Your Guide to Citi Rewards+: Simple, No-Fee Rewards for Daily Expenses

The Citi Rewards+ credit card offers a unique twist for anyone looking to maximize rewards on their everyday spending. Unlike many rewards cards, Citi Rewards+ includes a one-of-a-kind feature where every purchase earns points that round up to the nearest 10. This innovative approach might not seem like a major perk at first glance. Still, for anyone who frequently makes small purchases, it can quickly add up, turning minor transactions into valuable rewards.

This review looks deeper into Citi Rewards+, how it competes with others in rewards credit cards, their key benefits and potential downsides, and who may benefit the most from what it offers.

How Citi Rewards+ Rounds Up Rewards?

The Citi Rewards+ card has a distinct system of rewarding small purchases. Every purchase, regardless of amount, gets rounded to the next 10 points. For instance, when you spend $2 on a coffee, you get 10 points instead of earning the standard 2 points. This rounding-up strategy can significantly enhance your rewards over time, especially for those who frequently make small purchases like grocery runs or morning coffees. Thus, Citi Rewards+ awards rewards in a manner that may be substantial but would not require a lot of spending to attain high-value thresholds.

Apart from the rounded-up points, Citi Rewards+ offers double points on major categories like supermarkets and gas stations. This means, for instance, that the cardholder earns two points per dollar on groceries or gasoline, making it an excellent choice for daily expenses. In scenarios where one spends the most in these categories, the card’s double points feature maximizes rewards.

Redeem Points with ThankYou Rewards

The Citi Rewards+ card also provides access to the flexible ThankYou Rewards program, where users can redeem points for various reward options. Users can exchange their points for gift cards, travel bookings, statement credits, or purchases with popular retailers like Amazon. New cardholders receive a welcome bonus in the form of ThankYou Points after meeting a spending requirement within the first few months.

Additionally, Citi offers a 10% rebate on points redeemed each year, up to the first 100,000 points. This means 100 points are returned for every 1,000 redeemed, encouraging frequent redemptions and maximizing long-term reward value. Whether redeeming for everyday needs or special treats, Citi’s ThankYou Points program offers flexibility and value, making it a strong option for users looking to get the most from their Citi Rewards+ card.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Citi Rewards+

While the Citi Rewards+ card excels in many areas, it’s important to consider both the benefits and limitations to understand if it’s the right fit for your spending habits. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

Benefits of Citi Rewards+

One of the card’s most attractive aspects is its lack of an annual fee, which makes it easy to justify keeping it in your wallet without worrying about recouping the cost. For those focused on saving as much as possible, this feature alone makes Citi Rewards+ worth considering.

There’s also no cap on the number of points you can earn, allowing frequent shoppers to maximize rewards without restrictions. This is especially beneficial for anyone who wants a rewards card without being limited by spending categories or reward caps.

Additionally, Citi Rewards+ comes with standard credit card protections, such as fraud protection and access to Citi’s customer service. These features add a layer of security and assurance, which can be especially comforting for those who might not be familiar with credit card rewards.

Drawbacks of Citi Rewards+

However, the Citi Rewards+ card may not be the best choice for heavy travelers or those who prioritize premium perks. While ThankYou Points can be redeemed for travel, the options may feel limited compared to cards specifically designed for travel rewards. This card also lacks some premium benefits like airport lounge access, free checked bags, or TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits, which might be a dealbreaker for frequent travelers looking for those amenities.

Furthermore, the double points on supermarket and gas station purchases cap at a certain dollar amount annually. After reaching that threshold, points revert to the standard 1 point per dollar spent. This limitation could restrict potential rewards for big spenders in those categories, making it less appealing for those who have high grocery or fuel expenses.

Lastly, Citi Rewards+ is not as widely accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard. This can be a drawback for those who often travel abroad, as it may limit the card’s usability in some areas.

Is Citi Rewards+ Right for You?

The Citi Rewards+ card is perfect if you make frequent small purchases and want a no-annual-fee card that rewards daily spending. Its unique rounding-up feature means every purchase rounds to the nearest 10 points, allowing everyday buys like coffee or snacks to yield greater rewards. You’ll also earn double points at supermarkets and gas stations, making it ideal for those who spend regularly on essentials.

However, it’s not the best fit for heavy travelers or those seeking premium perks like lounge access. Flexible ThankYou Points redemption options and a 10% points rebate on annual redemptions are valuable options for everyday earners focused on maximizing rewards without a high-spend requirement or annual fee.

Conclusion

The Citi Rewards+ card is a straightforward, fee-free option that makes everyday purchases more rewarding. The unique rounding-up feature may seem minor, but it adds significant value over time, especially for frequent small transactions. With flexible redemption options, it fits various lifestyles, not just frequent travelers. While it lacks luxury perks, it’s ideal for those wanting simple, accessible rewards without an annual fee or high spending requirements. For many, Citi Rewards+ is a reliable choice that quietly builds points on everyday purchases. If this aligns with your goals, it’s a valuable addition to your wallet, with points that grow faster than expected.