Like the Westpac 55 Day credit card, the Citibank Silver credit card doesn’t really seem to do anything to compete in today’s credit card market so is a bit of a dead end.

There are a variety of features which you would think would make it a valuable card; however they are all just too inconsistent. The annual fee of this Citibank Silver credit card is teamed with overall interest rates for purchases and for cash advances, and up to 55 days interest free.

There is a rewards program on this card which awards one point for every dollar spent using the Silver card and cash back offers, though it just doesn’t really seem worth it when the interest rate is more in line with that of a platinum credit card rather than one that is a step below a gold card.

As a premium card it’s credit limit of $7,500 is quite low. Especially when you consider the next step up is the Citibank Gold credit card which has a credit limit $60,000. It really just highlights how inconsistent the Citibank Silver credit card really is.

The introductory rate on balance transfers for this card is for the first 12 months, after which it increases.

Unfortunately for Citibank this card doesn’t quite cater to the needs of anyone who is looking for a credit card of any kind. Put simply there are just better options out there for every single aspect of this credit card.

See our top credit card picks in the Editor’s Choice category

FEATURES SUMMARY

 

 

• Annual fee: Low annual fee
• Purchase rate: Low p.a. purchase rate
• Cash Advance rate: Low p.a. cash advance rate
• Balance Transfer rate: Low p.a. balance transfer rate
• Interest-free days: Up to 55

• Extras:
  • Fraudshield
  • Extended warranty
  • Purchase protection
  • Phone/Internet banking
  • International Travel Insurance

The Citibank Clear Platinum credit card is one of a number of premium credit cards available from Citibank, but when you compare it to most others on the market it doesn’t really seem like a platinum card at all.

This odd choice of name from Citibank has potential to confuse customers. Platinum credit cards tend to be more costly than the Citibank Clear Platinum card, which means those in the market for a cheap credit card may overlook it without realizing just how affordable it is.

It is in fact a really good credit card. It takes out the #1 spot for platinum credit cards, #2 for cash back credit cards and #3 for interest free credit cards in the Editor’s Choice category.

The standard interest rate is low on purchases* and on balance transfers*. The one downfall that can be seen on this card is its cash advance and default balance transfer rate. At that rate you’d only want to use cash advances in a real emergency.

Other benefits of this credit card also include international travel insurance, purchase protection and extended warranties on all products purchased with the credit card. And who could forget the rewards. With over 40,000 rewards partners in over 30 countries around the world, your rewards will follow you anywhere you go.

The main requirement that Citibank has for this card is that you must earn $50,000 or more per year. With up to 55 days interest free*, it is an impressively cheap credit card (when you avoid getting out cash) with great travel and reward benefits that you are unlikely to get anywhere else at such an affordable rate.

See all our top credit card picks in the Editor’s Choice category

The Platinum credit card is the upper echelon of premium cards available from Citibank. It’s unique to other platinum cards as it has a range of rewards options including the Citi Miles program, the Citi Qantas program, Citi Take Flight cash back and other discounts and offers. So you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to getting rewards that suit your needs. Special Promotion 40,000 bonus reward points.

With a ‘through the roof’ credit limit of up to $100,000, Citibank is obviously predicting a lot of expensive purchases on this card. The risk of offering so much money is compensated for by Citibank with a interest rate for Cash Advances and for purchases, as well as an annual fee which is double that of the Gold card. And, as expected, it comes with a minimum income requirement of $50,000.

However, it does score brownie points for a balance transfer rate for the first 9 months of balances transferred.

The Citbank Platinum credit card also comes with up to 55 days interest free, a 24/7 concierge service, extended warranty on purchases, purchase protection insurance (up to $200,000), international travel insurance, transit accident insurance and a digital signature and photo card to protect you against credit fraud.

Like the Gold card (and unlike the Silver card) the Citibank Platinum card lives up to its name and you actually get what you pay for. But while not being ripped off is great, it’s not enough to make this card the best option by any means.