Citi Rewards+® Credit Card Review

Navigating the vast landscape of credit cards can be overwhelming, especially with the myriad of options available, each promising unique benefits and rewards. As a seasoned financial expert, I understand the nuances of credit card offerings and recognize the importance of choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals. In this review, we’ll delve into the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card, a card that has garnered attention for its robust rewards program, introductory offers, and no annual fee. Let’s explore the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this card to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your wallet.

Citi Rewards+® Credit Card Review

The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is designed to cater to consumers who prioritize earning rewards on everyday purchases, particularly in categories like travel, groceries, and gas. This card stands out due to its unique points rounding feature and competitive introductory APR offers, making it appealing to those looking to maximize their rewards potential while managing their finances effectively.

Rewards Structure

The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card offers a tiered rewards structure that allows cardholders to earn points on various spending categories:
– 5x Points per $1 Spent on Hotel, Car Rentals, and Attractions: Booked through CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
– 2x Points per $1 Spent at Supermarkets and Gas Stations: On up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1x points thereafter.
– 1x Points per $1 Spent on All Other Purchases.
In addition to these rewards, new cardholders can earn 20,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,500 within the first three months of account opening, which can be a significant boost to your rewards balance early on.

Introductory APR Offers

One of the standout features of the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is its 0% Introductory APR for 15 Months on purchases and balance transfers. This offer provides a valuable opportunity for cardholders to finance large purchases or consolidate existing debt without incurring interest charges during the introductory period. After the introductory period, the APR will revert to a variable rate ranging from 18.74% to 28.74% based on your creditworthiness.

Points Rounding Feature

A unique aspect of the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is its points rounding feature. This feature rounds up your points to the nearest 10 on every purchase, ensuring that you earn more points on smaller transactions. For example, if you make a purchase of $3, instead of earning 3 points, you would earn 10 points. This can add up significantly over time, especially for those who frequently make smaller purchases.

Citi Rewards+® Credit Card Key Takeaways

– Generous Rewards on Travel and Everyday Purchases: Earn 5x points on travel booked through CitiTravel.com and 2x points on groceries and gas.
– Lucrative Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 within the first three months.
– 0% Introductory APR: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
– Unique Points Rounding Feature: Round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
– No Annual Fee: Maximize your rewards without worrying about an annual fee.

Citi Rewards+® Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

– 20,000 Welcome Bonus Points: A substantial bonus that can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, and more.
– Earn Twice the Points on Groceries and Fuel: Ideal for everyday spending at supermarkets and gas stations.
– 10% Points Back: Get 10% of your points back when you redeem, up to the first 100,000 points redeemed per year.
– 0% APR for 15 Months on Purchases and Balance Transfers: Provides flexibility for financing purchases or consolidating debt.
– No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the benefits without an annual fee burden.

Cons

– 3% Foreign Transaction Fee: Not ideal for international travelers who frequently make purchases abroad.
– Requires a Good Credit Score for Approval: Applicants need a good to excellent credit score (670-799) for approval.
– Relatively Low Cash Value of Reward Points: Points may have lower cash value compared to other premium travel rewards cards.

Citi Rewards+® Credit Card Benefits

Travel Benefits

The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card offers several travel-related benefits that can enhance your travel experience and help you save money:
– 5x Points on Travel Booked Through CitiTravel.com: Earn 5x points on hotel stays, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com until December 31, 2025. This can add up quickly for frequent travelers.
– Travel Protections: Enjoy various travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, travel accident insurance, and car rental insurance, providing peace of mind when you’re on the go.

Everyday Spending Benefits

The card also rewards you for everyday spending, making it a valuable addition to your wallet for routine purchases:
– 2x Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations: Earn 2x points on up to $6,000 in combined purchases per year, then 1x points thereafter. This is perfect for those who spend a significant amount on groceries and fuel.
– 1x Points on All Other Purchases: Earn 1x points on all other purchases, allowing you to earn rewards on every transaction.

Redemption Options

Citi offers a variety of redemption options for your points, giving you flexibility in how you use your rewards:
– Travel: Redeem points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more through Citi’s travel portal.
– Statement Credits: Use points to offset your credit card balance.
– Gift Cards: Exchange points for gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants.
– Merchandise: Shop for a wide range of merchandise using your points.
– Cash Back: Convert points to cash back, which can be deposited into your bank account or applied as a statement credit.

Additional Benefits

– 10% Points Back on Redemptions: Get 10% of your points back on the first 100,000 points redeemed each year, effectively increasing the value of your rewards.
– Digital Wallet Integration: Easily add your Citi Rewards+® Credit Card to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay for convenient, contactless payments.
– Payment Flexibility: Take advantage of Citi Flex Plan, which allows you to convert eligible purchases into fixed monthly payments.
– Fraud Protection: Benefit from Citi’s comprehensive fraud protection measures, including $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
– Purchase Protection: Enjoy purchase protection on eligible items, covering damage or theft for a certain period after the purchase date.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is a robust option for individuals looking to maximize their rewards on travel and everyday purchases without incurring an annual fee. The card’s unique points rounding feature, generous welcome bonus, and 0% introductory APR offer make it an attractive choice for those seeking flexibility and value.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the 3% foreign transaction fee and the requirement for a good to excellent credit score for approval. For frequent international travelers or those with lower credit scores, other cards may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is an excellent choice for consumers who prioritize earning rewards on everyday spending and travel while benefiting from a variety of redemption options and additional perks. By understanding your spending habits and financial goals, you can determine if this card aligns with your needs and helps you achieve your financial objectives.