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Share on FlipboardCiti Premier® Review – Are Rewards Worth the Annual Fee?
The Citi Premier Credit Card is a decent choice for savvy consumers seeking a blend of travel perks and everyday rewards. Boasting a generous rewards program, cardholders earn accelerated points on travel, dining, entertainment, and more. The card stands out with its impressive sign-up bonus, offering a substantial points boost from the get-go.
Citi® Premier®
1x - 3x
Air travel and hotels
3x
Restaurants
3x
Supermarkets
3x
Gas station
3x
All other purchases
1x
Fees and APR
Other features
60,000 Points
Visit thankyou.com to view the entire rewards collection available through the ThankYou® Rewards program. Upon login, you can browse and redeem rewards in several ways. Choose from a large selection of gift cards including department and home stores as well as restaurants. 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards. Redeem your Citi Premier® Cards ThankYou® Points for flights, hotels, cruises and more.
Our Verdict
Best Suited for:
Always-on-the-road 
Travel is your middle name. When you aren’t taking advantage of transit for your daily commute in the form of cabs, rideshares and trains, you are looking for a weekend escape. And if there is an opportunity to go somewhere, you take it. You are into earning miles, getting hotel upgrades, eating out and making sure your car is always fueled.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Big sign-up bonus. |  Limited choice of well-known or domestic transfer partners. |
| Triple points on top spending categories and travel. | Hotel discount may be of limited value. |
| Multiple international travel partners. | Lack of travel protections. |
| No foreign transaction fees. | No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers. |
| No limit on the points you can earn and points don’t expire. | Points redeemed for airfare now worth just 1 cent (through the Citi ThankYou portal). |
Comparing Citi Premier with similar cards
Citi® Premier®
Wells Fargo Autograph®
American Express® Gold
Beyond the basics
| Balance transfer intro APR | 21.24% – 29.24% (variable) for transfers completed within two months from date of account opening |
| Cash advance APR | 29.99% (variable) |
| Foreign transaction fees | None |
| Loan APR | N/A |
| Late payment fee | up to $41 |
| Penalty APR | Up to 29.99% (variable) |
| Credit score required | 700+ |
Other offers
$0 Fraud liability guaranteeYou are never held responsible for unauthorized purchases on your account. Potential fraud is automatically blocked.
Redeem for travelYou can redeem your ThankYou Points for travel bookings, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Your points may have different values depending on how you redeem them.
Purchase protectionThe card may offer purchase protection, which can help cover the cost of eligible items in case of damage or theft for a certain period after purchase.
Extended warrantySome purchases made with the Citi Premier Card may receive an extended warranty benefit, giving you extra peace of mind.-
Trip cancellation and interruption protectionThis benefit may reimburse you for non-refundable expenses in case your trip is canceled or interrupted for covered reasons.
Travel accident insuranceYou may be eligible for travel accident insurance, which provides coverage in the event of accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier.
Auto rental insuranceWhen you rent a car and pay with your Citi Premier Card, you may receive coverage for damage due to collision or theft.
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Price rewindThis feature allows you to get a refund of the price difference if you find a lower price on an eligible item within a specified time frame after purchase.
Lost luggage protectionIf your luggage is lost while traveling on a common carrier and you’ve paid for your trip with your card, you may receive reimbursement for your lost belongings.
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Identity theft solutionsThe card may offer identity theft solutions to help you recover in case your identity is compromised.
What we like about this card
Robust rewards structure
The Citi Premier Credit Card impresses with its generous rewards program, offering accelerated points on key spending categories like travel, dining, and entertainment. This makes it an ideal companion for those who enjoy both everyday indulgences and frequent travel.
Lucrative sign-up bonus
The card kicks off with a substantial sign-up bonus, providing cardholders with an immediate boost in points. This enticing feature sweetens the deal for new users, making it particularly attractive from the onset.
Flexible redemption options
The flexibility in redeeming earned points is a standout feature. Whether you prefer to use your points for travel, cash back, or other rewards, the Citi Premier Credit Card caters to diverse preferences, allowing users to maximize the value of their rewards.
No foreign transaction fees
Travelers will appreciate the absence of foreign transaction fees. This feature not only enhances the card's appeal for globetrotters but also ensures that users can make purchases abroad without incurring additional costs.
Drawbacks and considerations
Annual fee
While the Citi Premier Credit Card offers substantial benefits, it comes with an annual fee. Potential cardholders should weigh the value of the rewards and features against this cost to ensure it aligns with their spending habits and financial priorities.
Redemption restrictions
Although the card provides flexible redemption options, there are some restrictions to be mindful of. Certain redemption categories may offer better value than others, and the redemption process itself may require careful navigation to optimize point value.
Variable APR
The card's Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is variable and can be relatively high for those carrying a balance. Responsible credit management is crucial to avoid accruing interest charges, as these can offset the value of the rewards earned.
Limited travel partners
While the Citi Premier Credit Card has a variety of redemption options, its list of airline transfer partners is not as extensive as some other premium travel cards. Potential cardholders should assess whether the available partners align with their travel preferences.
Lack of luxury benefits
The Citi Premier card doesn’t provide benefits like travel insurance, extended warranty, purchase protection, access to airport lounges, or others that many travel cards on the market provide. Weigh the importance of these benefits when choosing a card.
How to decide if this card is right for you
Choosing a credit card is a personal decision that hinges on individual preferences and financial habits. Here are key factors to consider when determining if the Citi Premier Credit Card is the right fit for you:
Spending habits
Evaluate your typical spending patterns. If you frequently spend on travel, dining, and entertainment, the accelerated points in these categories make the Citi Premier Card an attractive option.
Travel plans
Assess your travel plans and preferences. If you're a frequent traveler or have upcoming trips, the card's travel perks, including the lack of foreign transaction fees and ability to redeem rewards for travel may significantly enhance your experience.
Rewards optimization
Consider how you plan to redeem your rewards. If you appreciate flexibility in choosing between travel, cash back, or other options, the Citi Premier's versatile redemption options may align well with your preferences.
Financial discipline
Since the card comes with an annual fee and a variable APR, it's essential to evaluate your financial discipline. If you can manage your credit responsibly and pay off your balance monthly, you can maximize the card's benefits without incurring high-interest charges.
Interest in Citi transfer partners
If you have a specific preference for or loyalty to the Citi transfer partners, check if they align with your travel needs. The card's transfer options may influence your decision, especially if you have preferred airlines or hotel chains.
Tolerance for drawbacks
Consider the drawbacks mentioned, such as the annual fee and lack of luxury benefits. If these limitations align with your financial expectations and you are comfortable with the trade-offs, the Citi Premier Credit Card may still be a suitable choice.
Credit score
Ensure that your credit score meets the card's eligibility requirements. The Citi Premier Card is typically designed for individuals with good to excellent credit, so a strong credit history is essential for approval.
Found a perfect pair
Pair your Citi Premier with Citi Custom Cash
Pair this card with the Citi Custom Cash credit card to maximize your everyday purchases. While some of the categories have the potential to overlap, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your highest spend category per billing cycle. You could use the Citi Custom Cash card for the two categories you’re most likely to max out, and then move your spending in those categories over to the Citi Premier card for 3x points back. Or, if you don’t want to keep track of that, use the Citi Custom Cash regularly in a 5% category that doesn’t overlap.
Methodology
Credello’s credit card reviews aim to provide readers with clear and unbiased information to help them choose the right credit card that aligns with their financial goals and needs. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, disclosure of any potential biases, and regular updates to ensure the information remains relevant and accurate for readers.The methodology used to review the best Wells Fargo Credit Cards relied on a number of factors, with the most prominent of those being:
- Assess the interest rates charged on outstanding balances.
- Evaluate the cost of owning the credit card, including any annual fees.
- Examine rewards programs, cashback offers, travel perks, and other cardholder benefits.
- Analyze introductory APR, balance transfer offers, and sign-up bonuses.
- Consider the card’s credit limit and its suitability for different financial needs.
- Review late fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges.
- Determine the credit score needed to qualify for the card.
- Research the quality and accessibility of customer support.
- Assess security measures such as fraud protection and chip technology.
The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.
At a Glance 
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