Citi Simplicity Review

The Citi Simplicity is ideal for anyone who wants to consolidate credit card debt, especially a high amount that you need lots of time to pay off. You won’t find many cards that give you more than 18 months to pay down debt at 0% APR. 

Some balance transfer cards don't charge balance transfer fees (this one does). Those could be a better bet if you don’t need the long timeline the Citi Simplicity offers.

Pros Explained

• Generous 0% APR offers: 18 months is a long time to pay off a balance transfer compared to competing card offers. This card also comes with a 0% APR for new purchases for 18 months, too, but make sure to pay off your purchases or transferred balances before the promotional periods end to avoid ballooning interest charges after that.
• Long period for making promotional transfers: Open this card and you’ll have four months to make balance transfers that qualify for the 18 months of 0% APR offer. That’s a generous window compared to what comparable balance transfer cards are offering right now. Four months gives you time to make a debt repayment plan for your desired transfers. 
• No annual fee: Most balance transfer cards come with no annual fee, so this isn’t a unique feature for the Citi Simplicity. But it’s still a win that a fee won’t cut into your interest savings.

Cons Explained

• High ongoing APR: You’ll pay an APR of 14.74% - 24.74% variable based on creditworthiness once your introductory offers ends, which is a bit higher than the rate some competing balance transfer cards charge. 

Customer Experience

J.D. Power ranked Citi 6 out of 11 credit card issuers in its 2020 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. Citi scored 801 out of a possible 1,000 points, below the industry average of 810. 

However, Citi does offer 24/7 customer service and a mobile app that provides free access to your FICO credit score. 

Security Features

Most of Citi Simplicity’s security features are standard for the industry. But one that stands out is access to Citi Identity Theft Solutions, which provides assistance in the event your identity has been compromised. Citi may help out with police reports; placing a fraud alert on your TransUnion credit report, which will also be sent to the other two credit bureaus; and identifying additional compromised accounts.

Citi Simplicity’s Fees

Citi Simplicity’s balance transfer fee is on the high side. It’s also not ideal for travel abroad, since you’ll pay a foreign transaction fee each time you use the card outside the U.S.

But unlike many other cards, this one doesn’t charge a fee for any late payments or a penalty APR if you fall behind. That’s a plus if you lose track of your due date one month, but your goal should be to pay on time without fail to protect your credit score.