Correction: It seems this information is NOT true. Citi said in a statement to Doctorofcredit:
Our go-to-market strategy continuously evolves to feature different products and offers. We remain committed to the Prestige product and servicing our valued existing cardmembers. We look forward to reintroducing the card for new cardmembers in the near future.
I guess the information sent out to bankers was just indicating a temporary pulling of the card, not how we understood it. Good news for Prestige enthusiasts. Perhaps some sort of product refresh is coming.
Original Post:
A reliable source tells us that Citi Prestige will be discontinued this fall. Existing cardholders will remain for now – no clear sunset date on the card.
This information was told to bankers today. They are being told to point customers to the AA Executive card as an alternative premium card. Prior rumors were that the Prestige card would be discontinued on August 18th so maybe that’ll be the exact date, we’ll see.
Reuters reported back in October that Citi has changed course and turned its marketing toward no-fee cards. “We shifted our focus away from rewards because of the competitive heat,” Citigroup Chief Financial Officer John Gerspach said in a conference call with reporters after posting quarterly results.
There is no signup bonus anymore on the Prestige card, and we don’t expect any to come before the card is retired for good. I guess someone can apply now if the benefits are especially worthwhile for you, but being that it’s a discontinued card we don’t even how long it’ll last, even for existing cardholders.
View Comments (79)
8/18 and Prestige still available!!
I've had the Prestige card for just over two years, during which I didn't travel much and didn't use the 4th night benefit. I converted the big opening bonus to cash, which I needed most at the time.
To use the $250 travel credit, I purchased an American Airlines gift card for myself each year, and two weeks ago I used them to buy a first-class ticket on AA. I don't know if any other card allows that, but it worked well for me, especially as I am paying $350 AF. The loss of several of its formerly great benefits eats away at the value considerably. I'm thinking that I will apply for the Premier now, and may drop the Prestige if the benefits don't improve.
My AF is due now; am I right that I will receive a pro-rated rebate, even if I wait to drop it?
I have a thankyou premiere card.Will i be eligible to apply for this card
I am so confused. Is this card for sure being discontinued or just being re-vamped?
Just revamped, apparently.
Doc, on a slightly related issue, I tried to do a Refer A Friend on the CSR last night and message reads it's (referral program) is no longer available! That's kinda strange--are we to expect more negative changes coming on the CSR front? Why take away the referral? Have you heard anything?
Whew, glad to know Citi isn't killing off this card yet.
If I plan on getting this purely for the 4NF benefit and not the TYP, should I apply now to hopefully get grandfathered(given their history grandfathering the AF) or roll the dice and wait hoping that they don't mess with the 4NF and offer a signup bonus?
I will be taking off for a year+ of global travel around January 2020 and planned getting this card when my 24 month slot opens again after November 2019. This card has some very valuable travel benefits. I'm hoping it will be around and with a 50k sign up...
I've been waiting 10 months now for the 12 month limit to PC my Premier to the Prestige. Would have been disappointed if this news were true. Hopefully Citi will keep the 4th night benefit -- that is what is getting me to ditch my Chase UR cards and move primarily to the Prestige.
Great update news!