How to use Citibank elites to squander annual value of up to $200

brand new Citigroup Elite Card (See Interest Rates and Fees) offers impressive revenue rates, excellent transfer partner selection (including American Airlines Aadvantage), and significant welcome reward offers for new cardholders.

For a limited time, you can spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening an account, and you can earn 80,000 bonuses in the first three months of opening an account. According to TPG’s August 2025 valuation, the welcome offer is worth $1,520. If you apply in person at a Citi branch, you can get a higher welcome offer after meeting the same expenditure requirements.

Additionally, Strata Elite Cards offer valuable declared credits, most notably “squandered” credits, which can be refunded up to $200 per calendar year for cardholders.

You need to know everything about Citi’s squandering credit, including how to activate it and the cleverest way to use it.

What is what is the Citi class elite waving?

Each calendar year, Citigroup Elite Card Members can earn a statement credit of $200 on purchases of up to two participating brands. You don’t need to sign up in advance, but you do need to strategically choose a brand.

Qualified retailers in 2025 include:

• 1stdibs (for sale of luxury furniture, jewelry and art)
• American Airlines
• Best Buy
• Future personal training
• On-site ethnicity (event tickets and experiences)

Cardholders can earn statement credits in any or both of these merchants, but they cannot earn statements in all five merchants.

So, for example, you can earn $200 in credits separately with American Airlines, otherwise you can distribute between Best Buy and the Onsite Ethnicity.

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How to squander credit benefits work

Card members must log in to their account and nominate one or two squandered businessmen they wish to choose. Even if you may not buy two at the same time, it is a good idea to choose two. You can change the businessman at any time.

This offer is only for qualified purchases made directly with the brand, not through third-party sellers or dealers, which is especially important for popular concert tickets.

For American Airlines purchases, AA cargo, hotel bookings, car rentals or improvements in Aadvantage status, are not eligible for splurge credit.

You will receive a total of up to $200 in credit and you don’t need a minimum spend. Once you make a qualified purchase, the credit will be posted to your account with a statement credit.

According to Citi website, you must activate the merchant you selected, and purchases made by the main card and authorized users are eligible for squandering points.

The best way to use squander credit

Citi targets this benefit to cardholders who value travel, technology and experience-based spending. Here are some smart ways to use credit:

• Book flights or auxiliary fees with American Airlines: Since you can raise your rewards to Aadvantage at a 1:1 rate, this will be a great way to pay for any fees, taxes and surcharges required for the reward redemption.
• Improve your tech game from Best Buy: Whether you are buying headphones, smart home gear or accessories, Best Buy is a smart way to quickly and maximize credit.
• Tickets for the live country score concert or event: As the average air ticket costs rise, this is a practical way to reduce the cost of the night.
• Use 1stdibs to buy products: If you are already a big payer in this category, then credit may be a small but meaningful rebate.
• Get a future personalized coach: This subscription-based fitness platform is not cheap, so the $200 discount is long.

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What other points are available for this card?

As a new premium credit card, Citigroup Elite Card With other benefits, including:

• Hotel Credit: Get discounts on up to one prepaid hotel stay (at least two nights booking) when booking Citigroup travel for each calendar year
• Global Entry/TSA Precheck Credit: Global admission fee or TSA Precheck application fee up to $120 per four years.
• Blacklane Credit: Blacklane Chauffeur booking up to $100 biennial credits (up to $200 per year)
• Lounge entry: Free Priority Pass Selection Lounge and Four Admiral Clubs Passed Every Year

Related: Citigroup Elite: Citi has finally added a premium travel card – is it worth the wait?

Bottom line

New Citigroup Elite Squandering credit is flexible and provides convenient value, especially if you are already shopping with a qualified brand or flying. While not as extensive as travel credits for competitors like Chase or American Express, it is a powerful benefit that helps offset the high $595 fee for the card’s fairly high age.

Just make sure to limit your spending to one or two brands per year – otherwise, you may leave a portion of it on the table.

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