Citi ThankYou Rewards cardholders have various options to redeem their points, including gift cards and bookings via the Citi travel portal. However, for those holding premium Citi ThankYou cards, transferring points to Citi’s travel partners can unlock significantly greater value. This guide delves into the world of Citi transfer partners, exploring how to earn points and maximize their redemption for exceptional travel experiences.
Earning Points for Citi Transfer Partners
Citi ThankYou points are accumulated through several Citi credit cards, offering a pathway to utilize their valuable transfer partners. Some of the key Citi credit cards that allow you to earn these points include:
It’s crucial to note that the value and transferability of ThankYou points depend on the type of Citi card you possess. Access to the full spectrum of Citi transfer partners, as detailed in this guide, requires a premium Citi ThankYou card. Examples of premium cards include the Citi Prestige® Card (discontinued for new applications) and the Citi Strata Premier Card.
Holders of cards like the Citi Rewards+ Card earn a more restricted form of ThankYou points. These points can be transferred to a limited set of partners, specifically JetBlue TrueBlue, Choice Privileges, and Wyndham Rewards. Cards such as the Citi Double Cash Card or Citi Custom Cash Card accrue cash back in the form of “basic” ThankYou points, which are not eligible for transfer to partner programs directly.
However, a strategic advantage exists for cardholders who possess both a basic or limited point earning card and a premium card like Citi Prestige or Citi Strata Premier. By combining limited or basic ThankYou points with those earned on a premium card, you unlock the ability to transfer all your accumulated rewards to any of Citi’s extensive transfer partners.
An In-Depth Look at Citi Transfer Partners
The Citi ThankYou Rewards program boasts a diverse portfolio of 19 transfer partners, encompassing 14 airline loyalty programs, four hotel loyalty programs, and a retail loyalty program. This variety offers numerous avenues to utilize your points for travel and beyond.
Alt text: Stay informed about travel rewards and deals with the TPG Daily Newsletter, your source for expert tips on Citi Travel Partners and maximizing your points.
Below is a comprehensive overview of Citi’s transfer partners, along with their respective transfer ratios for ThankYou points:
- Accor Live Limitless: Transfer ratio of 2:1
- Aeromexico Rewards: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Avianca LifeMiles: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Choice Privileges: Transfer ratio of 1:2 (2:3 for limited ThankYou point cards)
- Emirates Skywards: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Etihad Guest: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- EVA Air Infinity MileageLands: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- JetBlue TrueBlue: Transfer ratio of 1:1 (5:4 for limited ThankYou point cards)
- Leaders Club: Transfer ratio of 5:1
- Qantas Frequent Flyer: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Shop Your Way: Transfer ratio of 1:10
- Thai Royal Orchid Plus: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Transfer ratio of 1:1
- Wyndham Rewards: Transfer ratio of 1:1 (5:4 for limited ThankYou point cards)
Keep an eye out for periodic transfer bonuses, which can temporarily enhance the transfer ratio to select partners, offering even greater value for your Citi points.
To initiate a transfer, log in to your ThankYou account at thankyou.com. Navigate to the “Travel” section and select “Points transfer.” Transfers must be within the range of 1,000 to 500,000 ThankYou points and are processed in increments of 1,000 points.
Processing times for transfers can vary, with Citi stating a potential timeframe of up to 14 days. However, real-world data suggests that most transfers are completed much faster.
The following sections provide a detailed exploration of each Citi transfer partner, evaluating their potential value and ideal use cases for your ThankYou points.
Related: Maximizing Your Rewards: The Best Ways to Redeem Citi ThankYou Points
Hotel Transfer Partners
Accor Live Limitless
Accor Live Limitless encompasses a vast portfolio of 53 brands, including renowned names like Sofitel, Fairmont, Raffles, and Mövenpick. Redemption within the Accor program is straightforward: 2,000 points equate to 40 euros, approximately $44 based on current exchange rates. This translates to a value of about 2.2 cents per Accor point.
Transferring Citi points to Accor at a 2:1 ratio yields roughly 1 cent per Citi point. While this is below TPG’s valuation of Citi points at 1.8 cents each, Accor Live Limitless can be a worthwhile option if you have a smaller balance of Citi points and seek slightly better value than the Citi travel portal for hotel stays.
Choice Privileges
Alt text: Explore diverse lodging options with Choice Privileges, a Citi Travel Partner, including hotels like Cambria Hotel Copper Mountain.
Choice Privileges expanded its reach by integrating Radisson Rewards Americas in 2023, offering a wider selection of hotels, including legacy Radisson brands. Award nights at most Choice properties globally range from 6,000 to 35,000 points per night.
The favorable transfer ratio of 1:2 (or 2:3 for limited ThankYou points) to Choice Privileges enhances the value proposition. To maximize your Choice points, explore strategies for Choice Hotels Sweet Spot Rewards and discover unique redemption methods for Choice points.
Related: Enhance Your Weekday Stays: Register for Choice Hotels Your Extras to Earn Bonus Perks
Leaders Club
Leaders Club, the loyalty program of The Leading Hotels of the World, is a recent addition to Citi’s transfer partner network. While Leaders Club employs dynamic award pricing, redemptions typically yield between 6 and 8 cents per point. Considering the 5:1 transfer ratio from Citi, this translates to a value of 1.2 to 1.6 cents per Citi point, which is slightly below TPG’s valuation.
For stays at LHW properties, transferring Citi points to Leaders Club is generally more advantageous than booking through the Citi travel portal, though it’s advisable to calculate the optimal approach for your specific booking.
Wyndham Rewards
Wyndham Rewards features a simplified award chart with award nights priced at 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points, depending on the property. While value varies, Wyndham can offer excellent deals in expensive cities, upscale hotels, or during peak travel periods.
Beyond hotels, Wyndham points can be redeemed at Wyndham vacation club resorts, Caesars Rewards properties, and Vacasa vacation rentals, providing diverse redemption options.
Related: Discover Luxury and Value: The 12 Best Wyndham Hotels Around the Globe
Airline Transfer Partners
Aeromexico Rewards
Alt text: Consider Aeromexico Rewards for flights within Mexico and select international routes, a valuable option among Citi Travel Airline Partners.
Aeromexico Rewards utilizes dynamic pricing for most award tickets on Aeromexico, Delta, KLM, and Air France, although limited-availability classic award tickets exist. Dynamic pricing fluctuates based on demand, availability, destination, and class of service, often resulting in less compelling redemption rates. An award booking fee of 365 Mexican pesos (approximately $22) applies even to online bookings.
While specific situations may offer good value with Aeromexico, it generally ranks lower in value compared to other Citi transfer partners.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Air France-KLM Flying Blue stands out as a popular program and a potentially high-value Citi transfer partner. Despite employing dynamic award pricing and fuel surcharges on certain routes, Flying Blue presents valuable opportunities.
Recent standardization of saver-level redemption prices to Europe and monthly Flying Blue Promo Rewards and Flying Blue stopovers enhance its appeal. Utilize Flying Blue’s calendar search tool to identify more affordable award tickets.
Related: Unlock Savings: How to Find the Cheapest Redemption Rates with Flying Blue Miles
Avianca LifeMiles
Alt text: Avianca LifeMiles, a Citi airline partner, offers sweet spots for Star Alliance flights, like this Avianca Airbus A320.
Avianca LifeMiles is favored for booking Star Alliance flights due to its mixed-cabin ticketing and low taxes and fees. Unlike some programs, LifeMiles doesn’t impose carrier surcharges on award tickets.
Despite increased award costs to Asia in late 2022, key sweet spots remain:
- Lufthansa business class one-way to Europe for 63,000 miles.
- One-way domestic economy awards on United Airlines from just 6,500 miles.
Inexpensive Avianca-operated award flights within the Americas are also frequently available.
Related: Efficient Award Searching: The Best Websites to Find Star Alliance Award Availability
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles uses distance-based award charts for Cathay Pacific and Oneworld partner flights. Long-haul flights, such as US-Hong Kong routes, can be costly. Ultra-long Cathay Pacific flights (over 7,501 miles) can reach 160,000 Asia Miles in first class, 110,000 in business, 75,000 in premium economy, and 38,000 in economy for one-way travel.
Asia Miles passes on fees and surcharges and often levies significant fees on its own tickets. Despite award rate increases in late 2023, Asia Miles can still be the optimal choice for specific award flights.
Related: Simplify Award Travel: Top 10 Apps and Websites for Easier Point Redemptions
Emirates Skywards
Alt text: Experience luxury travel with Emirates Skywards, a Citi Travel Partner, known for its premium cabins like Emirates First Class.
Emirates Skywards is particularly valuable for booking Emirates business or first-class awards, though award prices are generally high. For instance, a one-way business-class flight from New York to Dubai costs 138,000 miles plus $839 in taxes and fees.
Fifth-freedom routes between the US and Europe offer more compelling options. For example, New York to Milan in business class is 87,000 miles plus $106 in taxes and fees one-way, or 108,000 miles plus $248 round-trip for saver-level awards.
Related: Luxury in the Sky: The Complete Guide to the Emirates A380 Onboard Bar and Lounge
Etihad Guest
Etihad Guest once excelled for partner redemptions, but significant devaluations in 2023, with award rate increases exceeding 300% on some routes, diminished its appeal.
Further changes in 2024 include reduced GuestSeat award prices and the ability to redeem miles for upgrades to the Residence on select A380 flights. However, Etihad Guest award rates remain high, and advertised rates may significantly understate actual booking costs.
Related: Master Award Availability: Your Ultimate Guide to Searching for Award Seats on Major Airlines
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands is often less competitive than other programs and can be complex. However, it presents unique opportunities, particularly for intra-region round-trip itineraries.
Round-trip Star Alliance awards allow up to two stopovers, six segments, and one open jaw within broad regions. For example, the “North Asia” region encompasses Guam, Japan, South Korea, and more, allowing for island-hopping itineraries for 30,000 miles round-trip in economy or 55,000 in business class. Similar value exists within the “South West Pacific” and “South America” regions.
Refer to the Star Alliance award chart and EVA Air award chart for details.
Related: Is it Worth it? EVA Air Business Class on the Boeing 787-10 Reviewed
JetBlue TrueBlue
Alt text: Fly comfortably with JetBlue TrueBlue, a Citi Travel Partner, known for its Mint cabin experience on aircraft like the Airbus A321LR.
JetBlue TrueBlue redemptions are straightforward: point values correlate with cash prices. Expect to receive approximately 1.4 cents per TrueBlue point in value, though this can fluctuate.
Redeeming JetBlue points for Hawaiian Airlines flights is another option. Intra-Hawaii one-way economy flights can be booked for 7,500 points plus $5.60, but consider that paid fares on these routes are often inexpensive.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qantas Frequent Flyer is generally not the most lucrative program due to high fuel surcharges and less competitive award charts. Multiple distance-based award charts require careful selection based on the operating airlines.
Sweet spots include short Qantas-operated flights, around-the-world Oneworld tickets, transatlantic American Airlines business class awards, and short-haul American Airlines flights.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Alt text: Experience world-class business class with Qatar Airways Privilege Club, a Citi Travel Partner, featuring the award-winning Qsuite.
Qatar Airways Privilege Club, now using Avios as its currency, is the sole Avios-accruing program partnering with Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Avios can be combined across loyalty programs, allowing you to transfer Citi points to Qatar and then access sweet spots within British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus programs.
Related: Exclusive Access: Book Qatar Qsuites Before Anyone Else
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is typically the best choice for booking Singapore Airlines first-class Suites. First-class Suites on the non-stop New York to Singapore flight often require 243,000 miles one-way at the Advantage level. Business class on the same route is 143,500 miles for Advantage awards or 111,500 miles for Saver awards. Waitlisting is available if awards are unavailable.
The monthly KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes program can also offer valuable redemptions.
Thai Royal Orchid Plus
Thai Royal Orchid Plus offers limited value despite some decent intra-region award pricing. Thai-specific award charts and the Star Alliance partner award chart are available for reference.
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
Alt text: Fly in style with Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, a Citi Travel Partner, offering comfortable business class on aircraft like the Boeing 787-9.
Turkish Miles&Smiles has been popular, though recent award chart devaluations have reduced its appeal. Value remains when booking Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance flights.
Region-based award charts price one-way awards at half the round-trip cost. Fuel surcharges can be significant on some redemptions.
Domestic flights operated by Turkish Miles&Smiles partners, like United flights within the US (including Hawaii) for 10,000 miles one-way in economy and 15,000 in business, represent a sweet spot.
Related: Maximize Turkish Miles&Smiles: A Comprehensive Guide
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has lost some sweet spots in recent years, including Delta sweet spots in 2021 and ANA first-class and Delta award chart devaluations in 2023.
Value opportunities remain, particularly through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club partners. Delta Main Cabin flights between the US and UK can start at 15,000 Virgin points each way during standard season dates. Virgin Atlantic Promo Rewards can also offer discounted awards.
Related: Unlock Cheap Delta Awards: Booking with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points
Retail Transfer Partner
Shop Your Way
Shop Your Way is a retail rewards program where 1,000 points equal $1 toward gift cards.
Citi points transfer to Shop Your Way at a 1:10 ratio, yielding approximately 1 cent per Citi point. Given that Citi points can be redeemed for statement credits or checks at the same 1 cent per point value, transferring to Shop Your Way offers little added benefit.
Conclusion: Navigating Citi Travel Partners
Citi ThankYou Rewards offers a broad spectrum of transfer partners, making point accumulation worthwhile even without immediate redemption plans. Once your travel aspirations take shape, explore these partners to identify the most advantageous options and maximize the value of your Citi ThankYou points for your desired destinations and experiences.
