Rewards Updates: PSA: The Citi Rewards Card’s strange expiry policy

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/09/19/psa-monitor-your-citi-rewards-card-points-expiry/

ChatGPT:

Many Citi Rewards Cardholders mistakenly believe their ThankYou Points are valid for five years. In reality, they expire “up to” five years plus a three-month grace period, tied to the card’s approval or renewal date—not when the points are earned. This unusual system means your points could be valid anywhere from 3 to 63 months. For example, if approved on 15 October 2022, all points earned until 14 October 2027 would expire on 14 January 2028. A new validity cycle then begins.

Unlike Citi PremierMiles, Prestige, or ULTIMA cards, whose points never expire while the account is open, Citi Rewards Cardholders must carefully track their points. Previously, expiry dates could be checked on the Citi ThankYou Rewards portal, but that was retired in February 2024. Now, customers must monitor e-Statements, which flag points expiring within three months, or call Citi for confirmation. Card expiry dates are no longer reliable indicators due to shortened validity periods and card replacements.

To avoid losing value, cardholders should convert ThankYou Points to airline miles, with 10 partners available at 25,000 points = 10,000 miles (S$27.25 fee applies). For smaller balances, Kris+ allows 10,000 points = 3,400 miles instantly but with a 15% haircut. If points are still leftover, “Pay with Points” offers 4,400 points = S$10, though this is poor value.

If points do expire, customers may appeal for reinstatement. Anecdotal reports, including a successful reinstatement of 43,000+ points, suggest Citi sometimes grants a three-month extension, though this is unofficial and may end anytime.

Ultimately, Citi Rewards’ quirky expiry policy can catch cardholders off guard, so proactive tracking and timely redemptions are essential.

Opinion:

Weird policy with Citi Rewards.

Need to monitor credit card statement diligently.