Why the Citi Rewards+ is great for college students
Editor's Note
Quick summary
Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
As of April 2025, this card is no longer available to new applicants. Check out TPG's list for the best Citi card recommendations.
The Citi Rewards+® Card launched in 2019 with some notable features. While perhaps not as luxurious as other cards, these perks make it a great option for college students looking for their first credit card.
Let's examine why the Citi Rewards+ may be the right card for you.
The information for the Citi Rewards+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Achievable welcome bonus
With the Citi Rewards+, you could earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within three months of account opening. Plus, cardholders could earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked (excluding air travel) on the Citi Travel℠ portal through December 31, 2025.
That's a very achievable welcome bonus, since you only have to spend $500 a month for three months. If you have a large purchase coming up, it can be even easier to hit this welcome offer. 20,000 ThankYou points are worth $360 per TPG's April 2025 valuations, making it worthwhile to get this card.
Related: Here are the best credit card welcome offers
Good for lower budgets
The Citi Rewards+ earns 2 ThankYou points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations on up to $6,000 in combined purchases each year (1 point per dollar after). While the $6,000 annual cap might not work for those with high monthly budgets or large families, a typical college student isn't going to spend more than $500 on those bonus categories each month.
In addition to its bonus categories, the card offers a unique roundup feature. Your rewards automatically round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase. That means your $2 library vending machine raid during a study break will actually earn you 10 points.
This feature also works on bonus category purchases. That $31 supermarket run to restock on ramen noodles and bagel bites will earn 80 points. This feature makes maximizing rewards on smaller purchases easy, so you don't have to spend a ton to earn points.
Related: 22 tips for traveling on a budget
No annual fee
All of those benefits I just described? You'll get them without having to pay an annual fee.
In college, you may not have the budget for annual fees, even if you're theoretically earning enough to afford the cost by the time it comes due. The Citi Rewards+ is a no-annual-fee card you can keep in your wallet throughout and beyond undergrad.
If you keep the Citi Rewards+ in your wallet past your college days, you can always pair it with other Citi ThankYou cards to gain full access to the Citi ThankYou program, including Citi's transfer partners.
Related: No-annual-fee credit card strategies
Easier approval
Students may not have multiple years of established credit or a 700+ credit score, so many have to settle for starter cards to build credit before they can start earning rewards.
The Citi Rewards+'s approval criteria are catered to those with minimal credit history, so you could still be approved even if you're just getting started. We still recommend a credit score of 670* or higher. If you have student loans, you should already have a credit score at or close to this number.
If you're a student with a few years of credit history and a solid credit score, you may be better off choosing a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. If you don't have a credit score or your score is below 670, it may be worth opening a secured credit card instead.
Related: 8 ways to maximize your chances of being approved for a credit card
Bottom line
The Citi Rewards+ Card is an option for students just starting to dip their toes in the water with travel rewards. You can start building your credit in college without sacrificing your ability to earn solid rewards.
Of course, if you have an established credit history, there are more valuable credit cards to consider, even if you're still a beginner.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Rewards+.
Related: Getting started with points, miles and credit cards to travel
*The Points Guy credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.