Most major credit card issuers are known to offer special types of cards. These can be cards as part of their own loyalty programs (such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards) or credit cards offered in conjunction with certain 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. Read on to learn more about Citi business credit cards, their key highlights, and who they’re best for—plus some consumer card options that can also be of value to small business owners.
Comparing the best Citi cards for your business
Card name
Card type
Annual fee
Bankrate Rating
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®*
Business
$99, waived for the first 12 months
4.1
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card from 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 who are constantly in the air. This card’s starting bonus is generous, and the few different bonus categories are great if you have a varied spending strategy.
You can also qualify for a Companion Travel Certificate if you spend $30,000 or more annually and renew it, which allows you to fly with a companion in domestic economy class for just $99 (plus taxes and fees). This is a nice bonus for business owners who are sure to meet the spending requirements.
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A free checked bag on domestic flights can save you annoying airline fees.
Priority boarding and 25% discount on Wi-Fi, food and drinks on board ensure a pleasant airport experience.
Disadvantages
It is not possible to redeem miles for cashback or account credits.
You can’t transfer miles to another airline or partner hotel, so you lack the flexibility you typically find with general travel rewards cards.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card from Citi is a good option if your business requires you to drive frequently, as it earns you increased rewards at select gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations (for the first $7,000 per year, then 1%). It also offers generous rewards on restaurant, travel, and Costco purchases. As a store credit card, however, its broader use is limited. Aside from the rewards, this business card offers little in the way of benefits—so you really want to make sure the Costco-specific rewards are worth it for you and your business. For example, if you’re more interested in rewards on gas station purchases, there are a variety of other fuel credit cards on the market.
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Bonus cashback categories offer higher rewards than most cards with no annual fee.
Since there are no foreign transaction fees, this card is suitable for international purchases.
Disadvantages
There is no welcome offer, so you can’t maximize rewards in your first year with the card.
You can only redeem your rewards once per year, a strict limitation that can be inconvenient for cardholders.
If you really want a Citi credit card but aren’t ready to put everything on the business cards, a consumer credit card like the Citi Double Cash can serve the same purpose for your business spending. You can use it for any purchases you would make with a business credit card, but it doesn’t offer any business-specific perks or benefits. However, depending on the nature of your business, it may be just the right move.
With the Citi Double Cash Card, you’ll earn a flat rate of 2 percent cash back on all purchases (1 percent at purchase, 1 percent at checkout), giving you the flexibility to maximize rewards on different spending options.
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The same flat rate for all purchases means you can use this card for business and personal expenses without losing any reward value.
Since this does not require the same application documents as applying for a business credit card, this is the cheaper alternative.
Disadvantages
They do not qualify for the credit limit typically associated with business cards, which can sometimes be well over $50,000.
It lacks business-related perks and software integrations, which can sometimes be valuable to business owners looking for more than 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 at a variety of airline and hotel partners. Although you’ll pay a $95 annual fee, it offers generous rewards rates on travel purchases, which can come in handy when you’re traveling for business.
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Increased reward rates on travel purchases make it a valuable addition to your wallet, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure.
Your points are flexible and you collect them at the increased rates regardless of which airline or hotel you use.
When you book through CitiTravel.com, you’ll receive an annual $100 hotel credit for stays over $500 (excluding taxes and fees).
Disadvantages
The $95 annual fee may only be worth it if you can offset it with the card’s annual hotel benefit.
Like the Citi Double Cash, this consumer card does not offer any business-oriented benefits.
How to choose a Citi business credit card
Before you choose a Citi business credit card, consider your alternatives (such as Citi’s consumer options or other top business credit cards on the market) and decide which card best fits your needs. Here are some tips that may help:
Define your reward preference: To choose the best business card, look at what your company spends the most on. Opt for a card that rewards you generously for your most common purchase categories.
Consider redemption options: Your redemption options expand significantly when you consider unbranded or general rewards cards. If none of the business card redemption options appeal to you, either Citi consumer cards or another of the best small business credit cards might be a better fit.
Compare annual fees: If you decide to pay an annual fee for a credit card, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a lot of value for it. If you’d rather not pay an annual fee for your business card, check out our guide to the best business credit cards with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Approval may depend on several factors, including your overall credit history, the card you’re applying for, and the specific details of your application. If you’d like to explore options tailored to your credit profile, consider using Bankrate’s CardMatch™ tool.
Citibank offers a variety of credit cards that are suitable for people with different credit profiles, including those with limited or no credit history who have the means to pay monthly bills. However, it is typically harder to get approved for business cards than for personal cards. If you value simplicity and can handle business expenses with a decent personal card, a card like the Citi Double Cash card could be a good fit for you and your business. To increase your chances of approval, however, make sure you meet the income requirements and review the terms and conditions for each card before applying.
The conclusion
If you’re a business owner looking for a Citi business credit card, we hope you’re not picky. If you’ve chosen Citi, consider one of the consumer credit cards for your business purchases if Citi’s two options don’t meet your needs. Just make sure you don’t miss out on rewards in key business categories that another issuer may have the perfect card for. Many non-Citi options for business cards offer solid ongoing rewards rates — for everything from travel to business-specific purchases — and with a variety of additional benefits.
*All information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® and Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card from Citi was independently collected by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
