The Citi Prestige Card has been closed to new applicants since 2021, and it cannot be obtained through product changes. If you don’t already have it, you can’t get it—but if you do, here’s why you might want to keep it. This guide covers the card’s features, benefits, and why it remains valuable for existing cardholders.
Why Was the Citi Prestige Card Discontinued?
Citi hasn’t shared specific reasons for discontinuing the Citi Prestige Card. Speculation suggests they may have planned to launch a new premium card to compete with offerings like The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, but no such product has emerged. We hope Citi reintroduces a competitive premium card in the future.
Citi Prestige Card Overview
Below are the key details of the Citi Prestige Card, including its annual fee, rewards structure, and benefits. While not as rewarding as it once was, it still offers compelling value.
Annual Fee
Cost: $495 per year, plus $75 per authorized user.
Value: Authorized users gain access to select benefits, which may justify the additional cost.
Rewards Structure
The card earns Citi ThankYou points, transferable to airline and hotel partners for maximum value. It features:
5x points on dining (including takeout and delivery) and airfare/travel agency purchases.
3x points on hotel and cruise purchases.
1x points on all other purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.
Highlight: The 5x points on dining is among the best returns in this category.
$250 Annual Travel Credit
Details: A $250 travel credit is applied automatically each calendar year for any travel-coded purchase, no registration required.
Value: Effectively reduces the annual fee to ~$245, making it highly accessible for most cardholders.
Priority Pass Membership
Details: Includes a Priority Pass membership for the primary cardholder and authorized users, allowing up to two guests at no extra cost.
Unique Advantage: Unlike American Express, Capital One, and Chase premium cards, this membership includes credits at Priority Pass restaurants, adding significant value.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit
Details: Reimburses the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100) once every five years when charged to the card.
Value: A standard perk among premium cards, enhancing travel convenience.
Fourth Night Free Hotel Benefit
Details: Twice per year, book a hotel through the Citi Travel portal and get the fourth night reimbursed.
Context: Pre-2019, this benefit was unmatched, offering unlimited use and compatibility with direct hotel bookings for points and elite status. While less generous now, it remains valuable for strategic travelers.
Cell Phone Protection
Details:
Covers theft or specific damages with up to $800 per claim ($50 deductible).
Up to $1,500 in total yearly benefits for up to five phones on your bill.
Drawback: Charging your phone bill to the card earns only 1x points, missing out on higher rewards from other cards.
Why Keep the Citi Prestige Card?
From 2015–2019, the Citi Prestige Card was a must-have due to its exceptional fourth night free benefit. Here’s why it’s still worth holding for existing cardholders:
Net Cost: The $250 travel credit reduces the effective annual fee to ~$245.
Dining Rewards: 5x points on dining is a top-tier return, ideal for frequent diners.
Priority Pass Value: Restaurant credits set this card apart from competitors.
Synergy with Citi Double Cash® Card: Pairing with the Double Cash (2x points on everyday spending) maximizes ThankYou points earning. While not a universal fit, the card’s dining rewards and unique Priority Pass benefits make it worth retaining for many.
Alternative: Citi Strata Premier Card
For those without the Citi Prestige Card, the Citi Strata Premier® Card is an excellent alternative open to new applicants:
Annual Fee: $95.
Welcome Bonus: Competitive offers for new cardholders.
Rewards: 3x points on dining, gas stations, EV charging, supermarkets, airfare, and hotels.
Hotel Credit: $100 off a $500+ hotel stay booked via Citi Travel portal annually.
Value: A cost-effective way to earn Citi ThankYou points with broad bonus categories.
Bottom Line
The Citi Prestige Card is no longer available to new applicants, but its $250 travel credit, 5x points on dining, Priority Pass restaurant credits, and other perks make it a keeper for existing cardholders. While we await a new Citi premium card, the Citi Strata Premier® Card offers a compelling alternative for earning ThankYou points.
