Best Citi credit cards for February 2026

Why we like it: The Citi Custom Cash was the highest-ranking Citi card in multiple categories, including cash back, 0% APR, and groceries. As a , it’s a formidable force on multiple fronts, especially if you want to earn high rewards rates on everyday purchases.

Why we like it: The Citi Strata Premier has a low annual fee and an excellent rewards rate unmatched by many similar . This is especially true with its 3x return at supermarkets and gas stations, making the Strata Premier an exceptional choice for earning travel rewards on common expenses.

Why we like it: The Citi Double Cash provides a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers that’s well above the average length, giving you plenty of time to pay down existing debt without worrying about accruing interest. In addition, this is a top-tier cash-back card with its 2% cash-back rate on all eligible purchases.

Why we like it: The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is an affordable and useful card for frequent American Airlines travelers. You can get plenty of value from its first checked bag free benefit, where you and up to four companions can get a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights. You also earn bonus miles on American Airlines purchases.

Why we like it: The Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard makes sense for small business owners who regularly fly with American Airlines. You get your first checked bag for free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, and you earn one Loyalty Point for every $1 spent on eligible business purchases, helping you earn and maintain American elite status.

Why we like it: The Citi Secured Mastercard can play a pivotal role in helping you establish or rebuild your credit history. It works the same as a traditional credit card, letting you build credit as you responsibly use it, but you have to put down a security deposit that acts as your credit limit. If you can’t qualify for better cards because of your creditworthiness, a is a good place to start.

• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: The is a great option for 0% introductory APR offers on purchases and balance transfers. Just note that it doesn’t earn any rewards.

• Citi Simplicity® Credit Card: The Citi Simplicity Card is similar to the Citi Diamond Preferred and makes sense if you want to take advantage of a 0% intro APR offer on purchases or balance transfers.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard Credit Card is a premium travel card that provides some of the best benefits for frequent American Airlines fliers. This includes a complimentary Admirals Club membership for accessing nearly 100 Admirals Club and partner lounges worldwide.

• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: The is a popular pick for Costco members because of its increased earning rate on Costco purchases, including gas.

• Citi Rewards+® Card: The is no longer available to new applicants, and existing cardholders will be moved to the new Citi Strata Card.

A can give you a huge rewards boost as a new cardholder. You typically have to spend a certain amount on your card during a specified timeframe to earn a welcome offer, but this is often managed by putting everyday expenses, such as gas and groceries, on your card.

All earn points, miles, or cash back on eligible purchases. However, earning rates can vary between different cards. For example, one card might earn 2% cash back on every purchase, while another earns up to 5% cash back in specific spend categories.

It’s worth comparing rewards rates to see which one best aligns with your spending habits and gives you the best opportunity to maximize your earning potential.

Some credit cards have annual fees, while others don’t. In general, cards with annual fees tend to have more benefits, and you would need to use those benefits to help offset the cost of card membership each year. If you want to keep it simple, you can apply for cards with no annual fees.

You only need to worry about foreign transaction fees if you plan to travel abroad or make purchases from a foreign merchant. For international travelers, are a must.

The main difference between cash-back cards and travel cards is how you can redeem your rewards. Cash-back cards typically provide redemption options for statement credits and gift cards. In some cases, you might also be able to receive deposits directly into eligible bank accounts.

Travel cards may offer some of the same redemption options, but they’ll also provide ways to use rewards on travel, such as flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. Depending on the card, you might be able to transfer your points or miles to a loyalty program of a travel partner or redeem rewards through a travel portal, like Citi Travel.

A 0% APR or could help you cover a large purchase or pay down existing debt without any interest charges — at least during the promotional period.

• Travel rewards: These cards, like the Citi Strata Premier and co-branded American Airlines AAdvantage cards, focus on earning and redeeming travel rewards.

• Cash back: These cards, like the Citi Custom Cash and Citi Double Cash, focus on earning and redeeming cash-back rewards.

• Balance transfer: You can take advantage of 0% intro APR offers on balance transfers with these cards. Note that balance transfers typically have balance transfer fees.

• Secured: These cards are designed to help you build or rebuild your credit without needing good credit to qualify.

• Business: These cards are designed for business owners who want to earn rewards on their business purchases.

Citi credit cards make sense if you:

• Already have a relationship with Citibank

• Want to take advantage of a 0% APR or balance transfer offer

• Want to earn AAdvantage miles with a co-branded card

• Want a low annual fee

• Aren’t as interested in premium travel perks

Citi credit cards generally have low or no annual fees, and there’s a good balance of cards in different categories, such as cash-back cards, travel cards, and 0% APR cards. Citi doesn’t currently have the best card lineup to fully compete with the likes of other credit card issuers, such as Chase, American Express, and Capital One, but there are many quality options available, depending on your goals.

Citibank opened for business as the City Bank of New York in 1812. Over 200 years later, the company has grown globally, serving 180 countries with various financial products and services, including credit cards, bank accounts, loans, and wealth management tools.

As of March 31, 2025, the Federal Reserve listed Citibank as the third-largest U.S. commercial bank by consolidated assets.

The Citi Custom Cash is one of the best Citi credit cards available because it has no annual fee, provides a high rewards rate on everyday purchases, and offers 0% intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers.

You can call the number on the back of your Citi credit card or 800-950-5114.

You can apply for a Citi credit card by visiting the Citi website or a Citi branch with credit card services.

The Citi Strata Premier Card offers these benefits:

• Elevated rewards rate in everyday categories, such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations

• $100 annual hotel benefit (receive $100 off a single hotel stay of at least $500)

• Option to transfer Citi ThankYou Points to travel partners, including Choice Privileges, Emirates Skywards, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

• No foreign transaction fees

We used our existing credit card rubrics to see how Citi credit cards rank in various categories, including cash back, travel, and balance transfer. We found the highest-ranking Citi cards in the most popular categories to compile our list of the best Citi cards.

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.