Questions and Answers

Hi Lucky,
I am an avid fan of your blog and love the work that you do. After reading several of your endorsements of the Citi Prestige Card over the past year, I applied for the card because of its excellent value proposition in the first year of use (especially the calendar year airfare credit). My first year with the Citi Prestige is almost at an end and I’m finding it increasingly difficult to justify the annual fee one more time. I understand the fourth night free benefit has the potential to be the most lucrative but with Citi’s recent changes re: averaging the nightly rate of this benefit, I’m seriously considering cancelling the card.

This brings me to my question: Could you talk about the benefits of holding the card for a second year versus canceling? What happens to unused TY points if the card is cancelled? I would guess that a number of people who read your posts regarding this card and applied are at this stage. I would love to hear your thoughts about what you are personally doing and whether this card makes sense to keep for another year.

I wish AirBnB were eligible for the fourth night benefit as I have had to use that lately for excellent properties for long trips. Anyway, thank you very much and I wish you well during the holidays.

-Jason

Well the $250 travel credit bring the cost down to $200 a year, if that helps. and you should have gotten global entry, which is another $100 that you wouldnt have to pay extra for. Keeping the card depends on your travel patterns. If you really dont find yourself taking advantage of the 4th night free, consider downgrading the card to the CitiPremier. You’d be able to keep your points and still transfer it to travel partners.

[QUOTE=”JasonBoston, post: 24391″]What happens to unused TY points if the card is cancelled? I would guess that a number of people who read your posts regarding this card and applied are at this stage.

-Jason[/QUOTE]

TY Points expire 60 days after you cancel the card. Citi doesn’t do a great job making this clear and it is a strict policy. If you continue to travel with some frequency, then I’d keep the card. If not, downgrade to the Premier so you can keep the points. (Or transfer them now and cancel)