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Citi Simplicity® Card vs American Express® Gold Card

Compare Rewards, Interest Rates, Fees, and Benefits

Citi Simplicity is an excellent card for people who carry a balance. How does it compare to American Express Gold Card, an events charge card? Read our comparison chart below.

Keep in mind, the Citi Simplicity has a $0 annual fee, while the American Express Gold Card has a $125 annual fee (annual fee waived for first year).


 Citi Simplicity® CardAmerican Express® Gold Card
 Apply for Citi Simplicity® CardApply for American Express® Gold Card
 

Citi Simplicity® Card

American Express® Gold Card

 Personal Credit CardPersonal Charge Card
 
Car Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionBaggage InsuranceTravel Accident Insurance
Point RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending LimitEvents
 
  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 12.99% - 21.99% based on your creditworthiness.
  • Peace of mind through direct access to a service representative, no late fees and no penalty rate
  • No annual fee*
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Events – select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more.
  • Purchase Protection* can protect eligible items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if stolen or accidentally damaged. *Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
  • Redeem Membership Rewards® points for an exclusive array of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125.
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
 

Card Interest Rates & Fees

Introductory APR for Purchases0% introductory APR for 18 months 
Introductory APR for Balance Transfers0% introductory APR for 18 months 
Purchases APRas low as 12.99%, 17.99%, 21.99% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors 
Balance Transfers APRas low as 12.99%, 17.99%, 21.99% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors 
Annual Fee$0 annual fee$125 annual fee, annual fee waived for first year
 

Card Rewards & Benefits

Point Rewards Point Rewards: Earn 1 point for virtually every dollar spent.
Travel Rewards Travel Rewards: Pay with points for travel and fly anytime, anywhere -- there are no blackout dates or restrictions.
Hotel Status Hotel Status: Gold Card Hotel Program includes $75 dining credit with a stay of two nights or more at hundreds of Sheraton, Westin, W, and Le Meridien hotels and resorts when booking with goldcarddestinations.com
Price ProtectionPrice Protection: If you buy something with your Citi card and then see it advertised in print for less within 60 days, you may be eligible for a refund of the difference up to $250(excludes internet purchases and advertisements and certain items). 
 Go to issuer's official application, terms, and detailsGo to issuer's official application, terms, and details
 

CreditDonkey® Card Reviews

 Citi Simplicity® CardAmerican Express® Gold Card
Pros & ConsPros:
  • 0% intro APR for 18 months
  • No late fees
  • No penalty interest rate
  • No annual fee
Cons:
  • No rewards
Pros:
  • Gold card events
  • Great customer service
  • Exclusive travel benefits
  • Responsible charge card
Cons:
  • $125 annual fee
Bottom LineExcellent card for people who carry a balance... Read full reviewExcellent rewards card for cardholders who pay in full... Read full review
 Apply for Citi Simplicity® CardApply for American Express® Gold Card

See issuer's website for details including terms and conditions. While reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate and updated information, the information shown on this site may vary, be out of date, or not applicable to you. All information is provided without warranty. When you click on the Apply Now button, you can review the terms and conditions on the issuer's website.

Blank fields indicate either the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the issuer's website for details.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Citi. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Citi, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Citi. This site may be compensated through Citi Affiliate Program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Articles on Citi Simplicity® Card

    Citi Simplicity Review: 0% Intro APR for 18 Months

    Citi Simplicity Review: 0% Intro APR for 18 Months

    January 7, 2012 - By David R - Review for Citi Simplicity
    Citi Simplicity makes credit card management easier for consumers. With no late fees or penalty rates, managing your bills is less complicated. Plus, with a lengthy introductory 0% interest rate, this is the ideal card for balance transfers. In ...

    Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Citi. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Citi, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Citi. This site may be compensated through Citi Affiliate Program.


Articles on American Express® Gold Card

    American Express Gold Card Review: $125 Annual Fee vs Perks

    American Express Gold Card Review: $125 Annual Fee vs Perks

    July 30, 2011 - By Meghan Clark - Review for American Express Gold Card
    American Express has long been known for its superior service and perks. But whether the annual fee is worth the investment for you ultimately depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. We've crunched the numbers below so you can see if the ...

    Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Compare Citi Simplicity to:

Citi ThankYou℠ Preferred Card
Apply for Citi ThankYou℠ Preferred Card
  • $250 gift card - When you redeem the 25,000 bonus ThankYou® Points received after $2,000 in purchases within 4 months of account opening.
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all purchases
  • Receive an anniversary bonus every year you’re a cardmember
  • No expiration and no limit on the points you can earn
  • Redeem ThankYou Points for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more
  • No annual fee*
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsPoint RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on RewardsNo Pre-Set Spending LimitConciergeCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyBaggage Insurance Travel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityEmergency Assistance
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
12.99% - 22.99% (Variable)
$0

Citi Diamond Preferred® Card
Apply for Citi Diamond Preferred® Card
  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.
  • 24/7 access to personalized concierge service providing assistance in booking hotel, flights, concert tickets and much more
  • Special access for Citi cardmembers to purchase presale tickets, preferred seating, VIP packages, and other unforgettable live entertainment experiences through Citi Private Pass(R).
  • Exciting deals and savings for great brands through Citi Specials
  • $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
  • No annual fee*
ConciergeEventsCar Rental InsuranceExtended WarrantyPurchase ProtectionBaggage InsuranceTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityEmergency Assistance
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
0% for 18 months
0% for 18 months
11.99% - 21.99% (Variable)
$0

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Compare American Express Gold Card to:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--N/A
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel Rewards
  • 25,000 Membership Rewards® points bonus when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership
  • GLOBAL Travel benefits: Access over 600 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees, skip U.S. customs lines with Global Entry.
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • Receive a companion ticket for discounted travel when you purchase a qualifying First- or Business-Class international ticket. Additional charges/taxes apply.
  • 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
  • FINE HOTELS & RESORTS Program: exclusive upgrades and amenities at over 700 boutique, resort, and luxury hotels worldwide
  • Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of
Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
0% for 12 months
-
17.24% - 22.24% (Variable)
Introductory Bonus Cash BackCash Back RewardsInstant ApprovalGas Rewards
  • Earn $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
  • Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
  • Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
  • No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time
Apply for Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express
American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--N/A
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel Rewards
  • Membership Rewards(R) bonus: 25K points, redeemable for select gift cards valued at $250, when you spend $2,000 in your first three months of card membership
  • Membership Rewards(R) points multiply fast! Earn 3X points on airfare, 2X points on gas and groceries, 1X points on everything else
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Destinations and events – Enjoy special travel packages and amenities at hotels worldwide, as well as select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more, nationwide.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175
  • Get approved in 60-seconds.
Apply for American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

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