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The complete guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards: How to earn, redeem and transfer points
Katie Genter
Lead writer
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
Aug. 11, 2025
•
9 min read
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Editor's Note
This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
While Citi offers many cards, only some provide access to the company's valuable ThankYou Rewards program. Moreover, only cardmembers with select cards can access all the Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners and transfer to these partners at the best rates.
Whether you're applying for your first credit card or are a seasoned pro looking for a new travel rewards card, one or more cards in Citi's portfolio might be right for you. In this guide, we'll examine the program in more detail, including how to earn and redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards points.
Best Citi ThankYou Rewards cards
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees): Best for Citi Travel users and American Airlines flyers
- Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees): Best for earning full-fledged ThankYou Rewards points with a low annual fee
- Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees): Best for earning points with no annual fee
- Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Best for everyday spending
- Citi Prestige® Card: Best for restaurants, airlines and travel agencies
- Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for bonus earnings in different categories each billing cycle
The information for the Citi Prestige and the Citi Custom Cash has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How to earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points
The only way to earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points is to get and use a Citi ThankYou Rewards card for purchases. Here's a look at how to earn points with some of the best Citi ThankYou Rewards cards:
| Card | Sign-up offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Strata Elite Card | For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $595 |
| Citi Strata Premier Card | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. |
| $95 |
| Citi Strata Card | Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
| $0 |
| Citi Double Cash® Card* | Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Note that this bonus will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Rewards points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. |
| $0 |
| Citi Prestige Card | This card is not available to new applicants. |
| $495 |
| Citi Custom Cash Card* | Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Note that this bonus will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou Rewards points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. |
| $0 |
*Note that Double Cash and Custom Cash cardholders will earn cash back in the form of ThankYou Rewards points.
If you want to add a new Citi ThankYou Rewards card to your wallet, read the fine print for the sign-up offer and check our page on credit card application rules to ensure you're eligible for the bonus before clicking the "Apply" button.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular Citi credit cards, based on offer history
How to redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards points
All the Citi ThankYou Rewards cards let you redeem ThankYou Rewards points for statement credits, cash rewards, third-party gift cards and travel booked through the Citi Travel portal at a flat rate of 1 cent per point. Sometimes, you'll even find gift cards on sale that could give you a slightly higher redemption rate. Be careful, though, as some redemption options (such as Shop With Points) provide less than 1 cent per point in value.
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You may get significantly more value when you redeem your ThankYou Rewards points by transferring them to airline or hotel partners. However, only travelers with the Citi Strata Elite Card, the Citi Strata Premier Card or the Citi Prestige Card can transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to American Airlines AAdvantage. And, for the other Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners, travelers with select cards (including the Citi Strata Elite and the Citi Strata Premier) unlock higher transfer ratios.
Here's a look at the Citi ThankYou Rewards travel partners and transfer ratios based on card type.
| Program | Transfer ratio for Citi Strata Elite, Citi Strata Premier, Citi Prestige and AT&T Access More cardmembers | Transfer ratio for other Citi ThankYou Rewards cardmembers |
|---|---|---|
| Aeromexico Rewards | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Accor Live Limitless | 1,000:500 | 1,000:350 |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 1,000:1,000 (not available for AT&T Access More cardmembers) | Not available |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Cathay Pacific Cathay | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Choice Privileges | 1,000:2,000 | 1,000:1,400 |
| Emirates Skywards | 1,000:800 | 1,000:560 |
| Etihad Guest | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| EVA Air Infinity MileageLands | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| I Prefer Hotel Rewards | 1,000:4,000 | 1,000:2,800 |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Leaders Club (Leading Hotels of the World) | 1,000:200 | 1,000:140 |
| Miles&Smiles (Turkish Airlines) | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Thai Royal Orchid Plus | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club/Virgin Red | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
| Wyndham Rewards | 1,000:1,000 | 1,000:700 |
The information for the AT&T Access More card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
You can combine all your ThankYou Rewards points into one account, either on the ThankYou Rewards website or via a phone call to ThankYou Rewards. Suppose you combine your points into your Citi Strata Elite Card, Citi Strata Premier Card or Citi Prestige Card account. In that case, you can transfer your rewards to all the Citi ThankYou Rewards travel partners at the best transfer ratios.
With so many transfer partners, your options are plentiful when redeeming Citi ThankYou Rewards points. Here are some redemptions to consider:
- Transfer to Singapore KrisFlyer and snag a Spontaneous Escapes deal.
- Transfer to Choice Privileges and redeem as few as 6,000 Choice points per night for a hotel stay.
- Use Avianca LifeMiles to book United Airlines-operated awards.
- Use Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to fly on Delta Air Lines-operated flights.
- Transfer to Wyndham Rewards and redeem as few as 7,500 Wyndham points per night (or even less if you have select Wyndham credit cards).
- Transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue to book a Flying Blue Promo Rewards flight.
- Transfer to American Airlines AAdvantage to book any of the numerous AAdvantage sweet spots.
Related: Redeem your points and miles: How to search flight award availability for the major airlines
Bottom line
Having a premium Citi ThankYou Rewards card like the Citi Strata Elite Card, the Citi Strata Premier Card or the Citi Prestige Card is more important than ever if you want to maximize the Citi ThankYou Rewards program. These cards unlock transfers to all the Citi ThankYou Rewards partners at the best rate, which can provide many high-value award booking options.
The Citi Strata Elite Card currently has a limited time welcome offer of 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, while the Citi Strata Premier Card has a welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. So, now is a good time to add either of these cards to your wallet.
Featured image by FRAZO STUDIO LATINO/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
TPG featured card
Best for dining at restaurants
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Rewards
1 - 4X points
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Annual Fee
$325
Recommended Credit
Excellent to Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.