Citi Rewards+® Credit Card: A Comprehensive Overview

The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is a popular rewards card offered by Citibank that provides consumers with a range of benefits, including earning points on everyday purchases and the unique feature of rounding up purchases to the nearest 10 points. This card is designed for individuals who want to earn rewards for their spending while enjoying low maintenance and straightforward benefits. Below is a detailed look at the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card, including its features, advantages, and how to apply for one.

Key Features of the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card

1. Earning Points on Purchases
   • The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card allows cardholders to earn points on every purchase. The card offers 2x points on supermarket and gas station purchases, up to $6,000 per year. Once that cap is reached, the standard earn rate of 1x points per dollar applies.
   • For all other purchases, cardholders earn 1x points on every dollar spent. This makes it a versatile card for people who frequently shop for groceries or fuel up their vehicles, as it allows them to earn more points on these categories.
2. Rounding Up Purchases to the Nearest 10 Points
   • One of the standout features of the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is its rounding-up feature. This means that for every purchase made, Citi will round up the points to the nearest 10. For example, if you make a purchase of $3.75, you’ll earn 10 points instead of just 3 points. This adds value to your rewards for smaller transactions, which are often overlooked by other cards.
3. Sign-Up Bonus
   • The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus for new cardholders. Typically, if you make a certain amount of purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, you can earn 20,000 bonus points. This is equivalent to about $200 in gift cards or can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or even cash back through the Citi Rewards program.
4. No Annual Fee
   • One of the major benefits of the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is that it does not charge an annual fee. This makes it an attractive option for individuals looking for a rewards card without having to worry about yearly fees eating into their benefits.
5. Point Redemption Flexibility
   • Points earned with the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card can be redeemed in various ways. Cardholders can use their points for gift cards, travel bookings through the ThankYou® Rewards program, cash back, or for other merchandise. The flexibility to choose how points are used is a significant advantage of this card.
   • The redemption process is also quite simple, and users can manage their points via the Citi website or mobile app.
6. Special Financing Offers
   • From time to time, Citi offers promotional financing for purchases made with the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card. For example, you might be able to pay off large purchases over time with 0% interest for an introductory period (usually 12 months). This can be beneficial for individuals who want to make big-ticket purchases without incurring interest charges right away.
7. Citi® Price Rewind
   • Another perk offered by the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is the Citi Price Rewind program. This benefit allows you to potentially get a refund if you find a lower price for an item you’ve already purchased with your Citi Rewards+® card. Citi will search eligible purchases made within the past 60 days for lower prices and refund the difference, subject to the terms and conditions of the program.
8. Worldwide Acceptance and Security
   • Citi Rewards+® is a Visa card, meaning it is accepted globally, and cardholders can make purchases anywhere that Visa is accepted. Additionally, it comes with security features, such as fraud protection and zero liability for unauthorized transactions, which adds an extra layer of safety for users.

Advantages of the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card

• No Annual Fee: This makes the card an ideal option for those who want to earn rewards without worrying about a high cost to maintain the card.
• Bonus Points for Everyday Purchases: The 2x points on grocery and gas purchases can add up quickly, making this card a great choice for regular shoppers.
• Points Round-Up Feature: The ability to round up points to the nearest 10 ensures that smaller purchases still contribute significantly to your rewards balance.
• Flexible Redemption Options: With the ability to redeem points for a wide variety of rewards, you are never limited in how you can use your earned points.
• Introductory Offer: The sign-up bonus is a great way to jump-start your rewards earnings and get extra value when you first open the card.

Considerations

While the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card has many benefits, there are a few points to keep in mind:

• Foreign Transaction Fees: This card charges a fee for foreign transactions, which can make it less suitable for international travelers. Be mindful of this if you plan to use the card abroad.
• Cap on 2x Points: The 2x points on grocery and gas purchases is limited to the first $6,000 spent annually in those categories. After that, you’ll only earn 1x point per dollar.
• Interest Rates: Like most credit cards, the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card has a standard APR for purchases and cash advances. Cardholders who carry a balance may end up paying interest on their outstanding balance, so it is best to pay in full each month to avoid interest charges.

How to Apply for the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card

Applying for the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is simple and can be done online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

1. Check Eligibility: Before applying, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements. You generally need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and have a good credit score (typically in the range of 650-700+).
2. Gather Required Information: You will need to provide personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number, annual income, and employment details. This helps Citi evaluate your application and determine your eligibility.
3. Visit the Citi Website: Go to the official Citi website and navigate to the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card page. You’ll find detailed information about the card’s benefits and features.
4. Submit Your Application: On the website, click the “Apply Now” button. You’ll be directed to an online form where you can fill in your personal and financial details. The application process is fast, and you’ll typically receive a response within a few minutes.
5. Wait for Approval: Citi will evaluate your creditworthiness and other factors before approving your application. If approved, you’ll receive your Citi Rewards+® Credit Card in the mail within 7-10 business days.
6. Start Earning Rewards: Once you have your card, you can start using it immediately to earn rewards on your purchases. Be sure to use it for your everyday spending and take advantage of the bonus categories to maximize your points.

Conclusion

The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is a solid choice for anyone looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases, especially those who regularly shop at supermarkets or fuel up at gas stations. With the added benefit of points rounding up to the nearest 10, no annual fee, and a generous sign-up bonus, it provides great value to consumers. However, be mindful of the foreign transaction fees and the cap on 2x points. If you think this card aligns with your spending habits, applying for the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card could be a great way to start earning rewards for your everyday purchases.