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If you're looking for a generous card with 0% annual interest, the Citi Simplicity® Card or the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card are good choices.
Both of these balance transfer credit cards are suitable. It helps you pay off your debt while saving interest and fees. However, if you want to earn credit card perks and welcome bonuses, we recommend looking at other options.
Let's see how these cards stack up against each other, including hints on which cards. Depending on the credit score range required for additional benefits and approval, it's the best fit.
Contents
Main details
| details | Citi Simplicity Card | US Bank Visa Platinum Card |
|---|---|---|
| Point Redemption Rate | None | None |
| Welcome Bonus | None | None |
| APR installation at time of purchase | 12 0% first-year APR for months | 18 Billing Cycle 0% 1st Year APR |
| 1st Year APR of Balance Transfer | Within First 4 Months 0% Introductory Annual Interest Rate for 21 Months for Balances Transferred to | /td> |
| Normal APR | Variable from 18.24% to 28.99% | 18.74% to 28.74% Variable |
| Balance transfer fee | 3% (minimum $5) | 3% (minimum $5 ) |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
Citi Simplicity and U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card Highlights
APR Introductory Winner: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum offers a zero-interest period of 18 billing cycles for both purchases and balance transfers (then , followed by a variable APR between 18.74% and 28.74%), beating out Citi Simplicity in this category. Simplicity significantly reduces the time to new purchases. However, if you're strictly interested in transferring your balance, the extra month of cards offered by Simplicity may prove advantageous.
First, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum's continuously variable APR is slightly lower than the APR offered by Simplicity. Both cards require you to transfer the balance within a certain period of time after the account is opened, so keep that in mind when considering which option to apply for.
Balance transfer fee winner: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum has 3% balance compared to Citi Simplicity's 3% fee (minimum $5) It also beats in this category because it charges a transfer fee (minimum $5). This charge is certainly significant as it will be added to your entire transferred balance.
Annual Fee Winner: Thailand
Both cards have no annual fee, so both are good options if you want to keep costs down.
Foreign Transaction Fee Winner: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
Both cards charge foreign transaction fees for purchases made outside the US, but in certain circumstances, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum has slightly lower fees. This card charges a foreign transaction fee of 2% for international transactions in USD and 3% otherwise. Citi Simplicity charges a 3% foreign transaction fee no matter what.
Which card will save you more?
Below, we've broken down how much you'll pay each month to wipe out your debt for each period.
Balance Transfer Example
You have $5,000 outstanding on your credit card. Sending that money to Citi Simplicity incurs a balance transfer fee of $250 and brings your total balance to $5,250. You will see 21 months of monthly payments of $250 to pay off the balance in 21 months. No interest.
With the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum, the balance transfer fee is only $150 and your total balance is $5,150. If you write off your debt with no interest in 20 billing cycles, you will pay $257.50 monthly for 20 months.
As you can see, Citi Simplicity saves you a little bit each month with more interest-free months. But things change when paying off large purchases over a long period of time.
Sample referral offer for a purchase
You have a $5,000 purchase in the near future and plan to redeem any card's referral APR
With Citi Simplicity, you'll be paying just over $416 a month for 12 months to cover your purchase with no added interest. However, with a U.S. Bank card, you're paying $250 per month over 20 billing cycles.
Why Get Citi Simplicity
Citi Simplicity is valuable for anyone trying to pay off their debt. offers one of the longest interest-free periods available on the market today, but not necessarily for those looking to fund large upcoming purchases.
More Benefits
- Minimum Fees: The Simplicity charges no late fees and no APR penalties.
- Flexible Payment Due Dates: Citi allows cardholders to choose payment due dates. Choose a date that is convenient for you: the beginning, middle, or end of the month.
- ID Theft Protection: This card comes with an ID Theft Protection program provided by Mastercard. Sign up for free to receive alerts about suspicious activity on your account.
Recommended Credit Score
Citi does not publish recommended credit scores, but APR is based on creditworthiness. If your credit score is 670 or higher, your chances of approval are high. This is also called a good credit score.
Why Get a U.S. Bank Visa Platinum?
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card is worth it if you are interested in both paying for large purchases and paying off existing credit card debt. Yes (for relatively small amounts).
Additional Benefits
- Payment Choice: U.S. Bank allows you to choose a payment date that is convenient for you.
- Cell Phone Protection: Pay your monthly phone bill with Visa Platinum and get up to $1,200 annually in damage or theft coverage.
- Credit Monitoring: U.S. Bank offers free credit.
Recommended Credit Score
Similar to Citi Simplicity, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum approval probability is a good credit score or better (670 or higher).
Conclusion
Citi Simplicity and U.S. Bank Visa Platinum have some distinct benefits, including zero. -Interest rate introduction period and low fees. Before deciding to apply, be sure to read Bankrate's list of the best credit cards for balance transfers to see if another option appeals to you or better suits your needs.
US Bank Information Visa Platinum Card is independently collected by warnow.biz. Card details are not verified or approved by the card issuer.