The Citi Simplicity credit card jumps head-first into the pool of credit card options with an exceptionally attractive introductory offer. With a 0% initial purchase APR for 12 months and 21 months on balance transfers, credit card shoppers should pause to learn more.
The introductory offer is just the beginning, however. The Citi Simplicity card has a lot of other attractive features, as well. No annual fee, no late fees, and no penalty rate are a few of these perks. Too good to be true? The answer to that question depends on your specific needs in a credit card. Let's take a better look at the Citi Simplicity card and see if it's right for you.
One of the best features of the Citi Simplicity card is the lack of extra fees. No annual fee is always a bonus, but the Simplicity card also boasts no late fees. Add the fact that there is no penalty rate, and Citi Simplicity customers can rest assured that they will not be paying exuberant fees for owning and using this card.
No credit card, however, is devoid of all fees. Here’s a rundown of costs attached to this card:
5% or $5 minimum balance transfer fee
5% or $10 minimum cash advance fee
3% foreign transaction fee
$40 returned payment fee
14.47% - 24.74% purchase APR after introductory period
Everyone looks for excellent safety features in a credit card. The Citi Simplicity card delivers a sense of security with Identity Theft Solutions. Citi Bank realizes that identity theft can happen to anyone, and it is a complicated process to handle alone. Should you fall victim to identity theft, Citi's identity theft specialists can help you solve problems and get your life and credit back on track.
The Citi Simplicity card has a 24/7 - 365 customer service team that wants to talk with you and help you solve any problems you might be having with your Simplicity credit card. Citi Bank understands that customers prefer speaking with an actual representative rather than an automated recording. For this reason, Citi has added the feature of merely saying "representative" when the recording begins, and you will be immediately transferred to a customer service representative.
Other Security Features and Basic Conveniences
$0 fraud liability
Customizable account alerts for balance levels, payment due-dates, and exceeding the credit limit
Digital Wallet for secure online shopping
Chip-enabled
Contactless pay
Choose convenient payment due date
If you are looking to transfer a balance from a high interest rate card to the Citi Simplicity card, the 0% balance transfer APR for 21 months certainly makes a splash in the pool of incentives. But can this unprecedented offer be too good to be true? Some people say “yes” because the Citi Simplicity card counter-balances the lengthy 0% APR with a 5% balance transfer fee. This 5% is a slap in the face when comparable cards like the Chase Bank Slate Visa offers a $0 balance transfer fee for the first 60 days of owning the card. Likewise, the Wells Fargo Platinum card also offers a $0 balance transfer fee for the first 120 days. Sure, both cards have a shorter 0% balance transfer APR period, but a $0 transfer fee beats a 5% one most days.
The 0% APR on purchases for 12 months is a generous offer. Some other cards give a longer no-interest period; however, 12 months is still a good deal comparatively. After the introductory period expires, customers will pay 14.74% - 24.74% variable, a slightly high purchase APR, but certainly not bad.
Not having to pay a late fee is a relief if you find yourself unable to make a payment on time. However, this blessing is also a curse in disguise. While you are not paying an additional fee to Citi Bank, you are harming your credit every time you take advantage of this “perk.” A Final Review The Citi Simplicity credit card has an attractive introductory purchase and balance transfer incentive. No interest for 21 months on balance transfers is an unprecedented amount of time. Be aware, however, that the 5% fee will dig into some of your savings. Additionally, don’t get in the habit of making late payments because there is no penalty, or you will sacrifice your good credit status.
The only other negative surrounding the Citi Simplicity card is the lack of a rewards program. Potential customers will need a 700+ credit score to qualify for this card, and once received, cardholders will appreciate the excellent customer service and reliable customer backing Citi Bank provides. With no annual fee, no late payment fee, and an attractive introductory offer, the Citi Simplicity card is undoubtedly a viable option.
