BankAmericard vs. Citi Simplicity: Each Has an Edge

The BankAmericard® credit card and the Citi Simplicity® Card can both work as get-out-of-debt tools.

Both are $0-annual-fee cards that feature lengthy intro APR periods for balance transfers and don’t charge penalty APRs. However, neither card offers rewards or much in the way of ongoing benefits, meaning neither will provide much value once that promotional interest period ends.

• If you’re looking to save money by transferring a balance from another card, these two options are very close, with similar intro APR offers for transfers. However, the Citi Simplicity® Card has an edge because of its lower intro balance transfer fee and its lack of late fees.

• If you're looking for a card to finance a big purchase, the BankAmericard® credit card is the clear winner thanks to an extra-long intro APR period on purchases as well as transfers.

Here’s how the cards compare.

» MORE: NerdWallet’s best balance transfer credit cards

Where the Citi Simplicity has the upper hand

Lower intro balance transfer fee

The Citi Simplicity® Card offers new cardholders a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months, and then the ongoing APR of 17.49%-28.24% Variable APR.

You'll owe a balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) for transfers made within the first four months of account opening; after that, you'll pay a 5% fee for each transfer (minimum $5).

The BankAmericard® credit card offers a 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 14.99%-25.99% will apply. It used to have a low intro transfer fee, but now it charges a flat 5%.

» MORE: What is a balance transfer, and should you do one?

No late fees

You should aim to pay off your balance in full every month if you can. But if you are late, the Citi Simplicity® Card won’t punish you for it. The card doesn’t charge late fees, nor does it impose a penalty interest rate for paying late.

The BankAmericard® credit card won't raise your interest rate if you pay late either. However, the card does charge late fees.

If you're forgetful or have not set up automatic payments, the Citi Simplicity® Card can save you real money. Even so, be aware that paying late could hurt your credit scores if you're more than 30 days past due.

Where the BankAmericard® credit card has an edge

Longer intro APR period for purchases

The BankAmericard® credit card comes with an intro APR period for purchases that's just as long as for transfers. The Citi Simplicity® Card's intro period for purchases is considerably shorter.

Which card should you get?

For balance transfers, both cards offer a lengthy break from interest, but the Citi Simplicity® Card wins out with lower transfer fee. For purchases, the BankAmericard® credit card gets the nod with its longer intro APR offer.

Again, neither card comes with long-term benefits like rewards. So once you've paid off your balance transfer, you may want to consider asking the issuer for a product change, which both Bank of America® and Citi allow. You can call the number on the back of your credit card to do this.

But that's not your only option. There are cards that offer both a 0% APR period and ongoing value through rewards. The $0-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is one such card. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%-28.49% Variable APR. Terms apply; rates and fees.

And you’ll earn rewards on everyday spending with the card, too: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent per year; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 spent per year; 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 spent per year; and 1% cash back on other purchases. Terms apply; see rates and fees.