Home Credit Cards Reviews Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World Mastercard Review

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Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World Mastercard Review

January 14, 2021 | 4 Min Read

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Rewards rate:

1.8% cash back on everything you buy, with no limit on how much you can earn.

Intro bonus: No current offer
Annual fee: $0
Regular APR: 15.99%, 19.99%, or 23.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit score: 740-850 (Excellent)

Although it isn’t one of the best known credit cards, the Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus™ World Mastercard® is one of our favorites for simple cash back rewards. Along with earning 1.8% cash back on everything you buy, you also get extended benefits from Mastercard, including travel benefits and extended manufacturers warranties, all for no annual fee.

At a Glance

Unlimited 1.8% cash back on everything you buy
0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, APR between 15.99% to 23.99% variable thereafter
No annual fee

Pros

Flat cash back on all purchases with unlimited rewards
15 billing cycle 0% intro APR on balance transfers
No annual fee

Cons

Relatively high APR
No ongoing bonus cash back from bonus categories
Rewards are slightly lower than other flat cash back credit cards

Additional Card Details

This card has no international transaction fees, which saves money anytime you spend outside the United States. Additionally, while you should never spend to your credit limit, there are no fees for going over the limit, giving you peace of mind if you need to use it in an emergency.

On top of its cash back benefits, there are some lesser-known credit card perks and benefits offered by World Mastercard. Cardholders can get extended warranty protection beyond the original manufacturer or store warranty for up to two years, and cell phone protection if you use the Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World Mastercard to pay for your monthly mobile phone bill. Online shoppers can get a free ShopRunner membership, offering free two-day shipping from over 100 stores.

The World Mastercard also offers numerous travel benefits. Cardholders can take advantage of rental car insurance for collision, loss, or damages when paying for the entire cost of the rental with their card and denying the accidental damage waiver. If an illness, injury or other emergency forces you to change trip plans, trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance can help you recover some of your costs. And Mastercard’s concierge service helps you book luxury properties with hotel upgrades, complimentary meals, and a hotel stay guarantee.

Should You Get this Card?

This card is perfect for those who want cash back rewards without the challenge of determining how much points are worth, or worrying about when credit card rewards may expire.

The unlimited 1.8% reward applies to everything you buy, with no need to worry about keeping track bonus categories or activations. You simply get consistent, easy-to-understand rewards every time you use the card.

You may also benefit from the 0% introductory interest on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (15.99% – 23.99% variable APR thereafter), helping you to pay off existing debt faster. 15 billing cycles is one of the longest promotional windows available, giving you plenty of time to pay down your debt.

How to Use the Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World Mastercard

This card is perfect for those who want cash back rewards and some travel benefits, without the challenge of determining how much points are worth, or worrying about when credit card rewards may expire.

The first step to maximizing this card’s value is taking advantage of cash back rewards. Regardless of where and how much you spend, you’ll earn 1.8% cash back, with no limits, making it an excellent choice for stores where you don’t have an existing bonus category from another card. For regular use, we calculate the rewards value of the card at $238.64 per year.

Getting Value from a Balance Transfer

As with all credit cards, the best way to maximize balance transfer benefits is to pay off the balance before your promotion ends, and any new purchases by your monthly due date. With a starting interest of 15.99% variable, carrying a balance can wipe away your rewards very quickly. Moreover, you won’t earn rewards on balance transfers or interest, which gives you a good reason to pay it off every month on time.

You will be charged the greater of $10 or 4% of the balance to do a balance transfer. Before moving debt to the Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World Mastercard, do the math to make sure you will still get value from the 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on balance transfers. Once the promotional period ends, the APR will jump to the same as the spending rate, between 15.99% and 23.99% variable.

Getting Value from World Mastercard Benefits

Another way to maximize value from Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus is by taking advantage of its World Mastercard benefits, which includes perks often reserved for credit cards with an annual fee.

You’ll have access to the Mastercard luxury hotels and resorts portfolio, and extras like free room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, and daily breakfast when you book through Mastercard. If you’re dissatisfied with your stay at a 3-star or higher hotel booked through Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services, a travel agent will either work with the hotel to make things right, or help you find comparable accommodations.

Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World Mastercard Compared to Other Cards

Intro bonus:
No current offer
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
15.99%, 19.99%, or 23.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit:
740-850 (Excellent)
Learn more at our partner’s secure site

Intro bonus:
No current offer
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit:
740-850 (Excellent)
Learn more at our partner’s secure site

Intro bonus:
$200
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
14.99% – 23.74% Variable
Recommended credit:
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Learn more at our partner’s secure site

All information about the Citi Double Cash Card has been collected independently by NextAdvisor and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

Bottom Line

EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE

As with all of our credit card reviews, our analysis is not influenced by any partnerships or advertising relationships.

For easy-to-understand rewards without an annual fee, plus a few valuable added benefits, the Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World Mastercard is tough to beat. That’s why it’s our pick for simplicity: Use the card everywhere you normally go, and watch the rewards add up.

For rewards simplicity, the Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World Mastercard is one of the best. You will earn 1.8% cash back on nearly all of your spending, with no limit to your rewards.

The recommended credit score to get this card is 740 to 850, an excellent credit rating. If you don’t have perfect credit, it would be wise to start rebuilding your credit before you think about applying.

You can redeem your Citizens Bank cash rewards once you’ve earned $25 from spending. While there’s no limit to how much you can earn, rewards must be redeemed in increments of $25.

Credit card statement credits are the easiest way to use Citizen Bank cash rewards. Log into your credit card online account, and select the statement credit option. If you have a Citizens Bank personal checking, savings, or money market account, you can also request a direct deposit of your cash rewards.