How to maximize the spending categories on the Citi Rewards+ Card

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The no-annual-fee Citi Rewards+® Card is designed to be a simple way for users to earn ThankYou points on their everyday spending. It comes with bonus points in popular categories – gas and groceries. In addition, the card’s unique round up feature ensures even small purchases can rack up points.

Even with the card’s straightforward rewards program, savvy spenders can maximize rewards potential on the new card by following a few simple tips.

Citi Rewards+ Card

Why use it? The Citi Rewards+ Card is a valuable no-annual-fee card that rewards users for everyday purchases. While the rewards rate might not seem as high as similar cards, unique features make it easy to rack up flexible ThankYou points. Read full review

Other things to know: 20,000 ThankYou points if you spend $1,500 in first 3 months 2X ThankYou points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1X point) 1X ThankYou point on other purchases Every purchase gets rounded up to the nearest 10 ThankYou points (a $12 lunch will earn you 20 points) 10% points back for redeeming ThankYou points (on up to 100,000 points per year) $0 annual fee

In addition to the sign-up bonus, the Citi Rewards+ Card also comes with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for the first 15 months (13.74% to 23.74% variable APR thereafter).

How to boost your bonus earnings

The Citi Rewards+ Card makes racking up ThankYou points simple, thanks in part to its bonus categories on common purchases. Plus, unique features such as the 10% back on ThankYou points redeemed (on the first 100,000 ThankYou points redeemed per year) and the round up perk make it easy to adopt the card for everyday spending and forget about it while points build up. However, following a few simple tips can ensure you are earning even more out of the card.

Use the card for all everyday purchases, or at least gas and groceries

Because this card is designed to award the most points on the types of transactions you already make, make this your go-to card for everyday spending. With the round up feature, even your $3 morning cup of coffee earns you 10 ThankYou points. Even if you don’t want to use the card on every purchase, be sure to use it at the supermarket and gas station – where you’ll earn 2 ThankYou points per dollar (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar). Just be sure to pay off your balance on time each month to avoid interest charges.

Max out the bonus category purchase cap every year

To ensure you are earning the most possible ThankYou points, try and meet the full $6,000 purchase cap on the supermarket and gas bonus category yearly. Since this breaks down to $500 per month, it is possible you are already spending enough at these locations. If you find yourself coming up a bit short, consider stocking up on gift cards at the supermarket to help meet the cap without spending more than you need to on groceries.

Make plenty of small purchases to maximize the round up feature

With the round up feature, every purchase you make on the Citi Rewards+ Card gets rounded up to the nearest 10 ThankYou points. So if you buy a $2 soda, you’ll still earn 10 ThankYou points. A $13 movie ticket will earn 20 points. This perk is most valuable on small purchases, where you earn significantly more than you usually would. By making this card your go-to for smaller transactions, you increase your overall rewards rate.

Redeem all the points you earn every year

The Citi Rewards+ Card offers 10 percent back on all the ThankYou points you redeem, up to 100,000 points per year. Even if you don’t hit the cap, redeeming your points regularly will still ensure you earn even more rewards. Just make sure to do it once per calendar year.

Pair Citi Rewards+ with other Citi cards to stockpile ThankYou points

Citi offers a wide range of cards that earn ThankYou points, each with unique bonus categories that differ from the Citi Rewards+. By pairing more than one card, you can earn bonus ThankYou points in different categories and boost your rewards. Here are a few other cards that can help you stockpile these points.

	Citi Premier® Card	AT&T Access Card from Citi
Rewards rate	3 points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, gas, air travel and hotels 1 point per dollar on other purchases	2 points per dollar on online retail, travel websites and AT&T products and services 1 point per dollar on other purchases
Sign-up bonus	60,000 ThankYou points if you spend $4,000 in first 3 months	10,000 ThankYou points if you spend $1,000 in first 3 months
Annual fee	$95	$0
Estimated earnings in first year ($15,900 annual spend)	$1,277	$323

Final thoughts

The Citi Rewards+ can be a great addition to your wallet for use on everyday purchases. By using the card primarily on gas, groceries and small transactions, you boost your rewards potential. If you already own a Citi card that earns ThankYou points, the Rewards+ can be a great way to snag extra points on new bonus categories and get one step closer to your next trip or gift card.