Citi Forward Rewards Reduced?

[kc12286]

I was thinking that too, but  a couple of users said More was better because of the percentage back. 5% vs 2% (or 1%) and I'd agree. If I apply by this next week, I'd think I'd get the card in time to use it for the July-Sept cash back period. Plus I've received pre-approval offers for More not Open Road.

[smc733]

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@kc12286 wrote:

I was thinking that too, but  a couple of users said More was better because of the percentage back. 5% vs 2% (or 1%) and I'd agree. If I apply by this next week, I'd think I'd get the card in time to use it for the July-Sept cash back period. Plus I'd probably find a use for the other categories.

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Keep in mind the first $3,000 on more spent on non-5% categories only earns .25%.  I'd go for Chase Freedom first.

[scientifics]

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@kc12286 wrote:

I was thinking that too, but  a couple of users said More was better because of the percentage back. 5% vs 2% (or 1%) and I'd agree. If I apply by this next week, I'd think I'd get the card in time to use it for the July-Sept cash back period. Plus I'd probably find a use for the other categories.

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The only issue with the More 5% catergories is spending is extremely limited. For example, for the July-Sept 5% category (Gas, Hotels, Movies) you only get 5% on $300, after that it's the standard 0.25% (or 1% if you're at the $3,000 threshold for the year).

[trumpet-205]

For 5% rotating category cards,

If you do online shopping a lot,

Go with Discover More (ShopDiscover)

If you shop at a specific rotating category a lot,

Go with Citi Dividend Platinum Select (No limits on each rotating category, annual limits of $300)

If you shop all around,

Go with Chase Freedom (No annual limits, only each rotating category has limits)

Keep in mind you can use website like ebates with Citi Dividend Platinum Select and Chase Freedom to increase online cashback.

[kc12286]

I see what you're saying. But isn't Open Road restricted as well, it's 1 or 2% for every $250. I don't remember exactly. I'm sure that I'll end up using it for more than just gas. But the purpose for the most part is to use it for gas. I'm not spending much on gas, probably $120-130 a month.

[scientifics]

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@trumpet-205 wrote:

For 5% rotating category cards,

If you shop online a lot,

Go with Discover More (ShopDiscover)

If you shop at a specific rotating category a lot,

Go with Citi Dividend Platinum Select (No limits on each rotating category, annual limits of $300)

If you shop all around,

Go with Chase Freedom (No annual limits, only each rotating category has limits)

Keep in mind you can use website like ebates with Citi Dividend Platinum Select and Chase Freedom to increase online cashback.

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The think I love about the Chase Freedom is it's limits on rotating categories are $1500 vs. Discover's $300-500. Also, there is no threshold for the 1% on everything else. I'm not sure why you recommend the Dividend Platinum Select over the Freedom because to me it looks like it's just a flat 1% on everything after the promo period.

Let's not get off topic though as this is a Foward thread!

[kc12286]

So skip Citi Forward?

I had a Chase Freedom card and thru an unfortunate screwup I had to close, I'm paying that off currently. I won't be opening another one.

[trumpet-205]

Open Road is 2% for gas and restaurant for first $250 per month, afterwards is 0.25% or 1% (depends whether you beat the $3000 threshold per year, bonus category don't contribute to the threshold).

[scientifics]

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@kc12286 wrote:

So skip Citi Forward?

I had a Chase Freedom card and thru an unfortunate screwup I had to close, I'm paying that off currently. I won't be opening another one.

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I'm not sure where that link came from and I still see the 5x points on Citi's website, so I'm not sure that the rewards are actually being reduced. Has anyone seen this mentioned anyhwere else? I wouldn't rule out the Forward yet.

[trumpet-205]

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@scientifics wrote:

 I'm not sure why you recommend the Dividend Platinum Select over the Freedom because to me it looks like it's just a flat 1% on everything after the promo period.

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Say the current category is home improvments (i.e. Home Depots, Lowes, OSH, etc). I want to make a large purchase on this category (say around $2500). With Chase Freedom, only the first $1500 gets 5% cashback, whereas Citi Dividend Platinum Select such limits doesn't exist.

So with Chase Freedom, I earned $90 cashback. Whereas Citi Dividend Platinum Select I earned $125 cashback (provided I have yet to earned $300 cashback per year on my Citi Dividend Platinum Select).