Citi Rewards+® Card: A Comprehensive Guide

The Citi Rewards+® Card is a versatile credit card designed to offer substantial rewards on everyday purchases. It’s particularly attractive for those who frequently make small purchases, as it rounds up rewards to the nearest 10 points, making it unique in the marketplace. Whether you’re a savvy shopper looking to maximize your rewards or someone new to the credit card world, the Citi Rewards+® Card might be the perfect fit for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the card’s features, benefits, and how to apply.

Key Features of the Citi Rewards+® Card

1. No Annual Fee
   • The Citi Rewards+® Card has no annual fee, which means you can enjoy all its benefits without worrying about a yearly cost. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize their rewards without an additional financial burden.
2. Round-Up Rewards
   • One of the standout features of the Citi Rewards+® Card is its unique “Round Up” mechanism. Every purchase you make is rounded up to the nearest 10 points. For example, if you spend $1.99 on a coffee, you’ll earn 10 points instead of the usual 2 points. This feature can significantly boost your rewards, especially on small, frequent transactions.
3. 2X Points on Gas and Groceries
   • The Citi Rewards+® Card offers 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 spent each year. After reaching the $6,000 threshold, you’ll continue to earn 1X point per dollar. This is a fantastic benefit for those who spend a considerable amount on everyday essentials.
4. 1X Points on Other Purchases
   • For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1X point per dollar spent. Combined with the round-up feature, even your smaller purchases can add up quickly to significant rewards.
5. Sign-Up Bonus
   • New cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 20,000 ThankYou® Points after spending $1,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. These points can be redeemed for $200 in gift cards at ThankYou.com.
6. 10% Points Back for the First 100,000 Points Redeemed Each Year
   • Another exciting feature is the 10% points back benefit. Every time you redeem your points, Citi gives you 10% back on your first 100,000 points redeemed each year. This can help you get even more value out of your rewards.
7. Flexible Redemption Options
   • Citi’s ThankYou® Points can be redeemed in various ways, including for travel, gift cards, statement credits, and shopping at select retailers. The flexibility in redemption makes it easier to use your points for what matters most to you.
8. Introductory 0% APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers
   • The Citi Rewards+® Card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, a variable APR will apply, which currently ranges between 18.99% – 28.99%, depending on your creditworthiness. This makes it a solid choice if you’re looking to make a big purchase or pay down existing debt without accruing interest.
9. No Foreign Transaction Fees
   • Unlike many rewards cards, the Citi Rewards+® Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good companion for international travelers.

Pros and Cons of the Citi Rewards+® Card

Pros:

• No annual fee
• Unique Round Up feature that maximizes rewards on small purchases
• Double points on groceries and gas
• 10% points back on redemptions
• Flexible rewards redemption options
• Introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

• The 2X points on groceries and gas is limited to the first $6,000 spent annually
• The rewards structure may be less attractive for those who don’t frequently make small purchases
• Requires good to excellent credit for approval

How to Maximize the Benefits of the Citi Rewards+® Card

1. Leverage the Round-Up Feature
   • Since the Citi Rewards+® Card rounds up rewards to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, try to use your card for small transactions frequently. This will help you accumulate points faster than you would with other cards.
2. Focus on Groceries and Gas
   • Make sure to use your Citi Rewards+® Card for groceries and gas purchases, especially during the first $6,000 of spending each year, to maximize the 2X points earning rate.
3. Redeem Points Strategically
   • Take advantage of the 10% points back benefit by redeeming points regularly and strategically. Consider redeeming for travel or gift cards to get the most value out of your points.
4. Utilize the 0% APR Period
   • If you have a large purchase coming up or need to transfer a balance from a high-interest card, make the most of the 0% APR introductory offer. Just be sure to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends to avoid interest charges.
5. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
   • If you’re traveling abroad, use your Citi Rewards+® Card to make purchases without worrying about additional fees. This can save you a significant amount compared to cards that charge foreign transaction fees.

How to Apply for the Citi Rewards+® Card

Applying for the Citi Rewards+® Card is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Check Your Credit Score
   • Before applying, ensure your credit score is within the recommended range of 690 to 850. A higher score increases your chances of approval and may qualify you for a better APR.
2. Gather Your Information
   • Make sure you have all the necessary information ready, such as your Social Security number, income details, and employment information.
3. Visit the Citi Website
   • Go to the official Citi website and navigate to the Citi Rewards+® Card application page. Review the card’s terms and conditions to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
4. Fill Out the Application
   • Complete the online application form with accurate information. Double-check your details before submitting to avoid any delays in the approval process.
5. Submit Your Application
   • Once you’ve filled out the application, submit it online. You’ll typically receive an instant decision, but in some cases, Citi may need additional time to review your application.
6. Receive Your Card
   • If approved, your Citi Rewards+® Card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days. Once you receive your card, activate it and start earning rewards on your purchases.

Is the Citi Rewards+® Card Right for You?

The Citi Rewards+® Card is an excellent option for those who frequently make small purchases and want to maximize their rewards without paying an annual fee. The unique Round Up feature, combined with double points on gas and groceries, makes it easy to rack up points quickly. Additionally, the 10% points back on redemptions and the flexible redemption options provide added value. However, if you tend to make larger purchases and prefer a card with a more straightforward rewards structure, you might want to consider other options.

In summary, the Citi Rewards+® Card offers a compelling mix of features and benefits that can be highly rewarding if used strategically. Whether you’re looking to earn points on everyday spending or take advantage of a 0% APR period, this card can help you achieve your financial goals.