Citi Double Cash: how the 2% actually works
What it earns
Annual fee: $0
| Earn | Where to use it |
|---|---|
| 5% total | Hotels, car rentals and attractionsBook through Citi Travel. Includes 1% when buying, 1% when paying and a 3% portal bonus; flights do not qualify for the extra 3%. |
| 2% total | Other eligible purchases1% when you buy plus 1% when you pay. No category enrollment or rewards cap; balance transfers and fees do not earn. |
Standard purchase rates, checked Oct 15, 2026. Issuer terms (opens in a new tab). Limited-time bonuses are separate.
TL;DR
- $0 annual fee and no categories to track.
- The 2% comes in two parts: 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay.
- Use it as a baseline; a category card can beat it on specific purchases.
New here? How to read these guides
Start with the earning table and TL;DR. Then check who the card fits, a spending example and how to redeem. Compare the live offer before applying.
- Cash back
- A percentage back on eligible spending. 3% on $100 = $3.
- Points / miles
- 2X means 2 points per $1 spent. It does not automatically mean 2% back. Each program has different redemption values.
- Welcome bonus / SUB
- Extra rewards for meeting an offer's spending requirement by its deadline. SUB means sign-up bonus.
- Churning
- Opening cards for welcome bonuses. Start with one card you can manage, not a pile of applications. Fees, interest and overspending can erase the upside.
- Transfer
- Moving rewards to an airline or hotel program. Often a one-way move.
The first rule: pay your statement balance in full. Interest can wipe out the rewards.
Who this card is for
You want one card for purchases that miss bonus categories. It is a useful comparison point before paying a fee or juggling rotating categories.
What that earns in real life
Illustration: $1,000 of eligible purchases earns $10 of cash-back value when charged and another $10 as you pay that purchase balance. Total: $20 after both parts post. Paying interest to earn the second part is not worth it.
How to use the rewards
Citi tracks cash back as ThankYou points. Redeem for a statement credit or direct deposit, or compare other options. The 5% Citi Travel rate is limited to hotels, car rentals and attractions. Compare the portal price before booking.
Before you apply
Check the current offer, bonus eligibility and foreign transaction fee. A balance transfer earns no rewards, and an intro APR on transfers does not automatically cover purchases. Pay your statement in full.
Pay your statement balance in full. Interest can cost more than the rewards you earn.
Quick questions
Do I get 2% back immediately?
No. Citi gives 1% when you buy and the other 1% as you pay for the purchase. Both parts must post.
Does Citi Double Cash have an annual fee?
No. The current Citi Double Cash card has no annual fee.
Sources & what to double-check
Published Oct 15, 2026. Reviewed Oct 15, 2026. Offers can change.
- Current 1%-plus-1% earning terms and excluded transactions.
- Citi Travel booking restrictions and total 5% rate.
- Current application offer, balance-transfer terms and foreign transaction fee.
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