I considered the CSR, but $450 AF seems a bit extravagant. If the APR is on the lower end, I would consider it. I also notice that the Citi ThankYou Prestige is almost in-sync with the CSR benefis, (including the $450 AF) wiith the exception of a fixed 15.74% APR for CTY Prestige.
A few things to add to this thread:
1. Definitely WEMC. Purchases code accurately - there have been some really minor hiccups for me across all Thank You cards (difference between bar vs restaurant, travel vs government service for subway, bus). This is consistent with most cards and will depend on the specific places you spend - I didn't see it as a problem at all.
2. Point redemption is very simple - stick to American Airlines and you will get the most bang for your buck. Despite what a previous poster said, the prices on Citi's travel portal are identical to what you find on the airline websites, Kayak, etc. Book your flight with points, it will save you money.
3. This one might be most important: Travel cards should not be used to carry a balance. With rare exceptions, they do not have introductory 0% APRs. They do not have cheap balance transfers. Every penny you pay in interest reduces the effectiveness of the rewards structure to the point where you would be much better off with a Barclay Ring or similar that has a low APR and no AF. The AF alone means that you are paying the bank for the privilege to then pay them interest. Think about how awful that is - it's like paying a restaurant to give you food poisoning (wouldn't you expect a refund?) or thanking the neighborhood bully for stealing your lunch money and then getting him a birthday present. If anyone on this forum needs to carry a balance, please go with a simple, $0 AF, no frills credit card.
1. Definitely WEMC. Purchases code accurately - there have been some really minor hiccups for me across all Thank You cards (difference between bar vs restaurant, travel vs government service for subway, bus). This is consistent with most cards and will depend on the specific places you spend - I didn't see it as a problem at all.
2. Point redemption is very simple - stick to American Airlines and you will get the most bang for your buck. Despite what a previous poster said, the prices on Citi's travel portal are identical to what you find on the airline websites, Kayak, etc. Book your flight with points, it will save you money.
3. This one might be most important: Travel cards should not be used to carry a balance. With rare exceptions, they do not have introductory 0% APRs. They do not have cheap balance transfers. Every penny you pay in interest reduces the effectiveness of the rewards structure to the point where you would be much better off with a Barclay Ring or similar that has a low APR and no AF. The AF alone means that you are paying the bank for the privilege to then pay them interest. Think about how awful that is - it's like paying a restaurant to give you food poisoning (wouldn't you expect a refund?) or thanking the neighborhood bully for stealing your lunch money and then getting him a birthday present. If anyone on this forum needs to carry a balance, please go with a simple, $0 AF, no frills credit card.
@joesbrat67 wrote:I considered the CSR, but $450 AF seems a bit extravagant. If the APR is on the lower end, I would consider it. I also notice that the Citi ThankYou Prestige is almost in-sync with the CSR benefis, (including the $450 AF) wiith the exception of a fixed 15.74% APR for CTY Prestige.
In my opinion the CSR is a much better card than the Prestige. Also, that $450 is only really $150 after the annual $300 credit towards ANY travel related expenses while the prestige goes down to $200 after the $250 credit towards AIR travel related expenses. I understand APR matters in case one has to carry a balance but whats 15.74% APR if you always pay in full?
@joesbrat67 wrote:I considered the CSR, but $450 AF seems a bit extravagant. If the APR is on the lower end, I would consider it. I also notice that the Citi ThankYou Prestige is almost in-sync with the CSR benefis, (including the $450 AF) wiith the exception of a fixed 15.74% APR for CTY Prestige.
APR is just a non-factor with these higher end cards. The only way they make sense is if you spend a lot and PIF. If you carry balances at all, the interest you pay will quickly wipe out any value you get in tsunami like fashion. If you spend at levels where cards like these make sense and do not PIF, you'll be buried in no time.
The most unique and distinguishing feature of the Citi Prestige (after the recent nerf) is the 4th night free. Even with the recent change, if you can take advantage of that benefit even once or twice a year at higher end hotels, it could easily outclass the CSR or other competitors.
If APR is a consideration for you (meaning you carry a significant balance regularly), then cards with a 0% promo rate (up to 21 months is avaialable I think) would make more sense. If you can't pay down your balance in 18-24 months then a non-reward card will offer the lowest APR (probably round 6% these days).
