What happen to the Citi Bank rewards program???

[Dewy]

I use my Citi Rewards MasterCard for business and points add up fast. During the last 3 - 4 years I've used the rewards points to book hotels mainly for family vacations. Today I went to use it and the choice of hotels that used to be quite good is now pretty lousy. A NH spot, for example, that we went to last year now only lists two hotels (and not very good ones). Last year there were at least a dozen GOOD choices. Other cities have similar results. Anyone use this this service and know what has happened???

 

[luvmy3]

The program is changing, I got a notice about a month ago, but I don't know the details. I have the Diamonds Reward card but that will be replaced by a new card.

 

[sdzman]

Citi Thank You Rewards ended their partnership with Expedia. The new travel rewards and choices are horrible.

 

[Marionnette]

Not just the travel rewards...the gift card selection really stinks, too. I'm beginning to wonder whether it is even worth putting any purchases on this card.

 

[jtopicz1]

Citi has been devaluing their rewards for years now. On most redemption, it seems the average TYP is worth about $.008, if you are that lucky.

Fidelity offers a 2% cash back on everything card, and Capitol One offers a 1.25% rewards with no foreign transaction fee card (Great if you travel out of the country a lot). Both of these cards may be better options.

 

[beansmom]

^that's exactly the reason we are closing our chase card and got a Capital One visa before we went to Italy. No transaction fee and 1.25% back.

 

[jtopicz1]

Yes, the 3% Foreign Transaction fee can really add up for people who travel a lot!

I really think it's important, especially for people who pay their balance in full each month, to really stay up on things and make sure you are getting the best return on your spending.

Also, remember, having several credit cards (NOT 50 or 100), will not hurt your credit score, and in some cases will help it, as long as your balance is a low % of your total line (ideally paid off each month).

Just remember, ALWAYS keep your oldest credit card open, even if you make just 1 charge a year and then throw it in the sock drawer. Your oldest line of revolving credit is a VERY big component of your credit score....

Jim

 

[Dewy]

I also have a Bank of America Visa reward card...I think it's called World Points and I do not use it much. Looked at it today and it looks like a carbon copy of new Citi Bank program.