Reviews

Citi Premier Review: Rewards Are Easy to Earn, but Less Valuable to Burn

Citi Premier: Easy earnings, but redemption value varies.

Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH

24 Mar 2024 — 1 min read

Features

Annual Fee: $95, presenting a consideration for potential cardholders.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 on travel, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets; 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome Offer: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
APR: Variable APR of 21.24%-29.24%, with no intro APR offer.

Benefits

Diverse Earning Categories: High earning rates across key spending areas, including travel and everyday purchases.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers looking to earn rewards without extra costs.
Annual Hotel Savings: $100 off on a single hotel stay of $500 or more once per calendar year.
Significant Welcome Offer: The opportunity to earn many bonus points early on.

Drawbacks

Annual Fee: The $95 annual fee requires strategic spending to ensure value exceeds cost.
Redemption Flexibility: Points are less valuable than other cards when not transferring to travel partners.
Limited Domestic Transfer Partners: Most partners are international, which may not suit all travelers.

Product Summary

The Citi Premier® Card offers an appealing earn rate in broad categories catering to travel enthusiasts and everyday spenders. Its annual fee is justified by the potential to rack up substantial rewards through common spending habits. However, the card falls short in offering competitive redemption of their values for travel compared to other cards at a similar price point, and the limited selection of domestic transfer partners may deter those looking for straightforward domestic travel benefits. Despite these limitations, the card remains a strong contender for those who can navigate the rewards program effectively, especially those who frequently travel internationally. For cardholders willing to engage with its travel partners, the Citi Premier® Card can unlock considerable value, making it a worthwhile option for the right user.

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