Citi Simplicity® Card Review for 2022
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Benilyn has over a decade of experience as a banking officer. Her expertise is featured throughout Fit Small Business in personal finance, credit card, and real estate investing content.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The Citi Simplicity® Card is a personal credit card designed for business owners who need to transfer a balance from another credit card. This card features a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months. While it comes with no annual fee, the Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus or ongoing rewards.
Citi Simplicity® Card
BEST FOR:
Startups who need a lengthy 0% APR period fund business expenses
Intro APR
0% for 12 months
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of first transfer.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening.
- No annual fee
Pros
- One of the longest 0% APR periods available
- No annual fee
Cons
- No rewards
- Doesn’t build business credit
- Purchase protection: Citi will repair or reimburse you for items that were damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase up to $10,000 per incident, $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty: Get additional an 24 months on top of the manufacturer’s warranty, up to $10,000 per claim.
Intro APR
0% for 12 months
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of first transfer.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening.
- No annual fee
Pros
- One of the longest 0% APR periods available
- No annual fee
Cons
- No rewards
- Doesn’t build business credit
- Purchase protection: Citi will repair or reimburse you for items that were damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase up to $10,000 per incident, $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty: Get additional an 24 months on top of the manufacturer’s warranty, up to $10,000 per claim.
Do you want to compare the features of one card to another? We’ve made it easy for you to do that—check off up to three cards on this page to add them to your cart. This will allow you to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
How We Evaluate No-interest Credit Cards
When grading no-interest credit cards like the Citi Simplicity® Card, we first consider the introductory annual percentage rate (APR) on both purchases and balance transfers, as well as the card features and benefits. We also take into account the annual fee, ongoing APR, introductory and ongoing rewards, and other fees.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Introductory APR on Purchases | 15 | 20 |
Introductory APR on Balance Transfers | 20 | 20 |
Additional Features | 15 | 20 |
Annual Fee | 10 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 10 | 15 |
Introductory Rewards | 0 | 5 |
Ongoing Rewards | 0 | 5 |
Other Fees | 5 | 5 |
Total Score | 75 | 100 |
Who the Citi Simplicity® Card Is Best For
- Business owners who don’t need to earn rewards: This card doesn’t offer introductory and ongoing rewards on purchases.
- Business owners who need to pay down an existing credit card debt: The Citi Simplicity® Card offers a 0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months from the date of the first transfer, which is a much longer 0% APR than other credit cards offer.
The Citi Simplicity® Card made it to our list of the best business credit card balance transfer offers because it has the longest no-interest period on balance transfers.
Citi Simplicity® Card Fees
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for 12 months after opening an account and 0% on balance transfers for 21 months from the date of the first transfer
- Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 24.74% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each purchase transaction in U.S. dollars
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater—APR is 25.24%
How to Make Payments on the Citi Simplicity® Card
- Online: Log in to your online account, then select the “make a payment” option.
- By phone: Call Citi at 1-800-950-5114 to make a payment.
- Money order or check by mail: You can send your payment as a check or money order (no cash) to the following address:
P.O. Box 9001037
Louisville KY, 40290-1037
Citi Simplicity® Card Rewards
The Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t offer introductory and ongoing rewards. However, you can take advantage of the long introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers to help you pay off your credit card debt. Additionally, this is the only Citi card that has no late fees, no penalty rate, and no annual fee.
Citi Simplicity® Card Additional Features
Flexible Payment Due Date
The Citi Simplicity® Card allows you to choose to pay your bill on any available due date in the beginning, middle, or end of the month. You also have the flexibility of paying your full balance or just the minimum payment due each month. If you choose to carry a balance, regular APR will apply after the interest-free promo period ends.
Zero Liability Protection
Zero liability protects you against unauthorized charges on your account. You won’t be responsible for a charge that you didn’t authorize.
Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
If you’re a victim of identity theft, Citi® Identity Theft Solutions can help you resolve the matter.
24/7 Customer Service
Citi cardmembers have access to 24/7 customer service if they have any concerns related to their credit card. Just call the number at the back of the card and say “representative” to access live help from a customer service representative.
Automatic Account Alerts
You can set up automatic account alerts to remind you about your balance levels, payments due, or when you go over your credit limit. You can be notified either by email or on your mobile phone.
Pros & Cons of the Citi Simplicity® Card
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Long 0% APR period: The Citi Simplicity® Card offers one of the longest APR periods—it offers a 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases | No rewards: This card doesn’t offer rewards on purchases |
| No annual fee: You can take advantage of the no-interest period without having to pay annual fees | Doesn’t build business credit: Since this card is a personal credit card, it can’t help you build business credit |
Citi Simplicity® Card Alternatives
M&T Business Credit Card
The M&T Business Credit Card is an excellent option for business owners who prefer to earn unlimited rewards. It offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases for the first year, then 1.5% cash back thereafter. You can enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 12 months. Similar to the Citi Simplicity® Card, this card also comes with no annual fee.
M&T Business Rewards Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Fixed-rate cash back rewards on all purchases
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
12.24% - 19.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12 billing cycles (a balance transfer fee will apply)
- Variable APR of 14.49% to 21.49% thereafter
- No annual fee
- Add employee cards at no additional cost, plus ability to manage spend limits for users
- Global acceptance with chip technology
- M&T Assurance® for fraud prevention, detection, and resolution
- Multiple convenient ways to make payments, transfer funds, or review account detail, such as online with M&T Online Banking for Business or via the M&T Mobile App, at an M&T Bank ATM, or in person at any local M&T branch.
- Pay for purchases conveniently with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay at millions of stores around the world by adding your card to a supported iPhone®, Android®, or an eligible Samsung device
- Save with no foreign transaction fee
Pros
- 0% introductory APR
- Introductory rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- Low ongoing rewards
- Extended warranty protection: Visa will double the original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional year on warranties of three years or less up to a maximum of $10,000 per claim.
- Purchase security: Visa may repair, replace, or offer reimbursement for items purchased with your M&T Business Rewards Credit Card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Purchase security is limited to $10,000 per claim.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
12.24% - 19.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12 billing cycles (a balance transfer fee will apply)
- Variable APR of 14.49% to 21.49% thereafter
- No annual fee
- Add employee cards at no additional cost, plus ability to manage spend limits for users
- Global acceptance with chip technology
- M&T Assurance® for fraud prevention, detection, and resolution
- Multiple convenient ways to make payments, transfer funds, or review account detail, such as online with M&T Online Banking for Business or via the M&T Mobile App, at an M&T Bank ATM, or in person at any local M&T branch.
- Pay for purchases conveniently with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay at millions of stores around the world by adding your card to a supported iPhone®, Android®, or an eligible Samsung device
- Save with no foreign transaction fee
Pros
- 0% introductory APR
- Introductory rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- Low ongoing rewards
- Extended warranty protection: Visa will double the original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional year on warranties of three years or less up to a maximum of $10,000 per claim.
- Purchase security: Visa may repair, replace, or offer reimbursement for items purchased with your M&T Business Rewards Credit Card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Purchase security is limited to $10,000 per claim.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® offers an introductory 0% APR for 15 months, 3% cash back at gas stations, office supply stores, and mobile phone service providers, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. It also offers a lucrative sign-up bonus and doesn’t charge an annual fee.
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® made it to our list of the best small business credit cards because of its generous rewards program, large sign-up bonus, and extended 0% introductory APR period.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
0% for first 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
14.74% - 23.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Limited Time Offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4,500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 0% Intro APR on purchase and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.24% to 23.24%.
- No annual fee
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100-plus into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™Plan.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 1 year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Intro APR
0% for first 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
14.74% - 23.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Limited Time Offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4,500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 0% Intro APR on purchase and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.24% to 23.24%.
- No annual fee
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100-plus into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™Plan.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 1 year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a great alternative if you need a longer APR period on purchases. It offers a 0% introductory APR on both balance transfers and purchases for 18 billing cycles. It’s important to note that while this card doesn’t charge an annual fee, it doesn’t offer any introductory bonuses or ongoing rewards.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers
Intro APR
0% for first 20 billing cycles
Regular APR
12.74% - 21.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good/Excellent
- Limited time offer: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 12.74% to 21.74%.
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay ™Plan.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- Offers a long 0% APR introductory period
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Excellent/good credit score needed to qualify
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double an original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year for warranties of three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.
- Purchase protection: U.S. Bank offers purchase protection for items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. The coverage is limited to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder, per year.
Intro APR
0% for first 20 billing cycles
Regular APR
12.74% - 21.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good/Excellent
- Limited time offer: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 12.74% to 21.74%.
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay ™Plan.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- Offers a long 0% APR introductory period
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Excellent/good credit score needed to qualify
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double an original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year for warranties of three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.
- Purchase protection: U.S. Bank offers purchase protection for items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. The coverage is limited to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder, per year.
Bottom Line
The Citi Simplicity® Card is a good option if you prefer to use a dedicated personal credit card for business expenses. This card is ideal for business owners who need to pay off an existing credit card debt because it offers a long no-interest period on balance transfers. If this isn’t what you’re looking for, consider other business credit cards—visit our Credit Card Marketplace to find more options.
