IHG One Rewards Traveler vs Citi Double Cash: Which Is Better In 2025?

Citi Double Cash® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a quick look at what makes the Citi Double Cash® Card a standout choice.

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• It offers a simple, flat-rate cash back on every purchase, rewarding you once when you buy and again when you pay.
• The card has no annual fee, though it does have fees for balance transfers and foreign transactions.
• Transferring a $5,000 balance could save you around $1,350 in interest over the introductory period, even after accounting for the initial transfer fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Earns a consistent, flat-rate cash back on every purchase without the hassle of tracking rotating categories.
• Offers a lengthy introductory interest-free period on balance transfers, ideal for consolidating and paying down debt.
• Provides flexible ways to redeem your rewards, from a simple statement credit to converting your cash back into points.

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Cons

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• Charges a fee on all foreign transactions, making it a poor choice for use outside the U.S.
• The introductory 0% APR offer doesn't apply to new purchases, only to balance transfers.
• Lacks bonus rewards categories and doesn't offer common cardholder perks like travel or purchase protections.

Citi Double Cash® vs IHG One Rewards Traveler

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Categories

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When considering which is better, the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card or the Citi Double Cash® Card, it all comes down to your spending habits and goals. One card is built for travelers loyal to a specific hotel brand, while the other is a powerhouse for simple cash back and paying down debt.

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• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is best for travelers who occasionally stay at IHG properties and want to earn hotel rewards. It serves as a great entry point for those new to hotel loyalty programs who want benefits without an annual fee.
• Citi Double Cash® Card is a top choice for consumers looking to consolidate and pay down existing credit card debt via a balance transfer. It also appeals to users who want a simple, flat-rate cash back card for all their everyday spending.

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Redemption

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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Points earned with this card are redeemed within the IHG One Rewards program, primarily for award nights at IHG's portfolio of hotels and resorts. Other travel-related redemptions may also be available through the loyalty program.

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Citi Double Cash® Card: This card provides rewards as straightforward cash back that you can redeem for a statement credit, direct deposit, or check. This offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to use your rewards for virtually anything.

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Travel Perks

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• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: This card's travel perks are centered entirely within the IHG ecosystem. Cardholders receive automatic Silver Elite status and a valuable fourth-night-free benefit on award stays of four or more nights. However, it is not ideal for international travel as it charges a foreign transaction fee. It does not offer airport lounge access.
• Citi Double Cash® Card: As a cash back card, it doesn't offer a traditional travel ecosystem or brand-specific perks like hotel status or lounge access. Its primary travel benefit is the flexibility of its rewards; the cash back earned can be used to cover any travel expense, booked through any platform. This card also charges a foreign transaction fee.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For those looking to make a data-driven decision, tools like Kudos offer a comprehensive way to compare top-rated credit cards based on your personal spending.

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• Test drive credit cards: The “Test Drive” feature lets you simulate potential earnings with a new card using your actual spending data, so you can see the net value before you apply.
• See your approval odds: Get a detailed analysis of your chances of being approved for various cards based on your credit report.
• Get a welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
• Maximize rewards automatically: The Kudos browser extension can autofill the best card from your wallet at checkout to ensure you're always earning the most rewards.
• Track sign-up bonuses and monitor your credit: Manage your progress toward new card bonuses and keep an eye on your credit score, all in one place.

Who Should Choose the IHG One Rewards Traveler?

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The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is an excellent choice for occasional IHG guests who want to earn rewards without the commitment of an annual fee. It particularly suits budget-conscious travelers looking for basic protections and those who can leverage the fourth-night-free benefit on longer stays. Ultimately, this no-annual-fee card serves as a perfect entry point for anyone new to hotel loyalty programs.

Who Should Choose the Citi Double Cash®?

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The Citi Double Cash® Card is an excellent choice for consumers who want straightforward, high-value rewards on all their spending without the hassle of tracking categories. It's also a powerful tool for anyone looking to pay down existing high-interest debt, thanks to its lengthy 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. As detailed in this Citi Double Cash review, the card is ideal for those who prefer a simple, effective card for everyday purchases without an annual fee.

Alternatives to Consider

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If neither the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card nor the Citi® Double Cash® Card seems like the perfect fit, don't worry. The classic IHG One Rewards Traveler vs. Citi Double Cash comparison doesn't cover every great card on the market, so let's explore some alternatives.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score to ensure it aligns with the card’s typical approval range.
• Plan your spending to ensure you can naturally meet the welcome offer requirements.
• Review the card’s benefits to confirm they match your spending habits and goals.

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Application Strategy

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• Be aware of issuer-specific application rules, such as those from Chase.
• Determine if you need a balance transfer offer or a card for new purchase rewards.
• Time your application before a large purchase to help meet spending requirements.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which card is better for international travel?

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The IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card is the better choice for international travel because it does not charge foreign transaction fees. The Citi® Double Cash Card, however, typically charges a 3% fee on all purchases made outside the United States.

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Can I transfer points from the Citi Double Cash Card to IHG?

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Yes, you can transfer the cash back earned from your Citi Double Cash Card, which comes in the form of ThankYou® Points, to the IHG One Rewards program. The transfer ratio can vary, so it's best to check the Citi ThankYou Rewards portal for current rates.

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What are the annual fees for these cards?

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Both the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card and the Citi® Double Cash Card have no annual fee. This makes them both cost-effective options to consider for your wallet.

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