Most major credit card issuers are known for offering specific types of cards, whether that includes cards within their own loyalty program (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, for example) or credit cards co-branded with specific airlines and hotel brands.
Business cards are a common option, and Citi is no exception..Citi offers two business credit cards geared toward travel and wholesale club purchases, respectively. Keep reading to learn about Citi credit cards for business, their main highlights and who they’re best for — as well as a few consumer card options that can still provide value to small-business owners.
Comparing the best Citi cards for your business
Card name
Card type
Annual fee
Bankrate score
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®*
Business
$99, waived for first 12 months
4.1
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi*
Business
$0(with paid Costco membership)
N/A
Citi Double Cash® Card
Consumer
$0
4.2
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Consumer
$95
4.5
The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard is the only Citi business credit card co-branded with an airline, so it’s a great option for business owners constantly in the air. The initial bonus on this card is generous, and its handful of different bonus categories is great if you have a varied spending strategy.
You can also qualify for a companion travel certificate after spending $30,000 or more each year and upon renewal, which lets a companion fly with you for just $99 (plus taxes and fees) in domestic economy. This is a nice perk for business owners who are sure to meet the spending requirement.
Pros
One checked bag free on domestic flights can save you on tedious airline fees.
Preferred boarding and 25 percent off in-flight Wi-Fi, food and beverages make for a convenient airport experience.
Cons
You cannot redeem miles for cash back or statement credits.
You can’t transfer miles to another airline or hotel partner, lacking the flexibility commonly found on general travel rewards cards.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi is a good option if your business requires you to drive frequently because it earns a boosted rewards rate at eligible gas and EV charging stations (for the first $7,000 per year, then 1 percent). It also rewards generously for restaurant, travel and Costco purchases. But as a store credit card its broader use is limited. Other than its rewards rates, this business card has scant benefits — so you’ll really want to make sure the Costco-specific rewards are worth it to you and your business. For instance, if you’re more interested in earning rewards on gas station purchases, there are a variety of other gas credit cards on the market.
Pros
Bonus cash back categories offer rewards at a higher rate than most no-annual-fee cards.
No foreign transaction fees make it a suitable card for international purchases.
Cons
It lacks a welcome offer, so you won’t be able to maximize rewards in your first year with the card.
You can only redeem your rewards once per year, a stringent limitation that may be inconvenient for cardholders.
If you’re fixed on getting a Citi credit card but aren’t willing to go all-in on their business cards, a consumer credit card like the Citi Double Cash can serve the same purpose regarding your business spending. You can use it for all of the same purchases you’d make with a business credit card, but it doesn’t come with business-specific perks or benefits. However, depending on the nature of your business it might just be the right move.
The Citi Double Cash Card earns a flat rate of 2 percent cash back (1 percent when you buy, 1 percent when you pay) on all purchases, giving it the flexibility necessary to maximize rewards for several different expenses.
Pros
The same flat-rate on all purchases means you can use this card for business and personal spending without losing rewards value.
Since it doesn’t require the application materials that business credit card applications usually call for, it’s a more accessible choice.
Cons
You won’t qualify for a credit limit typically found on business cards, which can sometimes be well over $50,000.
It lacks business-related perks and software integrations, which can sometimes provide value for business owners looking for value beyond points or cash back.
The Citi Strata Premier Card could be a great choice for any business owner who travels frequently and wants the flexibility to redeem their travel miles with a variety of airline and hotel partners. Although you’ll pay a $95 annual fee, it carries generous rewards rates for travel purchases that can come in handy when your business takes you places.
Pros
Boosted rewards rates for travel purchases make it a fine addition to your wallet, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure.
Your points are flexible and you’ll earn them at their boosted rates no matter what airline or hotel you use.
You can enjoy a $100 annual hotel credit for stays over $500 (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com.
Cons
The $95 annual fee might only be worth it if you can offset it with the card’s annual hotel benefit.
Like the Citi Double Cash, this consumer card doesn’t carry any business-centric perks.
How to choose a Citi business credit card
Before you choose a Citi business credit card, you should explore your alternatives (like consumer options from Citi or other top business credit cards on the market) and decide which card might work best for your needs. Here are some tips that can help:
Define your rewards preference: Look at where your business spends the most money to help you choose the best business card. Opt for a card that rewards you generously for your most frequent purchase categories.
Consider redemption options: Your redemption options will broaden considerably when you consider non-branded or general rewards cards. If none of the redemption options on the business cards sound appealing, both consumer Citi cards or another of the best small-business credit cards could be a better fit.
Compare annual fees: If you decide to pay an annual fee for a credit card, you should make sure you’re getting plenty of value in return. If you’d prefer to avoid paying a yearly fee to hold your business card, consider sifting through our guide to the best no-annual-fee business credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
Approval may depend on various factors, including your overall credit history, the card you’re applying for and the specific details of your application. If you want to explore options catered to your credit profile, consider using Bankrate’s CardMatch™ tool.
Citibank offers a variety of credit cards suited for individuals with different credit profiles, including those with limited or no credit history who have the means to pay monthly bills. That said, business cards are typically more difficult to get approved for than consumer cards. If you value simplicity and can manage business expenses with a decent consumer card, a card like the Citi Double Cash card might be a great fit for you and your business. However, to increase your chances of approval, ensure you meet the income requirements and review the terms and conditions for each card before applying.
The bottom line
If you’re a business owner looking for a business credit card from Citi, we hope you aren’t picky. If you’re married to the idea of going with Citi, then you might want to consider one of its consumer credit cards to use for your business purchases if the two options from Citi don’t match your needs. Just make sure that you won’t be missing rewards in crucial business categories that another issuer might have the perfect card for. Plenty of options outside of Citi for business cards offer solid ongoing rewards rates — on everything from travel to business-specific purchases — and with a myriad of additional benefits.
*All information about the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® and Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
