mom

Citi Simplicity®
Learn more
Our Rating:
3.5 out of 5
scorer
Recommended credit score
Excellent (740-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.
  • Intro Offer:
    • No current offer.
  • Annual Fee:
    $0
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for 12 months from date of account opening
  • Regular APR:
    19.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.24% - 29.99% Variable
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Rate and fee information

  • Purchase Intro APR
    • 0% Introductory APR for 12 months from date of account opening
  • Purchase APR
    • 19.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR
    • 0% Introductory APR for 21 months from date of first transfer when transfers are completed within 4 months from date of account opening
  • Balance Transfers APR
    • 19.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • APR for Cash Advances
    • 29.99% Variable
  • How to Avoid Paying Interest
    • Your due date is at least 23 days after the close of each billing cycle. You will not be charged interest on purchases if you pay your monthly Citi Flex Plan Payment Amount plus your entire balance, excluding any Citi Flex Plan balances, by the due date each month.

Fees

  • Annual Fee
    • $0
  • Fees for Balance Transfer
    • Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Fees for Cash Advances
    • Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Return Payment
    • Up to $41
View all Rates & Fees

Pros & Cons

Pros:
  • 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 months
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
  • No annual fee
  • No late fees or penalty rates ever
Cons:
  • No rewards system or sign-up bonus
  • Foreign transaction fee

Features

Classic
Mastercard
Contactless
  • 0% Intro APR
  • No Annual Fee
  • Payment Flexibility
  • Fraud Protection
  • Purchase Protection
  • Excellent Credit

About the issuer

Citi has several card types depending on your needs.
Manage your Account & Pay your Bill
You can usually pay your bill online on your

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Citi Simplicity® Credit Card Review

This article explains the benefits and drawbacks of the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It provides a lengthy 0% APR period on balance transfers and new purchases (for 12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers, 19.24% - 29.99% Variable after).

The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card from Citi has no annual fee, making it an ideal tool for paying off credit card debt. The card provides significant bonuses for people interested in making large purchases. Additionally, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card does not have late fees or penalty rates. And while this card does not have a rewards system, it is still worth considering.

Pros: Cons:
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 months. The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers one of the most extended 0% APR intro periods (19.24% - 29.99% Variable after). It may be useful for people struggling with credit card debt. No rewards system or sign-up bonus. The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card does not offer any opportunities to earn rewards, or a sign-up bonus.
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. This Citi Simplicity® Credit Card feature is an excellent option for people looking to finance large purchases with time to pay them off with a 0% interest rate (19.24% - 29.99% Variable after). Foreign transaction fee. The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card imposes a 3% international transaction fee on all purchases made outside the U.S. It makes this card less advantageous while traveling abroad.
No annual fee. You don’t have to pay for your credit card maintenance.
No late fees or penalty rates ever. No matter how many times you pay late, Citi will not charge you late fees or penalty APR.

Rewards system in a nutshell

А number of balance transfer credit cards provide an opportunity for their cardholders to earn rewards in cash back, discounts, or travel miles. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, as it does not include any kind of rewards program.

Who can benefit from getting the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card?

The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card is an excellent option for those interested in paying off existing credit card debt rather than earning profit from rewards. This card gives you a year and a half to repay the debt without charging any interest.

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As the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card has one of the longest interest-free balance transfer periods available, it’s definitely a choice to consider. But you have to keep in mind that the transfer must be completed within 4 months from the account opening.

If you’re planning major purchases, Citi Simplicity® Credit Card 0% introductory APR will be appealing to you (12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers, 19.24% - 29.99% Variable after).

This card may also be interesting to you in case you may miss one or two payments. The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card guarantees that no penalties will be imposed on you, and you’ll not suffer from having to catch up with additional charges. Nevertheless, we still do not recommend being late on your payments since it will affect your credit score.

Are there any other benefits of the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card?

Yes, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card has some additional benefits that should be taken into account:

  • Choose your payment due date - As a step to ensure maximum payment flexibility, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you the right to choose to pay your bill on any available due date in the beginning, middle, or end of the month.
  • 24/7 Customer Service – the Citi Customer support service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • $0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges - Citi provides protection against any unauthorized actions with the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card.
  • Access to Citi Entertainment - All the cardholders of the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card have unlimited access to Citi Entertainment. It is an entertainment access program that provides early access and special perks at sport, music, cinema, and other types of events worldwide.
  • Bank on-the-go with Citi Mobile App access. Citi Mobile App provides a significant number of paying options, allowing you to perform them by phone.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that this card is an excellent option for those interested in paying off their credit card debt or making a large purchase. Citi Simplicity® Credit Card also does not charge an annual fee.

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On the other hand, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card lacks a rewards system. Compared to other credit cards, it also provides a limited number of additional bonuses. Foreign transaction fee makes the card less tempting to use abroad.

Due to no late or penalty fees the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card is ideal for the forgetful and those who can slip on timely payments.

Overall, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card is a good option for managing credit card debt, or making a significant purchase. However, once the 0% introductory APR period ends, the card loses its competitive advantage and becomes less beneficial.

FAQ

What is the customer service phone number for Citi Simplicity® Credit Card?

The customer service phone number for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card can be found on the back of your card. For the hearing impaired call 1-800-325-2865. If you don’t have the card you can reach customer service at 1-800-950-5114. Customer service operates every day around the clock and assists in English.

How to check my application status for Citi Simplicity® Credit Card?

You may contact Citibank Customer Service at 1-888-201-4523 to check your application status. Otherwise Citi will notify you by mail approximately 7-10 days after applying for the credit card on the final decision.

Is Citi Simplicity® Visa or Mastercard?

The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card is a Mastercard.

Is Citi Simplicity® a good credit card?

The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card is a good option for those interested in paying down debt without interest. Nevertheless, after the expiration of the 12-months 0% introductory APR period, the card loses much of its value.

Is Citi Simplicity® card hard to get?

You need at least a good credit score to get the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Also bear in mind that a number of factors, including your income and debt, also affect your approval odds.
Hanna VolkavaHanna Volkava

Financial and product expert

hv@myfin.us
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