Maximize the Citi Trifecta: Earn and redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards points with 3 cards
Editor's Note
Citi ThankYou Rewards is one of the most valuable rewards currencies on the market.
The Citi ThankYou Rewards program offers 22 transfer partners, including American Airlines AAdvantage, Singapore KrisFlyer and Wyndham Rewards. Citi ThankYou Rewards points are among the most valuable flexible currencies, with TPG’s September 2025 valuations pegging them at 1.9 cents each — nearly on par with American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
If you want to supercharge your points earning and maximize your redemptions with the Citi ThankYou Rewards program, you may want to pick up the Citi Trifecta. It refers to a three-card setup of Citi credit cards that opens up strong earning and redeeming potential.
You can use different combinations to build a Citi Trifecta, and your choice will depend on how you travel and redeem your points. Let's dive into the combinations and see which one would be best for your wallet.
What is the Citi Trifecta?
The Citi Trifecta is a card setup containing three cards that earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points.
In general, you'll want your Citi Trifecta to cover three types of spending:
- A card that maximizes everyday spending
- A card that earns in your top spending category
- A card that unlocks the best redemption value for your points
Why should you get the Citi Trifecta?
When you hold three cards to make a Citi Trifecta and spend intentionally with the card that earns the most in any specific category, you'll end up supercharging your Citi ThankYou Rewards points earning, which gets you to aspirational redemptions sooner.
Maximize points earning
When it comes to earning, you'll want to select Citi cards that earn bonus points on your common expenses.
First, the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) is the best choice for nonbonused spending, as it earns a fixed 2% cash back on everything (1% as you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay).
Next, the Citi Custom Cash® Card is a great choice for maximizing earnings in your top spending category. This is because it earns 5% back on the first $500 spent within your top eligible spending category.
The information for 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.
Finally, the Strata cards feature bonus categories to make the most of your frequent spending, which we'll get into later:
- Citi Strata℠ Card (see rates and fees)
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees)
- Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees)
Get the most out of your redemptions
With ThankYou Rewards points, you can redeem for statement credits, cash back or gift cards. However, the best way to get closest to TPG's 1.9 cents per point value (per TPG's September 2025 valuations) is to transfer your points to partners.
Citi's ecosystem includes many high-value partners, such as Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Choice Privileges and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
When you transfer points to partners, you have to have a premium Citi ThankYou Rewards card to receive a full 1:1 transfer ratio.
If you hold the Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants), the Strata Elite or the Strata Premier, you'll receive 1 point or mile in the program you're transferring to for every 1 ThankYou Rewards point (for most partners).
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
If you don't hold one of these cards, you'll receive only 0.7 points or miles for every 1 ThankYou Rewards point transferred (for most partners).
This is why we recommend adding the Strata Elite or the Strata Premier to a Citi Trifecta instead of the no-annual-fee Strata; the Strata won't unlock the full 1:1 transfer value.
Related: Best ways to redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards points
Which cards are in a Citi Trifecta?
Here is a breakdown of the cards you can select from to build a Citi Trifecta.
Citi Double Cash Card
Annual fee: $0.
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Key earning rates:
- 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel
- 2% cash back on every purchase (an unlimited 1% cash back as you buy, plus an additional 1% when you pay for those purchases)
The Double Cash is the card to get for everyday purchases. It ensures you'll always receive at least 2% back on all your spending.
To learn more, read our full review of the Double Cash.
Apply here: Citi Double Cash Card
Citi Custom Cash Card
Annual fee: $0.
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Key earning rates: 5% cash back on the first $500 of purchases in your top spending category for that billing cycle, including:
- Drugstores
- Fitness clubs
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Home improvement stores
- Live entertainment
- Restaurants
- Select transit*
- Select travel**
- Select streaming services***
*Select transit is defined as car rentals, ferries, commuter railways, subways, taxis/limousines/car services, passenger railways, bridge and road tolls, parking lots/garages, bus lines, and motor home and recreational vehicle rentals. It also includes merchants that sell electricity for charging an electric vehicle. It excludes bike/scooter rentals, auto clubs and insurance companies.
**Select travel is defined as airlines, hotels, cruise lines and travel agencies.
***Select streaming services are defined as cable, satellite and streaming providers, such as Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Disney+, DirecTV Stream, ESPN+, FuboTV, Max, NBA League Pass, Netflix, Pandora, Paramount+, Showtime, Sling TV, Spotify, Starz, SiriusXM, Vudu, YouTube Red, YouTube TV and Tidal.
Plus, you'll earn 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
The Custom Cash is the card to get for the bonus category you most frequently spend on. You can max out a different category each billing cycle, which adds flexibility to your trifecta.
To learn more, read our full review of the Custom Cash.
Citi Strata Premier Card
Annual fee: $95.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Key earning rates:
- 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel
- 3 points per dollar spent on air travel and other hotel purchases and at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas and EV charging stations
The Strata Premier is the card for frequent travelers who can maximize its many bonus categories, such as gas and flights. It's also a great option to earn on dining and groceries.
To learn more, read our full review of the Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
Citi Strata Elite Card
Annual fee: $595.
Welcome offer: For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Key earning rates:
- 12 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel
- 6 points per dollar spent on air travel booked through Citi Travel
- 6 points per dollar spent at restaurants, including restaurant delivery services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern time (3 points per dollar spent on restaurant purchases outside of these days and hours)
The Strata Elite is the best option for someone who would use the card's premium perks. This is also the best option for those who want to book through the Citi Travel portal and maximize earning points when dining out on weekend evenings.
To learn more, read our full review of the Strata Elite.
Apply here: Citi Strata Elite Card
Citi Strata Card
Annual fee: $0.
Welcome offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Earning rates:
- 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel
- 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets, on select transit purchases and at gas and EV charging stations
- 3 points per dollar spent in an eligible self-select quarterly category (which you can change each quarter), including barbershops, cosmetic stores and hair salons, fitness clubs, live entertainment, pet supply stores and select streaming services
The Strata is the card to choose if you'd maximize the card's bonus categories and pair it with a premium card to unlock the full 1:1 transfer value. But the other cards on this list cover most bonus categories.
To learn more, read our full review of the Strata.
Apply here: Citi Strata Card
Trifecta example
Let's say you choose to build a Trifecta with the Double Cash, the Custom Cash and the Strata Premier.
Here's an example of how you could maximize your monthly spending with these three cards:
| General, nonbonused purchases | Double Cash | $1,000 | 2,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
Groceries | Custom Cash | $500 | 2,500 |
Flights and hotels | Strata Premier | $1,000 | 3,000 |
Total | - | $2,500 | 7,500 |
You could hypothetically transfer those 7,500 points for a short U.S. domestic flight through AAdvantage. Or, you could save up across the year for a total of 90,000 points to then use for a premium hotel or flight redemption.
Related: I'm not sold on the Strata Elite — but the Strata Premier might become my new wallet staple
Bottom line
Citi ThankYou Rewards points are an exceptionally valuable currency, and constructing a Citi Trifecta is an excellent way to earn them at a lucrative rate and redeem them for luxurious redemptions.
Remember, to unlock full value from your transferable ThankYou Rewards points, you'll want to ensure your Citi Trifecta includes the Strata Elite, the Strata Premier or the Prestige. This will give you the best redemption value.
Apply here: Double Cash
Apply here: Strata Premier
Apply here: Strata Elite
Apply here: Strata
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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. (Partner offer)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.
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. (Partner offer)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.