Citi Rewards+ Card: A Comprehensive Guide

The Citi Rewards+® Card is one of the most popular rewards credit cards offered by Citi. Designed for individuals who want to earn points for their everyday purchases, this card provides a solid rewards program with added benefits. Whether you're looking to earn rewards on groceries, gas, or everyday spending, the Citi Rewards+® Card offers an easy way to accumulate points without needing to focus on complicated categories or rotating rewards. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Citi Rewards+® Card, including its features, benefits, fees, and how to apply.

Overview of the Citi Rewards+® Card

The Citi Rewards+® Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows you to earn ThankYou® points on every purchase. It's a straightforward and flexible rewards card that appeals to those who want to earn rewards with minimal effort. The unique aspect of this card is its round-up feature, which means that every eligible purchase you make will be rounded up to the nearest 10 points. This makes it easier to accumulate points over time, especially on small everyday purchases.

Whether you're buying groceries, gas, or making other routine purchases, the Citi Rewards+® Card helps you earn rewards with every swipe, and it comes with a host of additional benefits designed to enhance your overall experience.

Key Features of the Citi Rewards+® Card

1. Earn 2X Points on Supermarket Purchases: One of the key selling points of the Citi Rewards+® Card is its ability to earn 2 ThankYou® points per dollar spent at supermarkets (on the first $6,000 spent per year). This is a great benefit for individuals who spend a significant amount on groceries, as it allows you to earn double the rewards on this everyday expense.
2. Earn 1X Points on All Other Purchases: The Citi Rewards+® Card earns 1 ThankYou® point for every dollar spent on all other purchases. While this isn’t as high as the 2X rate for supermarkets, it’s still a solid earning rate that helps you accumulate rewards on everyday expenses, such as gas, dining, or online shopping.
3. Points Round-Up Feature: The Citi Rewards+® Card stands out from other cards with its unique "round-up" feature. On every eligible purchase, Citi rounds up to the nearest 10 points. For example, if you spend $3.50, you'll earn 10 points instead of just 3. This small feature can add up over time, making it easier to collect points without needing to make large purchases.
4. Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn a sign-up bonus of 20,000 ThankYou® points after spending $1,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. These points are worth $200 when redeemed for gift cards, travel, or other rewards through the Citi ThankYou® program. This bonus is a great way to quickly boost your rewards balance.
5. No Annual Fee: One of the most attractive aspects of the Citi Rewards+® Card is that it comes with no annual fee. This makes it a very cost-effective choice for individuals who want to earn rewards without the added burden of a yearly fee. Many rewards cards come with an annual fee, so the lack of a fee with the Citi Rewards+® Card is a major benefit.
6. Flexible Points Redemption with Citi ThankYou® Rewards: Citi Rewards+® Cardholders can redeem their points through the Citi ThankYou® Rewards program, which offers a variety of redemption options, including travel, gift cards, shopping, and even statement credits. Points can also be transferred to Citi's airline and hotel partners for travel rewards. This flexibility allows you to choose the best way to use your points, depending on your preferences.
7. 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers: The Citi Rewards+® Card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening. After the introductory period ends, the variable APR applies, ranging from 18.24% to 28.24%. This introductory offer can be particularly beneficial for those looking to make a big purchase or consolidate existing debt without paying interest for the first 15 months.
8. No Foreign Transaction Fees: The Citi Rewards+® Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent option for international travelers. Many credit cards charge extra fees when you make purchases outside the U.S., but with this card, you won’t have to worry about those added costs.
9. Travel and Purchase Protections: Citi provides additional protections for cardholders, including purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and travel accident insurance. Purchase protection covers eligible items in case they are damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase, while extended warranty protection adds an additional year to the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible items.
10. Citi Flex Plan®: The Citi Rewards+® Card also offers the Citi Flex Plan®, which allows you to manage large purchases by converting them into manageable monthly installments. This is especially useful for larger purchases that you might need more time to pay off.

How the Citi Rewards+® Card Works

The Citi Rewards+® Card works like most other credit cards, with the added benefit of the round-up feature and the higher rewards rate on supermarket purchases. To maximize your rewards, you’ll want to focus on spending at supermarkets, where you can earn 2 points per dollar (up to $6,000 per year), and then use your card for all other purchases to earn 1 point per dollar.

The points you earn through the Citi Rewards+® Card can be redeemed through Citi’s ThankYou® Rewards program, which allows you to use your points for a variety of rewards. The redemption options include travel, gift cards, shopping, and more. You can also transfer your points to one of Citi’s travel partners, which can be a great way to get even more value out of your points.

Additionally, the 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers is a great feature if you plan on making a large purchase or transferring a balance from a higher-interest credit card. It’s important to make sure you pay off your balance before the 15-month introductory period ends to avoid paying interest on your remaining balance.

Fees and Interest Rates

The Citi Rewards+® Card has the following fees and interest rates:

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: The variable APR for purchases and balance transfers ranges from 18.24% to 28.24% (after the 0% introductory APR period ends).
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5, whichever is greater.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40

How to Apply for the Citi Rewards+® Card

Applying for the Citi Rewards+® Card is simple and can be done online through the Citi website. Here's how you can apply:

1. Check Your Credit Score: Before applying, check your credit score. The Citi Rewards+® Card is typically for people with good to excellent credit, so it’s important to make sure your credit score meets the requirements (usually 700 or higher).
2. Visit the Citi Website: Go to the Citi website and navigate to the Citi Rewards+® Card page. Here, you’ll find all the details about the card’s features, benefits, and the online application form.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with your personal details, such as your name, address, income, Social Security number, and employment information. Citi will use this information to assess your eligibility for the card.
4. Review the Terms: Be sure to read the card’s terms and conditions, including the rewards program details, APR, fees, and other important information, before submitting your application.
5. Submit Your Application: After completing the application and reviewing the terms, submit your application online. Citi will usually notify you of the decision within a few minutes, although it may take longer in some cases.
6. Activate Your Card: If approved, you will receive your Citi Rewards+® Card in the mail. After receiving it, activate the card by following the instructions on the enclosed welcome letter. Then, you can begin using your card to earn rewards on your purchases.

Conclusion

The Citi Rewards+® Card is an excellent choice for individuals who want to earn rewards on their everyday purchases without paying an annual fee. With its unique round-up feature, the ability to earn 2X points at supermarkets, and access to Citi’s ThankYou® Rewards program, this card offers plenty of ways to maximize your points and redeem them for valuable rewards. Whether you're looking to earn points on groceries, gas, or other everyday purchases, the Citi Rewards+® Card offers an easy and rewarding way to make the most out of your spending.

Applying for the Citi Rewards+® Card is simple, and the card's array of features and benefits make it a solid option for anyone who wants to earn rewards and enjoy the flexibility of redeeming points on travel, shopping, and more.