Citi Rewards – How to Apply
The Citi Rewards+® Card stands out in a saturated market of rewards cards by doing something surprisingly simple.
It helps people get the most out of their daily purchases by offering a structure that benefits small transactions rather than punishing them.
For individuals who often spend in modest amounts—say, a few dollars at a café or a gas station—this card provides consistent value without the pressure to meet spending thresholds or rotate bonus categories.
Instead, it offers stability, clever features, and long-term reward potential.It’s especially appealing to younger users or those looking for a no-fee card that doesn’t require intense financial juggling.
With rewards that scale with how you live, not how much you spend, Citi Rewards+ carves out its own niche.
Citi Rewards
No annual fee Cap on bonus categoriesHow Does the Citi Rewards+® Card Work?
At its core, the Citi Rewards+® Card uses a round-up points model, which is its biggest differentiator. Each purchase rounds up to the nearest 10 points, meaning that a $1.50 pack of gum earns 10 points—not just 1.5. For people who frequently make small transactions, that extra earning stacks up quickly.
You’ll also earn 2X ThankYou® Points per dollar spent at gas stations and supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year. Once that cap is reached, or for other types of spending, the base rate is 1X point per dollar.
But here’s where it gets better: when you redeem your points, you’ll receive 10% of them back, with a maximum of 10,000 points per year. This feature essentially extends the value of every redemption you make—whether you’re booking travel or snagging a gift card.
For a no-annual-fee card, this type of continuous return is impressive and gives users a real reason to engage with their rewards.
Main Benefits of the Citi Rewards+® Card
The Citi Rewards+ Card was created for those who want to be rewarded for everything—even the little things. It doesn’t require high spending, it doesn’t force you into narrow categories, and it keeps your strategy simple.
The rounding feature is one of the most attractive benefits, turning small purchases into reward engines. Even a $0.99 app download earns 10 points.
Another key perk is the points-back bonus. Every time you redeem, you get 10% of your points returned. This feature incentivizes regular use of your rewards without depleting your balance too fast.
There’s also a strong 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, giving new cardholders financial breathing room.
Add to that access to the ThankYou® Rewards platform, and the card becomes even more flexible—letting you redeem points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or even cash back.
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Cons of the Citi Rewards+® Card
Despite its clever features, this card has some limitations.
For starters, the 2X point rate is capped at $6,000 annually. After that, you’ll earn only 1X at gas stations and grocery stores, which may not suit high spenders.
There’s also no sign-up bonus, which many competitors offer. For those looking for immediate upfront rewards, that could be disappointing.
In addition, foreign transaction fees make this card less appealing for international travelers, and the ThankYou® Points system—while flexible—can be confusing for those unfamiliar with it.
Lastly, the base earn rate of 1X on other purchases is standard, meaning users looking for higher multipliers may prefer a different rewards card.
APR and Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the costs and terms:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Purchase APR: 18.74% – 28.74% (variable)
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (minimum $5)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $41
This structure keeps the credit card accessible while encouraging responsible usage.
How to Apply for the Citi Rewards+® Card
- Visit the official Citi website.
- Select the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card and click “Apply Now.”
- Fill in your personal information, including income and Social Security Number.
- Submit your application for review.
- Receive a decision within minutes. If approved, your card will arrive by mail shortly after.
Once activated, you can begin earning points immediately. Use it daily, especially for smaller purchases, and you’ll quickly see how much value this card can provide.
