The Citi Rewards+ Credit Card is a distinctive and beginner-friendly rewards card that appeals to a wide range of users.
Its standout round-up rewards system, no annual fee, and various redemption options make it a favorite among those who want to maximize rewards for everyday purchases.
Unlike many credit cards that focus solely on premium categories or travel perks, this card offers rewards for everyone, from students to working professionals.
Let’s dive deeper into its features, pros, cons, fees, and frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of what the Citi Rewards+ Credit Card has to offer.
Detailed Overview of the Card
The Citi Rewards+ Credit Card is a practical choice for individuals who value simplicity and want to earn rewards efficiently.
It’s designed to make even the smallest purchases worthwhile with its automatic round-up rewards system, ensuring every transaction counts.
Additionally, its introductory APR offer and points rebate feature add to its appeal.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate:
- 2x ThankYou® Points on purchases at gas stations and supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually).
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- All purchases rounded up to the nearest 10 points.
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
- Rewards Rebate: 10% back on points redeemed (up to 100,000 points per year).
- Additional Benefits: Access to Citi Entertainment and flexible redemption options.
Why the Citi Rewards+ Credit Card Stands Out
1. Round-Up Rewards for Maximum Points
The round-up rewards feature is a game-changer for individuals who frequently make small purchases. For example, buying a $1 coffee earns you 10 points, maximizing rewards on low-cost transactions—a feature rarely seen in other cards.
2. Double Points for Essential Spending
The card offers 2x ThankYou® Points on gas and groceries, making it ideal for those who spend heavily in these categories. Even better, the 2x rate applies to the first $6,000 spent annually, ensuring meaningful rewards for regular expenses.
3. Introductory APR for Savings
The 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers makes this card a practical option for financing larger purchases or consolidating debt. It’s particularly helpful for individuals who need extra time to pay off balances without incurring interest charges.
4. No Annual Fee
With no annual fee, the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card allows cardholders to enjoy its benefits without worrying about recurring costs. This makes it a low-risk, high-reward option.
5. Flexible Redemption Options
Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or merchandise. If you hold another eligible Citi card, such as the Citi Premier® Card, you can even combine your ThankYou® Points and transfer them to travel partners.
6. Points Rebate for Extra Value
Receiving 10% back on redeemed points effectively increases the value of your rewards. For instance, if you redeem 10,000 points, you get 1,000 points back for future use.
7. Access to Citi Entertainment
Cardholders gain exclusive access to Citi Entertainment, offering presale tickets and special experiences for concerts, sports events, and more.
8. Simplicity in Earning and Redeeming Rewards
The card’s rewards structure is straightforward, with no complicated rules or tiered categories to navigate. This simplicity makes it an excellent choice for first-time credit card users.

Additional Benefits
1. Contactless Payments
The card supports contactless payment technology, ensuring fast and secure transactions at compatible terminals.
2. Digital Wallet Integration
The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card integrates seamlessly with mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, offering added convenience for digital transactions.
3. Online Account Management
With Citi’s user-friendly online platform and mobile app, managing your account is easy. You can track your spending, make payments, and redeem points directly from your smartphone.
4. Fraud Protection
Citi’s advanced security features include fraud monitoring and $0 liability for unauthorized charges, ensuring peace of mind for cardholders.
Drawbacks to Consider
1. Limited Bonus Categories
The 2x points are only available for gas stations and grocery stores, and the $6,000 annual cap may be restrictive for high spenders.
2. Foreign Transaction Fees
The card imposes a 3% foreign transaction fee, which makes it less ideal for international travel. Frequent travelers might prefer a card with no foreign transaction fees.
3. Modest Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus for the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card is typically smaller than those offered by premium rewards cards. However, this is balanced by the absence of an annual fee.
4. Points Expiration
ThankYou® Points earned with this card expire after three years, which could be inconvenient for individuals who save points over a long period.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card, applicants need to meet the following criteria:
- Credit Score: A good to excellent credit score (670 or higher) is generally required.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old (21 in some states if applying independently).
- Income: Applicants need verifiable income to demonstrate the ability to manage credit responsibly.
- Residency: U.S. residency and a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are required.
Fees and Costs
The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card offers competitive rates, but it’s essential to be aware of associated costs:
Fee Type | Amount |
---|---|
Annual Fee | $0 |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% |
Introductory APR | 0% for 15 months |
Regular APR (Variable) | Based on creditworthiness |
Balance Transfer Fee | $5 or 5%, whichever is greater |
Late Payment Fee | Up to $41 |
Returned Payment Fee | Up to $41 |
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the round-up feature work?
The round-up feature ensures that all purchases earn points rounded up to the nearest 10. For example, a $6.25 purchase earns 10 points instead of 6.
2. What is the value of ThankYou® Points?
ThankYou® Points are typically worth 1 cent per point when redeemed for travel or gift cards. Transferring points to Citi’s travel partners can yield higher value.
3. Is this card suitable for travel?
While the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card offers flexible travel redemptions, its foreign transaction fees make it less ideal for international travel.
4. Can I combine ThankYou® Points from other Citi cards?
Yes, you can pool ThankYou® Points from other Citi cards, such as the Citi Premier® or Citi Double Cash Card, to maximize rewards.
5. Does the card offer purchase protection?
The card includes basic protections, such as $0 liability for unauthorized charges, but it lacks premium coverage like extended warranty or purchase protection.
Conclusion
The Citi Rewards+ Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a low-cost, high-reward credit card.
Its round-up rewards feature, 2x points on everyday categories, and no annual fee make it a valuable tool for maximizing points on everyday spending.
While it may not be ideal for frequent international travelers or those seeking premium perks, its simplicity and unique benefits are hard to beat.
For those who want a reliable, beginner-friendly credit card that makes every purchase count, the Citi Rewards+ Credit Card is a solid option.




