The past few years have been confusing to say the least. Back in 2014 I began a job in which I was traveling at least 50% of the time, often more. Back then I’d often find myself sitting in loud and crowded gate area waiting for my flight.
During a particularly long delay I became so frustrated I finally decided to apply for the Citi Executive AAdvantage Card. That card came with a $450 annual fee, but was offering a 75,000 AAdvantage mile sign up bonus. Most importantly, the card came with an Admirals Club membership which meant I could visit Admirals Club locations throughout the world when traveling.
When I opened the Citi AAdvantage Executive card I was fairly new to the world of credit cards, points, and miles. I hadn’t done much research at the time and as a result I completely overlooked the Citi Prestige card. At the time the Citi Prestige card came with same-day Admirals Club access and was a better fit. So, for my one year card member anniversary I converted the Citi Executive card to the Citi Prestige card.
Life With The Citi Prestige Card
Switching to the Citi Prestige card was the best credit card decision I had ever made. By switching to the Citi Prestige card I was still paying the same $450 annual fee, but I was also getting $250 back in automatic travel credits. Also, the card came with same-day American Airlines Admirals Club access when traveling with American. Essentially, I was getting the same Admirals Club access for $250 less ($200/year).
On top of the Admirals Club access, I was earning much more valuable Citi ThankYou Points with every purchase. Also, the Citi Prestige card was more rewarding than the Citi Executive AAdvantage card. Instead of earning just 1X points on everyday purchases (2X on AA purchases), I was earning 3X points on travel (excluding gas), 2X points on dining and entertainment, and 1X points on everything else.
Finally, the Citi Prestige card came with an insanely lucrative 4th night free benefit. The benefit was great, if you booked a 4 night stay, Citi would issue a statement credit for the cost of the 4th night. That benefit has changed slightly over the years, but still remains. As you can see, the Citi Prestige card was significantly better than the Citi Executive card.
Downgrading The Citi Prestige Card
Life with the Citi Prestige card was good. I used the Citi Prestige card for mostly every purchase I made. However, in 2016 Citi made some dramatically negative changes to the card. While most of the changes didn’t have a major effect on me, Citi did eliminate the Admirals Club access.
Another reason I decided to downgrade the card was because I had little use for the 4th night free benefit. At the time I was traveling for work so often that I rarely could plan a 4 night vacation and I paid for all my work travel on a corporate card. Since the Citi Prestige card dropped the Admirals Club benefit and I wasn’t using the 4th night free benefit I knew it was time to downgrade.
I decided to downgrade the card to the Citi ThankYou Premier card. The card is essentially a $95/year version of the Citi Prestige card from a point earning perspective. It also earns the same 3X points on travel (including gas), 2X points on dining and entertainment, and 1X points on everything else. Beyond that the benefits from this card are what you can expect from the Chase Sapphire Preferred or any other $95/year annual fee card.
I’ve been happy with my decision to downgrade for some time. I love earning 3X points on gas and frequently use the card to pay for “entertainment” purchases where I wouldn’t earn bonus points otherwise.
Time To Revisit The Citi Prestige Card?
As I mentioned at the beginning, the past few years have been confusing. I’ve had a few job changes and now find myself working a more traditional 9-5 office job. With that I can now plan actual vacations. I’m no longer at the mercy of my schedule who would tell me where I needed to be. With this change I’m looking to take at least a couple of 4 night vacations.
This is why I think it’s time to revisit the Citi Prestige card. I’m currently paying $95/year for the Citi ThankYou Premier card which I use occasionally. However, I’m definitely not getting $95/year of value from this particular card (especially because I’ve gotten rid of my car).
However, if I switch to the Citi Prestige card I’ll have to pay $200/year (after $250 travel credits) for the annual fee. While the annual fee is higher, I think I can make up the difference from a single 4 night hotel stay. If I have two 4 night stays in a year I think the Citi Prestige card could end up paying for itself.
Most of the hotels I’ve stayed in this past year have cost about $150-$200 a night. By booking two 4 night stays a year I’ll get between $300-$400 back from the 4th night free benefit. That rebate will completely offset the annual fee.
Why I’m Avoiding The Citi Executive AAdvantage Card
While I still value Admirals Club access I’m starting to find little use for a credit card to get me in the door. Majority of my travel these days has been international on OneWorld carriers. Since I maintain OneWorld Emerald elite status I have access to any OneWorld lounge (including Admirals Clubs) when traveling.
Also, I’m no longer booking ridiculous connections domestically so I don’t have the same layovers I once did where club access mattered. If I do end up in an airport without Admirals Club access I may end up getting access to another lounge thanks to my Priority Pass Membership. Realistically, I just don’t have that much value for a club credit card given my current travel habits.
Final Thoughts
It’s funny how quickly things change. A little more than a year ago I found myself fed up with the Citi Prestige card and wanted out. Now, a year later, I find myself wanting it back. The card’s 4th night free benefit is one that I can’t ignore. As my travel plans change and I’m finally able to stay at hotels for 4 nights in a row. Because of this change the Citi Prestige card is starting to makes sense.
I’m going to wait a few days to make a decision. That being said, there is a good chance you’re going to see a post about my Upgrade Call to the Citi Prestige card in the coming weeks. It’ll be a nice followup to my previous post regarding my downgrade call from the Citi Prestige.
The actual cost for the Prestige is $200, not $250. The airline credit is $250. Subtract $250 from $450 and your net cost is $200. The cost to have the Prestige is only $105 more than the cost to have a Premier.
Rick, you’re absolutely right. I’ve updated the post accordingly. Thank You!