In this post, I’d like to talk a bit about the Citi Prestige Card, which is no longer open to new applicants. Despite that, it’s a product that continues to be in my wallet, and I figure it’s at least worth providing some context on why.
Continue reading: Guide To The Citi Prestige Card: Why It’s Still In My Wallet
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I have both the card and fond memories of the 4th night benefit before it was nerfed.
Any word on whether Citi will force Prestige holders into the Strata Elite? Would be a sad day.
Best card to this day for me because of the 5x on restaurants!
The 4th night like you mentioned isn't what it use to be. But SOMETIMES, JUST SOMETIMES, you can spot a diamond in the rough and get super outsize value.
I still have the card and it also costs me $100 (for the same reason). But then I typically manage to get some $300 worth of value out of the Fourth Night Free benefit (even after adjusting for the Citi portal's apparent 10% surcharge). The mostly unpublished additional benefit worth mentioning is 10x points for hotel bookings through their portal until this coming year-end. Like you, I also have the Double Cash and pay Citi for the Exec since I mostly fly AA.
Still have the card. 5x on flights without the coupon book is nice. As is the 3x on cruises.
One thing not to forget about is the opportunity cost of keeping $200k with Citi to maintain Citigold. If you're high income enough to where $200k is your emergency fund, well, fine. Otherwise, there is potentially a real cost in terms of the management fees you'll pay Citi vs. what you could pay elsewhere (a very good chance it's a lot more than $145 over the course of a year).
Ben, on average, how many times per year have you used a Priority Pass restaurant? How much do you spend on dining?
having the prestige card before they took away the option to get it is sort of like those of us who got lucky locking in a sub 3% mortgage in the US vs those who now have to suffer through 6-7%. count your blessings!!
Citi has a self-directed investment account that qualifies. However, the platform prohibits certain ETFs, which makes it a non-starter for some. Strangely, even Citi Private Client (higher asset level than regular Citi Gold) has the prohibition.
The other huge benefit to this card is the 5x on OTAs/TAs like expedia (and of course 5x on airfare with no cap like amex plat).
Vanguard Index Funds or similar can be put in your Citi account so zero cost to make Citigold.
Ben, it just occurred to me with all the points/miles/rewards you diligently chase- the amount of cards you own must mean your wallet is absolutely HUGE!
How do you fit it in your pocket?
Another benefit not often mentioned is the extra two years of warranty when used for purchases. This has saved me several thousand dollars over the years when something or other decides to give up the ghost after the typical one year warranty has run out.
Particularly useful for electronics especially laptops and cellphones. Citi will pay if the the battery dies. Combines with cellphone accident coverage from using a different card for the monthly service one can be essentially completely coverage against any sort of loss of failure.
Still have the card and use it for dining and airfare, although citi got rid of travel insurance so I don't put all my airfare spend on it.
I haven't used the 4th night free benefit in years as it's often times more expensive to book through the thankyou portal even with the 4th night free "discount".
I will never get rid of this card - just for the 4th night free benefit. This year I only used it once, and saved $1100. Last year, used it twice for a savings of $4100 (Park Hotel Vitznau in Switzerland and Sydney Pullman over NYE). No other card has 5x dining. And now with the AA transfer partner it is better than the CSR.
It is a fabulous card. However, I can't use it for travel because there is no travel insurance. I am surprised they haven't added it back.
Agreed! It’s an insane way to accrue American miles.
And also: The Strata Elite’s bonus categories for travel require using the Citi Travel portal. For airfare, Strata Elite earns 6x with the portal; Prestige earns 5x whether you use the portal or book direct.
On the hotel fourth night free benefit through the Citi travel portal, how competitive are the room rates?
On my Chase Ritz Carlton with three club level passes per year, they jack the prices up and they are not really “free”.
Can you still get elite night credits (ENC’s), loyalty benefits and program credit for hotel bookings on the Portal?