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Citi Cash Back Credit Card VS Citi Rewards Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 1 May 2026
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CheQ AU Credit Card

Zero Fees. More Rewards

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CheQ AU Credit Card
Citi Cash Back Credit Card
Citi Cash Back Credit Card
Citi Rewards Credit Card
Citi Rewards Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeLifetime Free
Joining Fee₹1,000 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹1,000 + GST
Spend Based Waiver
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waived on spending Rs. 30,000 or more in the previous year.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% on all foreign currency spends.
Interest Rate (APR)0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; variable APR 17.49% - 27.49% thereafter.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum).

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusEarn $200 Cash Back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
Welcome BonusUp to 2,500 bonus Reward Points: 1,500 on first transaction & 1,000 on Rs. 1,000 spend within 60 days.
Rewards RateEarn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase; 5% on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel.
Rewards Rate1 RP per Rs. 125 on most spends; 10x RP per Rs. 125 on apparel & departmental stores.
Reward TypeCashback
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption Fee
Reward Redemption FeeNil.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access
Domestic Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
Travel BenefitsEarn a total of 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel.
Travel Benefits
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits
Dining Benefits
Dining BenefitsUp to 20% discount on dining at partnered restaurants.
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver at Indian Oil outlets for min. Rs. 10 transaction.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance Benefits
Cash Advance Charges
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of amount withdrawn or Rs. 500, whichever is higher.
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Citi Cash Back Credit Card

Citi Rewards Credit Card

Who is it for?

The Citi Double Cash Card is a popular cash back credit card offering an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, split between 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. It features no annual fee and an attractive 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. This card is ideal for individuals seeking straightforward rewards on everyday spending and those looking to consolidate debt.

Who is it for?

The Citi Rewards Credit Card is a mid-range offering from Citibank, specifically designed for frequent shoppers. It provides attractive welcome benefits of up to 2,500 bonus Reward Points and an accelerated 10x Reward Points on apparel and departmental store purchases. Cardholders can also earn monthly bonus points by meeting spending thresholds, making it ideal for maximizing rewards on everyday shopping.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, a straightforward and rewarding structure.

Enjoy the benefits of this card without paying any annual fee whatsoever.

Benefit from a long 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for debt consolidation.

Get enhanced 5% cash back on travel bookings made via the Citi Travel portal.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Offers exciting reward programs, especially 10x points on apparel and departmental stores.

Reward points never expire, providing cardholders with ample time for redemption.

Attractive welcome benefits and a monthly spend-based bonus enhance overall value.

Renewal fee waiver on achieving a reasonable annual spend threshold of Rs. 30,000.

Fuel surcharge waiver at Indian Oil outlets adds to savings on daily commutes.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The card lacks specific bonus categories for dining, movies, or fuel beyond general spend.

No complimentary airport lounge access or premium travel perks are offered with this card.

Interest is charged on new purchases if a balance transfer is not paid in full monthly.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Reward points are not earned on essential categories like fuel, utilities, and insurance payments.

The attractive 10x reward points on shopping are capped at a relatively low monthly spend of Rs. 7,000.

High foreign currency markup of 3.5% makes international spending less rewarding for cardholders.

High interest rates of 3.75% per month can be a significant drawback if balances are carried over.

No complimentary lounge access or other premium travel benefits are offered with this card.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
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