Citibank Credit Cards - Compare & Apply

By Joe Taylor Jr.

In its earlier days, Citibank helped launch some of the most innovative credit card offers of all time, but staffing changes, tough competition, and economic setbacks caused the bank to reconsider its approach to personal lending. JPMorgan Chase's current CEO, Jamie Dimon, has been using many of the ideas he honed at Citigroup against it, especially its approach to affinity partnerships and reward programs. However, Citi's new leadership has a few tricks up their own sleeves. You can make their competition pay off by selecting from a wide range of credit card offers that could enhance your personal lifestyle.

How Citi says "ThankYou" to loyal customers

For years, Citi relied on its marketing partners to manage customer loyalty programs. For instance, the credit cards with miles promotions that Citi operates in conjunction with American Airlines remain some of the most popular accounts in the company's portfolio. Over the past few years, Citibank announced its intention to build one of the industry's best credit card reward programs with the launch of its "ThankYou Network."

Like other credit card rewards programs, ThankYou uses points as a form of currency that members can redeem for merchandise, gift cards, or even cash. Depending on your credit score, you can qualify for accounts that earn ThankYou points with a base redemption value of between 0.5 and 2 percent of your overall purchases. However, responding to special offers can help you earn points faster, or even multiply the value of your existing ThankYou points.

Citi tests a simpler credit card

Citi has also launched an experiment with its newest low interest balance transfer credit card, called Simplicity. In the years leading up to 2008's financial crisis, critics of the credit card industry charged that banks relied on balance transfer offers to spike customers with heavy penalties with just one or two late payments. The Credit CARD Act changed how banks can assign penalty interest rates, while easing the path for consumers to cure their accounts. As a result, many banks eliminated their overlimit fees while clarifying the terms of their teaser offers.

Simplicity takes the trend further, by eliminating late payment penalties for customers who keep Citi informed about their plans to pay down their balances. Although the credit card still requires routine monthly payments, customers can flex their bills around payroll schedules or family emergencies without fear of losing their teaser rates. Citi has even made some Simplicity zero interest balance transfer credit cards available to consumers with credit scores below 700, exposing even more Americans to the idea of a flexible repayment schedule.

Citi builds new customer connections after enduring crisis

Citi's recent innovation marks the close of a particularly rough chapter in its storied history. The bank's predecessor companies date back to 1812, and it helped invent what we now know as MasterCard. Citibank upended the consumer lending business in the 1980s by moving its credit card operations to South Dakota, where it could enjoy fewer restrictions under the state's looser lending laws.

The company fueled its growth through a clever structure of subsidiary companies, linked under a common brand. However, a late 1990s merger with Travelers Group never panned out the way company leaders expected. Citigroup spun off Travelers' insurance business in 2007, embarking on a full corporate restructuring. The financial crisis of 2008 forced the company to streamline further, while the government took over a third of the company's equity in exchange for a last-minute bailout.

Today, having recovered from some of the biggest challenges in its corporate history, Citi has returned its government investment and refocused on consumer banking. Under CEO Vikram Pandit, Citi restored its profitability and boosted its account security and fraud detection teams. With a full slate of credit cards with balance transfer promotions, Citi may just have a deal that can save you money over the next few years.

Here's a card that makes it easy to earn points toward rewards for everyday purchases with the ThankYou Network. For starters you can get 15,000 bonus ThankYou Points when you make $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening which you can redeem for a $150 gift card. You can also earn extra points when you shop through the ThankYou(R) Bonus Center, a network of over 600 retailers. Downside: There can be a high APR for less credit worthy applicants.
Who uses this card?
This card is for the applicant with excellent credit who enjoys reward points.
 

 Card Rating

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
0%* 12 months on Purchases 12.99% - 22.99% Variable 0%* 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
 
Who uses this card?
This card is best for consumers who travel frequently, stay at Hilton hotels that do not revolve a balance.
 

 Card Rating

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
N/A N/A 14.24% - 16.24% Variable N/A 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
 
This card has a healthy initial bonus miles offer. However, there is a spending requirement associated with the sign up bonus offer. The downside of this card is the high annual fee that you often see with airline reward cards and that it has no low rate introductory offer.
Who uses this card?
This card is best for frequent flyers that prefer American Airlines and do not revolve a balance.
 

 Card Rating

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
N/A N/A 15.24% Variable N/A 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
 
This card requires excellent credit to obtain. Balance transfers are either 3% or $5 of the amount of each transfer and apply to this offer. This card offers low interest rates based on your creditworthiness and has no annual fee. And with enrollment you can earn bonus cash back from Citi on eligible purchases on rotating categories each quarter.
Who uses this card?
The card is best for consumers who are looking for a flexible cash back bonus structure or a long term balance transfer offer.
 

 Card Rating

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
0% 12 months 12.99% - 22.99% Variable 0% 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
 
Here is a card that catches the eye and that I like because it offers bonus cash back from Citi for purchases in changing categories when you enroll. The card offers 1% on all other purchases. There is a 0% introductory purchase APR for the first 7 months and no annual fee. Downside: After the introductory period APR can be moderate to very high depending on credit worthiness.
Who uses this card?
This card is great for the student with excellent credit who is looking for a cash back rewards program.
 

 Card Rating

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
0%* on Purchases 7 months* on Purchases 13.99% - 23.99% Variable N/A 4% ($5 min. ) Good
 
This card requires excellent credit to obtain but offers a longer than average 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and for purchases depending on credit rating. The card carries no late fees - ever, no penalty rate - ever and no annual fee - ever.
Who uses this card?
This card is best for consumers seeking an introductory rate or an average APR but not necessarily with frills.
 

 Card Rating

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
0%* 18 months on Purchases* 12.99% - 21.99% Variable 0%* 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
 
While Chase and American Express battled for the hearts and minds of affluent consumers, Citibank sat on the sidelines. Having survived a challenging corporate restructuring, they're back in the hunt with a low introductory rate credit card and a strong balance transfer offer. The Citi Diamond Preferred Card may not be as prestigious as another "Black Card" on the market, but it does include some nice perks for cardholders who like to treat themselves to premium hotels, restaurants and live entertainment experiences.

0% introductory APR for 18 months on balance transfers and purchases, plus a low "go-to" rate
According to Citi's current promotional material, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card features a variable go-to rate ranging from 11.99 - 21.99 percent based upon your creditworthiness after a generous 18-month teaser period. However, watch the fine print for a crucial detail about this balance transfer deal. The 0% APR applies only to balance transfers you complete during your first four months with the card. And note there is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3 percent of the amount of each transfer.

Inside Citi's enhanced fraud protection program
Citi Diamond Preferred Card features zero-dollar liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi Identity Theft Solutions, the bank's enhanced fraud detection and resolution program. Beaten up in the press after a handful of high-profile identity theft cases, Citi reached out to its customers and to the business community with details of its new Identity Theft Solutions system.

Citibank's Director of Fraud Policy, Rich Detura, told analysts from Javelin Strategy & Research that his company's system includes consumer-friendly alerts as part of a comprehensive program to help cardholders understand how they can better protect themselves from becoming fraud victims.

Should you switch to Citi Diamond Preferred Card?
Consider switching to the Citi Diamond Preferred Card if any of these are true:

You're making a big purchase soon
  • You don't travel overseas
  • You're concerned about identity theft
  • You want personal attention from a 24-hour concierge
  • You often need to get front-row tickets to concerts and events

  • With no annual fee, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers inexpensive access to the kind of personalized concierge service that usually only comes with much more expensive charge cards. If you don't already use a credit card with this kind of travel and entertainment planning perk, Citi can help you grow accustomed to the privilege. Otherwise, this card fills the gap between the kind of "no-frills" card most often associated with balance transfer offers and the more typical reward credit card that features exclusive experiences.
    Who uses this card?
    This card is best if you've got a big vacation or another large purchase coming up that you want to spread out over the next eighteen months. Citi's current offer extends this card's 0% APR teaser period to 18 months, enough time for you to buy plane tickets now for a trip you'll make next year, while still paying off the whole trip before finance charges kick in. However, you may want to think twice about taking the card outside the country: unlike other premium credit cards, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card doesn't waive foreign transaction fees.

    You'll get the most out of this card if you enjoy the kinds of special events and experiences offered through the Citi Private Pass program. Recently, members were offered the chance to score premium seats to hot ticket events like the Watch the Throne tour featuring Jay-Z and Kanye West. Fans of Brad Paisley and Tony Bennett enjoyed advance access to preferred tickets for otherwise sold-out venues. When kids' favorites like Yo Gabba Gabba come to town, Citi Private Pass can help you get your hands on tickets that even scalpers can't find.
     

     Card Rating

    Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
    0%* 18 months on Purchases* 11.99% - 21.99% Variable 0%* 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
     
    This is one of my favorite student cards. 5 ThankYou(R) Points for every $1 you spend at restaurants and on entertainment; 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. It also offers 100 ThankYou Points per billing period for responsible credit card management up to 1,200 ThankYou points. This card also has a decent APR for a student card and no cosigner required.
    Who uses this card?
    This card is best for students trying to establish a positive credit history and who spend in entertainment categories.
     

     Card Rating

    Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
    0%* 7 months* 13.99% - 23.99% Variable None 4% ($5 min. ) Good
     
    Who uses this card?
    This card is best for consumers who travel frequently, stay at Hilton hotels that do not revolve a balance.
     

     Card Rating

    Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
    N/A N/A 15.24% Variable N/A 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
     
    Who uses this card?
    This card is best for business owners with an established credit history who want more rewards, a low intro rate, no annual fee and quarterly and annual account summaries.
     

     Card Rating

    Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
    0% 6 months 13.24% Variable N/A 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
     
    Who uses this card?
    This card is designed for businesses with an established credit history who fly frequently with American Airlines.
     

     Card Rating

    Not Specified
    Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
    N/A N/A 15.24% Variable N/A 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
     
    Who uses this card?
    This card is best for consumers with excellent credit who are looking for a low introductory rate plus reward points and no annual fee.
     

     Card Rating

    Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
    0%* 15 months on Purchases 12.99% - 22.99% Variable 0%* 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
     
    This card requires excellent credit to obtain but offers a longer than average 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and for purchases depending on credit rating. The card carries no late fees - ever, no penalty rate - ever and no annual fee - ever.
    Who uses this card?
    This card is best for consumers seeking an introductory rate or an average APR but not necessarily with frills.
     

     Card Rating

    Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR Period on Purchases Regular APR on Purchases Intro APR on Balance Transfers Balance Transfer Fee Credit Needed
    0%* 18 months on Purchases* 12.99% - 21.99% Variable 0%* 3% ($5 min. ) Excellent
     
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