What Is the Citi Trifecta & Is It Still Worth It?

Q: Is there a Citi trifecta for business cards?

No, Citi currently only offers two business credit cards : the CitiBusiness/AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard Credit Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Credit Card by Citi.

Maximize rewards on all of your purchases with a Citi trifecta using multiple Citi credit cards.

By Kevin Payne

Updated: December 7, 2024

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Rewards credit cards earn bonus points for card spending. Some cards offer flat-rate earning, while others earn points in specific categories like dining or travel. You could carry several credit cards to try and maximize your earning potential, but often cards earn points in different rewards ecospheres. What if you could maximize card spending in every category while pooling your points in one place, plus have the option to transfer points to travel partners?

The Citi trifecta refers to getting three Citi credit cards to maximize your rewards-earning potential. One of the most popular Citi trios is the Citi Custom Cash, Citi Premier and Citi Double Cash cards. You can earn at least 2% on all purchases and sometimes up to 5% in specific categories through strategic spending. All three cards earn Citi ThankYou Points with a total annual fee of $95.

While earning maximum rewards means more value for card spending, determining the best card to use with each purchase can become a chore. You can redeem Citi ThankYou points for travel, statement credits, cash or gift cards, or use your points to pay for purchases with Amazon and other select retailers.

You can also transfer points to several airline and hotel transfer partners. Unfortunately, the program lacks many domestic airline partners found with other rewards programs. So unless you book international travel or are comfortable using rewards programs for foreign airlines, the Citi trifecta may not be the best option.

Key Takeaways

The Citi trifecta involves getting three Citi rewards credit cards.

Finding Citi cards that complement each other allows you to maximize your rewards-earning potential.

You can transfer ThankYou points to several travel transfer partners.

What Is the Citi Trifecta?

The Citi trifecta is a combination of three Citi credit cards used together to maximize rewards-earning in every spending category. Citi offers a bevy of rewards credit cards that work well together. Perhaps the most valuable version of the Citi trifecta is the trio of the Citi Custom Cash, Citi Premier and Citi Double Cash cards.

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card earns 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category up to $500 spent each billing cycle. The Citi Premier® Card earns 3X points per dollar spent at restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations, as well as on airfare and hotels.

Of course, there are other Citi cards you can use together to maximize your rewards-earning potential and take advantage of other card benefits. From cash back cards and balance transfer offers to business cards and co-branded airline cards, there are several ways to pair multiple Citi cards to meet various needs.

MoneyGeek’s Citi Trifecta Recommendations

The goal of a Citi trifecta is to maximize your rewards-earning potential by getting Citi cards that complement each other and match your spending and lifestyle. The best Citi credit cards offer benefits and rewards you're most likely to utilize. The best Citi trifecta for someone else may not be the right fit for you.

One of the most popular Citi cards among consumers is the Citi® Double Cash Card. It earns cash back twice — 1% cash back on all purchases, plus an additional 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases. If you have Citi Double Cash already, consider pairing it with the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card and the Citi Premier Credit Card if you want to boost your potential to earn ThankYou Rewards.

Best for Citi® Double Cash Card Owners Who Want to Earn More ThankYou Points

Double down to maximize your rewards with two Citi cash back cards. Use the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card to earn cash back in your top spending category while continuing to use the Citi® Double Cash Card for everyday spending. You're guaranteed to earn at least 2% cash back on your card spending. Don't forget to add in the Citi Premier® Card to earn even more bonus rewards in categories like dining, groceries, fuel and travel. All three cards earn ThankYou Points, allowing you to pool your rewards for bigger redemptions.

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Rewards + When and Where to Use
Citi® Double Cash Card	$0	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. 1% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make. Earn an additional 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases. Use this card to pay for everyday purchases outside of spending categories and limits of other cards in the trifecta.
Citi Premier Credit Card	$95	Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. 3X points per dollar spent at restaurants 3X points per dollar spent at supermarkets 3X points per dollar spent at gas stations 3X points per dollar spent on air travel and hotels 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases Use this card to pay for dining out, groceries, fuel and travel purchases.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card	$0	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (1% cash back after that). Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Use this card to pay for large upcoming purchases or up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible spending category each month.

Best for Individuals Who Want to Earn Rewards Without Annual Fees

If you like the idea of pooling ThankYou Points but want to avoid annual fees, swap out the Citi Premier® Card for the Citi Rewards+® Card. You’ll still earn bonus points on purchases like dining, groceries and fuel, but without the fee. It’s also a great card to use for smaller purchases. For example, a $3 coffee would net you 10 points, thanks to the card’s round-up rules. Combined with the Citi Double Cash and Citi Custom Cash cards, you pay $0 in total annual fees but still maximize your ThankYou Points-earning potential.

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Rewards + When and Where to Use
Citi® Double Cash Card	$0	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. 1% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make. Earn an additional 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases. Use this card to pay for everyday purchases outside of spending categories and limits of other cards in the trifecta.
Citi Rewards+ Credit Card	$0	Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 within the first three months of account opening. 5X points per dollar spent at restaurants up to $6,000 for the first 12 months (1X points after that). 2X points per dollar spent at supermarkets and gas stations up to $6,000 annually (1X points after that). 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases. Round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase. Use this card to pay for dining, grocery and gas purchases up to annual limits. Also, use this card for small purchases to take advantage of round-up rules.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card	$0	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (1% cash back after that). Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Use this card to pay for large upcoming purchases or up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible spending category each month.

Best for Business Travelers

Business owners get rewarded, too, with a Citi trifecta strategy. Start with the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard to earn miles toward American Airlines flights. Then, use the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Credit Card to earn more miles for spending at restaurants and gas stations. There’s some overlap in travel benefits, but each card also offers unique travel perks. Round out the trifecta with the Citi® Double Cash Card to take advantage of bonus cash back on everyday spending. You only pay $198 total in annual fees (waived the first 12 months) with this Citi trifecta.

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Rewards + When and Where to Use
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard	$99 (waived the first year)	Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening. 2X miles per dollar spent at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations. 2X miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. 1X miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. Use this card to pay for select business expenses and American Airlines purchases.
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Credit Card	$99 (waived the first year)	Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after you spend $2,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. 2X miles per dollar spent at restaurants and gas stations. 2X miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. 1X miles on all other purchases. Use this card to pay for dining and fuel purchases.
Citi Double Cash	$0	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. 1% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make. Earn an additional 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases. Use this card to pay for everyday purchases.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X – 10X points

APR

20.49% - 28.49% variable

Annual Fee

$95

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

We feel the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great alternative for travelers not just because of its generous sign-up offer but also because it lets you transfer your reward points to different airline loyalty programs.
As a new cardholder, you may earn 60,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 in the first three months. You earn 3X points per $1 for spending on flights and hotels, at restaurants, at supermarkets and at gas stations. All other purchases come with 1X points. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® points per dollar spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel portal through June 30, 2024.
Transferring your points to popular frequent flyer programs such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, JetBlue TrueBlue and Emirates Skywards is an option, and you pay no extra fee.
Having to pay no foreign transaction fees when you use this card outside of the U.S. is great. You also get $100 off a single hotel stay that costs $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) once every year. You may offset the card's $95 annual fee by using this benefit alone.
Getting additional cards for authorized users comes at no extra cost and gives you the ability to earn points faster.
PROS
- Opportunity to earn a sizeable sign-up bonus
- 3X points for travel purchases and on a few other categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer points to popular frequent flyer programs or redeem them in other ways
- $100 hotel savings benefit each year
CONS
- Annual fee of $95
- No complimentary insurance
- No purchase protection
- Cash advance and balance transfer fees
- Penalty APR may apply in case of a late or returned payment
- Introductory Offers
  - For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
- Rewards
  - Earn 10 ThankYou Points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.
  - Earn 3 points per dollar on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas, and EV charging stations.
  - Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Enjoy a $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Get $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more once per calendar year when booked through CitiTravel.com.
  - No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases.
  - Points do not expire and there's no limit to the amount you can earn.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary

Earn 1%–5% cash back

APR

18.49% - 28.49% variable

Annual Fee

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

The Citi Double Cash is one of the best cards for straightforward cash back. It lets you earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay—without an annual fee.
PROS
- 2% cash back on all purchases
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Accepts fair credit
CONS
- Penalty APR
- No intro APR on purchases
- Introductory Offers
  - Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After this period, the APR will range from 18.49% to 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness.
  - Earn 20,000 ThankYou Points, equivalent to $200 cash back, after spending $1,500 within the first six months.
- Rewards
  - Earn 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you buy and an additional 1% when you pay off the purchase.
  - Earn 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal until December 31, 2025.
- APRs, Fees, and Penalties
  - Balance transfers do not earn cash back.
  - If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on purchases unless the entire balance, including transfers, is paid by the due date each month.
  - There is an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) for transfers made within the first four months. After that, the fee is 5% (minimum $5).

Citi Rewards+® Card

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X–5X ThankYou® Points

APR

17.99% - 27.99% variable

Annual Fee

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Travelers eager to accumulate points for their next journey may find value in the Citi Rewards+® Card. It has a unique roundup feature that pushes the rewards you earn to the nearest 10, making it perfect for small purchases. It also provides a special offer of 5X ThankYou points for travel bookings through Citi (December 31, 2025) and 2X ThankYou points for supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year).
PROS
- 5X ThankYou on travel purchases through Citi Travel until December 31, 2025
- 2X ThankYou on supermarkets and gas stations
- Points round up to the nearest 10 on every purchase
- Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within three months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.74%–28.74% variable APR after that
CONS
- Low earnings potential compared to other cards
- $6,000 yearly spending cap for supermarkets and gas stations
- 5X points will end after December 31, 2025
- Points are less valuable if redeemed as statement credit and cash
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 20,000 ThankYou Points after spending $1,500 in the first three months, redeemable for $200 in gift cards.
  - Enjoy a 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of first transfer and on purchases from the date of account opening.
- Rewards
  - Earn 5 ThankYou Points per dollar on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com until December 31, 2025.
  - Earn 2X ThankYou Points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year, then 1X thereafter.
  - Earn 1X ThankYou Points on all other purchases.
  - Automatically round up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
- APRs, Fees, and Penalties
  - After the intro period, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
  - Intro balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) for the first 4 months, then 5% (minimum $5) thereafter.
- Perks & Benefits
  - No annual fee.

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Building a trifecta is easier if you already have one or two of the Citi cards listed. If you're starting from scratch, go slow. There's no guarantee that you'll get approved, even with good credit, if you apply for multiple cards within a short time span.

How to Use the Citi Trifecta

Using multiple Citi cards lets you take advantage of the unique rewards structures of each card. Use each card strategically to earn elevated points for every dollar you spend. Generally, you should have good or excellent credit to qualify for Citi rewards credit cards.

1
Select cards based on your spending habits
Analyze your spending habits to determine how to best use each card in your trifecta. Pay attention to where you spend the most money and any rewards-specific spending limits on each card to formulate the best strategy for your needs.
2
Wait between applications
As mentioned, applying for multiple cards in a short time span could lead to having card applications rejected. Each time you apply for a card, Citi will perform a hard credit inquiry. Multiple hard inquiries could have a negative effect on your credit score.
3
Start using your trifecta
Once you've received your trifecta of cards, start using them to maximize your rewards-earning potential. For example, if you have an upcoming home improvement project, use the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card to earn 5% back on up to $500 each billing cycle at home improvement stores. Use the Citi Premier® Card for dining out, groceries, gas and travel expenses. And use the Citi® Double Cash Card for everything else.
4
Take advantage of travel partners
The ThankYou Rewards program offers many great redemption options, but you can also use your points outside the program by transferring them to one of Citi's transfer partners. Foreign airlines make up the bulk of Citi's partners, so it's not ideal for domestic travelers unless you're comfortable booking domestic flights through airline alliance partners. Citi also partners with the Wyndham Rewards and Choice Privileges loyalty programs for hotel accommodations.

Is the Citi Trifecta Worth It?

The Citi trifecta is still worth it if you choose cards that match your spending habits. How you use them also determines the effectiveness of a Citi trifecta. Consider each card's annual fee to ensure you can offset the cost through card rewards and benefits.

The Citi Trifecta

Pros

Pool ThankYou Points from multiple cards
Take advantage of your highest spending categories
Earn bonus points in popular spending categories
Earn a minimum of 2% cash back on all spending

Cons

Tracking your spending on multiple cards could be difficult
Approval not guaranteed
Limited travel transfer partners
Need to earn enough rewards to offset annual fees

When the Citi Trifecta May Not Be Worth It

The Citi trifecta is not for everyone, and it might not be worth it in some scenarios.

You don’t want to keep track of multiple cards.
You prefer domestic travel partners.
Your spending habits don’t line up with the available bonus rewards categories.

When the Citi Trifecta May Be Worth It

The Citi trifecta might be worth it if used in a way that maximizes your rewards-earning potential.

You want to pool all the points you earn together.
You travel internationally or are comfortable booking flights through airline alliance partners.
Your spending habits line up with the available bonus rewards categories.

EXPERT TIP:

If your credit limit is lower than you'd like, you can contact the card issuers and request a limit increase. Develop a habit of on-time payments and pay down your credit balances before calling to improve your chances of approval. — Kevin Payne, contributing expert for MoneyGeek

Is Citi Quadfecta Worth It?

Having multiple Citi cards is often beneficial, as is the case with the Citi trifecta. Individuals looking for even more rewards-earning potential could add Citi Rewards+ to the other three cards recommended to create a Citi quadfecta:

While doing so gives you access to another decent welcome bonus, its ongoing rewards structure overlaps with Citi Premier. Individuals who already own the Citi Prestige card could create a Citi quinfecta, but the card is no longer available for new applicants.

How to Redeem Citi ThankYou Points

The Citi ThankYou Rewards Program offers several ways to redeem points based on your needs. Redemptions include travel, cash back, statement credits, gift cards and other selections. Generally, Citi ThankYou points are worth one cent, but the value can vary depending on the redemption.

As mentioned, you can also transfer ThankYou points to any of Citi's transfer partners. The minimum number of points you can transfer is 1,000 points, and all transfers must be made in 1,000 increments. Popular transfer partners include Avianca, Emirates, JetBlue and Wyndham.

What Is the Citi Trifecta & Is It Still Worth It?

On This Page:

Key Takeaways

What Is the Citi Trifecta?

MoneyGeek’s Citi Trifecta Recommendations

Best for Citi® Double Cash Card Owners Who Want to Earn More ThankYou Points

Best for Individuals Who Want to Earn Rewards Without Annual Fees

Best for Business Travelers

How to Use the Citi Trifecta

Select cards based on your spending habits

Wait between applications

Start using your trifecta

Take advantage of travel partners

Is the Citi Trifecta Worth It?

The Citi Trifecta

Pros

Cons

When the Citi Trifecta May Not Be Worth It

When the Citi Trifecta May Be Worth It

Is Citi Quadfecta Worth It?

How to Redeem Citi ThankYou Points

>> More: Citi ThankYou Rewards Transfer Partners

Other Questions You May Have About Citi’s Rewards Cards

Is there a Citi trifecta for business cards?

How long should you wait between Citi applications for the trifecta?

How many Citi cards can you have?

How many Citi points can the average person earn with the Citi trifecta?

Do Citi points expire?

What is the easiest Citi credit card to get?

Next Steps

Compare & Review Credit Cards

More About Credit Card Trifectas and Reward Programs

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