1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Citi Simplicity® Card review: Long balance transfer period

Image: image_a0db1e

522

member reviews

2.1

Rating: 2.1 out of 5.

Great for a long balance transfer offer

Annual Fee: $0

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Citi Simplicity® Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $8,512, with $3,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Citi Simplicity® Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 700, with 752 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

30.5%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

48 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$101,436

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

Image: yes

Lengthy introductory offer on balance transfers

Image: yes

No late fees or penalty APR

Image: yes

No annual fee

Image: Con

Relatively high balance transfer fees

Image: Con

Different timelines for introductory purchases and balance transfer APRs

Image: Con

Doesn’t earn rewards

What you should know about the Citi Simplicity® Card

The Citi Simplicity® Card may be a good option for people looking for a balance transfer card with a long introductory 0% APR offer. With nearly two years to pay off your balance transfer, this card can help you whittle down existing credit card debt without accumulating more interest.

Plus, the card has no annual fee, late fee or penalty APR charges. But you should expect to pay balance transfer fees.

If you’re considering the Citi Simplicity® Card, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Long 0% APR balance transfer period

You’ll get an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening (you may see different offers on Credit Karma). This is one of the longest balance transfer offers on the market. But note that if you want to take advantage of it, you’ll have to complete any balance transfers within four months of opening your account.

Expect to pay a balance transfer fee: Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum). And once the introductory period ends, the card has a 18.24% - 28.99% variable APR on balance transfers.

Want to see how much you might be able to save with a balance transfer? Take a look at our balance transfer calculator.

Intro balance transfer and purchase offers have different timelines

You’ll also get 0% APR on all purchases for the first 12 months from date of account opening (you may see different offers on Credit Karma). Once the introductory period ends, there’s a 18.24% - 28.99% variable APR on purchases.

Since the balance transfer introductory offer and the purchase introductory offer each have different timelines, you’ll want to keep close track of both balances.

Heads up: If you don’t pay your purchase balance off in full after the intro period is up, you could end up paying interest not only on new purchases after the 12 months are over, but also on any remaining amount from your balance transfer. Learn more about the risks associated with balance transfers.

It doesn’t earn rewards

The Citi Simplicity® Card is a bare-bones card that doesn’t offer any type of rewards program. So if you’re looking for a card for balance transfers that can also help you earn cash back, points or miles, this isn’t the card for you.

It also doesn’t come with any other extra perks or benefits.

What else you need to know about Citi Simplicity® Card

If you’re still not sure about the Citi Simplicity® Card, here are some other card features that may factor into your decision.

• No ability to prequalify — There isn’t an option to prequalify for this card, so when you submit your application, expect a hard credit inquiry.
• Potentially low credit limit — Depending on your credit, you may only qualify for a limit of $500.
• Foreign transaction fees — If you’re planning to use this card while traveling abroad, you’ll be hit with a 3% fee on all international transactions.

Who this card is good for

The Citi Simplicity® Card is best for people looking for long 0% intro balance transfer offers to help pay down their credit card debt. With one of the longest intro APR offers around, this Citi card provides a little extra breathing room to pay off your balance without racking up extra interest charges.

But if you plan to also take advantage of the card’s intro 0% purchase APR offer, make sure to pay close attention to your monthly statements and pay off your purchase balance in full each month after the intro period is up.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

• Citi Double Cash® Card:
  This card is good for people who want to pay down existing credit card debt while still earning flat-rate cash back rewards.
• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card:
  This card may be a good fit for people looking for a lengthy intro APR on both balance transfers and new purchases.