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The question that I always been asked is "What is the most valued credit card?"
This is a tough one as everyone has different spending habits and needs.
I had introduced Krungsri JCB Platinum before, it is an almost perfect credit card (at least for me) and thankfully I could have a hands on exploring, utilising its' benefits and share on previous post.
There is an ideal card that I wished I could have it, which is the Citi Rewards Credit Card.
It has a super clean look, isn't it?
Key Benefits:
- 5x Citi Rewards Points on Lazada, Shopee, Linepay, dining, travel, foreign currency expense
- 7x Citi Rewards Points on categories above in birth month/
- 2x Citi Rewards Points on other retail spending
- 2% Cash rebate on Petrol: Every THB 800 spend/sales slip at all Shell Gas Stations nationwide
It is indeed to my surprise that Citibank changed most of its' lineup credit cards from Visa to Mastercard recently. Maybe it's just myself, I prefers the look of Visa over Mastercard's logo on Citibank's card.
The reason would be probably Mastercard offers better benefits to Citibank. I had found an article online, you could read it in the link to check for further discussion.
The multipliers offered by Citi Rewards Credit Card is the key reason to have it to be on the list for my best first credit card. It is the only credit card with generous multipliers in Citibank's credit cards line up. Despite it is the lowest tier credit card compares to its' big brothers:
From my point of view, this card is particularly targeting the users from millennial generations, that is familiar with mobile payments (Linepay etc) and spent most money on dining and travelling.
That makes it perfectly being the best first credit card ones should own.
Citi Premier and Citi Prestige would be designed for higher tiers' users, such as airport lounge accesses and reserved parking areas. They come with higher annual fees too.
Besides that, Citibank always have promotions for its' cardholders. That is definitely a plus.
Yet, what make the Citi Rewards Credit Card not to be in my wallet?
First of all, I am not eligible for applying any Citibank Credit card, as the minimum required monthly salary for foreigner is 80,000 THB, which is disappointed. I apologise if I could not get a more in depth review of this beautiful card.
A small heads up, the eligibilities of applicants are not clear on Citibank website. There is no minimum salary requirements stated for both Thais and Foreigners. Only minimum age of 20 years old is stated.
But, for you who are beyond minimum requirements, hear me out for its' down side.
Airline Miles Redemption
Citibank is not the best in offering the conversion of points and miles.
"Citi Rewards – every 5 Citi Rewards Points = 1 Royal Orchid Plus Mile"
If the user is interested in earning airline miles with credit card, this might not be the ideal one, even if it offers high multiplier.
Annual Fee
This credit card comes with annual fee of 3,800+ THB (4,066 THB nett). This is not a big deal as if the cardholder spends 100,000 THB or more, the annual fee could be waived. Or, by giving a call to Citibank Call Centre representative.
Overall, Citi Rewards Credit Card is the best first credit card for stepping into the credit card game in Thailand.
With the ease of points earning, it would lead one in doing more researches to get the best value out of every points earned and every cents spent.
Earning point is an easy lesson. But, how to spend the points is the art of playing credit card game.
This makes Citi Rewards Credit Card the best in market for being as the "Best First Credit Card", especially for millennial. It is a long lasting game, getting more hands on would give us more experiences in utilising and receiving the feeling of "Worth it".
Always keep in mind, spend money on credit cards as how you would normally spend. Don't buy unnecessary things just to hit that minimum spend for welcome bonus.
There are always different ways for meeting that minimum spend. We will look into it in depth in next articles.
If the minimum spend for waiving annual fee is not reachable, do not be panic. All we need to do is putting a reminder on our calendar and call the bank, requesting for a waive of annual fee. Show your sincerity and politeness, the Call Representative could usually waive it off.
Take the benefits of every cents that you would have already spent and get the most out of it!
Spend wise; Live nice.
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