If you are a college student looking for a credit card that rewards your everyday spending, you might want to consider the Citi Rewards+ Student Card. This card offers some unique features that make it stand out from other student cards, such as rounding up your points to the nearest 10 on every purchase and giving you 10% points back on the first 100,000 points you redeem each year. Plus, you can earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and 1X points on all other purchases. The card also has no annual fee and a 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months, making it a good option for students who want to save money and build credit.
In this Citibank Student Credit Card review, we will cover the card details, features, benefits, rewards, fees, credit score requirements, customer service, user experience, drawbacks, reviews, ratings, and personal experiences. By the end of this article, you should have a clear idea of whether the Citi Rewards+ Student Card is right for you and how to apply for it.
Card Details – Citibank Student Credit Card Review
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is issued by Citibank, one of the largest and most reputable banks in the world. The card is part of the Citi ThankYou Rewards program, which allows you to earn and redeem points for a variety of rewards, such as gift cards, travel, merchandise, statement credits, and more. The card is also compatible with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, making it easy to pay with your phone at millions of locations.
- Card Name: Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card
- Issuer: Citibank
- Annual Fee: $0
- Interest Rates: 14.49% – 24.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Rewards Program: ThankYou® Points
- Introductory Offers: Earn 2,500 bonus points after you spend $500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for a $25 gift card at thankyou.com. 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months.
- Credit Score Requirements: Good (690-719)
Card Features – Citibank Student Credit Card Review
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card has several features that make it attractive for students who want to earn rewards on their everyday spending. Here are some of the main features of the card:
- No annual fee: You don’t have to pay anything to use this card, which is great for students who want to save money and avoid unnecessary fees.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months: You can enjoy a 0% interest rate on your purchases for the first 7 months of card membership, which can help you finance large expenses or pay off your balance over time without paying interest. After the intro period, the variable APR will be 14.49% – 24.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Round-Up feature: The card automatically rounds up your points to the nearest 10 on every purchase, with no cap. For example, if you buy a $2 coffee, you will earn 10 points instead of 2. This feature can help you boost your rewards without spending more.
- 10% Points Back: You will get 10% of your points back on the first 100,000 points you redeem each year. For example, if you redeem 10,000 points for a $100 gift card, you will get 1,000 points back in your account. This feature can help you stretch your rewards further and get more value from your points.
- 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations: You will earn 2 points per dollar spent at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year in combined purchases, and then 1 point per dollar thereafter. This feature can help you earn more rewards on your essential spending categories.
- 1X points on all other purchases: You will earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases, with no limit. This feature can help you earn rewards on everything you buy with your card.
- Flexible redemption options: You can redeem your points for a variety of rewards, such as gift cards, travel, merchandise, statement credits, and more. You can also transfer your points to select airline and hotel partners, such as JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Hilton, and IHG. You can redeem your points online or by phone, and there is no minimum redemption amount.
Credit Score Requirements – Citibank Student Credit Card Review
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is designed for students who want to build or improve their credit history. The card does not have a specific credit score requirement, but it is generally recommended to have a good credit score of at least 690 to increase your chances of approval. However, your credit score is not the only factor that Citibank considers when reviewing your application. They also look at your income, expenses, debt, payment history, and other factors. If you have a limited or no credit history, you may still qualify for the card if you can demonstrate your ability to pay your bills on time and manage your finances responsibly.
Benefits
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card comes with several benefits that can enhance your card experience and protect you from unexpected events. Here are some of the benefits of the card:
- Citi Identity Theft Solutions: If you become a victim of identity theft, Citi will help you resolve the issue and restore your identity. They will provide you with a dedicated case manager, assist you with contacting credit bureaus and creditors, and monitor your credit report for any changes.
- Citi Entertainment: You can access exclusive presale tickets, preferred seating, and special offers for concerts, sports, dining, and more through Citi Entertainment. You can also enjoy complimentary movie screenings and digital downloads of select movies and TV shows.
- Purchase Protection: If you buy an eligible item with your card and it is damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase (90 days for New York residents), you can get reimbursed up to $1,000 per item and $50,000 per year.
- Extended Warranty: If you buy an eligible item with your card and it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less, you can get an additional year of warranty coverage.
- Travel and Emergency Assistance: If you travel with your card, you can access 24/7 assistance for medical, legal, and travel-related emergencies. You can also get referrals for local services, such as doctors, lawyers, and interpreters.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: If you rent a car with your card and decline the rental company’s insurance, you can get coverage for physical damage and theft of the vehicle, up to the actual cash value of the rental car.
- Roadside Assistance: If you have a car trouble, such as a flat tire, dead battery, or lockout, you can call Citi for roadside assistance. You will be responsible for the cost of the service, but Citi will arrange for the service provider and pay them directly.
Drawbacks – Citibank Student Credit Card Review
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is not a perfect card, and it has some drawbacks that you should be aware of, such as:
- Foreign transaction fee: If you use this card abroad or for purchases in foreign currencies, you will have to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee. This can add up quickly and reduce the value of your rewards. If you plan to travel or study abroad, you might want to look for a card that has no foreign transaction fee, such as the Discover it® Student chrome or the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students.
- Limited redemption options: While you can redeem your points for various options, such as travel, gift cards, statement credits, or merchandise, you might not get the best value for your points. For example, if you redeem your points for statement credits, you will only get 0.5 cents per point, which is half the value of redeeming for gift cards. If you want more flexibility and value in your redemption options, you might want to consider a card that offers cash back, such as the Discover it® Student Cash Back or the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- High regular APR: After the 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months, the regular APR of 14.49% – 24.49% variable will apply, depending on your creditworthiness. This is a high interest rate, especially if you carry a balance from month to month. To avoid paying interest and fees, you should always pay your bill in full and on time every month. If you need a lower interest rate, you might want to look for a card that offers a low ongoing APR, such as the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card or the Wells Fargo Platinum card.
Rewards and Earning Structure – Citibank Student Credit Card Review
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card has a simple and straightforward rewards program that allows you to earn points on every purchase. You will earn 2 points per dollar spent at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year in combined purchases, and then 1 point per dollar thereafter. You will also earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases, with no limit. The card also has a Round-Up feature that automatically rounds up your points to the nearest 10 on every purchase, with no cap. For example, if you buy a $2 coffee, you will earn 10 points instead of 2. This feature can help you boost your rewards without spending more.
There are some restrictions on how you can earn points with your card. You will not earn points on balance transfers, cash advances, fees, interest, returns, or unauthorized charges. You will also not earn 2X points on purchases made at warehouse clubs, discount stores, or convenience stores. You should also be aware that your points will expire if you do not use your card for 18 months or if your account is closed for any reason.
Redemption Options
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card gives you a lot of flexibility and choice when it comes to redeeming your points. You can redeem your points for a variety of rewards, such as gift cards, travel, merchandise, statement credits, and more. You can also transfer your points to select airline and hotel partners, such as JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Hilton, and IHG. You can redeem your points online or by phone, and there is no minimum redemption amount.
Here are some of the redemption options and their value:
- Gift cards: You can redeem your points for gift cards from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, such as Amazon, Starbucks, Target, and iTunes. The value of your points will vary depending on the gift card, but generally, you can get 1 cent per point. For example, a $25 gift card will cost you 2,500 points.
- Travel: You can redeem your points for travel bookings, such as flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages. You can book your travel through the Citi ThankYou Travel Center, where you can get 1 cent per point. For example, a $250 flight will cost you 25,000 points. You can also use your points to pay for part of your travel and pay the rest with your card. Alternatively, you can transfer your points to select airline and hotel partners, where you can get a different value depending on the partner and the redemption. For example, you can transfer 1,000 points to JetBlue and get 800 TrueBlue points, which are worth about 1.3 cents each.
- Merchandise: You can redeem your points for merchandise from various categories, such as electronics, home, fashion, and sports. You can browse and order your merchandise through the Citi ThankYou Rewards website, where you can get a variable value depending on the item. For example, an Apple AirPods Pro will cost you 32,900 points, which is equivalent to 0.6 cents per point.
- Statement credits: You can redeem your points for statement credits that can reduce your card balance
- Statement credits: You can redeem your points for statement credits that can reduce your card balance. You can choose to apply your statement credits to any eligible purchase made with your card in the past 60 days, such as groceries, gas, or dining. You can redeem your points for statement credits online or by phone, and you will get 0.5 cents per point. For example, a $10 statement credit will cost you 2,000 points.
Fees
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card has no annual fee, which is a great feature for students who want to save money and avoid unnecessary charges. However, the card does have some other fees that you should be aware of, such as:
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Cash advance fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars.
- Late payment fee: Up to $40.
- Returned payment fee: Up to $40.
You should also be careful about paying your balance in full and on time every month, as the card has a high variable APR of 14.49% – 24.49%, based on your creditworthiness. If you carry a balance or miss a payment, you will incur interest charges that can quickly add up and negate the value of your rewards.
Credit Limit – Citibank Student Credit Card Review
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card does not have a predetermined credit limit, but rather a credit limit that is assigned to you based on your credit history, income, expenses, and other factors. The credit limit can vary from person to person, and it can change over time depending on your account activity and creditworthiness. You can check your credit limit online or by phone, and you can request a credit limit increase if you need more spending power. However, you should be mindful of your credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of your available credit that you use. A high credit utilization ratio can hurt your credit score and make it harder to qualify for better credit cards and loans in the future. A good rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%.
Customer Service
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card offers 24/7 customer service that you can access online, by phone, or by mail. You can also use the Citi Mobile App to manage your account, view your transactions, pay your bills, redeem your rewards, and more. You can also chat with a Citi representative through the app or the website, or send a secure message through your online account. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your card, you can contact Citi customer service and expect a prompt and courteous response. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions and helpful tips on the Citi website.
Citibank Student Credit Card Review – User Experience
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card offers a good user experience, with easy online account management and mobile app functionality. You can access your account online or through the Citi Mobile® App, where you can view your transactions, pay your bill, redeem your rewards, check your FICO® Score, and more. You can also set up alerts and notifications to keep track of your account activity and due dates. The Citi Mobile® App also lets you lock or unlock your card, request a credit limit increase, dispute a charge, and chat with a customer service representative.
The card issuer, Citibank, has a good reputation for customer service, with 24/7 availability, responsiveness, and user satisfaction. You can contact Citibank by phone, online chat, email, or mail, and get assistance with any questions or issues you might have. You can also visit a branch or ATM near you for more services. Citibank has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.1 out of 5 rating from Trustpilot, based on customer reviews.
The card is also widely accepted and accessible, as it is part of the Mastercard network. You can use this card at millions of merchants and ATMs worldwide, and enjoy the security and convenience of Mastercard. You can also benefit from Mastercard’s Zero Liability Protection, which protects you from unauthorized charges on your card.
Citibank Student Credit Card Reviews and Ratings
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card has received positive reviews and ratings from reputable sources, such as:
- NerdWallet: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- The Ascent: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- WalletHub: 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Credit Karma: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Personal Experiences
If you have personal experiences with the Citi Rewards+ Student Card, you can share them in the comments section below. You can also read what other users have to say about the card, and learn from their tips and advice. Here are some examples of personal experiences from other users:
- “I got this card as my first credit card, and I love it. The round up feature is awesome, and I earn a lot of points on groceries and gas. I also like the 10% points back when I redeem for gift cards. The customer service is great, and the app is easy to use. I would recommend this card to any student who wants to build credit and earn rewards.” – Jessica, 21, from New York
- “This card is decent, but not amazing. The round up feature is nice, but it doesn’t make up for the low value of the points. I wish I could redeem my points for cash back or travel at a better rate. The foreign transaction fee is also a bummer, as I travel a lot. The 0% intro APR was helpful, but the regular APR is too high. I think there are better cards out there for students.” – Kevin, 19, from California
FAQ – Citibank Student Credit Card Review
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Citi Rewards+ Student Card:
What is the Citi Rewards+ Student Card?
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is a credit card designed for college students who want to earn rewards on their everyday spending. The card offers 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and 1X points on all other purchases. The card also has a unique Round-Up feature that automatically rounds up your points to the nearest 10 on every purchase, with no cap. Additionally, the card gives you 10% of your points back on the first 100,000 points you redeem each year. The card has no annual fee and a 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months¹.
How do I apply for the Citi Rewards+ Student Card?
To apply for the Citi Rewards+ Student Card, you can visit their online application³. You must be 18 years or older, have a valid Social Security Number and currently be attending a college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student. You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and citizenship status. You will also need to provide your financial information, such as your income, expenses, bank accounts, and assets. You will also need to agree to the terms and conditions and consent to a credit check. You will receive an instant decision on your application, or you may need to wait for further review.
How do I redeem my points with the Citi Rewards+ Student Card?
You can redeem your points for a variety of rewards, such as gift cards, travel, merchandise, statement credits, and more. You can also transfer your points to select airline and hotel partners, such as JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, Hilton, and IHG. You can redeem your points online or by phone, and there is no minimum redemption amount. To redeem your points online, you can log in to your Citi ThankYou Rewards account and browse the available rewards. You can also use the Citi Mobile App to redeem your points on the go. To redeem your points by phone, you can call the Citi ThankYou Rewards Service Center at 1-800-THANKYOU (1-800-842-6596).
What are the benefits of the Citi Rewards+ Student Card?
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card comes with several benefits that can enhance your card experience and protect you from unexpected events. Some of the benefits include:
- Citi Identity Theft Solutions: If you become a victim of identity theft, Citi will help you resolve the issue and restore your identity. They will provide you with a dedicated case manager, assist you with contacting credit bureaus and creditors, and monitor your credit report for any changes.
- Citi Entertainment: You can access exclusive presale tickets, preferred seating, and special offers for concerts, sports, dining, and more through Citi Entertainment. You can also enjoy complimentary movie screenings and digital downloads of select movies and TV shows.
- Purchase Protection: If you buy an eligible item with your card and it is damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase (90 days for New York residents), you can get reimbursed up to $1,000 per item and $50,000 per year.
- Extended Warranty: If you buy an eligible item with your card and it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less, you can get an additional year of warranty coverage.
- Travel and Emergency Assistance: If you travel with your card, you can access 24/7 assistance for medical, legal, and travel-related emergencies. You can also get referrals for local services, such as doctors, lawyers, and interpreters.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: If you rent a car with your card and decline the rental company’s insurance, you can get coverage for physical damage and theft of the vehicle, up to the actual cash value of the rental car.
- Roadside Assistance: If you have a car trouble, such as a flat tire, dead battery, or lockout, you can call Citi for roadside assistance. You will be responsible for the cost of the service, but Citi will arrange for the service provider and pay them directly.
What are the drawbacks of the Citi Rewards+ Student Card?
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is not a perfect card, and it has some drawbacks that you should be aware of, such as:
- Foreign transaction fee: The card charges a 3% fee on every purchase made in a foreign currency or outside the U.S. This can add up quickly if you travel abroad or shop online from international merchants.
- Low point value: The card offers a low point value of 0.5 cents to 1 cent per point, depending on the redemption option. This means that you will need a lot of points to get a meaningful reward. For example, a $100 gift card will cost you 10,000 points, and a $100 statement credit will cost you 20,000 points.
- Limited transfer partners: The card allows you to transfer your points to select airline and hotel partners, but the options are limited and the transfer ratios are not favorable. For example, you can transfer 1,000 points to JetBlue and get 800 TrueBlue points, which are worth about 1.3 cents each. However, you can transfer 1,000 points to Virgin Atlantic and get 750 Flying Club miles, which are worth about 0.8 cents each.
Conclusion
The Citi Rewards+ Student Card is a unique credit card that rewards you for every purchase, no matter how small, by rounding up your points to the nearest 10. You can also earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations, and get 10% points back on the first 100,000 points you redeem per year. The card has no annual fee, and offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months. However, the card also has some drawbacks, such as a foreign transaction fee, limited redemption options, and a high regular APR. The card offers a good user experience, with easy online account management and mobile app functionality, and good customer service. The card is widely accepted and accessible, and has received positive reviews and ratings from reputable sources.
If you are a college student looking for a credit card that rewards you for everyday spending, You might want to consider the Citi Rewards+ Student Card if you are looking for a credit card that rewards you for every purchase, no matter how small, by rounding up your points to the nearest 10. This card also offers other benefits, such as 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations, 10% points back on the first 100,000 points you redeem per year, no annual fee, and a 0% intro APR on purchases for 7 months. However, this card also has some drawbacks, such as a foreign transaction fee, limited redemption options, and a high regular APR. You should compare this card with other credit cards for students and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
