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Citi ThankYou Rewards: Which Credit Cards Give You Access?

courtesy of thepointsguy.com

Introduction

Citi offers a range of rewards credit cards, but not all of them provide access to the valuable ThankYou Rewards program. In order to fully access the program's benefits, you'll need to hold a premium Citi ThankYou card. Whether you're new to credit cards or a seasoned pro, Citi's portfolio has options that might be right for you.

Understanding ThankYou Rewards Points

Not all ThankYou points are created equal. The Points Guy values Citi ThankYou Points at 1.8 cents each, but this value is based on transferring points to the program's airline or hotel partners. To transfer points to these partners, you'll need a premium Citi ThankYou Rewards card like the Citi Prestige® Card or the Citi Premier® Card.

Earning and Redeeming ThankYou Points

If you have a non-premium Citi ThankYou card, such as the Citi Rewards+® Card or Citi Double Cash® Card, you'll earn "basic" ThankYou points. These points are worth one cent each when redeemed for gift cards or other cash-like rewards through Citi ThankYou. You can also transfer "basic" points to three loyalty programs, but at a lower rate compared to premium cardholders.

If you have the Citi Prestige or Citi Premier, you can combine your "basic" ThankYou points and transfer them to any of the 18 Citi ThankYou travel partners at the best transfer ratios.

Adding a Citi ThankYou Card to Your Wallet

Before applying for a new Citi ThankYou card, make sure to read the fine print for the sign-up bonus and check the credit card application rules to ensure eligibility. Timing is also important, so consider the offer history when applying for popular Citi credit cards.

Redeeming ThankYou Points

All Citi ThankYou Rewards cards allow you to redeem points for statement credits, cash rewards, gift cards, and travel booked through the Citi travel portal. The redemption rate is a flat rate of one cent per point, although you may find gift cards on sale that offer a slightly higher rate. Be cautious of certain redemption options, like Shop With Points, which may provide less than one cent per point.

Transferring Points to Airline and Hotel Partners

Transferring your ThankYou points to airline or hotel partners can provide significantly more value. Check the transfer ratios and estimated transfer times for each partner. Premium cardholders have access to all transfer partners, while non-premium cardholders can only transfer to a limited selection.

courtesy of thepointsguy.com

Maximizing Citi ThankYou Points

Citi ThankYou Rewards points are often overlooked, but they can be valuable for booking award flights on international carriers. To fully maximize the program, having a premium Citi ThankYou card is essential. These cards unlock transfers to all partners at the best rates, opening up a wide range of award booking options.