Podcast Summary: All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

Episode: Deep Dive on Citi Credit Cards and ThankYou Points (Best 2-Card Combo)
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Host: Chris Hutchins
Title: All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

Introduction

In this episode, Chris Hutchins embarks on an in-depth exploration of Citibank's credit card offerings, focusing on their ThankYou Points program. He examines the entire Citi card lineup, ranks them using a tier system, and identifies the optimal two-card combination for maximizing rewards. Additionally, Chris compares Citi’s offerings with those from other major issuers to highlight what sets Citi apart.

Citi's Credit Card Lineup Overview

Chris begins by highlighting Citibank as an underrated issuer, especially for earning points through everyday spending. He notes that Citi offers a diverse range of cards, with 24 options on their website. However, he chooses to focus on cards that earn ThankYou Points rather than retail-specific or cashback-oriented cards like the L.L. Bean MasterCard or the Dillard's card, which cater to niche spending habits.

Quote:
"Citi might be one of the most underrated issuers for earning points on your spending."
(00:10)

Detailed Breakdown of Citi Cards and Tier Rankings

Chris uses a tier list to categorize Citi cards, ranging from S (highest) to D (lowest), based on their reward structures, fees, and overall value.

1. Citi Premier® Card – S Tier

• Signup Bonus: 75,000 points (currently 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months)
• Earning Rates:
  • 3x points on groceries, gas, dining, hotels, and airfare
  • 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions through Citi Travel
  • 1x points on all other purchases
• Annual Fee: $95
• Benefits: $100 hotel credit with $500 spend in Citi Travel
• Protections: Trip delay, interruption, lost/damaged luggage, and rental car coverage (secondary insurance)

Quote:
"I'm putting this one in the S tier because those categories earning 3x transferable points in a program for a $95 fee card with a decent signup bonus is just about everything I'm looking for."
(06:35)

2. Citi Double Cash Card – A Tier

• Earning Rates:
  • 2% cash back (1% on spending, 1% on repayment)
  • 5% back on Citi Travel bookings (excluding airfare) for 2025
• Annual Fee: $0
• Signup Bonus: $200 after $1,500 spent in 6 months
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Benefits:
  • Extended warranty
  • Secondary rental car insurance
  • 5% back on Citi Travel bookings (limited to specific categories)

Quote:
"It's a great everything card, but not a great everything card when you're traveling overseas."
(08:45)

3. Citi Custom Cash Card – B Tier

• Earning Rates:
  • 5% cash back on the top spending category (up to $500/month)
  • 1% on all other purchases
• Annual Fee: $0
• Benefits:
  • Extended warranty
  • Limited purchase protections
• Notes: Best for users who can maximize the 5% category without exceeding the $500 cap monthly

Quote:
"If you're in the Citi ecosystem, the Citi Custom Cash card is pretty good."
(11:30)

4. Citi AT&T® Card – C Tier

• Earning Rates:
  • 3x points on gas and EV charging
  • 2x points on groceries
  • 1x points on all other purchases
• Annual Fee: $0
• Signup Bonus: 20,000 points after $1,000 spent in 3 months
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Benefits:
  • $240 annual savings for AT&T customers

Quote:
"I'm going to put this card in the C tier because it's not a compelling place to live."
(03:15)

5. Citi Shop Your Way Card – C Tier

• Earning Rates:
  • 5% at gas, groceries, and restaurants (up to $10,000/year)
  • 2% at Shop Your Way merchants
  • 1% on all other purchases
• Annual Fee: $0
• Signup Bonus: $225 in statement credits after spending $1,500 in 90 days
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Special Features: Periodic lucrative offers post-initial months, potentially totaling up to 15% back on $5,000 spent quarterly

Quote:
"If a card could conceivably offer you like a signup bonus every three or four months consistently, it could earn a spot in your wallet."
(25:55)

6. Citi Executive American Card – A Tier

• Signup Bonus: 70,000 points after $7,000 spent in 3 months
• Annual Fee: $595 (waived first year)
• Earning Rates:
  • 5x points on American Airlines at $150,000 spend
  • 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Citi Travel
  • 1x points on all other purchases
• Benefits:
  • Admirals Club membership (access to American and Alaska Lounges for primary user)
  • Free checked bags for up to eight travelers
  • Priority boarding and check-in
  • Various credit allowances on Avis, GrubHub, and Lyft
• Notes: Best for frequent American Airlines flyers seeking lounge access and status benefits

Quote:
"If you travel American, getting lounge access, potentially for up to four people, is pretty compelling."
(20:50)

7. Citi Advantage Business Platinum Card – A Tier

• Signup Bonus: 75,000 points after $5,000 spent in 5 months
• Annual Fee: $99 (waived first year)
• Earning Rates:
  • 2x points on rental cars, gas, telecom, cable, and satellite
• Benefits:
  • Companion certificate for $99 + taxes and fees after $30,000 spend
  • Admirals Club membership for primary user and authorized users
  • Enhanced point accrual through authorized users
• Special Features: Allows authorized users' points to contribute to the primary account’s loyalty points, aiding in achieving American status for multiple users

Quote:
"This card effectively lets you spend once and earn those loyalty points for two people."
(25:00)

Citi’s ThankYou Points Program

Chris delves into the ThankYou Points system, emphasizing its competitiveness and flexibility. Citi offers 23 transfer partners, including 18 airlines and five hotels, providing substantial value when points are transferred rather than redeemed for cash or statement credits.

Key Highlights:

• Transfer Ratio: Generally 1:1 for most partners, superior to competitors like Capital One which offers 1.25:1 for EVA Air.
• Unique Airline Partners: Includes EVA Air (exclusive to Citi alongside Capital One) and Thai Airways, though the latter lacks compelling redemption options.
• Hotel Partners: Includes Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Leading Hotels of the World, allowing for versatile and valuable redemptions.
• Transfer Bonuses: Citi frequently offers bonuses (20-35%, occasionally 50%) to transfer partners, enhancing point value during promotional periods.

Quote:
"Citi’s ThankYou Points is a really competitive program with a lot of transfer partners, some unique and with better earning rates than other programs."
(28:00)

Comparison with Other Issuers

Chris compares Citi’s two-card combo to those from Chase, American Express, Capital One, and Wells Fargo, evaluating based on earning rates, annual fees, and transfer partner strength.

• Chase: Best two-card combo averages 1.91x points but falls short compared to Citi.
• American Express: Offers a competitive combo but lacks high earning rates on “everything else” categories.
• Capital One: Strong with their Venture and Saver cards, offering a 2.33x earning rate.
• Wells Fargo: Offers a comparable 2.32x earning rate with their Autograph and ActiveCash cards but has limited transfer partners.

Conclusion:
Citi’s two-card combination (Strata Premier and Double Cash) leads the pack with an average earning rate of 2.33x points, surpassing Chase and closely matching Capital One and Wells Fargo. The diverse transfer partners and higher earning categories make Citi the top choice for maximizing points.

Quote:
"For the best two-card combo, Citi's Strata Premier and Double Cash offer an average earning rate of 2.33x points, making it the most impressive option out there."
(35:00)

Citi Rules and Tips

Chris shares essential rules and tips for maximizing Citi cards:

• Welcome Offer Frequency: Eligible every 48 months (some cards at 24 months).
• Card Application Limits: One Citi card every eight days or two cards every 65 days.
• Product Changes: Possible within the Citi ecosystem, though specifics are unclear. For instance, moving points from Double Cash to Strata Premier is possible, but points remain tied to their original card and may expire if the card is closed.
• Transfer Limitations: Up to 100,000 points can be transferred at a time, and transferred points expire after 90 days.
• Customer Service: Mixed reviews, but Chris shares a positive personal experience with Citi’s fraud protection and virtual card numbers.
• Credit Limits: Generally lower than other issuers, with an example of $16,000 on a Citi Business card compared to $20,000-$30,000 elsewhere.

Quote:
"Historically, getting a downgrade to the Custom Cash was really easy."
(38:00)

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Chris concludes that Citi’s ThankYou Points program, combined with the Strata Premier and Double Cash cards, offers the best value for a two-card combo. The program’s flexibility, superior transfer partners, and competitive earning rates make it a standout choice among major issuers. However, acquiring and maximizing Citi points can be challenging due to limited signup bonuses and transfer constraints.

He encourages listeners to consider their spending habits and travel goals when selecting credit cards and to reach out with feedback or questions via podcast@AllTheHacks.com.

Quote:
"Citi’s Strata Premier and Double Cash combination is the best option out there from an earning standpoint."
(35:50)

Notable Quotes

• "Citi might be one of the most underrated issuers for earning points on your spending." — (00:10)
• "I'm putting this one in the S tier because those categories earning 3x transferable points in a program for a $95 fee card with a decent signup bonus is just about everything I'm looking for." — (06:35)
• "If a card could conceivably offer you like a signup bonus every three or four months consistently, it could earn a spot in your wallet." — (25:55)
• "Citi’s ThankYou Points is a really competitive program with a lot of transfer partners, some unique and with better earning rates than other programs." — (28:00)
• "Citi’s Strata Premier and Double Cash combination is the best option out there from an earning standpoint." — (35:50)

Conclusion

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to optimize their credit card rewards through Citibank’s ThankYou Points program. Chris Hutchins provides valuable insights into selecting the right Citi cards, understanding the nuances of point transfers, and effectively comparing Citi’s offerings with other credit card issuers. Whether you’re a frequent traveler seeking lounge access or someone aiming to maximize everyday spending rewards, this deep dive equips you with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

For More Information:
Access the tier list photo and additional resources here.
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