Citi Travel Credit Card FAQ | Travel Points Hub
If you're considering a Citi travel credit card or already have one, you probably have questions. From earning ThankYou points to using them for flights, the details can get confusing. This Citi travel credit card FAQ covers the most common queries so you can make informed decisions and get the most out of your card.
What Is a Citi Travel Credit Card?
A Citi travel credit card is any Citi card that earns ThankYou points or offers travel-related benefits. The most popular options are the Citi Premier® Card and the Citi Rewards+® Card. These cards let you earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for travel, gift cards, cash back, and more.
The Citi Premier® Card, for example, earns 3 points per dollar on air travel, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. It also comes with an annual fee and a sign-up bonus. The Citi Rewards+® Card is a no-annual-fee option that rounds up your purchases to the nearest 10 points and gives you 10% points back on redemptions (up to 100,000 points per year).
Both cards are part of the ThankYou program, which means you can combine points across eligible Citi cards to maximize your rewards.
How Do You Earn ThankYou Points?
Earning ThankYou points depends on which Citi travel credit card you have. With the Citi Premier® Card, you earn 3x points on air travel, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations, and 1x on all other purchases. The Citi Rewards+® Card earns 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year), and 1x on everything else, plus it rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
You can also earn points through the Citi ThankYou® Shopping portal, by referring friends, and through occasional promotions. Points don't expire as long as your account remains open, so you can accumulate them over time.
How Do You Redeem ThankYou Points for Travel?
Redeeming ThankYou points for travel is flexible. You can book travel directly through the Citi ThankYou® Travel Center, where points are worth 1 cent each toward airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises. If you have the Citi Premier® Card, you can transfer points to any of Citi's airline and hotel partners, often getting more value per point.
Transfer partners include major airlines like American Airlines AAdvantage®, United MileagePlus®, and Singapore KrisFlyer, as well as hotel programs like Wyndham Rewards®. Transfers are typically 1:1, but check the latest ratios before transferring. For maximum value, consider transferring to partners for international premium cabin awards, where you can get 2 cents or more per point.
What Travel Protections Does a Citi Travel Credit Card Offer?
Citi travel credit cards come with a range of protections that can save you money and hassle. The Citi Premier® Card includes trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay protection, lost baggage protection, and auto rental collision damage waiver. These cover you when you pay for travel with your card.
For example, if your trip is canceled for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per person for non-refundable expenses. If your flight is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you can get up to $500 for meals and lodging. The auto rental collision damage waiver covers damage or theft of a rental car, saving you the cost of the rental company's insurance.
Note that benefits vary by card, so check your specific card's guide to benefits for details.
What Are the Fees and Costs?
The Citi Premier® Card has an annual fee of $95. The Citi Rewards+® Card has no annual fee. Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, which is great for international travel. However, other fees may apply, such as balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, and late payment fees. Always review the terms and conditions for your specific card.
If you're considering the Citi Premier® Card, weigh the annual fee against the benefits. If you spend enough in the bonus categories and use the travel protections, the card can easily be worth more than the fee.
How Does the Citi Travel Credit Card Compare to Other Travel Cards?
Citi travel credit cards are competitive, but they're not the only option. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and American Express® Gold Card are popular alternatives. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer to partners like United and Southwest, while Amex Membership Rewards® transfer to Delta and Hilton.
Citi's strength lies in its diverse transfer partners, including American Airlines and Turkish Airlines, which can offer sweet spots for business class. If you value flexibility and want to avoid annual fees, the Citi Rewards+® Card is a solid choice. If you want premium travel perks, the Citi Premier® Card offers a good balance of earning and benefits for a moderate annual fee.
Frequently asked questions
Do Citi ThankYou points expire?
No, ThankYou points don't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, if you close your account, you may lose your points after a certain period, so it's best to redeem them before closing.
Can I transfer ThankYou points to airlines?
Yes, if you have the Citi Premier® Card or another card that allows transfers, you can transfer points to Citi's airline and hotel partners. The Citi Rewards+® Card does not allow transfers unless you also have a Premier® Card and combine points.
What is the best way to use Citi ThankYou points for travel?
For maximum value, transfer points to airline partners for international premium cabin awards. If you prefer simplicity, booking through the ThankYou Travel Center gives you 1 cent per point. Compare options to get the best deal.
Does the Citi Premier® Card have airport lounge access?
No, the Citi Premier® Card does not include airport lounge access. For lounge access, you'd need a premium card like the Citi Prestige® Card (no longer open to new applicants) or a different card altogether.
Are there foreign transaction fees on Citi travel credit cards?
No, both the Citi Premier® Card and Citi Rewards+® Card have no foreign transaction fees. That makes them good choices for international travel.
How do I combine ThankYou points from multiple Citi cards?
You can combine points from multiple ThankYou cards into one account. Simply log in to your Citi account and use the 'Combine Points' feature. This is especially useful if you have a card that doesn't allow transfers and want to pool points with a Premier® Card.