Published June 21, 2024
By: Steven Porrello
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Steven is a personal finance writer covering topics from mortgages to credit cards to market news. He has written for The Motley Fool Canada, Ramsey Solutions, Nerdwallet, Clever Real Estate, and other major outlets. Steven launched his writing career at the age of four with his first book, "Revenge of the Bad Guys." He currently lives in Portland, Oregon.
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Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.
The Citi Simplicity® Card and Wells Fargo Reflect® Card have the longest 0% intro APR of any cards I've seen. But these cards are not weighted equally. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is clearly better for new purchases, while the Citi Simplicity® Card offers lower balance transfer fees for the first four months. If you're on the hunt for a stellar 0% APR credit card, read on to learn which of the two is better for you.
Citi Simplicity Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card comparison
As of Jun. 18, 2024
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| Citi Simplicity® Card | Wells Fargo Reflect® Card |
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Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
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Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
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Welcome Offer: There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). Lower intro balance transfer fee |
Welcome Offer: — |
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Rewards Program: N/A |
Rewards Program: N/A |
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Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 12 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 months |
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers Purchases: 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers |
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Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable) |
Regular APR: 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR |
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Annual Fee: $0 |
Annual Fee: N/A $0 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Why Citi Simplicity Card might be the ideal choice
People looking for a balance transfer credit card might be better served by the Citi Simplicity® Card. This card gives you 21 months of 0% intro APR for balance transfers, a perk it shares with the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. But while the Wells Fargo credit card has a balance transfer fee of 5%, min: $5, the Citi Simplicity® Card charges 3% ($5 min) for first 4 months, then 5% ($5 min.). The difference in fees would save you $20 for every $1,000 you transfer.
When Wells Fargo Reflect Card could be the better option
Those looking for a credit card with a long 0% intro APR for new purchases will find Wells Fargo Reflect® Card more attractive. This card gives you 21 months from account opening of 0% intro APR for new purchases -- almost two years of paying zero interest. Meanwhile, the Citi Simplicity® Card will give you only 12 months. One year versus almost two -- so the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card wins in this regard by a wide margin.
Credit card comparison
We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.
| Offer | Our Rating | Welcome Offer | Rewards Program | APR | Learn More |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. N/A | 1% - 5% Cashback Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. |
Intro: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Up to $300 cash back Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. | 1.5% - 5% cash back Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases |
Intro: 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months Regular: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable |
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
75,000 Miles 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 2X-5X miles Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. |
Intro: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A Regular: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) |
Citi Simplicity Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card overview
Truth be told, these are two fantastic credit cards that can help scores of people beat debt or avoid it completely. But they're clearly designed to help people accomplish different goals. With that in mind, let's break these cards down by fees, welcome offers, intro APRs, and rewards.
Citi Simplicity Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card annual fee
Winner: Citi Simplicity® Card
Do a little happy dance -- neither of these credit cards charges an annual fee. That said, the Citi Simplicity® Card has a slight advantage in that it also doesn't charge late fees -- a rare perk in the credit card industry. Meanwhile, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card will charge up to $40 on late payments.
Citi Simplicity Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card welcome offer
Winner: Citi Simplicity® Card
Unlike other credit cards, these two don't offer cash back or rewards bonuses for spending a certain amount within a tight timeframe. In fact, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card doesn't have a welcome offer at all. Meanwhile, the Citi Simplicity® Card offers you a balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 min) for first 4 months, then 5% ($5 min.) Considering that the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card starts you off with a fee of 5%, min: $5, this could save you hundreds right off the bat.
Citi Simplicity Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card intro APR
Winner: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Both credit cards come with 21 months of 0% intro APR for balance transfers -- the longest period of any 0% intro APR cards we've reviewed. But while the Citi Simplicity® Card offers 12 months of 0% intro APR for new purchases, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card gives you 21 months from account opening. That's also one of the longest periods we've seen for new purchases, putting the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card firmly in front for intro APR.
At the end of the intro period the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card's go-to 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR will apply. The same is true for the Citi Simplicity® Card. At the end of the intro period, its go-to 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable) APR will apply. While the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card's low end regular APR starts just slightly below the go-to APR of the Citi Simplicity® Card, they top out at the same number.
Citi Simplicity Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect Card rewards
Winner: Tie
These credit cards don't earn rewards or cash back. Their sole purpose is to offer you 0% intro APR for balance transfers and new purchases. If you're looking for a card that earns rewards, check out our best-of list for leaders in the credit card rewards space.
Final take
Ultimately, choosing between the cards comes down to answering one question -- do you want to take advantage of a 0% intro APR for balance transfers? If that answer is "yes," the low upfront fees on the Citi Simplicity® Card makes for a compelling option. If your answer is "no," the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card's long 0% intro APR period for new purchases might be better suited for you.
Those who want to take advantage of 0% APR for both balance transfers and new purchases will have a harder decision to make. Ultimately, it'll come down to how much credit card debt you're planning to transfer and how much you plan to charge for new purchases. While saving money on balance transfer fees upfront could make the Citi Simplicity® Card more appealing, the longer intro period of 0% interest on new purchases from the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card could also save you money. It's important to do the math for yourself and make a decision based on the lowest operating costs (fees plus potential interest payments).
2024 Award Winner
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Fair
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= Poor
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Best
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= Excellent
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= Good
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= Fair
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= Poor
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 12 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 months
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Lower intro balance transfer fee
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This is one of our favorite cards for balance transfers. It has 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and a discounted balance transfer fee for the first four months. That combo makes it one of the most generous balance transfer offers we’ve seen. Plus, you can choose from any available payment date. That way, you can set up automatic payments that are aligned with your paycheck. Read Full Review
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- Great intro APR
- No annual fee
- No late fees
- No penalty APR
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
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- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock.
2024 Award Winner
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Best
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= Excellent
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= Good
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= Fair
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= Poor
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Best
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= Excellent
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= Good
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= Fair
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= Poor
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Purchases: 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening
Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR
18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee N/A
$0
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This no-frills card is a solid choice if your priority is to avoid credit card interest for as long as possible. It offers an incredible 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. The balance transfer fee (5%, min: $5) is higher than some cards — but if you want an equally long intro APR on purchases, then this card is hard to beat. Read Full Review
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- Long 0% intro APR offer
- No annual fee
- Cellphone protection
- Free FICO® Score
- Balance transfer fee
- Foreign transaction fee
- No rewards program
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- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
- $0 Annual Fee.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
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