Citi Premier Card Review

Citi Premier Card Review

Experience a world of rewards and elevated experiences with the Citi Premier Card. This card is designed for the discerning spender and unlocks exclusive benefits beyond everyday purchases. Earn 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, fueling your culinary adventures, grocery hauls, and road trips. Travel without borders with no foreign transaction fees, and book your dream vacations easily. Earn 3X points on air travel and hotels, with an additional 1x Points per $1 spent on all other purchases. Enjoy annual hotel savings and free access to your FICO score, empowering you to make informed financial decisions.

Quick Highlights

• 60,000 ThankYou points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. For a limited time, earn 10 ThankYou points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel).
• Earn 3x points per $1 spent at gas stations, air travel, and other hotels.
• Earn 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants and supermarkets.
• Earn 1xPoint per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Annual hotel savings benefit.
• 60,000ThankYou Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• There is no expiration or limit to the points you can earn with this card.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on Purchases.

What is a Citi Premier Card?

The Citi Premier Card is a premium credit card offered by Citibank, one of the largest financial institutions in the world. It is designed for individuals who value rewards and benefits while shopping or traveling. The card offers a variety of perks and discounts, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers and shoppers.

Rewards and Benefits

Intro Bonus

• 60,000 points: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening

Rewards

• Earn 3x points per $1 spent at gas stations, air travel, and other hotels.
• Earn 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants and supermarkets.
• Earn 1xPoint per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Annual hotel savings benefit.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on Purchases.
• Annual hotel savings benefit.
• There is no expiration or limit to the points you can earn with this card.
• Average Yearly Rewards Value worth $584 on spending $1,325
• Skip the airport fury with free access to The Lounge by Citi at over 400 airports worldwide. Relax comfortably, refuel with delectable food and drinks, and stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi.

Features of Citi Premier Card

• Extended Warranty: Enjoy an extra year of warranty protection on eligible purchases, safeguarding your investments.
• Purchase Protection: Relax knowing your purchases are covered against theft or damage for 120 days.
• FICO Score Access: Monitor your credit score for free and maintain your financial health.
• Generous rewards program: Earn 3x points on travel, gas, and entertainment, and 1x points on all other purchases.

Redeem Points

• Easy redemption: Redeem points for flights, hotel stays, gift cards, and more through the Thank You rewards program.
• There is no limit to the redeem points for travel, gift cards, and more.
• You can redeem your Citi ThankYou Points for travel rewards, gift cards, and more.
• $95 annual fee: The Citi Premier Card has a yearly fee of $95. However, your potential rewards can offset the annual fee cost.
• amount of points you can earn: There’s no cap on how many points you can make with the Citi Premier Card. So, the more you spend, the more rewards you’ll get.

Citi Premier Card rates and fees:

• APR for Cash Advances: 99%
• Purchase APR: 24% – 29.24% Variable APR (based on creditworthiness)
• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Purchase Transaction Fee: None
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $41
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $41

Citi Premier Card Eligibility Criteria

Basic Requirements

• Age: At least 18 years old (may vary by country)
• Residency: Legal resident of the country where you are applying (e.g., U.S. resident for a U.S. card)
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) required for U.S. applicants

Creditworthiness

• Good to excellent credit score: Minimum score varies depending on the country and issuer. Citi typically looks for scores above 
• Stable income and employment: Citi considers your income and employment history to assess your ability to repay the debt.
• A low debt-to-income ratio shows how much debt you have compared to your income. Lower ratios are generally more favorable.

Additional Citi-Specific Rules

• Citi 8/65 rule: You cannot have opened more than eight credit cards (including business cards) in the past 24 months and no more than six new accounts in the past six months.
• 48-month bonus rule: You are not eligible for the welcome bonus if you received one for a Citi Premier card in the past 48

Is the Citi Premier Card Worth It?

Consider it if:

• You travel occasionally and want flexible rewards
• You spend heavily on restaurants and gas
• You can meet the minimum spend for the welcome bonus and pay it off in full

Skip it if:

• You travel frequently and want luxury travel benefits
• You prioritize lounge access and travel protections
• You’re on a tight budget and can’t justify the annual fee

Applying for the Citi Premier Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Citi Premier Card offers a generous welcome bonus and flexible travel rewards, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers. However, before you apply, it’s crucial to understand the application process and approval criteria. Here’s a breakdown:

Application Methods:

• Online: The quickest and most convenient option. Visit Citi’s website and fill out the application form.
• Phone: Call Citi’s customer service line at 1-800-347-4934.
• Branch: Visit a Citibank branch and speak to a representative.

Application Process:

• Choose your offer: Citi may offer different versions of the card with varying welcome bonuses or introductory APRs. Select the one that best suits your needs.
• Fill out the application: Provide personal information, income details, employment information, and contact details on the Citi official website.
• Authorization: You must authorize a credit check, temporarily impacting your credit score.
• Please review and submit: Review your application carefully and submit it.

Approval Process:

• Citi typically provides instant decisions online or over the phone.
• You’ll receive your card within 7-10 business days if approved.
• If denied, Citi will give a reason for the denial, and you can request reconsideration.

Contact of Citi Premier Card

• Helpline Number: 1-800-987-5521.
• Citi’s customer service line: 1-800-347-4934

Conclusion

Although it lacks travel benefits on par with competing cards at the $95 price tag, the Citi Premier does come with a beefy selection of transfer partners and World Elite Mastercard benefits. The Citi Premier could be one of the best options for cardholders who want rewards toward travel but don’t travel often. It earns 3X points on expected travel-oriented categories like other hotels, restaurants, and air travel purchases.

However, that rewards rate also covers two key everyday spending categories: supermarkets and gas stations. Thanks to its supermarket and gas station categories, the Citi Premier is a wise choice for occasional travelers squeezing rewards from everyday spending.

What card: Recommended Credit Cards:

•  Credit One Bank American Express Card Review 
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Review