5 Citi Simplicity Benefits You Didn’t Know About
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Written by
Harrison Pierce
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Edited by
Emily Gadd
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Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron
If you want to pay off debt, the Citi Simplicity® Card, an advertising partner, is one of the best options you can find, thanks to its extended intro APR offer. Here’s everything to know about some lesser-known benefits of the Citi Simplicity Card — and how to maximize them.
1. Get an Extra-Long 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers
The most notable benefit of the Citi Simplicity Card is the extended introductory APR window on balance transfers. New cardholders can get a 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers, followed by a 17.99% - 28.74% (Variable) APR. Transfers must be completed within the first four months of account opening. This is one of the longest windows among balance transfer credit cards.
If you make the transfer in the first four months of opening the account, you’ll need to pay a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the total balance (whichever is greater). After that, the balance transfer fee increases to 5% (minimum $5). Transfer your balance as soon as you’re able so you can take advantage of the lengthy no-interest period.
Although you will have to pay a fee to transfer the balance, this will likely be less expensive than the interest you would have incurred over 21 months.
2. Get a 0% Intro APR on Purchases
In addition to the low APR window on balance transfers, you can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for 12 months on Purchases, then a 17.99% - 28.74% (Variable) APR. If you have some big purchases coming up, you can make them as soon as you’re approved for the card and spread out your payments interest-free over your first year as a cardholder. Of the best 0% APR credit cards, the Citi Simplicity ranks high.
The Citi Simplicity was my very first credit card. My parents added me as an authorized user when I was in high school, and it was the perfect card for a young person to learn about credit for the very first time. Limited fees and an extended window to pay off my balance allowed me to practice managing credit effectively.
3. You’ll Never Pay a Late Fee
Another reason the Citi Simplicity Card is a great starter card is that it charges cardholders limited fees. You’ll never pay a late fee or annual fee. You also won’t get charged a penalty rate for making a late payment.
This isn’t true across all cards, so don’t make a habit of paying late. Plus, it will still impact your credit if you consistently make late payments. However, if you’re new to managing your own accounts, it’s helpful not to be penalized for making a mistake.
4. Liability Protection
If you lose your credit card or it gets stolen, and someone makes unauthorized purchases on your account, you won’t be held liable. While this comes standard on most credit cards, the importance shouldn’t be understated.
With the Citi Simplicity Card, you’re protected against identity theft through the ID Theft Protection program offered by Mastercard. The program will monitor the information you’ve chosen to protect so you can be notified if it appears somewhere it shouldn’t. This is a free program, but you’ll need to enroll once you have your card.
5. Choose Your Due Date
You can choose any available due date throughout the month to pay your bill. This makes it easier to align your due date with your payment schedule.
You can also take advantage of automatic account alerts to stay informed about your balance levels or upcoming payment due dates.
Bottom Line
Although I no longer use this card, it was a great first credit card to establish my credit history as an authorized user without incurring any fees. Whether you are looking for an extended intro APR offer or you want an affordable option for your kids to learn about credit, the Citi Simplicity Card has you covered. If you’re interested in Citi cards that offer rewards, check out our roundup of the best Citi credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Citi Simplicity Benefits
Is the Citi Simplicity Card worth it?
Whether or not the Citi Simplicity Card is worth it will depend on your financial situation. If you need some time to pay off a high-interest balance, the Citi Simplicity Card can make a lot of sense. If you want to earn rewards, you should consider a different card.
How do I apply for a Citi Simplicity Card?
You can apply for the Citi Simplicity Card online by providing your personal information, like your address, phone number, email, Social Security Number, date of birth and financial information.
Which card is better, Citi Diamond Preferred or Citi Simplicity?
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, an advertising partner, and the Citi Simplicity Card are very similar. Both offer an extended intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases. With the Diamond Preferred Card, new cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for 12 months on Purchases and 21 months on Balance Transfers then 16.99% - 27.74% (Variable) APR. This is a slightly lower ongoing APR, so it’s better if you aren’t positive you can pay off your balance in full during the introductory window. However, it doesn’t have an introductory balance transfer fee like the Simplicity Card does.
Does the Citi Simplicity Card offer any rewards?
No, you will not earn rewards as a Citi Simplicity cardholder. However, you can take advantage of an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. It’s also the only Citi card that doesn’t charge a late fee, penalty rate or annual fee.
