Why I Keep the Citi Prestige Card in My Wallet

I’m a big fan of the Citi Prestige card. Even though its membership fee is high at $450 a year, and some of my favorite benefits were cut in 2017, I’m still loyal to this card because of its many other money-saving qualities. Here’s why the Citi Prestige Card still has a place in my wallet, and my heart.

What are the Citi Prestige Card’s best benefits?

Citi ThankYou Points have quite a few lucrative transfer partners.

In addition to redeeming for airfare directly for 1.33 cents per point, you can also transfer ThankYou points to a number of transfer partners (much like the Marriott Bonvoy program, Citi ThankYou Points, or Chase’s Ultimate Rewards). These partners include:

Image courtesy of Singapore Airlines

Some of these transfer partners might seem a little random, but there are lots of opportunities for incredible experiences. For example, to fly on Singapore Airlines’ Suites Class from New York to Frankfurt only costs 67,500 miles for a flight that’s usually $4,900-$5,900. That’s about 7 to 8 cents per point in value, for a seat you can turn into a double bed to share with a travel partner.

Bonus points for spending.

The Citi Prestige card was the first premium credit card to offer anything rewards for bonus category spending. Others have since caught up, but the Citi Prestige card will still earn you:

• 3 ThankYou points per dollar for airfare and hotels
• 2 ThankYou points per dollar on dining
• 1 ThankYou point per dollar on everything else

You could be flying- for free- with one of Citi Prestige’s airline partners

There’s an annual $250 airfare credit.

The first $250 you spend each year on airfare on the card is credited back to you within a few statement periods as a statement credit. This is a huge, no-hassle benefit.

I’m saving 25% on my honeymoon in Nevis with my Citi Prestige Card (Image: Four Seasons)

The “4th Night Free” benefit is great.

The most unique, and potentially lucrative, benefit is Citi Prestige’s “4th Night Free” benefit. Using Citi’s partner Aspire Lifestyles Concierge, you can make a four night hotel reservation and receive the fourth night’s room rate free, minus taxes and resort fees. That’s huge! You do have to book directly through the concierge agents, which can take some time, but I’ve found that they’re really knowledgable. You can use corporate codes with these rates, and still earn loyalty points as normal. Keep in mind that the 4th night free is the average of the room rate for four nights that you’re staying, and that taxes/resort fees are no longer included in the rate.

Trip protections.

Like most high-end credit cards, the Citi Prestige card offers trip protections in case a trip is delayed or cancelled. You can review details here.

Priority Pass membership.

This card includes Priority Pass membership, which will get you into many airport lounges around the world. Plus, you can take up to two guests free into the lounge with you. I use my Priority Pass constantly, especially abroad where there are many more member-lounges than in the US.

$100 Global Entry credit.

If you don’t already have Global Entry (or TSA Pre-Check), you can sign up for membership free by paying with your Citi Prestige card. Global Entry comes with TSA Pre-Check free, so if you’re looking to save hours a year at the airport, this is a major benefit.

Better exchange rates.

This is something I’ve learned recently, but Mastercard has better exchange rates abroad, on average compared to Visa or American Express.

Do you think the Citi Prestige Card has a place in your wallet? Apply here!