2020 has started with a “bang” for Citibank. That’s because multiple Citi Cards are offering 5x spend offers to targeted cardholders! This is huge because those who are targeted can use their Citi card like a 5x or 5% card for the first quarter of 2020. In other words, all three offers expire on March 31.
Doctor of Credit (H/T) has reported that certain cardholders with the Citi Prestige, Premier, Simplicity, and Diamond cards might be targeted with a 5% or 5x offer. Citi is sending offers via email, so be sure to check your email today.
What’s Going On?
Targeted Citi Prestige, Premier, Simplicity, and Diamond cardholders can earn 5x Thank You (TY) points or 5% cash back within certain categories. Note that there is a $2,500 spend limit between all categories. And you must activate by February 15 if you are targeted.
The categories and an analysis for each offer are presented below:
Prestige
Citi Prestige cardholders can get 5x TY points per dollar on purchases at Grocery Stores, Drugstores, Gas Stations, Mass Transit, and Commuter Transportation Vendors.
This is the best offer of the three by far. Earning 5x points on these categories in addition to the Prestige’s regular categories is amazing! This is especially true for those who want to earn TY points. The Citi Prestige becomes a “super card” for three months with this promotional earning structure. Targeted cardholders can earn 5x points within a total of nine categories until March 31.
Premier
Furthermore, Citi Premier cardholders can get 5x TY points per dollar on purchases at Clothing Stores, Computer & Electronics Stores, Department Stores, and Toy Stores.
The Premier’s offer is also a nice one as you can earn 5x points on a card that normally doesn’t earn 5x points on anything. People who want to collect TY points and have major expenses within these categories will love this offer. However, the Prestige’s offer is better because more people will use them.
Simplicity & Diamond
Finally, Simplicity and Diamond cardholders can get 5% cash back on purchases at computer networks or other online services.
This offer is great for the Simplicity and Diamond cards because neither of them earn rewards of any sort. However, it’s not that great of an offer for most other cards. The Chase Freedom is offering 5x Ultimate Rewards (UR) points this quarter on Streaming Services and TV, Internet, and Phone Services.
Overview of These Cards
Prestige
The Citi Prestige is Citi’s premium credit card. It earns 5x TY points on Airfare and Dining purchases as well as 3x TY points on Hotel and Cruise purchases. It earns one point per dollar for non-bonus spend.
Plus, the Prestige comes with a sign-up bonus worth 50,000 TY points. This bonus can be earned by spending $4,000 within the first three months. However, it also comes with a $495 annual fee (NOT waived the first year).
The Prestige has a few benefits left, but not that many. It comes with its signature Fourth Night Free benefit and a $250 General Travel Credit.
Premier
The Citi Premier is Citi’s mid-tier option. It earns 3x TY points on General Travel and Gas purchases as well as 2x TY points on Dining and Entertainment purchases. It earns one point per dollar for non-bonus spend.
Furthermore, the Premier comes with a sign-up bonus worth 60,000 TY points. This bonus can be earned by spending $4,000 within the first three months. However, it also comes with a $95 annual fee (NOT waived the first year) and no benefits.
Simplicity & Diamond
The Citi Simplicity and Diamond cards are not mentioned often on PYCR. That’s because they do not normally offer rewards or a sign-up bonus. The Simplicity Card is a decent short-term low-interest card. And the Diamond Card is a balance transfer card. Neither card has an annual fee.
Final Draw
Citi Prestige and Premier cardholders should check their emails to see if they are targeted for an offer. Targeted cardholders can easily earn up to 2,500 points (or $25) with normal spending. Multiple people have left comments on Doctor of Credit’s post stating that they have been targeted. Some of those comments are from those with discontinued cards such as the Citi Thank You Preferred.
All offers expire on March 31 and the last day you can apply if targeted is February 15.
Nonetheless, I’m glad to see Citi provide extra earning opportunities to certain cardholders. This gives them a chance to compete with Chase and Discover’s 5x / 5% cards for the first quarter. It also might be a sign of a future Citi Prestige or Premier revamp.
