It’s been a busy summer for credit card issuers and has introduced all the changes and introductions to the new credit card.
Now, Citi joins the party and finally releases the successor of the CitiPrestige® card – the brand new Citi Class Elite Card.
Expected to have been around for many years, and now it’s finally here, it’ll certainly be surprised with a $595 annual fee and some unique benefits.
Here is a summary of the new Citigroup Elite, a card with some flexible products, and an attempt by Citi to align the premium card with long-standing airline partner American Airlines.
Information on Citi Reputation Card and Citi Layer Elite Card has been independently collected by Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Clear at a glance
The annual fee for the new Citibank elite is $595, which is much higher than that of its Citibank peers. Citi Layer Premier® Card (See rates and fees), priced at $95.
Citi Reputation Cardholders will not convert to the new Citi Level Elite and can continue to carry their Reputation Cards. Additionally, assuming they belong to Citi’s eligibility rules, prestige cardholders can apply and qualify for welcome offers from Citigroup Elites.
The card offers over $800 in declared credit, several travel protections and access to priority access to lounges. It is also the only card on the market that offers Admiral Club access in the form of a four-year lounge pass.
The Citibank elite will be released as Mastercard World Legend Card, the first card of its kind, with privileges including priority retention in high demand restaurants abroad and tickets to global music, drama and sporting events.
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Related: How long does it take to obtain a statement credit from the issuer?
New transfer partners are released
At the launch of the Citigroup Elite, Citi has added American Airlines Aadvantage as a transfer partner for Themyou Rewards program.
Qualified cards that can be leveraged by this exciting new partner are Citi class elites, Citi class prime ministers and Citi reputation. Citi is the only major credit card issuer to use American Airlines as a transfer partner. The point transfer rate is 1:1, which means that 1,000 thank-you points will become 1,000 Aadvantage reward miles.
Citi Level Elites also have access to the rest of the transfer partners of the Citi Thanks Rewards Program.
Related: Best Uses for American Airlines Aadvantage Miles
Authorized User
Cardholders will have the ability to add authorized users at a price of $75 each.
Authorized users will have access to their preferred membership through selected memberships, including the ability to carry two guests. They also have access to all the travel and shopping protections provided by the card.
Related: Everything you need to know about authorized credit card users
Amazing income rate
The new Citibank elite’s money-making rate is different from what you expect from a premium credit card. Cardholders will earn:
- It costs 12 points per dollar for hotels, car rentals and attractions booked at the Citi Travel Portal.
- A flight ticket booked through the Citi Travel Portal costs 6 pips per dollar.
- Spend 6 o’clock in the restaurant, including restaurant delivery purchased at the restaurant every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar for purchases at restaurants these days and hours.
- 1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Citi is prioritizing cardholders to use their own travel portal to get the biggest rewards. While this is similar to products offered by other issuers, the card lacks any other bonus categories, such as booking a ticket or hotel directly.
This is a real pain point, e.g. American Express Platinum Card® and Chase SapphireReserve® (See Rates and Fees) Both offer reward points when booking directly.
On the other hand, high Friday and Saturday income rates are a unique benefit for those who often dine on weekends.
Unique Lifestyle Credits and Travel Allowances
The Citigroup Elite offers enough statement points and benefits to offset the card’s annual fee, some of which are unique compared to other credit cards.
First, Citi and American Airlines partnerships are getting closer and cardholders will be able to travel outside the outdoors in each calendar year with priority access and able to bring two guests.
As a premium travel card, it also has no foreign transaction fees.
The card provides several declared credits:
- $300 Annual Hotel Benefits: Each calendar year, cardholders can receive up to $300 off on prepaid hotel accommodation (booking at least two nights) when booking through Citigroup Travel.
- $200 Squander credit: Each calendar year, cardholders have a statement credit limit of up to $200 when choosing two brands: 1stdibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Serlication Training and Live Nation.
- $200 Blacklane Credit: Blacklane Chauffeur bookings receive annual annual statements (up to $200 per year).
- $120 Global Entry/TSA Precheck Credit: $120 statement credit granted to Global Entry or TSA Precheck every four years.
The stated points and the visit value of the Admiral Club is approximately $1,100. Certain declared credits are easily maximized, such as hotel benefits, which immediately discounts the qualifying booking at checkout for $300. Squandering credit can be easily used to purchase tickets for American Airlines or upgrades.
As a frequent traveler, I find black and white credit useful. However, as a driver service, the pricing may be high and bookings may exceed $100.
Cardholders will also enter the premium hotel through the reserve via Citi Travel. This includes collections of 4.5-5-star hotels visiting Citi Travel, and offers such as free breakfast for two, free Wi-Fi, $100 experience credit (varies by property), early check-in, evening checkout and room upgrades (available) (available).
Related: American Joins’ “gra-and-go” Rush to open a new lounge concept in Charlotte
Bottom line
Citigroup Elite is the latest premium card to join the team led by Chase, American Express and Capital One.
Depending on your spending and travel habits, it may be worth waiting for a credit with American Airlines as a transfer partner, Admiral Club Pass and a unique statement. Unfortunately, Citi lacks its own branded airport lounge, and the priority pass lounge is not too spectacular today, but it does have a priority pass featured membership.
Card members will enjoy the high income rate of Citi Travel Booking; however, direct booking trips can only earn 1 point per dollar, making it difficult for travelers to maximize their income potential.
The niche income rate for restaurant purchases is innovative and may be a great welcome for those who like to dine on weekends.
If you are not a frequent traveler at American Airlines or other OneWorld Airlines, or if you prefer to book a trip directly, you may want to explore other cards.
Related: New Citi Class Cards are now accepting applications
