The Citi Premier is already a strong contender for a daily usage credit card. Its 3 points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations mean it’s already capable of earning free flights for the average American. Even $7000 spent across the entire year could earn a free roundtrip from JFK to Honolulu.
Currently, however, Citi is offering a whopping 80,000-point intro bonus that turns this contender into an all-out no-brainer. The bonus is running for a limited time and requires holders to spend $4000 in three months. If you know you’re likely to spend that, those 80,000 points could be worth thousands. Utilizing Citi’s transfer partners, here is what those 80,000 points could get you from a home base in Los Angeles.*
Three Economy Roundtrips to Cancun with JetBlue (around $1200 normally)
Business Class One-Way to Auckland, NZ – Cathay Pacific ( $5000 between now and December)
Roundtrip Economy to Paris with Air France/KLM (normally $650 on discount)
Don’t be put off by the lack of American carriers in Citi’s transfer partners. Many of those airlines, like Avianca, allow you to book flights with American counterparts. With careful planning, you could comfortably score at least four free roundtrips from the bonus alone. If you don’t feel like navigating reward flights, you can also redeem the bonus for $800 in vouchers. It’ll also give you $100 off a hotel stay of $500 or more, earning back the $95 yearly fee.
*all fares under 80,000 points. Includes small fee on each route. prices vary depending on date
by travelers, for travelers.
