topic Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it? in Credit Cards

Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

raisemysc0re — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 21:27:12 GMT

Since I rebuilt my credit I have been working on getting back in with Citi.

I have a decent amount of Good cards that fill most of my needs.

I got their My BestBuy Visa card not too long ago, even though I rarely shop there, just to start a relationship with them.

Now that I am close to 800 scores and I think I am probably ready to get a non-branded Citi card... I don't see any real benefit.

Diamond is great for long term BT but I would never pay the 5% fee and even if I did the card is then basically useless with no rewards.

Premier card has a decent SUB but besides that I don't see the rewards as being worth the AF compared to other cards out there.

Double Cash is basically a 2% card and there are a ton of those around without the extra verification of making sure you get all of your rewards.

Custom Cash is kind of cool but the low monthly limit kinda limits its usefulness. I guess this would work for any low spenders in a single category.

Just seems like there are much better offerings out there for people with good-excellent credit...

Am I missing anything?

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

SDMarik — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 21:37:56 GMT

Sounds like you answered your own question here, seems like there is no reason for you to get a core Citi card.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

Jeffster1 — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 01:49:57 GMT

I remember in my "previous life" before my CH13, Citi seemed at one time, especially in the early 2000s, to be the "Holy Grail" of issuers. Now it just seems like the bloom is off the rose with Citi.

Nothing really compelling to me as opposed to before. I had a number of Citicards...perfect payment history from opening all the way to the CH13, but I still can't forget the day in 2009 they jacked all my cards to 29.99% interest with no triggering event on my part. My debt really didn't begin to accumulate until after that. Left a bad taste in my mouth but I'd still apply for one if they managed to come up with anything good.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 21:56:07 GMT

@Jeffster1 wrote:
I remember in my "previous life" before my CH13, Citi seemed at one time, especially in the early 2000s, to be the "Holy Grail" of issuers. Now it just seems like the bloom is off the rose with Citi.

Nothing really compelling to me as opposed to before. I had a number of Citicards...perfect payment history from opening all the way to the CH13, but I still can't forget the day in 2009 they jacked all my cards to 29.99% interest with no triggering event on my part. My debt really didn't begin to accumulate until after that. Left a bad taste in my mouth. I'd still apply for one if they managed to come up with anything good.

I think like many issuers, Citi has had some good/great cards in the past. Pre-nerf versions of the Presige was very good, and there were some interesting incarnations of the Premier. And then there was the Citi Forward <respectful moment of silence>

Also, before Barclays also got involved, their AA cards were the only game in town for that airline, and had their moments.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

ptatohed — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 22:26:05 GMT

You're right that DC is not that exclusive anymore with its 2% CB but you do need to give citi credit for being one of the big bank firsts with 2%. I appreciate my years of using DC.

I love the CC. The concept of you being able to select from a generous list of 5% CB cat's and choosing for yourself. I love it as a gap filler. In fact this quarter, I didn't really have grocery at 5%. Thus, CC it is.

I'm not a Cosco member but I know a lot of people who like their citi Cosco card.

And, sure, it's a different animal, but I am liking my SYW card a lot. The 5% / 3% back structure is generous and even before my $225 intro bonus spend period was over, they threw another bonus at me for $50 statement credit. Looking forward to more bonuses. The statement credits are true CB obviously but the % back isn't quite. The closest you can come to CB is using your % back points to buy gift cards. They have an offering of gift cards so large that I don't think there is anyone who couldn't find gift cards they like.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

calisig — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 22:37:00 GMT

@raisemysc0re wrote:
Now that I am close to 800 scores and I think I am probably ready to get a non-branded Citi card... I don't see any real benefit.
Diamond is great for long term BT but I would never pay the 5% fee and even if I did the card is then basically useless with no rewards.
Premier card has a decent SUB but besides that I don't see the rewards as being worth the AF compared to other cards out there.
Double Cash is basically a 2% card and there are a ton of those around without the extra verification of making sure you get all of your rewards.
Custom Cash is kind of cool but the low monthly limit kinda limits its usefulness. I guess this would work for any low spenders in a single category.
Just seems like there are much better offerings out there for people with good-excellent credit...
Am I missing anything?

I think Double Cash is probably their best non-branded card, and is a pretty solid contender in the 2% card market. As far as I know, it is the ONLY 2% card that doesn't require a deposit / membership relationship, AND doesn't require $25 redemption increments! I like their Costco card, but other than that, I don't think you are missing anything.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

wasCB14 — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 22:39:40 GMT

I used to be a big Citi fan and used the protections so much I probably contributed to the nerfing.

But now Citi's process of filing disputes and making extended warranty claims is a hassle. I wouldn't use my Costco Visa anywhere outside of Costco or a gas station.

I might get an AA MC for the SUB and pay utility bills or make a tax payment. But lately I fly Delta and United more.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

notmyrealname23 — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 22:52:48 GMT

I turn SUBs and ongoing spend on cards like the Premier or their AA cards into intercontinental business and first class award flights.

But yeah, if that's not your thing definitely stick with cash back, and I don't think you miss out by skipping Citi.

(I'm only holding one Citi card, I might go for the Premier and Custom Cash at some point, my problem is their cards outside of the Costco card don't have rental car insurance, which is a killer for me making them a primary earning ecosystem.)

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

SouthJamaica — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 23:06:42 GMT

@raisemysc0re wrote:
Since I rebuilt my credit I have been working on getting back in with Citi.
I have a decent amount of Good cards that fill most of my needs.
I got their My BestBuy Visa card not too long ago, even though I rarely shop there, just to start a relationship with them.
Now that I am close to 800 scores and I think I am probably ready to get a non-branded Citi card... I don't see any real benefit.
Diamond is great for long term BT but I would never pay the 5% fee and even if I did the card is then basically useless with no rewards.
Premier card has a decent SUB but besides that I don't see the rewards as being worth the AF compared to other cards out there.
Double Cash is basically a 2% card and there are a ton of those around without the extra verification of making sure you get all of your rewards.
Custom Cash is kind of cool but the low monthly limit kinda limits its usefulness. I guess this would work for any low spenders in a single category.
Just seems like there are much better offerings out there for people with good-excellent credit...
Am I missing anything?

Personally I like the Premier and DoubleCash, and I like having them in tandem so I can combine their point production.

The ThankYou points are worth a minimum of a penny each and can be worth significantly more if used for travel. To have 1 card giving you a return of 3 TYP's on gas, groceries, dining, hotel, and air, and another giving you 2 TYP's on everything else, is, to me, a pretty sweet combo.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

calisig — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:56:13 GMT

@wasCB14 wrote:
But now Citi's process of filing disputes and making extended warranty claims is a hassle. I wouldn't use my Costco Visa anywhere outside of Costco or a gas station.

Are you saying you have found Costco Visa warranty claims to be any more difficult than other cards? I have been buying all my warranty items with the Costco Visa, but haven't needed to use thier warranty extension - yet. On paper, the Costco Visa warranty is better than almost every other card I've seen, but if you can't exercise it, then it's useless. Could you please expand on this issue?

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

wasCB14 — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 01:21:43 GMT

@calisig wrote:
@wasCB14 wrote:
But now Citi's process of filing disputes and making extended warranty claims is a hassle. I wouldn't use my Costco Visa anywhere outside of Costco or a gas station.
Are you saying you have found Costco Visa warranty claims to be any more difficult than other cards? I have been buying all my warranty items with the Costco Visa, but haven't needed to use thier warranty extension - yet. On paper, the Costco Visa warranty is better than almost every other card I've seen, but if you can't exercise it, then it's useless. Could you please expand on this issue?

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Mixed-experience-with-Citi-Costco-Visa-Extended-Warranty/m-p/6570047

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

Lou-natic — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 01:35:17 GMT

I like my Citi cards, do I wish the DC was just straight 2%...well yeah.

But in combination with a CC it's pretty sweet. I really like my CC, it's my go to gas card. Getting 5 cents off per dollar for every gallon is freaking sweet. Not just 5 or 10 cents off with some "club membership" or what ever. You can also use the CC in combination with a gas app to increase the savings even more if you want to go that route...

For me honestly I like Citi more than I like Chase. Chase has never treated me well though while Citi and I seem to get along just fine.

I forsee myself making use of more Citi products in the future.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

raisemysc0re — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 02:12:41 GMT

There are some great points here. Thanks for all the advise...

The one thing pointed out is the 5% off on gas for the CC card.I may apply for that one.

I own an F150 and sometimes would go over 500/mo on gas alone.

Maybe if my wife and I both get this card we could maximize the gas savings.

Now for any advice as to if I should try to app and possibly waste an HP...

DPs

I read that Citi pulls Experian. My lowest current score of course (777).

Showing 1% UTI on credit cards

5% UTI for credit cards + HELOC

Inquiries 2/6, 4/12, 6/24

2 new cards in the last 2 months. BoA Custom Cash 28K and WF Authograph 30K.

My Best Buy Citi Visa for 5K is 11 months old with a little usage every few months.

Income around 200K

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

M_Smart007 — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 02:30:00 GMT

@raisemysc0re wrote:

"I read that Citi pulls Experian."

@raisemysc0re, Keep in mind, Citi can "double HP" at times. ie: EX & EQ

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

raisemysc0re — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 02:33:41 GMT

I would actually prefer if they did. only 1/12 on both with scores of 792 and 797.

11 months ago they denied me for the CC due to having too many inquiries on credit report.

I only had 2/12 at that point but one of them was the Citi Best Buy card and I might not have waited the 8 days between applications.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

M_Smart007 — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 03:12:45 GMT

@raisemysc0re wrote:
I would actually prefer if they did. only 1/12 on both with scores of 792 and 797.
11 months ago they denied me for the CC due to having too many inquiries on credit report.
I only had 2/12 at that point but one of them was the Citi Best Buy card and I might not have waited the 8 days between applications.

Citi can be a tough nut to crack on Legacy cards. I gave up.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

Drifter73 — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 03:15:18 GMT

Everyone seems to have different reasons to be drawn to Citi. For me, the main draw is that I can cash out all my cashback to any bank account I choose. Currently. I cash out to a credit union Retirement savings account and keep stacking it every few months.

I believe the majority of Citi core cards have that option. If not all of them.

Works better for me than gift cards or statement credits.

To each their own.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

xenon3030 — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 06:53:25 GMT

Premier is a good travel card and it has one of the highest SUB in the market. Anyway, it is one of the most difficult Citi cards to obtain. You may use its prequal website to check the odds.

If you are not seeking SUB and not looking for travel cards, the other cards in the market for the moment look better. For example, Affinity Cash Rewards was a better card to shop at Costco in this year (7%) vs Citi Costco.

As the others mentioned, Citi is a bit difficult lender to work with, reviewing the credit profile each month and they may take action in case of disliking any issue. This is a red flag regarding consumer's benefit, since any AA in a difficult financial time may trigger the other lenders and by a such domino effect, one may lose heavily...

I would suggest to be conservative and apply for Citi cards, if you really need them...

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

NoMoreE46 — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 17:52:02 GMT

@raisemysc0re wrote:
Since I rebuilt my credit I have been working on getting back in with Citi.
I have a decent amount of Good cards that fill most of my needs.
I got their My BestBuy Visa card not too long ago, even though I rarely shop there, just to start a relationship with them.
Now that I am close to 800 scores and I think I am probably ready to get a non-branded Citi card... I don't see any real benefit.
Diamond is great for long term BT but I would never pay the 5% fee and even if I did the card is then basically useless with no rewards.
Premier card has a decent SUB but besides that I don't see the rewards as being worth the AF compared to other cards out there.
Double Cash is basically a 2% card and there are a ton of those around without the extra verification of making sure you get all of your rewards.
Custom Cash is kind of cool but the low monthly limit kinda limits its usefulness. I guess this would work for any low spenders in a single category.
Just seems like there are much better offerings out there for people with good-excellent credit...
Am I missing anything?

Would you appl for any of these exact specific cards if the Issuer was Credit One, Premier Bank, Chase?

It kinds seems like you are wanting to be with Citi b/c its Citi rather than focusing getting a specific card /benefits.

Re: Citi Credit Cards - Worth it?

Aim_High — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:29:41 GMT

Don't apply for a Citi card just to apply for a Citi card, @raisemysc0re, but that applies for any lender. I think they have some good products, but the usefulness of any card depends on your existing card lineup, spending, and other factors.

I appreciate having Citi in-the-fold as one of my issuers since they are one of the four largest US banks and one of the ten largest issuers of credit cards in the US. They are a major player, much larger than many other names you see on the forums. I like the diversity of lenders among the largest US Banks and credit unions. FME, they tend to be more stable, better customer service, and have competitive products.

I don't like everything about their cards, just as there are limitations about other lenders. But they have solid offerings. They had the first mainstream 2% cash back card (Double Cash) and while I personally prefer the PenFed Power Cash, the Double Cash has its' strengths. In particular, since they allow movement of cash back as TY points to the Premier, it enhances the potential value. A Premier + Double Cash is a pretty great >two-card combo< if you can use the points for travel.

My Costco card is a still a great card. Back when they took over the Costco program in 2016, it was unusual in offering 4% on gas; 3% on travel and dining; and 2% at Costco with no Af. Some other lenders have caught up to it with subsequent cards. I've had other cards with them over the years, most recently a Sears card that I closed. I think they are a good lender and have no issues with customer service or technology. So if they have cards you find value in, I'd recommend them. If not, no big deal to skip them.