Key takeaways
- Citi gives a number of the longest introductory APRs for steadiness transfers, with some playing cards permitting you to economize on curiosity for as much as 21 months.
- You’ll be able to full a steadiness switch with Citi after you’re accredited for an eligible Citi card or should you obtain a suggestion on an present account.
- Citi bank cards with intro APR gives embody the Citi Simplicity® Card, Citi® Diamond Most well-liked® Card, Citi Double Money® Card and Citi Rewards+® Card.
Citi is an promoting accomplice.
Citi gives a number of the longest introductory APRs for steadiness transfers in the marketplace. With some Citi playing cards, you get monetary savings on curiosity for as much as 21 months — which can be sufficient time to repay all your high-interest bank card debt. Some Citi playing cards additionally prolong 0 p.c intro APRs to purchases, whereas others supply money again for every greenback you spend.
Discovering the correct steadiness switch card can assist you get monetary savings and get your funds on observe. Right here’s a breakdown of what you must learn about Citi steadiness switch playing cards and the steps you could take to consolidate your bank card debt:
The way to do a steadiness switch with Citi
If you happen to haven’t signed up for a steadiness switch card from Citi but, you may apply for a card and — if accredited — arrange your steadiness switch on the similar time. Upon approval of your new account, you’ll be given an opportunity to switch a steadiness from an present card throughout your software course of. To provoke the switch, you’ll merely want to offer the account variety of your different account, the cardboard issuer’s identify and the quantity of debt you wish to switch.
In case you have a Citi bank card however didn’t provoke the steadiness switch instantly, you’ll probably face a time restrict on any introductory steadiness switch gives. With the Citi Simplicity® Card, Citi® Diamond Most well-liked® Card, Citi Double Money® Card and Citi Rewards+® Card, your steadiness switch is simply eligible for the introductory supply should you provoke the switch inside 4 months of account opening.
To provoke a switch inside that time-frame, listed here are the steps you could take:
- Log in to your Citi account and click on “Funds and Transfers” on the high of the web page. This may be achieved through the cellular app or on-line.
- Click on on “Stability Transfers.”
- Click on “View Accessible Stability Switch Affords.” This may also present up as “Begin a Stability Switch.”
- Choose the steadiness switch give you wish to pursue and enter the required particulars. These embody the account quantity for the bank card you wish to switch a steadiness from and the steadiness switch quantity.
It’s price noting that, even in case you are past that four-month timeframe or have had a Citi account for years, you should still obtain steadiness switch gives in your Citi account on occasion.
Moreover, you may also contact Citi customer support and provoke a steadiness switch over the cellphone. All it’s important to do is name the quantity on the again of your card along with your account data prepared.
The way to examine the standing of your steadiness switch
You’ll be able to examine the standing of your Citi steadiness switch via your account. Merely:
- Log in to your Citi account.
- Click on “Funds and Transfers” on the high of the web page.
- Click on “Stability Transfers.”
- Click on “View Stability Switch Standing.”
What to know after finishing a steadiness switch with Citi
Your Citi steadiness switch could take wherever from two to 21 days from begin to end, so that you’ll wish to keep watch over your outdated account till it exhibits a $0 steadiness. You’ll additionally must proceed making funds in your outdated bank card account till the steadiness switch is full. If you happen to nonetheless have a steadiness exhibiting and also you fail to make a cost in your outdated card earlier than your due date, you can be caught paying late charges and see a drop in your credit score rating.
As soon as your steadiness switch has been absolutely processed and your outdated account exhibits a $0 steadiness, you may select to maintain that account open or name the cardboard issuer and shut it. Simply keep in mind that preserving outdated accounts open is often constructive in your credit score rating since outdated accounts can improve the common size of your credit score historical past (even should you’re not utilizing them).
Finest Citi bank cards for steadiness transfers
Citi gives an array of aggressive bank cards, together with playing cards that present a 0 p.c introductory APR for a restricted time. Be sure to check Citi steadiness switch playing cards when it comes to their advantages, introductory steadiness switch gives, rewards and costs earlier than selecting a card.
The next Citi bank cards supply one of the best steadiness switch phrases:
Finest for debt consolidation
Card particulars
The Citi Simplicity Card gives a 0 p.c intro APR on steadiness transfers for 21 months, adopted by a variable APR of 19.24 p.c to 29.99 p.c. At 21 months, this supply is without doubt one of the longest introductory APR promotions in the marketplace right now.
There’s no annual charge for the cardboard, however you’ll should pay an introductory steadiness switch charge of three p.c of the switch quantity (with a $5 minimal) for steadiness transfers accomplished inside 4 months of account opening. After that, your charge might be 5 p.c of every switch (with a $5 minimal).Additionally, with the Citi Simplicity Card, you gained’t pay any late charges or a penalty APR. Different cardholder advantages embody a 0 p.c intro APR on purchases for the primary 12 months, adopted by the identical variable APR of 19.24 p.c to 29.99 p.c. You additionally get the flexibleness to decide on your individual due date and $0 fraud legal responsibility.
Finest for purchases and steadiness transfers
Card particulars
The Citi Diamond Most well-liked Card additionally gives a 0 p.c intro APR on steadiness transfers for 21 months and a 0 p.c intro APR on purchases for 12 months, however its promotions are adopted by an 18.24 p.c to twenty-eight.99 p.c variable APR. You’ll additionally keep away from an annual charge, however you’ll should pay a 5 p.c steadiness switch charge (with a $5 minimal), and steadiness transfers have to be accomplished inside 4 months of account opening to qualify.
This card allows you to select your individual cost due date, too. You’ll additionally get Citi Leisure entry, which helps you to buy presale tickets to live shows, sporting occasions and extra.
Finest for incomes flat money again
Card particulars
The Citi Double Money Card is exclusive as a result of it gives each money again rewards and a prolonged steadiness switch supply.
You’ll get a 0 p.c intro APR on steadiness transfers for 18 months, adopted by a variable APR of 19.24 p.c to 29.24 p.c. You’ll additionally get the prospect to earn as much as 2 p.c money again on every part you purchase — 1 p.c while you make a purchase order and one other 1 p.c while you pay it off. Moreover, via Dec. 31, 2024, you may earn 5 p.c complete money again on resorts, automotive leases and sights booked via Citi Journey. This card additionally comes with no annual charge.With this card, you’ll get pleasure from an introductory steadiness switch charge of three p.c (with a $5 minimal) for any balances you switch inside the first 4 months of account opening. A 5 p.c charge (with a $5 minimal) applies for any transfers accomplished after 4 months.
On the subject of redeeming rewards, this card allows you to money in your rewards for assertion credit, direct deposits or checks. You may also redeem your rewards as fundamental Citi ThankYou factors, which provide extra redemption choices like purchasing on Amazon or reward playing cards. In case you have a premium Citi card, such because the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, you may convert your money again into full-fledged ThankYou factors by transferring them to your premium card.
Finest for rewards on on a regular basis spending
Card particulars
The Citi Rewards+ Card, which comes with no annual charge, is an effective card for each steadiness transfers and on a regular basis spending.
You’ll get a 0 p.c intro APR on steadiness transfers for 15 months from the date of your first switch and a 0 p.c intro APR on purchases for 15 months after opening your account — that are each adopted by a variable APR of 18.74 p.c to twenty-eight.74 p.c. Be aware {that a} 3 p.c intro steadiness switch charge (minimal $5) will apply on transfers accomplished inside the first 4 months of account opening. After that, a 5 p.c steadiness switch charge (minimal $5) applies.
As for on a regular basis rewards, you’ll earn 2X factors at supermarkets and gasoline stations (on as much as $6,000 in purchases per 12 months, then 1X factors) and 1X factors on all different purchases. By means of June 30, 2024, you’ll additionally earn 5X factors on lodge, rental automotive and attraction purchases made via the Citi Journey portal.
You may also earn a welcome bonus of 20,000 factors (price $200) while you spend $1,500 inside 3 months of account opening. Moreover, Citi will spherical up all of your rewards to the closest 10 factors, which means a $3 espresso will internet you 10 factors as a substitute of three factors. Plus, this card comes with Citi Leisure entry and Mastercard advantages.
The underside line
Citi gives a number of the greatest steadiness switch playing cards out there right now. Not one of the Citi bank cards we’ve highlighted cost an annual charge, they usually all prolong their intro steadiness switch APR gives for greater than a 12 months. With that a lot time to pay down debt interest-free, you can make an enormous dent in your debt — and even pay it off for good.
Earlier than selecting your steadiness switch card, nevertheless, be sure that to check the gives, charges and costs of all the high steadiness switch playing cards in the marketplace to search out the correct card for you.
If you happen to’re unsure find out how to go about tackling your debt, think about reaching out to a licensed credit score counselor from a nonprofit company. They can assist you provide you with an inexpensive debt administration plan to get you again on observe.
