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.

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

There's no written rule regarding the time span between applying for credit cards. Generally, it's best to wait about six months before applying for another credit card.

How many Citi cards can you have?

There's no limit to the number of Citi cards you can have, as long as you're approved for each one.

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

Citi trifecta card owners could earn up to 120,000 ThankYou Points by earning the cards' welcome bonuses. Points earned from spending would depend on an individual's spending habits.

Do Citi points expire?

Citi ThankYou points never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

What is the easiest Citi credit card to get?

The easiest Citi card to get is the Citi® Secured Mastercard® because it is secured with a security deposit instead of a traditional hard credit check.

What Is the Citi Trifecta and Who Should Get It?

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

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 Premier® Card
An excellent travel rewards card for international use
- ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $95Annual Fee
- 1–3 Points per $1Rewards Rate
- 3xRewards Rate at Hotels
- 3xRewards Rate on Groceries
We feel the Citi 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
Earn 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months (valued at $600 when you redeem them for gift cards).
Earn 3X points on air travel, on hotel bookings, at gas stations, at supermarkets and at restaurants.
Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
Get $100 off a hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding fees and taxes) when you book through thankyou.com (online or over the phone).
Transfer your points to airline loyalty programs such as Aeromexico, Asia Miles, Avianca LifeMiles, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Flying Blue, InterMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Malaysia Airlines Enrich, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Qatar Privilege Club, Singapore Airlines, Thai Royal Orchid Plus, Miles & Smiles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Other ways to redeem your points include getting gift cards, shopping online, paying for travel, getting statement credits, making online bill payments and making charitable donations.
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use this card internationally.
Additional cards come with no annual fees.
Access to Citi Entertainment gives you the means to buy tickets to various events as well as presale tickets.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
A great no-annual-fee cash back card with a unique bonus category system
- 1% – 5% Cash BackRewards Rate
- $0Annual Fee
- 18.99% – 28.99% VariableAPR
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card might be a great addition to your credit card portfolio if you wish to earn higher-than-usual cash back without paying any annual fees. In addition, you stand to earn $200 cash back if you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first six months.
This card offers 5% cash back on purchases of up to $500 from your highest eligible spend category every billing cycle. The categories include grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, home improvement stores, drugstores, live entertainment, fitness clubs and select travel, transit and online streaming services. All other purchases come with 1% cash back. What helps is you don’t have to sign up for bonus categories, and the allocation of cash back happens automatically.
You may redeem the cash back you earn as a statement credit, a check by mail or a direct deposit to your bank account. You may also use it for booking travel, shopping at Amazon.com or buying gift cards.
This card might also work well for you if you want to transfer a balance from a different credit card or if you plan to maintain revolving balances in your account. This is because it comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a variable APR of 18.74%–28.74%.
Other benefits include free access to your FICO Score and Citi Entertainment.
Pros
$200 cash back after you spend $1,500 within the first six months
5% cash back on up to $500 spent in the top category every month
An introductory APR offer that is valid for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% – 28.99%
No annual fee
Protection against unauthorized charges

Cons
Foreign transaction fee of 3%
Relatively low limit of $500 per month for a 5% cash back on the top-spending eligible category
You need a credit score that is either good or excellent
Only 1% cash back for purchases made in categories other than the high-spend category
One-time balance transfer fee of $5 or 5%
Late payment fee of $41
No annual fee
5% cash back on the top purchase category on spending of up to $500 every month
The spend category can change from one month to another, depending on what you spend most on
You get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Introductory 0% APR applies for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR thereafter
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Citi® Double Cash Card
A great no-annual-fee card that offers up to 2% cash back
- 2% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
- $0Annual Fee
- 18.99% – 28.99% VariableAPR
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
We think the Citi® Double Cash Card is a great no-annual-fee card because it lets you earn up to 2% cash back on purchases across all categories. You may redeem your cash back in the form of a statement credit, a direct deposit, a check or even by converting it to points.
You may look forward to savings by using the card's 0% introductory APR offer on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) if you wish to pay off existing balances from high-interest cards.
Features such as 24-hour fraud protection, identity theft solutions, $0 liability on unauthorized charges and the lost wallet service are in place to safeguard cardholders' interests.
All cardholders get access to Citi Entertainment, through which they may purchase presale tickets.
Pros
Pay no annual fees
Pay 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months
Earn up to 2% cash back on purchases across all categories
No caps on earning cash back
Options to redeem cash back rewards include a statement credit, direct deposit, check or conversion to points
Purchase tickets to scores of events, including presale tickets, through Citi Entertainment
Increased account safety through 24-hour fraud protection and $0 liability on unauthorized charges
Complimentary Lost Wallet service and identity theft solutions

Cons
Cash back rewards expire if you do not earn any cash back from purchases or payments for those purchases in a 12-month period
Foreign transaction fees
Cash advance fees
Balance transfer fees
Penalty APR applies in case of late and returned payments
$0 annual fees
Up to 2% unlimited cash back on purchases
Redeem cash back rewards as a statement credit, a check or a direct deposit
Converting cash back rewards to ThankYou points is an option
Introductory 0% APR offer on balance transfers for the first 18 months, then variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99% after that.
Get access to presale tickets via Citi Entertainment
24-hour fraud protection, $0 liability on unauthorized charges and identity theft solutions provide added peace of mind
Get emergency cash through the lost wallet service
Foreign transaction fees apply on international transactions
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Citi Rewards+® Card
An excellent no-annual-fee rewards card with a 0% introductory APR offer
- ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1–2 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 2xRewards Rate on Gas
- 2xRewards Rate on Groceries
We love the Citi Rewards+® Card because it has no annual fee and offers a generous new cardmember bonus and introductory APR.
All cardholders stand to earn 25,000 bonus points if they spend a nominal $1,500 in the first three months. You earn 2X points on supermarket and gas station purchases of up to $6,000 each year and 1X after you cross this limit. All other purchases come with 1X points per $1.
An interesting feature of this card is that it rounds up your points to the nearest 10. For instance, if you make an $11 purchase, you earn 20 points instead of 11.
The points you earn remain valid for the life of the card. You may use your points to get travel and gift cards as well as to shop for merchandise.
With the 0% introductory APR offer, you benefit by paying no interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. This can be particularly beneficial if you wish to make a large purchase or repay a high-interest credit card debt. After 15 months, a variable APR of 18.49% – 28.49% will apply and is determined by your creditworthiness.
Pros
Pay no annual fees for as long as your account remains active
Earn 20,000 bonus points if you spend $1,500 on purchases within three months from account opening
Pay no interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a variable APR of 18.49% – 28.49%
Earn 10% points back for the first 100,000 points you redeem every year
Round up to the nearest 10 points on each purchase — this way, even a $5 purchase earns 10 points
Redeem points for gift cards and travel rewards or to shop at Amazon.com and BestBuy.com
Get access to Citi Entertainment

Cons
International transaction fees
Cash advance and balance transfers fees
Penalty APR might apply in case of late and returned payments
$0 annual fees for the life of the card
Spend $1,500 on purchases in the first three months to earn 25,000 bonus points. (valued at $200 when you redeem them for gift cards)
0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers stays in place for the first 15 months, then a variable APR of 18.49% – 28.49%
10% points back on up to 100,000 points you redeem each year
Points round up to the nearest 10 for every purchase
Use your points to shop at BestBuy.com or Amazon.com
Redeeming points for gift and travel cards is possible
Use Citi Entertainment and get access to tickets of special events, including exclusive experiences and presale tickets
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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Key Takeaways

What Is the Citi Trifecta?