Citi Rewards+® Card
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Earn 1X Points on All Other Purchases.
- Intro bonus: 15,000 points
- Annual fee: $0
- Regular APR: 13.49% – 23.49% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score: 670-850 (Good to Excellent)
The Citi Rewards+ Card* offers a modest 2x points on up to $6,000 spent at supermarkets and gas stations each year (then 1x points) and 1x points on other purchases. But its most valuable benefit is the automatic round-up on each purchase. Rewards round to the nearest 10 points regardless of how much you spend. This means a $3 coffee will net you 10 points, and a $23 dinner with friends would yield 30 points.
At a Glance
- 15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 within three months of account opening
- 2x points on up to $6,000 spent at supermarkets and gas stations each year (then 1x points)
- 1x points on all other purchases
- Automatically round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase
- 10% points back bonus on the first 100,000 points you redeem each year
- No annual fee
- 0% APR on purchases for 15 months (variable 13.49% – 23.49% APR thereafter)
Pros
Round up feature helps you earn more points over time
Long intro 0% APR on purchases
No annual fee
Ongoing 10% points boost on your first 100,000 redeemed each year
Cons
Spending cap for bonus categories
Other no annual fee cards may offer higher rewards earn in similar categories
Minimal cardholder benefits
Additional Card Details
The Citi Rewards+ Card doesn’t have a lot of added benefits beyond its points rewards, but there are a couple bonus rewards perks that can increase your points value and put more money back in your wallet.
Points Back on Points Redeemed
First, you’ll get 10% points back on the first 100,000 points you redeem each year. In other words, if you redeem 50,000 points (worth about $500 in redemption value), you’ll automatically get 5,000 points credited back to your rewards account. This can net a maximum of 10,000 points back every 12 months, worth $100.
Rounding Up Points
This card also has a feature that rounds up your points to the nearest 10 on every purchase. So you can earn 20 points total on a $10.99 meal, for example, or 290 points on a $281 wireless vacuum cleaner.
Should You Get This Card?
Citi Rewards+ Card is best suited for someone who makes frequent small purchases, thanks to its round-up feature.
This card’s 2x points on up to $6,000 spent at supermarkets and gas stations can make for a lucrative annual points bonus, but it’s not the highest rewards you’ll find in these categories, even among other no annual fee credit cards.
Instead, the round-up feature is what can set this card apart. If you make one supermarket haul each month and fill up your gas tank about the same amount, you may benefit more from a card with higher rewards in these categories, such as the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express or Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card*.
But if you stop for groceries frequently on the way home from work or visit the gas station multiple times per week thanks to a long commute, rounding up to the nearest 10 points on each of those smaller purchases, in addition to everything else you buy throughout the day, can quickly add up. After all, even a $.99 pack of gum can bring in a net 10 points.
Before applying for this card, consider the face value of rewards and also think about how this card’s unique features align with your typical spending habits.
Pro Tip
The round-up feature means you’ll get more benefit from frequent spending with this card, but it’s important to continue practicing good credit habits and never spend more than you can afford to pay off when your statement balance is due.
How to Use the Citi Rewards+ Card
Spend to Earn the Intro Bonus
To make the most of the Citi Rewards+ Card, you should use it for at least $1,000 in purchases within the first three months to score the 15,000-point intro offer.
Everyday Spending
From there, this card makes a great everyday spending tool. If you have other cards that earn in categories like dining or travel, use this card for any purchases that fall outside higher-earning categories, especially those smaller purchases that will net more rewards through the round-up feature. And use it for all your supermarket and gas station spending at least until you reach the $6,000 annual cap for 2x points.
Large Purchases
If you have a large upcoming purchase, you may take advantage of the Citi Rewards+ Card 0% interest offer for the first 15 months. Just remember to pay down your entire balance before 15 months are up, or else you’ll be stuck paying off your purchases at the high variable APR.
Redeeming Points
When you’re ready to redeem, you’ll have a few different options through Citi’s ThankYou Rewards program. You can redeem rewards for future travel bookings through the ThankYou Travel Center, statement credits to your account, shopping with points online, gift cards, or merchandise. You can also use Citi ThankYou points for charitable contributions, or for payments to student loans or a mortgage. And however you choose to redeem, you can also enjoy 10% points back on the first 100,000 points you redeem every year.
Citi Rewards+ Card Compared to Other Cards
Citi Rewards+® Card
- Intro bonus:15,000 points
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:13.49% – 23.49% (Variable)
- Recommended credit:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
- Learn more at our partner’s secure site.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Intro bonus:Up to $250
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:13.99%-23.99% Variable
- Recommended credit:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
- Learn more at our partner’s secure site. See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Intro bonus:$200
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:14.99% – 23.74% Variable
- Recommended credit:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
- Learn more at our partner’s secure site.
Bottom Line
EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE
As with all of our credit card reviews, our analysis is not influenced by any partnerships or advertising relationships.
The Citi Rewards+ Card can be a valuable add to your wallet if you make frequent purchases throughout the month and the $6,000 spending cap on 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations aligns with your spending. But there are other no annual fee options available with higher returns in these categories and with more added benefits and less complicated calculations. Consider whether your own spending habits can help maximize rewards with this card and compare to other cash back credit cards before you apply.
*All information about the Citi Rewards+ Card and Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card has been collected independently by NextAdvisor and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express , please click here
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the Citi Rewards+ Card?
For best chances of approval, you should have an excellent credit score (740 or higher) before applying for the Citi Rewards+ Card.
Is the Citi Rewards+ Card a Visa or a Mastercard?
The Citi Rewards+ Card is a Mastercard.
How much are 15,000 Citibank points worth?
Redemption values for ThankYou Rewards options can vary. However, 15,000 points earned with the Citi Rewards+ Card can be worth $150 in gift cards or statement credits.
