Citi Double Cash: Credit Score Requirements and Approval Tips

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a favorite among cash back enthusiasts and those looking for balance transfer options. It's simple, rewarding, and fee free -- a winning combo for anyone wanting high-value rewards without the headache of tracking multiple categories or worrying about annual fees.

But here's the catch: finding a card you love is only half the battle. You still need to qualify. Your credit score is a major factor in getting approved, so let's dive into what you need to know about the Citi Double Cash® Card's credit requirements, and what to do if you're not quite there yet.

Citi Double Cash's minimum credit score requirements

Citi recommends a credit score range of Fair to Excellent to qualify for the Citi Double Cash® Card, which translates to a FICO® Score of between 580 and 850.

Here's the good news: a score of 580 might not disqualify you outright, but the higher your score, the better. Applicants with scores closer to the "Excellent" range (740 and above) are more likely to be approved and may also qualify for better terms, like a higher credit limit.

Ratings Methodology

Citi Double Cash® Card

Apply Now for Citi Double Cash® Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.

4.50/5

Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.

4.50/5

Credit Score:

Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Apply Now for Citi Double Cash® Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees

Credit Score

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months on Balance Transfers

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Rewards

2% cash back

Annual Fee

Welcome Offer

$200

This card combines a top-notch balance transfer offer with best-in-class unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. There's no introductory APR for purchases, so you'll need to pay those off in full every month if you want to avoid interest charges.
- High cash back
- 0% intro APR balance transfer offer
- No annual fee
- Free credit score monitoring
- Foreign transaction fee
- No 0% intro APR on purchases
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

How to check your credit score

Not sure where you stand? Checking your credit score is easy and free:

Credit bureaus: You're entitled to one free credit report per week from each of the three major bureaus -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- via AnnualCreditReport.com.
Free online tools: Websites like Credit Karma or your bank's app often provide free access to your score. Keep in mind, though, these tools may show a VantageScore rather than a FICO® Score.
Bank or credit card provider: Many banks offer free credit score monitoring for customers. Log into your online banking account to check.

Tips to improve your chances of approval

If your credit score isn't where it needs to be, don't worry. There are practical steps to boost your chances of getting approved.

Make sure you're actually eligible

Applying for the Citi Double Cash® Card will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can slightly lower your score and remain on your report for up to two years. If your credit score is below 580, your chances of approval are slim, and applying could harm your score unnecessarily.

To avoid this, take advantage of Citi's Prequalification tool, which allows you to check your likelihood of approval without impacting your credit score. While prequalification doesn't guarantee approval, it's a helpful step to evaluate whether it's the right time to apply.

Pay your bills on time

Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO® Score, so improving this factor can significantly boost your chances of approval. Consistently paying your bills on time shows lenders that you're responsible and reliable. Even a single late payment can negatively impact your score, so it's crucial to prioritize timely payments.

Setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders can help you stay on track. If possible, aim to pay off your balance in full each month, but if not, always pay at least the minimum amount due to avoid hurting your score.

Reduce your credit utilization

Credit utilization, the percentage of your total credit limit you're using, accounts for 30% of your FICO® Score. Keeping this number low is key to improving your credit health.

Ideally, you want to keep your utilization under 30%, with under 10% being the target. For example, if you have a $10,000 credit limit, avoid carrying a balance of more than $3,000 at any given time. To optimize your score, try paying off your balances before the statement closing date rather than just by the due date, as this ensures a lower utilization rate is reported to the credit bureaus.

Avoid other hard inquiries before applying

Hard inquiries occur when a lender checks your credit during a credit application, and too many inquiries in a short period can lower your score and make you appear risky to lenders. If you plan to apply for the Citi Double Cash® Card, it's wise to avoid applying for other credit or financing major purchases, like a car, in the six to 12 months leading up to your application. This waiting period helps protect your score and improves your chances of approval when you're ready to apply.

What to do if your application is rejected

If your application is rejected, don't beat yourself up. Here are your next steps.

1. Ask for a reconsideration

Your rejection letter will include a phone number you can call if you feel like you should appeal the decision. Be prepared to explain why you're a good candidate, like recent income changes or resolving past credit issues.

2. Build your credit

Start with a secured credit card or a card designed to rebuild your credit. Focus on paying your bill on time and keeping your credit utilization low. Unfortunately, this takes time, but it will build your credit.

3. Try again later

After six to 12 months of consistently managing your card and improving your score, you can reapply. Make sure to get your score up to 580 or higher, or you'll be back where you started.

Final thoughts

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great choice for those who meet the credit requirements, offering unmatched simplicity and value. If your score isn't quite there, use the tips above to build your credit and reapply when you're ready. Remember, patience and consistent effort will pay off -- not just for this card, but for your long-term financial health.

Credit card comparison

We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.

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