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.

For saving money on new purchases, the BankAmericard® credit card is a clear winner, since it has a longer introductory APR period. But things get a little more complicated for balance transfers. If you need as much time as possible to pay down your balance, the BankAmericard® credit card is still a good option. But you'll pay a higher balance transfer fee than you would with the Citi Simplicity® Card.

Here’s how the cards compare.

» MORE: NerdWallet’s best balance transfer credit cards

Where the BankAmericard® credit card has the upper hand

Longer intro APR period

If you're looking for a card to finance a new purchase or you need as much time as possible to pay off an existing balance, the BankAmericard® credit card is the better choice. You'll get an introductory period that lasts almost two years: 0% intro APR on Purchases for 21 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, and then the ongoing APR of 15.24%-26.24% Variable APR.

The introductory period is three months shorter on the Citi Simplicity® Card: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 17.74%-28.49% Variable APR.

Where the Citi Simplicity has the upper hand

Lower intro balance transfer fee

You won't have as long to pay off a balance with the Citi Simplicity® Card, but you'll have a lower up-front balance transfer fee: 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 flat 5% fee on each balance transfer.

If you transferred a $10,000 balance, you'd have a $200 higher fee with the BankAmericard® credit card than you would with Citi Simplicity® Card (assuming you made the transfer in the first four months).

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

No late fees

You should aim to pay off your balance 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.

Which card should you get?

Choosing between the two cards really comes down to how long you need to pay your balance off. If you need as long as possible to pay off your balance, the BankAmericard® credit card comes out ahead. But you can save some money on fees with the Citi Simplicity® Card.

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 19.74%-28.74% 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.