Category: Citibank

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Cards That Earn Bonus Rewards On Every Dollar Spent

There are plenty of options for cards that earn bonus rewards for spending. These are cards that offer you either cash back or points on each purchase you make. Some of the most popular rewards credit cards will give you bonus points or bonus cash back. The Discover It, for example, offers bonus cash back on rotating categories. The idea of rotating categories is that the categories will switch quarterly. You will earn 5% cash back (or 5% points, depending on the card) for that quarter.

Popular categories for the bonus rotating categories include purchases made at gas stations, grocery stores, dining, online shopping, home improvement stores, and department stores. They can be anything that the credit card company chooses and thinks that their customers will enjoy. Typically there is a cap on the spending in the bonus categories. Going back to the Discover It example, it has a $1,500 spending cap for their rotating bonus categories.

Fixed bonus categories would refer to cards that offer bigger bonuses on certain categories all the time. For example, the Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard offers two points per dollar spent on all gas station, grocery store and utility purchases. This is offered year round with no spending cap. With no annual fee, cardholders get great rewards at a fixed rate all year long.

What if I don’t like rotating categories?

If rotating categories are not for you and you would prefer to get great rewards all year long on all purchases, you are in luck. We have put together a great list of options for you. Each of these cards offers greater than 1% cash back on all purchases. Take a look and see if any of them are right for you!

Citi Double Cash

Want to earn cash back—twice? The Citi Double Cash card lets you do just that. Earn 1% cash back on every purchase, plus earn another 1% cash back for every payment that you make. In addition to the great cash back offer, the Citi Double Cash card offers a 0% introductory rate for the first 15 months that you have the card.

After that, the card offers a competitive APR of 12.99-22.99%, based on your creditworthiness. There is no annual fee for the Citi Double Cash card, so you have nothing to lose with this gem. No worries about spending in certain categories, or registering for rotating rewards. You get the same rewards year round, with no spending cap other than your credit limit. There is no limit to the cash back that you can earn with this card.

Capital One Quicksilver Card

Unlimited cash back is the name of the game with the Capital One Quicksilver Card. You will earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make using this card with no limit to the cash back you can earn. There are no specific spending categories or bonus categories to think about. Just use this card for any purchase and get the full reward. Capital One Quicksilver also offers you a $100 cash back reward after you spend $500 in the first three months that you have the card. This is a substantial bonus right off the bat for new cardholders, at 20% cash back!

The cash back rewards are easy and flexible to redeem. You can redeem them at any time for a check, gift card(s), statement credit, or even merchandise. There is no annual fee for this card. You can also enjoy a 0% introductory APR for a limited time on all purchases and balance transfers made using the Capital One Quicksilver card. After the introductory period, the APR will be 12.9-22.9% on purchases and all balance transfers. Another great perk is being able to track your credit score for free so that you can stay on top of any changes right as they occur.

Capital One BuyPower Card

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? The Capital One BuyPower Card might be just the answer. This card offers you 5% cash back rewards on the first $5,000 you spend each year, and 2% on all purchases you make after that. This is a huge reward. You can use the cash back rewards toward the purchase of a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac.

The earnings never expire, as long as you have the card. You can really rack up a lot of cash back toward your next vehicle with this card. Because there are no rotating categories, you can use this card for any and all purchases, and watch your cash back rewards add up. Also, Capital One BuyPower card offers an introductory 0% APR for the first 12 months that you have the card, for all purchases and balance transfers. When the introductory period ends, you will pay 11.90, 15.90, or 19.90% variable APR, depending on your creditworthiness.

Looking For Travel Rewards?

Rewards cards come in many shapes and forms. Some offer cash back or credit toward a new vehicle, like the cards listed above. Others will offer some pretty tremendous travel rewards for those who really want to maximize their rewards. Travel rewards are some of the best in the credit card world, since you can often get more than $1 for each point or mile earned. Here are a few of the best ones we can find for you.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus

Super value can be found for travelers when they have the Barclaycard Arrival Plus card. You can earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days that you have the card. Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on travel purchases or earn one point for every dollar spent on every other purchase. One of the biggest perks of this card is that cardholders get an extra 10% rewards when booking their travel through Barclaycard or anytime they redeem their miles for statement credits.

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus also offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the APR will be either 14.99% or 18.99%, depending on your creditworthiness. There is an $89 annual fee for this card, but that is waived for the first year.

Capital One Venture Rewards Card

Earn travel rewards fast at a rate of 2 points per dollar spent on every purchase you make with the Capital One Venture Rewards Card. Earn an additional 40,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of having the card. Cardholders will get a 0% introductory APR rate for the first 12 months after approval on purchases and balance transfers, with a 13.9-20.9% APR after that period ends.

The miles that you earn using the Capital One Venture Rewards card can be flexibly redeemed for flights, hotel, rental cars, and other travel benefits. There are no blackout dates or restrictions on airlines if you book through Capital One. If you prefer to book through your travel agent, the Purchase Eraser feature will allow you to redeem your miles and get credit within 90 days of making a travel purchase using your Capital One Venture Rewards card. Track your credit simply, with your credit score being available every month on your statement or through the online access. There is a $59 annual fee, which is waived for the first year.

BankAmericard Travel Rewards Card

With the BankAmericard Travel Rewards Card, you will earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases made with the card. There is no limit to the number of points that you can earn. Apply online and earn an additional 10,000 points by spending $500 within the first three months. This adds up to a $100 statement credit when you book any travel rewards.

Conveniently, there are no blackout dates and no restrictions on your travel rewards. There is no annual fee for the BankAmericard Travel Rewards card. Cardholders will enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on purchases and balance transfers when they are approved for the card. After that, an APR of 14.99-22.99% will apply. There are no foreign transaction fees for this card.

Wyndham Rewards Visa

The Wyndham Rewards Visa is a great card for those who love to travel and want to earn free nights at Wyndham hotels and participating partners. Earn 5 points for every dollar spent on participating hotel stays, and earn 2 points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

You can earn an additional 30,000 points after making your first purchase using the Wyndham Reward Visa card, and another 5,500 bonus points each year. That is enough for a one night stay at any participating hotel. This card has a $69 annual fee, which is not waived for the first year. The APR is 15.24% or 19.99%, depending on your credit history.

Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve

With the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve card, you will quickly build up plenty of points toward your next vacation at any Hilton hotel or participating partner. You can earn 10 HHonors points for every dollar spent on hotel stays at participating hotels. Or earn 5 HHonors points for other travel purchases, including flights and rental cars. Earn 3 HHonors points on all other purchases made using the card.

Cardholders will enjoy Gold Elite status with HHonors, which will be upgraded to Platinum status if you spend $40,000 in one calendar year. Spend $10,000 per year and earn a free weekend night each year on your anniversary. Earn two free weekend night certificates after spending $2,500 within the first 4 months after being approved for the card. This card has a $95 annual fee. There is a variable 15.24% APR for this card.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a variety of rewards cards available right now, with more being added frequently. One of them is right for you. Some people prefer rewards cards with straight cash back rewards options, but if you are not a fan of rotating categories and just want to earn tons of points, or you are a frequent traveler (or want to become one), then choosing one of the awesome travel rewards cards that are available will help you quickly earn points toward your next travel adventure!

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi ThankYou Premier Card

Citi ThankYou Premier Card

Having a credit card that rewards purchases related to airfare, hotel stays, rental cars, and other transportation can be a method to save a substantial amount of cash each year. Travel rewards points or miles translate quickly into dollars. But not every travel rewards program is equal. Two of the top-rated travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Citi ThankYou Premier, each offer strong earning potential to card members. However, the credit cards vary in how miles are earned, how they can be redeemed, card member benefits, and cost. Let’s take a closer look at both travel rewards credit card options.

Citi-Premier-Chase-Sapphire-Preferred-604x270

Rewards Program Breakdown

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card has one of the strongest rewards programs for travelers. Each dollar spent on dining at restaurants and travel, including airfare, taxis, hotels, and trains, earns card members two rewards points. All other purchases earn a single point for each dollar spent. There are no caps on earnings. New card members can maximize earnings by taking advantage of the promotional offer of 50,000 bonus points earned when $4,000 is spent on the card within the first three months after account opening. Adding authorized users adds an additional 5,000 bonus rewards points when a purchase is made within the same time frame.

The Citi ThankYou Premier credit card also offers a strong rewards program. Cardmembers earn three points for each dollar spent on travel-related expenses. Unlike the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, the Citi ThankYou Premier card offers the enhanced points potential on gas purchases as well. Cardmembers earn two points for each dollar spent on dining and entertainment purchases too. All other purchases made with the Citi card earn one point per dollar spent, with no cap on earnings. Currently, Citi ThankYou Premier card members do not have the chance to earn a one-time rewards bonus as an introductory offer. This makes the Chase Sapphire Preferred card a better choice for those who want an upfront perk.

Redeeming Points

Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card members have the option to redeem points for travel on air, land, or sea directly through the Chase Ultimate Rewards site. Cardmembers can receive as much as 20% off travel purchases through the redemption site. There are no blackout dates or restrictions imposed. Citi ThankYou Premier cardmembers can utilize points to redeem gift cards, shopping through select partner retailers, cash, and even charitable donations. ThankYou points may also be used to purchase travel through Citi’s Travel Center. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for hotel stays, cruises, car rentals, and airfare purchases. The redemption options through Citi are far more robust than through Chase. They are especially attractive to those who want flexibility above and beyond travel-related purchases.

Additional Benefits

Both cards allow cardmembers to transfer accumulated rewards points to partner loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio. Citi does not specifically list the transfer partners eligible under the ThankYou points program, but Chase includes the following:

  • Ritz-Carlton Rewards
  • Marriott Rewards
  • IHG Rewards Club
  • Hyatt Gold Passport
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
  • United MileagePlus
  • Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Korean Air SkyPass
  • British Airways Executive Club

In addition to transfer potential, each travel rewards credit card offers supplemental benefits to cardmembers. Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi ThankYou Premier account holders have access to chip-enabled card technology. This allows for wider acceptance around the world. Chase customers have a variety of travel and purchase protection benefits, including trip interruption, cancellation insurance, and extended warranty protection. Citi customers can access a personal concierge service anytime, day or night. Purchases are covered with damage and theft protection up to certain limits. Both Citi and Chase cardmembers have $0 liability for fraudulent or unauthorized charges.

Card Member Costs

Chase Sapphire Preferred cardmembers and Citi ThankYou Premier account holders won’t have additional fees for transactions made outside the United States. However, both travel credit cards come with an annual fee of $95. Currently, both card providers waive the annual fee for the first year. Neither Chase Sapphire Preferred nor Citi ThankYou Premier applicants are offered a low introductory interest rate on purchases or a promotional rate on balance transfers at this time.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card has a variable interest rate that fluctuates with the broad market. This typically ranges from 16.24% up to 23.24%, depending on the creditworthiness of the applicant. Balance transfer interest rates are the same as purchase rates. A fee of $5 or 5% (whichever is greater), is applied to all balances transferred to the card. The cash advance APR for Chase Sapphire Preferred customers is 25.24%, and a fee of $10 or 5% (whichever is greater) applies.

The Citi ThankYou Premier credit card also has a variable interest rate for purchases, depending on credit history and score. Similar to the Chase option, balance transfer made to the Citi card receive the same APR as purchases, and a $5 or 3% (whichever is greater) applies. Cash advance interest rates are a standard 25.49% with a $10 or 5% fee (whichever is greater).

The Verdict

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Citi ThankYou Premier credit cards are great options for individuals who are on the go. For those interested in an upfront bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a smarter option. Those looking for higher rewards potential on travel purchases should look at the Citi card. Both travel credit cards offer substantial discounts on trips arranged through their travel sites. The absence of foreign transactions fees for either card make them both appropriate for overseas travelers. The other fees are comparable. Neither card is great for someone looking for an introductory 0% offer on purchases or balance transfers. Prospective card members should consider the total cost of each card and the corresponding benefits prior to applying.

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Costco Anywhere Visa Card Review

If you’re a Costco regular, you would’ve known for some time now that the Costco and American Express recently ended their 16-year long partnership. However, this separation didn’t mean that Costco was pulling out of the rewards credit card game – not at all! Instead, the company replaced its earlier co-branded American Express credit card with a new one from Citigroup. This new card is called the Costco Anywhere Visa Card. And starting June 20, 2016, Costco began accepting not just the Anywhere Visa, but all the Visa cards.

costco anywhere visa

Although a large number of Costco credit card users felt slightly disheartened initially (since they had been using the American Express card for a very long time and were skeptical about the possible changes), the details of the new card have allayed all their fears. In fact, they’re celebrating as the new card seems to be far more appealing than its predecessor!

Costco Anywhere Visa card – A quick glance

  • The new Visa card offers 4% cash back on the first $ 7000 spent on gas purchases per year (1% cash back thereafter), 1% higher than what used to be offered by the old American Express card.
  • 3% cash back on all travel and dining expenses, including the money spent on local and international dining, airfare, cruise lines, Costco travel, hotels, travel agencies, car rentals and travel purchases. The American Express card used to provide only 2% cash back on such expenses and none on international dining.
  • All purchases made at Costco and Costco.com, using the Costco anywhere Visa card earn a cash back of 2%.
  • A cashback of 1% on all other purchases.
  • The card comes with zero annual fee, although you may be asked to pay for yearly Costco membership (starting from $ 55 per year) in order to qualify.
  • The card doubles up as the Costco membership card.
  • Worldwide travel accident insurance and worldwide car rental insurance.
  • Includes damage and theft purchase protection that may cover you for the refunds or repairs of items you purchase using your Costco Anywhere Visa card, if they are stolen or damaged inside the first 120 days of their purchase (90 days for the residents of New York).
  • Eligibility for the Visa SavingsEdge (with the Costco Anywhere Visa Business card). It provides you automatic savings on eligible purchases at the participating merchants.

Pros

  • Ideal card for people who shop frequently at Costco as they can earn unlimited 2% cash back.
  • Good for already existing Costco members who spend regularly on travel, dining and gas purchases.
  • Attractive cashback offers, better than its predecessor.
  • Easily amongst the best cashback credit cards today, if you’re a regular Costco shopper and maintain a steady Costco membership.
  • Old Costco American Express cardholders automatically become eligible for the new Costco anywhere Visa card without any credit inquiry.
  • The card fares pretty well compared to its industry counterparts in categories where it earns more than 1% cash back for the card holder.
  • The 4% cash back offer makes it one of the best credit cards for making gas purchases.
  • Even though you’re not awarded in miles as in case of other popular reward cards, the dining and travel savings are good enough to outdo some of the popular travel credit cards out there.
  • You get a whole lot of time to use your cashback rewards. The cash coupons are sent to you in February and you have till December 31st for their redemption.
  • Another major benefit of the switch from American Express to Citigroup is that you get immediate access to the Citi Private Pass feature that comes with Citi cards. The Private Pass makes you eligible to purchase presale tickets to different sporting events, shows and concerts. Tickets are often reserved for the Private Pass members and can even be purchased after the show is officially declared as sold out.

Cons

  • 4% cash back isn’t available on gas purchases at warehouse clubs (other than Costco), convenience stores, supermarkets and superstores.
  • Not for you if you don’t have a Costco outlet nearby and don’t buy in bulk.
  • The card doesn’t come with a big introductory or signup bonus like other rewards cards.
  • Redemption is allowed only once per year. A cashback savings coupon will be mailed to you every February. So, no instant access to the earned rewards points. What more, you may lose all your rewards if your account gets cancelled due to some reason.

If you had the old Costco American Express card?

All holders of the old Costco American Express card aren’t required to apply for the new card. They’re most likely to have already received the new Costco Anywhere Visa card at their registered address. Any debt balance and/or cash rewards from the old card will be transferred to the new one and the old American Express account will be closed automatically.

So, should you buy the new Costco Anywhere Visa Card?

If you’re a Costco member already, there’s no way you can go wrong with this new card from Citi.

On the other hand, if you’re not a Costco member yet, but spend a lot of money on travel, restaurants and gas, this card can save you plenty every month. The only question that needs to be asked is whether you’d be interested in redeeming all those cashback rewards at Costco or not?

Costco card is quite different from the regular rewards cards in the manner that it isn’t your typical store credit card. Although you can earn rewards by purchasing from stores that accept Visa, the rewards are redeemable only at the Costco stores for cash or merchandise. In addition, you’ll need to maintain your Costco membership too.

Regardless of whether you’re a Costco member or not, you can’t possibly fault a card that provides you 4% cash back on gas purchases with this kind of high spending limit! The rewards rates on the travel and restaurants are impressive too.

 

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Citi Double Cash Rewards Card Review

For savvy spenders, finding the right rewards credit card can be a big task. There is a seemingly endless number of credit cards available to credit worthy borrowers these days, each with different perks, rewards programs and of course, costs. One of the most notable rewards cards to enter the market in the last two years is the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card, as it is the first of its kind to reward card holders on both the front (spending) and back (repaying) ends. Here’s how it works.

 

Citi Doulbe Cash Rewards

 

Card Basics

The Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card is considered a flat rate rewards card in that it provides a steady 1% cash back on all purchases made. No maximums are placed on the amount of rewards that can be earned as long as the card remains in good standing with the issuer. What makes the rewards program different is that card holders also earn points when making timely payments. An additional 1% cash back is earned when at least the minimum payment is made, regardless of the size or the remaining balance held over from month to month. The Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card is truly the first of its kind.

Rewards points earned with purchases or payment through the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card work similarly to other rewards programs, meaning that a single point equals $0.01. So, a card holder who accumulates a balance of 5,000 points has effectively earned $50 to use toward statement credits, cash back in the form of a check or a multitude of gift cards offered through Citi’s rewards program site. Rewards points do not expire, as long as the card remains open and active, and there is no cap on cash back earnings for either purchases or payments.

Additional Card Benefits

Currently, new applicants have the potential to consolidate higher interest rate credit card balance or other debts on the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card through a promotional balance transfer offer. For well-qualified borrowers, the balance transfer offer allows for up to 18 months of zero interest repayment. It is important to understand that there are fees associated with a balance transfer, and that no rewards are earned on the transaction.

In addition to the attractive balance transfer promotion, the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card offers additional perks to card members. First and foremost, the nature of the flat rate card means that there are no pesky categories to track and no need to complete activation each month or quarter. Instead, all purchases and payments earn cash back effortlessly. Card holders also have the benefit of waiving the late fee on the first payment that is made past the due date. That added peace of mind is a nice feature not offered by all rewards credit cards.

Card members of the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card also enjoy a unique benefit known as the Citi Price Rewind. Under this program, card holders receive a refund on eligible purchases when a lower price is found. The Price Rewind feature must be used within 60 days of the initial purchase. On top of price matching, Citi Double Cash Rewards card holders have the peace of mind that comes with damage and theft protection, as well as extended warranty coverage on some eligible purchases. Card members also have protection for common travel mishaps, including worldwide car rental insurance and trip cancellation coverage. These additional perks do not cost card holders any extra, and can add up to substantial savings over the course of the card’s lifetime.

The Fees

One might expect that a rewards credit card that earns cash back on both purchases and repayment would charge a fee for this unique feature. Fortunately, no annual fee is assessed for carrying the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card. There are, however, fees associated with certain transactions. First, card members are assessed a 3% fee for all purchases made outside the United States, making it a less than ideal choice for card users with heavy or consistently spending overseas.

In addition to the foreign transaction fee, card members who take advantage of the balance transfer offer currently available through Citi pay a greater of $5 or 3% of the total amount transferred, and no cash back is earned on these transactions to help offset the fee. Cash advances also tack on charges, at a rate of either $10 or 5%, whichever is greater. Card member utilizing the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card should be aware of and fully understand how these additional charges may increase the cost of carrying the card over time.

For well qualified applicants, the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card has a standard purchase APR starting at 13.24%. However, for less qualified applicants, the purchase APR may be as high as 23.24%. After the promotional period ends, balance transfers receive the same APR as purchases. Cash advances have a standard APR of 25.49%, and a penalty APR of 29.99% may apply if payments are consistently late or charges over the credit limit are placed. All interest rates with the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card are variable and may fluctuate based on prevailing interest rates.

The Verdict

The Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card is truly a unique player in the rewards credit card market in that it offers cash back on purchases as well as payments. Card members may appreciate the simplicity of the card, as no categories need to be tracked for bonus cash back earnings, and no additional activation is necessary to earn rewards. The ability to earn unlimited rewards is also attractive, as is the balance transfer offer currently available to credit worthy borrowers.

While the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card is by and far the best choice for some card holders, it may not be the most appropriate for those who travel outside the U.S. on a consistent basis. Also, card members who utilize cash advances regularly, or those who carry a high balance from month to month may find a better fit with other rewards cards that come with lower interest rates. All in all, the Citi Double Cash Rewards credit card is a smart choice for individuals who like earning on both sides of the credit card coin.

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Reviewing the Citi ThankYou Prestige Benefits

Traveling used to be reserved only for those with ample money and a taste for luxury. Thanks to a healthy dose of competition among airlines and an increased desire to travel among the less than wealthy crowd, booking a flight for business or pleasure is far less expensive and less elite than it used to be. Still, we’ve all experienced first-class envy when running through the airport – a desire to take it easy in the members-only lounge, longing to be at the front of the boarding herd, or sitting in preferred seats with a decent amount of legroom once on board. Without paying the hefty price for airport and in-flight amenities, most travelers are forced to be content with the coach experience. However, for some frequent flyers, the ability to achieve first-class status in some aspects of traveling is made easier simply by being a Citi ThankYou Prestige credit cardholder.

 

Citi Prestige

 

The Citi ThankYou Prestige credit card is not just a travel rewards card; it is a true experience. With unmatched benefits, this first-class card is worth taking a closer look.

The Basics

First and foremost, the Citi Prestige credit card offers a robust rewards program, as do the other ThankYou rewards cards offered through CitiBank. Cardholders earn three rewards points for each dollar spent on airfare and hotels, and two rewards points for each dollar spent on entertainment and dining out. All other purchases receive the standard one point per dollar spent. Cardholders are not limited to the number of rewards points they can receive while maintaining the card, nor are rewards set to expire after a certain time frame. As a promotional bonus, any cardholders who qualify for and receive a new Citi Prestige credit card are eligible for a 50,000 rewards bonus when $3,000 in purchases are made within the first three months after account opening. The rewards accumulation system and potential bonus make the travel card attractive to those who fly often, but there’s more!

Cardholders are not limited to how rewards can be redeemed, as may be the case with comparable travel credit cards. The Citi Prestige credit card offers the most bang for the proverbial buck when rewards are used to purchase airfare with American Airlines, followed by other airfare purchased through Citi’s partner airlines. For example, 50,000 rewards points can be redeemed for a $800 American Airlines flight, or a $665 flight with any partner airline. Not too shabby, right? Rewards may also be used for non-travel redemption, such as hotels stays or rental cars. That same 50,000 rewards balance is the equivalent of a $500 hotel stay, for instance.

Rewards may also be transferred to other direct airline or hotel points programs, but a minimum of 1,000 points must be used when taking advantage of this option. There is no fee to transfer points from Citi to another loyalty program, and there is no restriction on the number of times that can be done. Cardholders also have the option of redeeming rewards for merchandise, gift cards, tickets through LiveNation.com or travel getaways. Citi has partnered with ThankYou.com to offer an impressive spread of items that can be purchased in exchange for earned points from the Citi Prestige credit card.

Unique Perks

While the travel rewards available through the Citi Prestige card are attractive, the first-class travel experience is just around the corner for cardholders. One of unique perks that sets Citi Prestige apart from other travel cards is the once-per-year $250 air travel credit applied to any flight-related expenses charge to the card, such as airfare, baggage fees or seat upgrades. Additionally, cardholders have the opportunity to extend a qualifying hotel stay for a fourth night at no cost when the Citi Prestige credit card is used. More benefits come by way of the following:

  • 24/7 access to the Citi Prestige Global Concierge
  • Access to Citi ThankYou Events and Citi Private Pass Beyond events
  • Access to elite travel perks, such as private jets and car services
  • Unlimited access to airport lounges

Finally, Citi Prestige cardholders who also fall under the category of Citigold or Global banking members through CitiBank have the opportunity to ramp up rewards even faster. An annual 15% bonus is applied to the rewards points earned throughout the year for Citigold or Global banking members, while private bank clients receive a 25% rewards bump.

The Fine Print

Although the Citi Prestige card has a great deal of allure for frequent flyers who don’t mind a little luxury now and again, the credit card comes with a big price tag. The annual fee is $450 and is not waived for the first anniversary, making the benefits not necessarily worth the expense for travelers who aren’t out and about often. If you happen to have an authorized user associated with the Citi Prestige card, you can tack on an additional $50 per year, per user to the standard annual fee.

In addition to a hefty cost compared to other travel rewards credit card, the Citi Prestige card comes with a few challenges from the start. According to Citi, an applicant must have an exemplary credit history and score to qualify for the Prestige credit card, meaning a high level of current income, no past due accounts, and low balances on all other revolving credit accounts. If you’re lucky enough to get approved for the Prestige card, be prepared for an annual percentage rate ranging between 15.49% and 25.49% that fluctuates in line with the broad interest rate market. No low introductory rate is offered at this time, nor are there any promotions for balance transfers.

The Verdict

If you prefer to feel like an A-lister when you travel, the Citi Prestige credit card may be the best fit for your needs. The perks included with the card seem endless, ranging from access to private jets and special events to airport lounges and ’round the clock concierge access, and the potential for rewards on travel and non-travel purchases is relatively high compared to other credit cards for travel. However, the Citi ThankYou Prestige card is not a great choice for individuals who aren’t a fan of a high annual fee, or those who simply don’t travel enough to justify that fee. Also, the travel rewards card isn’t meant for individuals with less than perfect credit, no matter how much they long for a stepped up travel experience.

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Citi ThankYou® Premier Card Review

Citi ThankYou® Premier Card Review

Last year, Citi made significant changes to its ThankYou® Premier Card. In some cases these credit card overhauls can present challenges for consumers. Citi’s rebranding, however, had several positive changes that will impress cardmembers. You can now earn triple ThankYou® Points on a large selection of travel-related purchases in addition to other outstanding offerings including a reduced annual fee.

 

ThankYou Premier

 

Is Citi’s ThankYou® Premier Card a good fit for you? Check out these card details and decide for yourself.

 

Citi ThankYou® Premier Card Pricing and Information

  • APR for Purchases: 14.24% to 23.24%
  • APR for Balance Transfers: 14.24% to 23.24%
  • APR for Cash Advances: 25.49%
  • Penalty APR (as it applies): 29.99%
  • Annual Fee: $95 (waived the first 12 months)

How Citi ThankYou® Premier Card wins

This credit card offers extensive perks to cardmembers, including a great rewards structure that gives added bonuses to those who travel frequently. While domestic and international travel is not the only way to earn points with your ThankYou® Premier Card, it is the most financially lucrative, as you’ll see in the rewards structure described here. Other benefits include cardmember protection, additional savings opportunities and conveniences which are explained in further detail below. 

Rewards

Citi’s ThankYou® Premier Card provides great rewards on travel, entertainment, dining and all other purchases. This is how the earning structure works for your rewards:

  • Earn 3 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on travel
  • Earn 2 ThankYou® Points per$1 spent on entertainment and dining out
  • Earn 1 ThankYou® Point per $1 on all other purchases

 

Details of the ThankYou® Rewards Program

Citi places no limitation on the number of points you can earn each year. Furthermore, there is no expiration to the points you earn and accumulate. This is an important element to note for cardmembers, as not all other credit reward programs provide this kind of allowance.

Cardmembers can redeem ThankYou® Points for a variety of gift cards, electronics, books, media, home goods or cash. You can get a close look at all of your choices at Citi’s reward redemption website at ThankYou.com. There are many notable retailers listed there including home stores like Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, Target, Walmart, HomeGoods, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma, and clothing retailers like Gap, Banana Republic, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Land’s End, and many more. You can also purchase select merchandise with your points, shop with Citi partners and even use transfer points for a selection of loyalty travel programs including hotels and airlines.

As an added bonus, ThankYou® Points are worth an additional 25% when you redeem them for hotels, airfare, car rentals and even cruises through the exclusive ThankYou® Travel Center when compared with the gift card redemption from the rewards collection. That means that each point you earn is worth $1.25 if you cash them in this way. If you travel extensively, this card is a great option for you!

Cardmember Protection

Citi knows that card security and travel protection are highly valued among credit card holders. There are multiple ways Citi ensures that your money and personal information are protected.

Purchase Protection

With the Citi ThankYou® Premier Card, consumers are protected against any unauthorized charges on their cards. This $0 liability is in addition to Citi’s damage and theft purchase protection which covers up to $1,000 per item, up to $50,000 per calendar year. 

Travel Protection

The ThankYou® Premier Card’s chip technology gives users the assurance that use of this feature provides enhanced security. The chip feature on Citi’s card has been proven to reduce counterfeit fraud, as the cardmember information is difficult to duplicate when the card is used at a chip enabled terminal. This feature is great for those who travel internationally as well, because there is usually little difficulty finding merchants who provide chip enabled terminals.

Citi also offers car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, lost baggage protection and travel and emergency assistance to cardmembers. These features are a valuable asset to consumers who travel often.

 

Bonus Benefits

The Citi ThankYou® Premier Card has added perks to sweeten the deal.

Additional Savings

Citi Private Pass offers exclusive access to tickets to thousands of events each year. These include VIP packages and presale tickets to sporting events, concerts, dining experiences and movie screenings.

Citi Price Rewind offers additional savings to consumers by helping them get a lower price on items after making a purchase. Cardmembers simply register items purchased with their ThankYou® Card and Citi tracks prices at hundreds of merchants online for 60 days from the purchase date. If a lower price is found, consumers can request a refund of the price difference up to $300 for each item and up to $1,200 per calendar year.

Convenience

Citi offers extra conveniences to take into consideration.

  • Additional cards for added authorized users
  • 24/7 access to accounts online
  • 24/7 access your own Personal Concierge Service
  • Apple Pay on applicable devices (providing quick and easy payments at check out)

 

Missing the Mark

While there are many great advantages of the Citi ThankYou® Premier Card, there are also a couple shortcomings.

Limited Use of Transfer Points

If you prefer to travel within the United States, wanting to use your ThankYou® Premier Card transfer points will be a disappointment. Currently, Citi partners with twelve international air travel companies and only Hilton HHonors Worldwide in the hotel and accommodations category. Another credit card would suite your needs better if your primary intention is to use your earned points to travel domestically.

Complicated Reward Structure

While there are vast redemption opportunities for your ThankYou® points, it can be a difficult task to calculate the maximum value out of your earned rewards. Since the point structure is different for travel, gift cards, donations or cash payments, you’ll have to be cunning in your calculation of which option gives you the best monetary worth for your points. If variety of options is more important to you than monetary value of points, this may not concern you.

 

For More Information

Contact Citi to apply by phone at 1-800-479-0141. You can also visit citi.com for additional information, pricing and to see the card’s terms and agreement in its entirety. For more particulars regarding Citi’s ThankYou® rewards go to thankyou.com online.

 

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5 Best Business Cards for Travel Rewards, Winter 2014

Some might argue that the recent announcement by Chase offering a bonus of 70,000 points for signing up for the Ink Plus business card makes it the greatest offer out there. But, don’t be afraid to explore the options, there are currently some great deals floating around that you might want to take advantage of. Here are just a few of the top business cards that we have found.

Ink Plus Business Card

As mentioned, this current offering from Chase gives cardholders a bonus of 70,000 points after they spend $5,000 within the first three months of having the card. Cardholders earn a whopping 5 points per dollar spent on office supplies, cell phone services, internet services, and cable and landline services. Earn 2 points per dollar spent at hotels and gas stations, and one point per dollar elsewhere. All points can be redeemed through the very flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards online portal, for a wide variety of options.

With an annual fee of $95, some may shy away from this card, but the many perks, including complimentary Lounge Club membership for several airlines. Recent news indicates that this offer may be ending soon, so if it interests you, then you had better act fast to take advantage.

Citi Business AAdvantage World MasterCard

This business card offers cardholders a bonus of 50,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months after approval. You can earn 2 AAdvantage points per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases, and also when you spend money on office supplies, car rentals and telecommunications services. There is an annual fee of $95, but it is waived for the first year. With a high sign-up points bonus, this is a great card. When you consider this bonus, plus the first year’s annual fee waived, the Citi Business AAdvantage World MasterCard ranks high among the best business cards available this season.

United MileagePlus Explorer 

The United MileagePlus Explorer Business card not only has a great sign-up bonus of 50,000 after spending $1,000 in the first three months, but you also get a free checked bag when traveling on United flights, which can be up to a $50 savings every time you fly. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants and gas stations, as well as on business supplies at office supply stores. Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on United Airlines purchases.

Get an additional bonus of 10,000 miles when you spend $25,000 in one calendar year. There is an annual fee of $95, but this is waived during the first year. With no foreign transaction fees, this card is great for international travel.

Business Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers a great sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months of having the card. There are occasional offers that are even better, sometimes up to 75,000 or 100,000 points for sign-up. With additional perks including Priority Pass membership, Delta SkyClub benefits, a $200 airline rebate, TSA PreCheck application and more, this card is worth considering.

It does have a hefty annual fee of $450, but if you play your cards right (pun intended), then you can make the most of the perks and make it worthwhile. Travel rewards are available at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, so each point has a great value. Tons of extra discounts are also available, including discounts for Hertz, Hyatt, FedEx and Barnes & Noble.

Starwood Preferred Guest 

Amex has a great business version of its popular Starwood Preferred Guest card, the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Business Card. This great business card offers a 25,000 point sign-up bonus in the form of 10,000 points after cardholders make their first purchase and an additional 15,000 points after cardholders spend $5,000 in the first 6 months that they have the card.

Enjoy two points earned for every dollar spent on Starwood purchases, and one point for every dollar spent elsewhere. One of the great benefits is the ability to earn elite status qualification after 2 stays, and redeem that for 5 nights credit at any Starwood location. Gold Status is achieved when you spend $30,000 in the first year that you have the card. The annual fee is $65, which is not only reasonable, but also waived for the first year. Because Starwood Preferred Guest points are considered to be among the best in the industry right now, and it is easy to earn elite status, this is a card that you might want to seriously consider.

Do You Need a Business Card?

Not everyone needs a business card, but there certainly are many advantages. These advantages may be magnified when a person has a personal and a business version of the same card and can combine points and rewards to really maximize the returns. Often the sign-up bonuses are much larger for business credit cards and can help you build up a large rewards account. You don’t have to own a large company to get a business credit card, most allow you to sign up as a sole proprietor using your own credit history and social security number.

Conclusion

If you have been thinking about exploring the benefits of getting a business credit card, now is a great time with several terrific offers out there for you to check out. Your business credit can be separate from your personal credit, allowing you to build credit for your business, just like you would for yourself. This may ultimately lead to some new business opportunities for you! Check out these offers today!

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Citibank Offers Free Credit Scores to Cardholders

Citibank will join the short list of credit card issuers that offers easy access to FICO scores, beginning in January. Joining Discover, which has been offering free access to FICO scores for over a year now, Citibank will be helping their customers stay on top of their credit more easily.

Big Banks Offering Big Perks

Citibank is the third largest credit card issuer, when it comes to the amount of credit extended to customers. Bank of America and Chase are the top two right now, and are likely to soon follow in the footsteps of Discover and Citibank to help their customers have an increased awareness of their credit score.

With banks pushing creditors harder than ever to be more transparent, in an effort to slow the effects of major credit card debt, as well as slow the problem of identity theft by keeping borrowers more on top of things, Citi will now offer customers the ability to view their credit score online when they log in to their account.

Credit scores will be provided to Citibank cardholders who use Citi branded cards, but not to store credit cards that are offered through Citibank, such as Sears, Best Buy and Macy’s.

Free For Customers, Knowledge is Power!

The service is free, and information will be obtained through one of the major credit bureaus, Equifax. The decision to offer credit scores is one that will allow Citibank to more directly compete with other banks, as more banks will be likely to offer this service in the near future.

While it is great for cardholders to have access to their credit score on a regular basis, this is not the only solution for preventing credit problems. Those who use credit cards must learn to do so responsibly, and avoid building up debt that is impossible to pay off. Understanding what factors go into a credit score, and having some awareness of how it is calculated can help consumers take control of their credit and keep things in control.

Citibank is offering access to the credit score, but not the credit report. Consumers should also be periodically checking their credit report to ensure that it is accurate and that there are no fraudulent entries.

When offering credit scores, Citibank will be getting information directly from FICO, which is usually the most accurate credit score information and the number that is primarily used when customers apply for credit. Credit scores can vary among the different credit bureaus, but should generally be within 20-40 points of one another. Small changes from month to month are also common. Customers should act quickly if they notice that their credit score changes drastically within a short period of time, with no known reason.

With Citibank and Discover now offering credit scores to their customers for free, the possibility of customers being misled by scams promising their credit score and stealing their identity is lessened. Chase and Bank of America are likely to be the next to offer this feature for customers.

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Top 10 Points Credit Cards for Everyday Spending Bonuses

When it comes to everyday spending bonuses, you have plenty of cards to choose from. We’ve selected the top ten credit cards for everyday spending, meaning you can get more than a 1% rewards rate on more than one “everyday spending” category, such as gas or groceries.

In this post, we’re focusing on credit cards that earn points or miles in a rewards program. Take a look and see if any of these capture your interest!

1. Citi ThankYou Cards

There are 3 different versions of this card, and each one offers some great bonuses.

The Citi ThankYou Preferred card offers a 20,000 point sign on bonus after spending $1,500 in the first three months. Earn two points for every dollar spent on dining, travel and entertainment, one point on every dollar spent in other categories. There is no annual fee for this card. There is a 12 month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. You can redeem your points for cash, statement credit or gift cards. There is a separate offer for the Citi ThankYou Preferred card which also has no annual fee and offers a 15-month 0% introductory APR with no annual fee, and no sign on bonus.

The Citi ThankYou Premier credit card has a 20,000 point bonus after spending $2,000 in the first three months, and an additional bonus of 30,000 points after spending another $3,000 in the first three months of the second year you have the card. Earn 3 points for every dollar spent on dining, travel and entertainment, one point on all other purchases. There is no annual fee. Redeem for cash, statement credit, travel rewards and gift cards.

The Citi ThankYou Prestige offers 30,000 ThankYou points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months of card membership. Earn 3x points on Air Travel and Hotels, 2x points on Dining at Restaurants and Entertainment and 1 ThankYou Point per $1 spent on other purchases.

2. Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard

Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. Earn two miles per dollar spent on all dining and travel purchases, one point per dollar on all other purchases. There is an introductory APR of 0% for the first 12 months that you have this card. Redeem for cash back or travel rewards; when redeeming for travel rewards you earn an additional 10% bonus on the travel purchases. There is no annual fee for this card.

Apply Now: Barclaycard ArrivalTM World MasterCard®

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months that you have the card. Earn an additional 5,000 points for adding another authorized user in the first three months. Earn two points for every dollar spent on dining and travel purchases, and one point for every dollar spent in other categories. Redeem for cash, travel, gift cards and more. There is no annual fee for the first year, after that the annual fee will be $95.

4. Barclaycard Rewards Mastercard

Although there is no sign on bonus for this card, you will earn two points for every dollar spent on gas, groceries, and utilities. Earn one point for every dollar spent in other categories. There is no introductory APR for this card. Redeem your points for travel, cash back, or gift cards. There is no annual fee for this card.

Apply Now:

Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® – Excellent Credit

Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard® – Average Credit

5. American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card

Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 in the first three months you have the card. Earn three points for every dollar spent on flights, two points for every dollar spent at gas stations and grocery stores, and one point for every dollar spent in other categories. There is no annual fee for the first year, after that the annual fee will be $175. Redeem your points with flexible options through many travel partners or gift cards.

6. Amex Everyday Preferred Card

Earn 15,000 points, plus a one year membership to Amazon Prime (worth $99 per year) after spending $1,000 in the first three months that you have the card. Earn a 50% bonus on all points when you make at least 30 purchases per month using the card. Earn three points for every dollar spent at grocery stores, up to $6,000 annually. Earn two points for every dollar spent at gas stations. Earn one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases. There is an introductory APR of 0% for the first 15 months. Use your Membership Rewards to pay for flights and hotel stays. The annual fee for this card is $95.

7. Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card

Earn 40,000 bonus sign on points after spending $1,000 in the first three months you have the card. Earn six points for every dollar spent at Hilton hotels. Earn three HHonors points for every dollar spent at grocery stores, gas stations and drug stores. Earn two HHonors points for every dollar spent on all other categories. There is no annual fee for this card. Redeem your HHonors points for hotel stays at participating Hilton group hotels and other travel.

8. Playstation Card from Capital One

Earn 5,000 bonus points after you make your first purchase in the first 90 days that you have the card. Earn 10 points for every dollar spent on Playstation Store purchases. Earn three points for every dollar spent on Playstation purchases at Sony Stores. Earn three points for every dollar spent on quick serve restaurants, movie theaters and mobile phone service. Earn one point for every dollar spent in other categories. There is a 0% introductory rate until September 2015 on purchases and balance transfers. Redeem your points for Sony products, movies, music and more. There is no annual fee for this card.

9. USAA Rewards Amex

Earn two points for every dollar spent on gas station and grocery store purchases. Earn a 2,500 point bonus after making your first purchase within the first three months you have the card. Redeem your points for cash, gift cards, travel and more. There is no annual fee for this card.

Apply Now: USAA Rewards™ American Express®

10. PayPal Mastercard and eBay Mastercard

Earn three points for every dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants. Earn two points for all PayPal and eBay transactions. Earn one point for every dollar spent in other categories. There is no annual fee for this card.

Each of these cards has something special to offer when it comes to earning rewards for your every day spending. Any time you can earn more than one point for every dollar you spend, it is worth taking a look at the options!

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New Citi Double Cash Card Review

It’s getting more and more difficult to find credit cards that have no annual fee but offer you cash back rewards. Citi just introduced a new card that will give you 1% back on all of your purchases—with an added bonus of giving you another 1% when you make your payment. The Citi Double Cash credit card gives you all of the regular Citi benefits, plus the added 1% on your paid purchases. Here are some more of the details you might be interested in!

 

The Benefits

No Annual Fee!

The Citi Double Cash credit card has no annual fee, which makes it very attractive. All of the perks that are included are free!

0% Intro APR for 15 Months

Cardholders will enjoy a 0% APR for the first 15 months that they have the Citi Double Cash card. At the end of the introductory period, the APR will be 12.99-22.99%, depending on your credit worthiness.

No Spending or Earning Cap

Earn 1% for all of your purchases, with no spending limit.

Earn an Extra 1% 

As long as you make your monthly payments on time, you will earn an additional 1% on all of your purchase. You do not have to pay your balance in full each month, just make at least the minimum payment on time for this added bonus. Keep in mind that if you carry a balance and your introductory APR has expired, the interest that you end up paying will probably offset the additional 1% cash back and eliminate this bonus for you.

The bonus points will be based on the amount that you pay, not the purchases that you have made. Also, if you redeem your points for a statement credit, you will be reducing the amount you can potentially earn with the 1% bonus for payments, since you will ultimately be paying less toward your balance and cannot get bonus points for statement credits applied.

High Tech Protection

The Citi Double Cash credit card offers a nice security perk in the form of an EMV chip to protect you from fraud. It is rare to find a card with no annual fee that offers this level of security.

Citi Price Rewind Protection

If you are paying attention to sale prices, you can often find that an item you purchased can be found cheaper somewhere else. When you make the purchase using your Citi Double Cash card, you can be reimbursed for the difference in price for up to 60 days after you make the purchase. This can be significant when it comes to some big-ticket items. You can get up to $300 back, with a limit of $1,200 per year.

Other Perks

Citi offers Double Cash card holders their standard list of perks, including Purchase Protection (get a refund if an item is stolen or damaged within 120 days after purchase, 90 days in New York State). This perk applies to purchases up to $1,000. Purchases are also protected by an extended warranty for up to a year. Travel protection including auto rental insurance and trip cancellation insurance are available. Get access to presale tickets and preferred seating with any Citi card.

 

The Nitty Gritty

This card offers no annual fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months, with a 12.99-22.99% APR after that period ends. Balance transfer fees are 3% or $5, whichever is greater. Earn points for every purchase, and points for every dollar you pay toward your balance. Foreign transaction fees are 3%. You will need to have excellent credit to be approved for this credit card.

 

Conclusion

This card is a solid offering from Citibank. But, if you don’t pay your balance in full, then your rewards are really cancelled out. Also, there are some cards, including Discover it® and Chase Freedom that offer better cash back rewards (up to 5% in rotating categories) and you can usually build up a bigger balance this way. Don’t rule out this card, just shop around to make sure it really meets your needs.