Citi Premier Card Review (2025): Benefits, Rewards & Value
A well-rounded travel card with strong bonus categories for everyday spending.
Citi Premier Card Guide
A well-rounded travel card with strong bonus categories for everyday spending.
ANNUAL FEE
$95
WELCOME BONUS
60,000 ThankYou points after spending $4,000 in 3 months
POINTS VALUE
1¢ per point for travel redemptions
TRANSFER PARTNERS
16
In This Guide:
Transfer Partners
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Occasional transfer bonuses of 25% |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Occasional transfer bonuses of 25% |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Occasional transfer bonuses of 20-25% |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Regular 30% transfer bonuses |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Rare transfer bonuses |
| Wyndham Rewards | 1:1 | Up to 5 days | No recent transfer bonuses |
Annual Credits & Benefits
Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
Once per calendar year
Save $100 on a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through the Citi ThankYou travel portal.
Pro Tip: Use this for hotel stays that cost just over $500 to maximize the percentage savings. Book directly when elite benefits and status are more valuable than the $100 credit.
Is the Citi Premier Card Worth the $95 Annual Fee?
Ideal For:
- Everyday Spending
- Gas
- Groceries
Not Ideal For:
- Infrequent travelers who rarely fly or stay at hotels
- Those who prefer cash back over travel rewards
- Budget-conscious consumers who don't want to pay an annual fee
Value Calculation Example
Here's a conservative estimate of annual value for a typical cardholder who uses most, but not all benefits:
| Benefit | Face Value | Realistic Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | $60 | $60 | First year only |
| Annual Hotel Savings Benefit | $100 | $100 | Once per calendar year |
| $100 annual hotel savings benefit | $100+ | $100 | Estimated value |
| Flexible points transfers to airlines | $100+ | $100 | Estimated value |
| Annual Fee | -$95 | -$95 | Yearly cost |
| TOTAL VALUE | Varies | Varies | $1,000+ over annual fee |
This calculation doesn't include the welcome bonus value in the first year, which could add significant additional value. Actual value depends on your specific usage patterns.
How to Earn Points
3X on Air Travel
Earn 3X points on all air travel purchases, including airlines, travel agencies, and OTAs.
3X on Hotels
Earn 3X points on all hotel purchases worldwide, including room rates and incidentals.
3X on Restaurants
Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including cafes, bars, lounges, and fast food restaurants.
3X on Supermarkets
Earn 3X points at supermarkets and grocery stores, with no spending cap.
3X on Gas Stations
Earn 3X points on all gas station purchases, including fuel and convenience store items.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
| Route/Redemption | Points Required | Transfer Partner | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US to Europe in Business Class | 45,000 points (one-way) | Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | One of the best values for Star Alliance business class to Europe, significantly lower than other programs. |
| US to Japan in ANA Business Class | 90,000-95,000 points (round-trip) | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Transfer to Virgin Atlantic to book ANA business class at incredible rates (must book round-trip). |
| Short-haul AA Flights | 7,500-12,500 points (one-way) | Avianca LifeMiles | Domestic US flights on American Airlines often price lower through Avianca than through AA's own program. |
| US to Hawaii | 15,000 points (one-way in economy) | Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | Book United flights to Hawaii through Turkish at half the miles United would charge. |
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
Combine with Citi Double Cash
Pair with the Citi Double Cash Card, which earns 2% cash back (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay) that can be converted to ThankYou Points when you have the Premier.
Leverage Transfer Bonuses
Citi frequently offers transfer bonuses to partners like Virgin Atlantic, Avianca, and Flying Blue. Wait for these promotions to get 20-30% more value from your points.
Combine with Citi Custom Cash
Add the no-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash Card to earn 5% back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), which can be converted to ThankYou Points.
Watch for Limited-Time Categories
Citi occasionally offers limited-time bonus categories on the Premier. Register for these promotions in your account to boost your earnings temporarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the $100 annual hotel savings benefit work?
You can save $100 on a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when you book through the Citi ThankYou travel portal and pay with your Citi Premier Card. This benefit is available once per calendar year and automatically applies during checkout when you meet the minimum spend requirement.
Can I combine ThankYou Points from multiple Citi cards?
Yes, Citi allows you to combine ThankYou Points from multiple cards into one account. If you have the Citi Premier, you can transfer points earned on cards like the Double Cash and Custom Cash to your Premier account to gain access to transfer partners.
Do ThankYou Points expire?
ThankYou Points earned with the Citi Premier do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close your Premier Card, you typically have 60 days to redeem your points or transfer them before they expire.
How do the Citi Premier's travel protections compare to other travel cards?
The Citi Premier offers more limited travel protections compared to competitors like Chase Sapphire Preferred. It provides World Elite Mastercard benefits and extended warranty protection, but lacks trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and primary auto rental coverage that some other premium travel cards offer.
Ready to Apply?
The Citi Premier Card offers exceptional travel benefits and rewards that make it a valuable addition to your wallet. A well-rounded travel card with strong bonus categories for everyday spending.