Does the Citi Double Cash have an annual fee?

No. Our record lists a $0 annual fee for the Citi Double Cash.

Is the Citi Double Cash worth it in the first year?

Using our illustration ($12,000 of yearly spending), the first year comes out around $440 before credits, including a welcome bonus valued at $200. Year two drops to about $240 before credits.

Does the Citi Double Cash charge foreign transaction fees?

Yes, 3% on purchases processed outside the US, so keep another card for travel abroad.

Are there application rules for the Citi Double Cash?

Citi 8/65 rule: Cannot be approved if 8 or more new cards in 65 days or 5+ new cards in 65 days for some card types. Confirm the current terms with Citi before applying.

What credit do I need for the Citi Double Cash?

Our record lists "Good" credit as the typical target for the Citi Double Cash. Citi makes the final decision based on its own criteria.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi

No Annual Fee

Annual Fee

mastercardGoodno-annual-feecash-back2-percent5 months ago

Welcome Offer

$200Spend $1,000 within 3 months

Check issuer terms ↗

OpenCard editorial analysis

Our take

A straightforward no-fee card for everyday purchases that do not earn a higher category bonus elsewhere. Its earn-when-buying and earn-when-paying structure reinforces the need to pay balances, but it should never be interpreted as a reason to carry debt. The foreign transaction fee limits its usefulness abroad.

Best for

✓ People wanting a strong flat domestic return
✓ Citi ThankYou users seeking a base-earning card
✓ Cardholders building a simple two-card setup

Not ideal for

— International travelers
— People seeking elevated category rewards
— Anyone who may carry a balance and pay interest

Conservative break-even test

There is no annual fee, so compare its flat rewards with category cards and account for foreign transaction costs. Any credit-card interest overwhelms the rewards quickly; the model only works when the statement is paid in full.

Compare this shortlist →Track benefits in My Cards →

Compare alternatives

Wells Fargo Active Cash →

Another no-fee flat cash option with different issuer terms.

Citi Custom Cash →

Higher return on one capped eligible category.

OpenCard analysis

Is the Citi Double Cash Card right for you?

The Citi Double Cash is a no-annual-fee cash-back card from Citi. It earns a flat 2% on purchases. With no fee, it only needs to beat the flat rate your current card already pays.

Who it's for

✓ Anyone who wants flat-rate rewards without paying an annual fee
✓ People who want one rate (2%) everywhere without tracking categories

Who should skip it

— Anyone spending abroad — it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee

First-year value estimate

Welcome bonus

$200

Rewards on spending

$240

Annual fee (year 1)

−$0

Year 1, before credits

$440

Year two, without the welcome bonus: about $240 before credits ($240 in rewards minus the $0 fee).

Assumptions

$12,000 a year of purchases at 2%, about $1,000 a month.
Rewards valued at 1¢ per point or 1% cash back (cash-equivalent).
Welcome bonus: the $200 bonus at face value ≈ $200.
No annual fee in any year.

An illustration, not a promise of value. Change the spending to match yours; rewards are not cash until redeemed. Card data reviewed 2026-04-25.

How it compares

Wells Fargo Active Cash →

Wells Fargo, same $0 annual fee; earns 2% on everything.

Bank of America Travel Rewards →

Bank of America, same $0 annual fee; earns 1.5% on everything.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards →

Capital One, same $0 annual fee; earns 1.5% on everything.

Compare side by side →

Rules and gotchas

Citi 8/65 rule: Cannot be approved if 8 or more new cards in 65 days or 5+ new cards in 65 days for some card types.
The welcome bonus requires $1,000 in 3 months — roughly $333 a month. That fits inside the $1,000 a month in our illustration.
A 3% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases processed outside the US.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Citi Double Cash have an annual fee?: No. Our record lists a $0 annual fee for the Citi Double Cash.
What does the Citi Double Cash earn?: A flat 2% on purchases.
Is the Citi Double Cash worth it in the first year?: Using our illustration ($12,000 of yearly spending), the first year comes out around $440 before credits, including a welcome bonus valued at $200. Year two drops to about $240 before credits.
Does the Citi Double Cash charge foreign transaction fees?: Yes, 3% on purchases processed outside the US, so keep another card for travel abroad.
Are there application rules for the Citi Double Cash?: Citi 8/65 rule: Cannot be approved if 8 or more new cards in 65 days or 5+ new cards in 65 days for some card types. Confirm the current terms with Citi before applying.
What credit do I need for the Citi Double Cash?: Our record lists "Good" credit as the typical target for the Citi Double Cash. Citi makes the final decision based on its own criteria.

Earning Rates

2×All Purchases2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)