Citibank is no longer offering the Citi Prestige and Citi Prestige Qantas credit cards to new applicants. The Citi Prestige card, which has a $700 annual fee, was withdrawn at the beginning of this month.
The Citi Prestige card was Citibank’s most premium credit card in the Australian market. It was expensive, but it also came with a substantial range of benefits. A unique perk was the ability to transfer Citi Rewards points to 14 airline and hotel loyalty programs – including multiple SkyTeam programs. There are very few Australian credit cards that offer the ability to transfer points to a SkyTeam frequent flyer program… which is a shame, as SkyTeam award availability is typically excellent!
The Citi Prestige card also comes with complimentary Priority Pass Prestige membership, valued at USD429 (~$635) per year. This includes unlimited Priority Pass airport lounge visits for the cardholder and up to one guest.
The Amex Platinum card – which has around double the annual fee – is the only other Australian credit card to offer unlimited Priority Pass lounge visits. However, Amex cardholders are no longer entitled to food & beverage credits at airport bars and restaurants affiliated with Priority Pass.
Existing Citi Prestige cardholders can continue to use their cards and associated benefits as normal. Citibank has not announced any plans yet to close down existing credit cards. In fact, Citibank was even offering bonus points to new Prestige cardholders as recently as last week.
AFF member Cruiser Elite posted on the forum…
I had cause to speak to Citi Prestige Concierge yesterday and questioned withdrawal of Prestige – I was informed YES closed for new applics but existing cards continue without change and all benefits still applicable. For how long? Well who would know?
Citibank continues to offer all other credit cards, including the Citi Signature, Citi Platinum and Emirates Citi World Mastercard. The bank even currently has some generous sign-up offers on its remaining range of cards.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: FINALLY! – Citi launching Citi Prestige with Visa Infinite
