topic Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard in Credit Card Approvals

Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard--UPDATE

GeneralCucumbre — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 04:26:36 GMT

I called Citibank this afternoon to inquire about some of the ThankYou rewards and how I would much rather have the Dividend rewards instead. My credit card account with Citibank has jumped around quite a bit in terms of what type of product it is. Originally, when opened, it was a Citi Dividend Platinum Select Visa then was automatically upgraded to a Dividend World MasterCard about a year later. Just about two months ago, I requested a conversion from Dividend to ThankYou Preferred (still remained a World MasterCard, same account number, etc.) so I was concerned about this thinking maybe they wouldn't allow another product change.

When I asked about changing back to Dividend, the very friendly customer service specialist checked the computer for possible upgrades and said "Yes, we can offer you the Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard." I then confirmed again asking if it was a World or World Elite and he told me that it is indeed a World Elite card. (I also logged in online and they changed the top banner on my account page from Citi ThankYou Preferred to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard).

I am thrilled about the World Elite upgrade, mind you...but I was kind of shocked that Citi had offered it to me. I was shocked in that I was under the impression that you had to spend a certain amount annually in order to qualify. Indeed, I have used this card to rack up some heavy charges ($3000-$3500) and I did pay in full when the bill came...but that was only 2-3 times per year since I opened it in 2011. Some billing cycles, I had a bill of maybe fifty bucks...while others, I didn't use it at all.

Anyway, like I said, I am thrilled about the upgrade but I am even more happy that I am going back to the product that it originally was.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

FutureBillionaire — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:33:02 GMT

This is good info. I'm glad that worked out so well for you.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

GeneralCucumbre — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:39:25 GMT

Also...I was told that it will take 45 days to complete the conversion. I am assuming that is because the account number is going to change?

The same thing happened when I was automatically upgraded from Platinum Select Visa to World MasterCard about a year ago. They sent me a letter stating that my account will convert in 45 days.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

Epcot — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 03:14:06 GMT

Congrats on the PC! I just changed my Citi AA Amex to the Hilton HHonors Reserve and I got the card a week later even though they also told me 45 days.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 03:36:59 GMT

I'm only a few light years away from getting this card. lol

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 03:37:52 GMT

They claim that the 45 days is due to the card act that was passed a couple of years ago, but Citi is about the only company that has that policy.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

GeneralCucumbre — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 04:26:25 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
They claim that the 45 days is due to the card act that was passed a couple of years ago, but Citi is about the only company that has that policy.

UPDATE: I just checked online at Citi and it is showing me that a new card was sent out and should arrive within the next week. I clicked to see more info and it said that the new card sent out was a replacement Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard with the same account number.

Well, I guess I won't be waiting 45 days then. Also, shouldn't the account number change with the World Elite MasterCard? I am still showing the same last four digits under the World Elite card as it was under the World card.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

shinedown87 — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:01:29 GMT

I had called in about 4 months ago to see if my Citi Platinum Select World Mastercard (credit limit $10,500) could be upgraded to the Dividend World Elite Mastercard, and was told that it could not be upgraded. I also have a Thank You Premier World Mastercard (credit limit $2,000).

Today I saw this thread and decided to try again. I was told that it was not eligible and I asked if I could speak with an account manager to see if anything could be done. The account manager told me that neither of my cards (Platinum Select or Thank You Premier) were able to be changed to the Dividend World Elite, however she said that she could "override the system" for the Thank You Premier (but not for the Platinum Select) and change it over to the Dividend World Elite.

She explained the differences between the two cards, asked me if I was sure, then proceeded to do the conversion. I didn't receive any type of confirmation so I hope it really went through.

A little background on the card that was converted. I have had it since 2005. It has changed a time or two. I can't recall what it started out as, but I think it was called Citi Premier Pass (or something along those lines). I rarely use the card, and when I do it is for a very small purchase to keep the card from being automatically closed.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

Anonymous — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:30:49 GMT

@shinedown87 wrote:
I had called in about 4 months ago to see if my Citi Platinum Select World Mastercard (credit limit $10,500) could be upgraded to the Dividend World Elite Mastercard, and was told that it could not be upgraded. I also have a Thank You Premier World Mastercard (credit limit $2,000).

Today I saw this thread and decided to try again. I was told that it was not eligible and I asked if I could speak with an account manager to see if anything could be done. The account manager told me that neither of my cards (Platinum Select or Thank You Premier) were able to be changed to the Dividend World Elite, however she said that she could "override the system" for the Thank You Premier (but not for the Platinum Select) and change it over to the Dividend World Elite.

She explained the differences between the two cards, asked me if I was sure, then proceeded to do the conversion. I didn't receive any type of confirmation so I hope it really went through.

A little background on the card that was converted. I have had it since 2005. It has changed a time or two. I can't recall what it started out as, but I think it was called Citi Premier Pass (or something along those lines). I rarely use the card, and when I do it is for a very small purchase to keep the card from being automatically closed.

Did the CSR highlight any disadvantages of upgrading to the World Elite version?

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

mxp114 — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:53:48 GMT

On another thread a user with a $1k limit has the Citi Simplicity World Elite. Seems Citi/MC have opened the floodgates to justify the higher fees charged to merchants. I won't be surprised if World Elite becomes the new default issued MasterCard tier and then MC introducing another premium tier to replace it. It's just strange how Visa/MC cycle so many premium tiers into nothing especially after that $50M global marketing campaign and introducing more markets into WE and converting the Signia markets into WE.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

Anonymous — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:24:01 GMT

@mxp114 wrote:
On another thread a user with a $1k limit has the Citi Simplicity World Elite. Seems Citi/MC have opened the floodgates to justify the higher fees charged to merchants. I won't be surprised if World Elite becomes the new default issued MasterCard tier and then MC introducing another premium tier to replace it. It's just strange how Visa/MC cycle so many premium tiers into nothing especially after that $50M global marketing campaign and introducing more markets into WE and converting the Signia markets into WE.

I was thinking the same thing. Anecdotally, there seems to be a recent influx of new Citi WE conversions, and it's in Citibank's financial interest to do so.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

GeneralCucumbre — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:28:05 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@mxp114 wrote:
On another thread a user with a $1k limit has the Citi Simplicity World Elite. Seems Citi/MC have opened the floodgates to justify the higher fees charged to merchants. I won't be surprised if World Elite becomes the new default issued MasterCard tier and then MC introducing another premium tier to replace it. It's just strange how Visa/MC cycle so many premium tiers into nothing especially after that $50M global marketing campaign and introducing more markets into WE and converting the Signia markets into WE.
I was thinking the same thing. Anecdotally, there seems to be a recent influx of new Citi WE conversions, and it's in Citibank's financial interest to do so.

I was under the impression that you have to have a certain CL ($5k minimum) in order for them to even consider upgrading you to Visa Signature/World MC/World Elite MC. I know that this is the case with Chase...apparently Citi is not in the same practice. Is Citi the only bank that does this?

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard--UPDATE

jsucool76 — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:49:36 GMT

Nfcu (which is arguably a credit union, not a bank) apparently issues siggys at >5k.read a few threads with that.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

mxp114 — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:14:24 GMT

Citi can probably very easily get exemptions from MasterCard/Visa's card issuing guidelines that are enforced with other lenders. For example, for many years all the banks had to issue Platinum with $5k+. Citi was able to issue Platinum Select MasterCard's at $500, which gave them an edge because people couldn't get a Chase Platinum or MBNA Platinum but they could get a Citi Platinum. Anyway congrats to OP, it's a nice looking card with the silver logo

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard

shinedown87 — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:19:34 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@shinedown87 wrote:
I had called in about 4 months ago to see if my Citi Platinum Select World Mastercard (credit limit $10,500) could be upgraded to the Dividend World Elite Mastercard, and was told that it could not be upgraded. I also have a Thank You Premier World Mastercard (credit limit $2,000).

Today I saw this thread and decided to try again. I was told that it was not eligible and I asked if I could speak with an account manager to see if anything could be done. The account manager told me that neither of my cards (Platinum Select or Thank You Premier) were able to be changed to the Dividend World Elite, however she said that she could "override the system" for the Thank You Premier (but not for the Platinum Select) and change it over to the Dividend World Elite.

She explained the differences between the two cards, asked me if I was sure, then proceeded to do the conversion. I didn't receive any type of confirmation so I hope it really went through.

A little background on the card that was converted. I have had it since 2005. It has changed a time or two. I can't recall what it started out as, but I think it was called Citi Premier Pass (or something along those lines). I rarely use the card, and when I do it is for a very small purchase to keep the card from being automatically closed.
Did the CSR highlight any disadvantages of upgrading to the World Elite version?

She said that I would no longer get ThankYou points, and the APR would increase by 2%. She also mentioned about not having my photo on the card (which I never had anyway).

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard--UPDATE

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:12:09 GMT

I also had my card upgraded to World Elite level. PC from regular thank you to dividends WE.

My question is this card really as good as mastercard wants us to think? Are its benefits put in place by the issuing bank or by mastercard themselves?

The reason I ask is I want to have a good traveling benefits card to go along with my Amex TE and from what ive read from the pdf on this card thats been floating around, that it seems like it has a few nice perks for traveling (free companion tickets is pretty nice). Ive seen it refered to as a poor mans Amex Platinum, is this an acurate assumption or should focus on something else like a Amex Platinum or other travel benefits card down the line?

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard--UPDATE

mxp114 — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:18:25 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I also had my card upgraded to World Elite level. PC from regular thank you to dividends WE.

My question is this card really as good as mastercard wants us to think? Are its benefits put in place by the issuing bank or by mastercard themselves?

The reason I ask is I want to have a good traveling benefits card to go along with my Amex TE and from what ive read from the pdf on this card thats been floating around, that it seems like it has a few nice perks for traveling (free companion tickets is pretty nice). Ive seen it refered to as a poor mans Amex Platinum, is this an acurate assumption or should focus on something else like a Amex Platinum or other travel benefits card down the line?

The benefits are mediocre, including the terrible airport lounge program, which requires advanced notice and a voucher print off at $35 p/p. There doesn't seem to be much beyond what World MasterCard already offers. Most of the extras are provided by MasterCard at www.mastercard.com/worldelite For me the best part is the silver MC logo, otherwise wouldn't care.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard--UPDATE

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:18:01 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I also had my card upgraded to World Elite level. PC from regular thank you to dividends WE.

My question is this card really as good as mastercard wants us to think? Are its benefits put in place by the issuing bank or by mastercard themselves?

The reason I ask is I want to have a good traveling benefits card to go along with my Amex TE and from what ive read from the pdf on this card thats been floating around, that it seems like it has a few nice perks for traveling (free companion tickets is pretty nice). Ive seen it refered to as a poor mans Amex Platinum, is this an acurate assumption or should focus on something else like a Amex Platinum or other travel benefits card down the line?

The "perks" are pretty weak IMO. The lounge access is provided by Lounge First, which is arguably worst in breed. You have to pay a co-pay for every single lounge visit, and the lounge selection is very limited to begin with (worse than PP Select). The concierge is nice to have, but of little value to people IMO with Yelp, OpenTable, Hipmunk etc. out there. I think there may be some extra exotic fringe benefits included - things you would never want to even think about, like having your remains repatriated if you were to die while traveling internationally. I'm sure it's all in the PDF.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard--UPDATE

CreditScholar — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:35:47 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I also had my card upgraded to World Elite level. PC from regular thank you to dividends WE.

My question is this card really as good as mastercard wants us to think? Are its benefits put in place by the issuing bank or by mastercard themselves?

The reason I ask is I want to have a good traveling benefits card to go along with my Amex TE and from what ive read from the pdf on this card thats been floating around, that it seems like it has a few nice perks for traveling (free companion tickets is pretty nice). Ive seen it refered to as a poor mans Amex Platinum, is this an acurate assumption or should focus on something else like a Amex Platinum or other travel benefits card down the line?
The "perks" are pretty weak IMO. The lounge access is provided by Lounge First, which is arguably worst in breed. You have to pay a co-pay for every single lounge visit, and the lounge selection is very limited to begin with (worse than PP Select). The concierge is nice to have, but of little value to people IMO with Yelp, OpenTable, Hipmunk etc. out there. I think there may be some extra exotic fringe benefits included - things you would never want to even think about, like having your remains repatriated if you were to die while traveling internationally. I'm sure it's all in the PDF.

+1. Lounge First is terrible, and all other airport lounge programs are better (PP Select, Lounge Club and perhaps even Airport Angel).

You may find discounts for certain airlines and hotels, and I know for example BA was offering 10% off any airfare purchase last year if you had a WEMC. Other than that and some hotel upgrades much akin to Amex's FHR, most people won't really notice the difference.

Re: Upgraded to Citi Dividend World Elite MasterCard--UPDATE

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:19:52 GMT

@CreditScholar wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I also had my card upgraded to World Elite level. PC from regular thank you to dividends WE.

My question is this card really as good as mastercard wants us to think? Are its benefits put in place by the issuing bank or by mastercard themselves?

The reason I ask is I want to have a good traveling benefits card to go along with my Amex TE and from what ive read from the pdf on this card thats been floating around, that it seems like it has a few nice perks for traveling (free companion tickets is pretty nice). Ive seen it refered to as a poor mans Amex Platinum, is this an acurate assumption or should focus on something else like a Amex Platinum or other travel benefits card down the line?
The "perks" are pretty weak IMO. The lounge access is provided by Lounge First, which is arguably worst in breed. You have to pay a co-pay for every single lounge visit, and the lounge selection is very limited to begin with (worse than PP Select). The concierge is nice to have, but of little value to people IMO with Yelp, OpenTable, Hipmunk etc. out there. I think there may be some extra exotic fringe benefits included - things you would never want to even think about, like having your remains repatriated if you were to die while traveling internationally. I'm sure it's all in the PDF.
+1. Lounge First is terrible, and all other airport lounge programs are better (PP Select, Lounge Club and perhaps even Airport Angel).

You may find discounts for certain airlines and hotels, and I know for example BA was offering 10% off any airfare purchase last year if you had a WEMC. Other than that and some hotel upgrades much akin to Amex's FHR, most people won't really notice the difference.

I've found the hotel upgrades do be a near useless feature as well for both Visa Sig and MasterCard WE. If I'm spending my personal money, I'm better off using Hotel Tonight, Hotels.com, Priceline, etc. However, in order to get the hotel upgrades/perks you have to book directly through the credit card portal and essentially pay full fare. If you're lucky you can get the hotel to price match later, but that often means you lose out on the perks. It often ends up with me choosing between $100 and a free continental breakfast - I'll take the $100 any day.