Citi Rewards Card – How to Apply

By Fábio Soares • 06/20/2025

Want a no-annual-fee card with flexible rewards? The Citi Rewards Card is worth a look.

This card is designed for everyday shoppers who want to earn points on a wide range of purchases and enjoy flexible redemption options. 

It offers bonus categories that include popular spending areas like dining and entertainment, allowing you to earn extra points where you spend the most. 

Coupled with access to the Citi ThankYou® rewards program, this card provides a straightforward and rewarding way to make your everyday spending more valuable.

With the Citi Rewards Card, you can accumulate points that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or even shopping through the ThankYou® program’s partners, giving you multiple ways to use your rewards according to your preferences. 

Whether you’re dining out, attending events, or simply running daily errands, this card helps you get more back from your purchases.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Citi Rewards Card works, explore its key benefits, and review important considerations before applying. 

This will help you determine if this card aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.

How does the Citi Rewards Card work?

The Citi Rewards Card allows cardholders to earn 2 ThankYou® points for every dollar spent at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, making it a great option for those who frequently spend in these popular categories. 

For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1 point per dollar spent, ensuring that every transaction contributes to your rewards balance. 

This straightforward earning structure makes it easy to rack up points without needing to keep track of complicated rules or rotating categories.

These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed through Citi’s ThankYou® rewards platform for a variety of options, including travel bookings, gift cards, statement credits, or merchandise. 

One of the standout features of this program is that your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open, giving you the freedom to use your rewards whenever it suits you best.

Main benefits of Citi Rewards Card

Several features make the Citi Rewards Card appealing to a broad range of users:

• Bonus points on popular categories — Earn 2x points on dining, supermarkets, and gas, which cover many everyday expenses.
  
• No annual fee — Enjoy rewards without extra cost.
  
• Flexible redemption options — Use points for travel, gift cards, or account credits.
  
• Access to Citi ThankYou® program — Manage points and explore special deals through an easy online portal.
  
• Travel protections — Includes purchase protection and travel accident insurance for added security.
  
• Cell phone protection — Coverage when you pay your phone bill with the card.
  

These benefits make the card a good choice for those who spend regularly in the bonus categories and want a reliable rewards program.

Cons of Citi Rewards Card

There are some limitations to consider with this card:

• Lower rewards rate outside bonus categories — Only 1 point per dollar on general purchases.
  
• No intro APR offers — The card does not include a 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers.
  
• Foreign transaction fees apply — A 3% fee on international purchases may limit usefulness for travelers.
  
• Limited travel perks — While some protection benefits exist, the card lacks premium travel rewards like lounge access or rental car insurance.
  
• Points value varies — Redeeming points for statement credits or merchandise can offer lower value compared to travel redemptions.
  

If you spend heavily outside the bonus categories or want more travel benefits, other cards might be a better fit.

APR and Fees

Key terms related to fees and interest include:

• Annual Fee: $0
  
• Purchase APR: Variable, generally between 18.24% and 28.24%
  
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or $5 minimum
  
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
  

Paying your balance in full each month is the best way to maximize rewards and avoid interest charges.

How to apply for the Citi Rewards Card

The application process is simple and can be completed online via the Citi website. Before applying, ensure you:

• Are at least 18 years old
  
• Have a good credit score (usually 670 or higher)
  
• Can provide accurate personal and financial details
  

After submitting your application, you will receive a decision quickly. If approved, the card typically arrives within a week to ten days.