Citi · Updated June 2026
Citi Double Cash Review (2026)
A straightforward cash back card that earns 2% on everything with no annual fee.
Is it worth it?
Ideal for
- Everyday spenders who want a simple rewards structure
- Those who prefer cash back over travel rewards
- People who value a high flat rate on all purchases
- Those who don't want to pay an annual fee
- Individuals who don't want to track bonus categories
Not ideal for
- High-volume spenders in specific categories (dining, gas, groceries)
- Frequent international travelers (3% foreign transaction fee)
- Those seeking premium benefits like airport lounge access
- New cardholders looking for a substantial welcome bonus
How to earn points
2% on All Purchases
Earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay for that purchase, for a total of 2% on everything.
Pay Balance in Full
To maximize rewards, pay your statement balance in full each month to ensure you receive the full 2% cash back.
Automatic Rewards
Set up automatic bill payments to ensure you always receive the 1% back on payment portion of your rewards.
Pair with Citi Strata Premier
Convert cash back to ThankYou Points when paired with a Citi Strata Premier card, potentially increasing value through transfer partners.
Sweet spot redemptions
| Route / redemption | Points | Transfer partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statement Credits | Direct redemption | Cash back | Redeem cash back as statement credits against your balance with a minimum redemption of $25. |
| Direct Deposit | Direct redemption | Bank account | Cash out rewards via direct deposit to a linked bank account with a minimum redemption of $25. |
| Convert to ThankYou Points | When paired with Citi Strata Premier | Citi ThankYou | Convert cash back to ThankYou Points at a 1:1 ratio (1 cent = 1 point) when you also have a Citi Strata Premier card. |
| Check by Mail | Direct redemption | Cash back | Request a check for your cash back rewards with a minimum redemption of $25. |
Advanced tips & tricks
Create a Citi Trifecta
Pair with a Citi Strata Premier and Custom Cash to maximize earnings across different spending categories while maintaining the ability to transfer to travel partners.
Use for Non-Bonus Spending
Use the Double Cash for purchases that don't earn bonus rewards on your other cards to ensure you're always earning at least 2% back.
Balance Transfer Opportunities
The Double Cash occasionally offers promotional 0% APR periods for balance transfers, which can be valuable for consolidating debt while still earning rewards on new purchases.
Track Your Cash Back
Monitor your rewards in the Citi app to ensure you're receiving both the purchase and payment portions of your cash back.
Frequently asked questions
How does the 1% + 1% structure work?
You earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay for that purchase, for a total of 2%. For example, if you spend $100, you'll earn $1 when you make the purchase and another $1 when you pay off that $100, for a total of $2 in cash back. You need to at least make the minimum payment to earn the payment portion of the cash back.
Is there a minimum redemption amount?
Yes, you need a minimum of $25 in cash back rewards (equivalent to $1,250 in spending) before you can redeem your rewards as either a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
Can I convert my cash back to ThankYou Points?
Yes, if you also have a card that earns ThankYou Points (such as the Citi Strata Premier or Citi Strata Elite), you can convert your Double Cash rewards to ThankYou Points at a rate of 1 cent = 1 point. This allows you to potentially get more value through transfer partners.
Does the Double Cash have foreign transaction fees?
Yes, the Citi Double Cash charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it's not ideal for international travel. If you travel internationally, consider pairing it with a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, such as any of the Chase Sapphire cards.
How we rate & review credit cards
CreditMilesGuru's editorial team evaluates cards on annual-fee value, welcome bonus, ongoing earn rates, transfer-partner quality, travel protections, credits and perks, and the current competitive landscape. Our ratings are independent — we are not paid by issuers to rate cards favorably. This review was last updated June 2026.
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