Redeeming Citi Thank You Points for Free Flights
Friday, August 24th, 2007
Citibank’s ThankYou Points Network offers some of the best rewards. I currently own several Citibank credit cards (like the Citi Forward Card and the Citi mtvU) and I get ThankYou rewards points for using them to purchase ordinary everyday things. With my current Citibank credit card setup, I receive 6% back in the form of Purchase Rebates on grocery stores, drug stores, and gas. I also receive 5% back on restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, and book stores. 1 Purchase Rebate = 100 ThankYou Points. For every 1 mile I drive, I also receive the equivalent of 1 ThankYou Point. They all generate rewards points and contribute to the same pool of ThankYou Points. I have been saving for over a year and it’s time to put those points to good use. With the ThankYou Network you can exchange your points for things such as merchandise, electronics, gift cards, student loan credit, and even cash.
Great Exchange Rate for Travel Rewards
One of my favorite redemption choice is Thank You Point’s Variable and Fixed Flight Option. With the Variable Travel Option you can redeem your Thank You Points for the equivalent of whatever the value of the flight cost is. However, you’ll likely get the best deal by choosing the Fixed Flight Option. Below are the current point values needed for redemption (as of January 1, 2008, however since point levels are subject to change please contact a ThankYou Network Travel Specialist for the most current point pricing.
Coach:
| Flights | Starting Points | Ticket Value ($) |
| Continental US & Alaska and Canada | 20,000 | Up to $400 in value |
| Mexico and Central America | 45,000 | Up to $900 in value |
| Hawaii and Caribbean | 50,000 | Up to $1,000 in value |
| Europe | 60,000 | Up to $1,200 in value |
| Puerto Rico to US (48 States) | 40,000 | Up to $800 in value |
| Middle East and Africa | 80,000 | Up to $1,600 in value |
| Asia | 80,000 | Up to $1,600 in value |
| South America | 60,000 | Up to $1,200 in value |
| Australia and South Pacific | 100,000 | Up to $2,000 in value |
Business Class:
| Flights | Starting Points | Ticket Value ($) |
| Continental US & Alaska and Canada | 90,000 | Up to $2,700 in value |
| Mexico and Central America | 120,000 | Up to $3,600 in value |
| Hawaii and Caribbean | 140,000 | Up to $4,200 in value |
| Europe | 180,000 | Up to $5,400 in value |
| Puerto Rico to US (48 States) | n/a | n/a |
| Middle East and Africa | 200,000 | Up to $6,000 in value |
| Asia | 240,000 | Up to $7,200 in value |
| South America | 180,000 | Up to $5,400 in value |
| Australia and South Pacific | 180,000 | Up to $5,400 in value |
This is a much better deal than simply redeeming frequent flyer miles, because for only 20,000 Thank You Points, you can fly anywhere within the United States. I’ve been researching airfare prices to Asia, and with the Fixed Flight Option, I can fly there for a flat price of 80,000 Thank You Points. You’re probably wondering if there are lots of restrictions. According to them:
Fixed flight option reservations must originate in the 48 continental United States, unless otherwise specified. There are no seat limits, blackout dates, advance booking and Saturday night stay requirements.
Plus, you will also get to earn frequent flyer miles for your trip as well! With the flight price savings you’ll get by using the Fixed Flight Option, and combined with the additional savings you could get by using a cash back credit card to make the purchase, your total savings could be in excess of 12% easily. This would offer you a much better redemption rate than if you redeemed your points for something like gift cards or statement credit. If you’re interested, you can find more information about the Fixed Flight Option on their website. Eligible ThankYou members who would like to redeem for Fixed Flight Option airline tickets or cruise rewards should contact 1-800-THANKYOU (1-800-842-6596).
I currently use Fidelity Investments as my investment brokerage firm. I have nothing but good things to say about the service they offer. Their selection of mutual funds is broad and their fees are reasonable. Their customer service is also top notch. I have a habit of occasionally bombarding their customer service department with random questions about my account and fees. I almost always receive a prompt reply. Occasionally it will be a few days before I hear from customer service, but they usually provide me with an excellent explanation or solution to my brokerage and investment related questions.
