Citibank post-November changes - suggestions for use of remaining points

[drcam]

Hi everyone, I'm asking for some advice of the best ways to use my remaining points from this card.
I have about 170k points remaining. Should I transfer to KF, VA or some other airline?
I am leaning toward transferring to VA, but do they qualify for the latest Nov/Dec VA transfer bonus campaign?
I have already booked my 2026 big trip with points. I am not planning on a 2027 points booking as we are going on a family holiday with cash fares. So any points will be used on 2028 and beyond (VA to DOHA is of limited benefit as I am planning to go to Canada in 2028), or short domestic interstate hops to see family.
Is there still satisfactory availability from Australia to Doha and vice versa booking with VA points?
Am I still eligible for second tranche of bonus points if I keep the card open past my one year anniversary in February?

 

[Human]

From your situation my initial feeling is that you should keep your points where they are. You'll still be able to transfer to Velocity after November 16 and, unlike KrisFlyer, Velocity points don't expire.

You should do your own research re the availability of flights to Doha. Last time I checked availability was OK -- not terrible, but not great either -- provided you were up at 12am AEST to book them upon release, and provided you don't want to travel onward to Europe during the Northern Summer period. But I last checked several months ago and that might have changed.

Citi is not included in the current Velocity transfer bonus promotion.

If your sign-up bonus included a second tranche of bonus points, you should be still eligible for them if/when you qualify. I wouldn't think that a re-branding would exclude Citi/NAB from its contractural obligations.