How to Make the Most of the Citi Double Cash Card

While the typical flat-rate cash-back credit card might offer 1% back on purchases, the Citi Double Cash® Card goes one better — or, rather, 1% better — with its rewards structure. You earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase, and another 1% when you pay it off.

That's why the Citi Double Cash® Card is especially suited to people who pay their credit card balances in full every month.

Here's how to make the most of the Citi Double Cash® Card.

How to maximize rewards with the Citi Double Cash® Card

A card that can give you doubled 1% rewards on every purchase is a must-have for anyone looking to optimize their credit card rewards. But that doesn't mean you should use it for every single purchase.

If you have a card with a rewards rate higher than 2% in certain spending categories, use that first. That might include a card with rotating 5% bonus categories, or a card like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express that pays 3% back at U.S. gas stations and 6% back on your first $6,000 in U.S. supermarket spending each year. Terms apply (see rates and fees).

If you can't do better than 2% for a given purchase, then it's time to pull out your Citi Double Cash® Card.

Of course, not everyone wants to carry multiple credit cards and have to remember which one pays the most for the store you happen to be standing in. If you're just looking for the best possible flat rewards rate, the Citi Double Cash® Card is a great everyday credit card.

» MORE: Maximize credit card rewards when shopping

How to redeem rewards with the Citi Double Cash® Card

Credit cards that pay rewards in the form of points or miles often require careful strategizing to make sure you're getting the most value when you redeem those rewards.

The Citi Double Cash® Card is refreshingly simple. Your cash-back rewards are always worth the same amount, and you can request a redemption by calling customer service or logging in to the Citi website.

Your redemption choices are:

• By check: This option is best if you'd like to deposit your rewards into your bank account.

• By gift card: This option is best if you plan to give the rewards to someone else, or if you want to buy yourself a treat at a particular store.

• By statement credit: This means your rewards are applied to your monthly credit card bill, reducing the amount you owe. Because the Citi Double Cash® Card pays the second half of your rewards when you pay off your purchases, it's especially important to pay down that balance quickly.

Other benefits of the Citi Double Cash® Card

The beauty of this credit card is its simplicity, but there are a few other things that make it a standout.

The introductory APR period: The Citi Double Cash® Card has a great deal on balance transfers: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR.

The annual fee: With an annual fee of $0, it won't cost you to keep the card around. This is helpful since keeping credit card accounts open for a long time can raise your credit score.

» MORE: Citi Double Cash® Card vs. Chase Freedom®

Enjoy your Citi Double Cash® Card

This card offers a great rewards rate, doesn't require the cardholder to jump through many hoops, and offers motivation for paying off your purchases quickly. All that makes it pretty easy to make the most of your Citi Double Cash® Card.