All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life
Deep Dive on Citi Credit Cards and ThankYou Points (Best 2-Card Combo)
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The Citi Strata Premier card offers robust earning potential with 3X points on groceries, gas, dining, and travel.
- Tier lists help categorize credit cards by value, providing clarity on which cards to prioritize for rewards.
- Citi Thank You Points can be highly valuable when transferred to travel partners, including unique ones like EVA Air.
- Mixing and matching Citi cards can generate greater rewards, particularly when combining the Strata Premier with other cards.
- The availability of tailored content for different bank cards can enhance user experience and engagement.
Summary
Citi Credit Card Lineup and Highlights
In this episode, Chris Hutchins dives into Citi's credit card offerings, sharing insights and tips based on his experiences after opening several Citi cards recently. He focuses on the Citi Strata Premier card, which earns 3X points on key spending categories, and discusses the Citi Thank You Points program that accompanies it. He emphasizes the strong earning potential and highlights the importance of understanding the specifics of each card, such as annual fees, earning rates, and protection benefits.
Citi’s Tier List and Card Comparisons
Chris introduces a tier list for Citi cards, categorizing them based on their value and earning potential. He explains the distinctions of each card, from the Citi Double Cash Card's simple 2% cash back to the more unique offerings like the Citi Custom Cash Card which provides 5% back in multiple elevated categories. He evaluates how these cards stack up against offerings from other issuers, particularly focusing on how the best two-card combos can enhance rewards.
The Citi Thank You Points Ecosystem
The discussion significantly concentrates on the Citi Thank You Points program, illuminating how to effectively leverage this rewards system. Chris explains points redemption options, the benefits of transferring points to various travel partners, and highlights unique opportunities available only through Citi. Specifically, he brings attention to the ability to earn substantial value through airline and hotel transfers, alongside generative partnerships that can maximize point earnings.
Strategies for Earning Maximum Rewards
Chris shares personal insights into how he has navigated the credit card landscape to utilize Citi’s offerings fully. He discusses strategies for earning points efficiently, including mixing and matching Citi cards to enhance rewards potential while addressing common pitfalls and limitations within the Citi program. This section provides actionable advice for listeners looking to improve their own credit card strategies.
Feedback and Future Content Directions
The episode wraps up with Chris inviting feedback from listeners on the Citi card analysis and hints at future content focusing on other major credit card issuers like Chase and American Express. He emphasizes the continuous evolution of credit card offerings and the importance of staying informed about the best options available for maximizing personal finance.
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Show notes
228: A deep dive into Citi’s credit card lineup. I've recently opened up a few Citi cards and am very excited about sharing the best Citi cards, how to maximize ThankYou Points, the best airline and hotel transfer partners, and how Citi’s best two-card combo stacks up against other major issuers.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/citi-credit-cards-thank-you-points
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Chris' Best Cards Page
Citi Cards Tier List
ThankYou® Points Cards
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
AT&T Points Plus Card
Citi ThankYou® Mastercard®
Citi® Double Cash Card
Citi Custom Cash Credit Card
AAdvantage Cards
American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card
AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Airline Mastercard
AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard
AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®
Costco Cards
Costco Anywhere Visa® Credit Card
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card
Other Citi Cards
Shop Your Way Mastercard
EVA Air
How to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham points
CardPointers Pro: 30% off here and 50% off here
ATH Podcast
Luxury Hotel Upgrade Program
Airline/Hotel Transfer Partner Spreadsheet
Credit Card Optimizer Tool
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Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:10) Quick Intro of the Credit Card Tier List
(03:48) Review of Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
(06:49) AT&T Points Plus Card and Citi ThankYou® Mastercard®
(08:29) 2% Unlimited Cash Back: Citi® Double Cash Card
(10:23) Earn 5% Cash Back Using the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card
(12:35) The Citi–American Airlines Ecosystem
(16:08) American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp℠ Card
(17:34) AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Airline Mastercard® Perks
(18:51) Lounge Access and Benefits: AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
(23:02) Why AAdvantage® Business World Elite Mastercard® Is Chris’ Favorite
(29:24) Are the Citi Costco Cards Worth It?
(33:12) Shop Your Way Mastercard
(38:13) Other Citi Cards Without Any Benefits
(39:18) ATH Member Deep Dive Discussions
(39:47) Citi Rules
(43:36) Citi ThankYou® Points Program
(44:31) Citi's Airline Partners
(46:31) Hotel Transfer Partners Unique for Citi
(49:20) Transfer Bonuses and Limitations
(52:17) High-Level Summary of Citi Cards
(53:09) Best Two-Card Combos for Each Issuer
(57:43) Factors That Make Citi Cards Less Exciting
(58:39) Citi Merchant Offers
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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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