How the 2% cash back works in practice

Double Cash is designed to reward both spending and responsible repayment. Every time you make an eligible purchase, you earn 1% back. Then, as you pay down that balance, you earn an extra 1% back – even if you choose to pay over time instead of paying in full, as long as you at least make the minimum payment on time.

For example, if you spend $1,000 in a month and later pay that $1,000 down, you’ll ultimately earn $20 in rewards on those purchases. Because there are no rotating categories, caps or enrollment deadlines to track, this structure works especially well as an “everywhere else” card.

Welcome bonus and ongoing rewards

New cardholders may qualify for a welcome offer (often around $200 back after meeting a minimum spend in the first few months). Beyond the bonus, the flat 2% structure keeps the card attractive long-term. On top of that, bookings through Citi Travel can earn a higher total rate on eligible hotels, car rentals and attractions, which is helpful if you plan trips through Citi’s portal.

Balance transfer option

Double Cash often includes an introductory 0% APR window on balance transfers for new accounts. This can give you room to aggressively pay down higher-interest balances with no interest during the promo period, in exchange for a one-time transfer fee.

If you’re primarily looking for a balance-transfer tool, make sure you:

• Complete transfers within the promo timeframe.
• Factor the transfer fee into your savings calculation.
• Avoid new purchases that might accrue interest if not paid in full.

Fees to watch

There is no annual fee, which is a big plus. However, you may encounter:

• Balance transfer fees – usually a percentage of each transferred amount, with a minimum dollar fee.
• Foreign transaction fee – common on purchases made outside the U.S. or in foreign currency.
• Late payment fees – which can be avoided by always paying at least the minimum due on time.

Who should skip this card?

If you travel abroad frequently and want to avoid foreign transaction fees altogether, or if you prefer cards with big category multipliers (like 4x on dining or 5x on travel), you may want Double Cash as a backup, not your main driver.