The Citi Simplicity® Card is an excellent choice for those focused on paying down credit card debt, especially if you’re looking for the longest 0% intro APR on balance transfers. Here’s a summary of the key features:
Pros:
- 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers: This is one of the longest interest-free periods for balance transfers, allowing ample time to pay off transferred debt.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on Purchases: Helpful if you plan to make significant purchases on the card.
- No Annual Fee: This can save you money compared to cards that charge an annual fee.
- No Late Fees: There’s no penalty if you miss a payment, though late payments can still affect your credit score.
- No Penalty APR: Even if you miss payments, your APR won’t increase to a higher penalty rate.
- Flexible Payment Due Date: You can choose your payment due date to align with your finances.
Cons:
- No Rewards: Similar to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, it doesn’t offer rewards on purchases, which is a downside for those looking for benefits on everyday spending.
- Higher Regular APR: Once the intro APR ends, the regular variable APR can range from 18.24% to 28.99%, so be cautious of high interest rates if you carry a balance.
Bottom Line:
If your goal is to pay off existing debt with the longest 0% APR on balance transfers, the Citi Simplicity® Card is tough to beat. The 12-month 0% APR on purchases is also a valuable feature, and the card’s lack of an annual fee, late fees, and penalty APR adds extra flexibility. However, if you want rewards, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
