FINALLY! - Citi launching Citi Prestige with Visa Infinite

[Beta4Me]

What is the Avios earn rate? I wish the information on the Citi website was clearer!

1ppd. I.e. 2ppd Citi converting at 2:1 Avios.
Naturally this applies to the Prestige only.

 

[quokka77]

Note: to get a BAEC / Avios membership you will need an address outside Australia, as Australians are NOT eligible to join BAEC / Avios. However, there are ways and means (friends and family abroad, mail and freight forwarding services etc). I believe Avios do not charge fuel surcharge on Qantas seats, but I have not personally tried it yet.

However, Avios is regarded by many overseas bloggers as the best value program for short haul awards.

In the past, to get Avios we (those with Australian cc) had to go via circuitous paths (such as Amex / Diners --> SPG --> Avios) meaning value was limited. At 1 ppd on a visa (therefore widely and painlessly accepted) Avios seems very competitive, even compared against VA and SQ at 1.33ppd. Earn on discount Qantas flights is poor, I think (I mainly do VA, not QFF / OW).

 

[k3nnis]

Hang on are you guys saying Citi prestige lets you transfer to BA ??

 

[coolkid101]

Hang on are you guys saying Citi prestige lets you transfer to BA ??

does it? can't see.
only can see on mine - velocity, KF, emirates, AM

 

[paultiffen]

Log into the rewards site and other options appear

Kennis - yes it appeared recently. No formal announcement however.

For SYD-MEL its 4500 Avios + 16 AUD ie no fuel surcharges

 

[tharaka]

no Fuel surcharges within Aus,

All Overseas routes with Avios turns out worse off than Sin KF. I just ran some tests..

 

[k3nnis]

Ok thanks. May use BA for domestic then. But I only have the signature card not sure if $700 is worth it for prestige....

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Ok thanks. May use BA for domestic then. But I only have the signature card not sure if $700 is worth it for prestige....

I view the fee like this. If you're already using say Westpac/ANZ/Combank Black card the annual fee of $400 is a sunk cost.
So essentially for $300 you get the best Visa on the market, and:-

- more points per $ than any other visa/mc
- Hilton Gold
- Shangri-La Jade
- 1 free hotel night/year
- 2 free limo transfers/year
- 0 wait time when you call citi
- many more points transfer partners

Now where is my referral link....

 

[cove]

We are very happy with the points earn despite the loss of ATO points. I just wish that they had told us that the ATO was no longer earning points at the change time. I just love the warehousing of points as transferred points in Kris Flyer have expiry dates.

 

[k3nnis]

Only issue is I get the Westpac black for no fee due to mortgage with Westpac

 

[albyd]

I've got 2 "free" bank issued "black" cards. Way I see it they're nice to haves and one still pays on ATO.

Prestige is my go-to card & new enhancements are very pleasing & will endure. While annual fee is high (and I'll try it on to get a discount like everyone else) on the points earn and spend options alone, it's worth it. Other features are nice to have. While hardly ever call them, nice never to be on hold & sometimes get an Aussie operator.

Even got another 0% BT offer today (alas as my main transaction card, I won't accept it).

 

[paultiffen]

In terms of actual spend required for a free flight its not too different between Virgin and Avios for the short hauls

4600 dollars spend = 9200 citi points = 6900 VA points
4500 dollars spend = 9000 citi points = 4500 Avios

BTW in terms of normal every day spend for the Prestige only
$1 = 1 .333 VA point
$1 = 1.333 KF miles
$1 = 1 avios
$1 = 2 Hhonors points
$1 = 1 asia mile

Out of the major ones that I would use. International spend you multiply by 2.5 for the above.

Hopefully that clears it up for people. Also expect to have to push and threaten to take them to FOS to get them book a hotel night for you at the hotel you prefer.

Paul

 

[tharaka]

Thanks Paul for the post! I've always thought that AVIOS is not as attractive as some may think it is.

I think only good thing is if you travel EU, shorthauls via BA or other partners come in handy here. Other than that for flights initiating from Aus, it doesn't add a lot of value. To be honest, for Mel-Syd flights I prefer flying with Virgin over QF sometimes.

 

[ermen]

just used the citi prestige limo service at osaka kansai international airport. superb and flawless service.

 

[quokka77]

I haven't done the sums myself, but what about short haul business? Will have a look later to see what i can find out.

 

[quokka77]

Here's a few links showing other people's research...
A Visual Guide to Avios Points Pricing - Wandering Aramean
Using Avios for Short-haul Flights from Oneworld Hubs

 

[albyd]

Has anyone made a DEFT strata payment recently and got points?

I got points on Prestige for it 3 months ago. Made a large payment this week and transaction has posted to my account but points balance hasn't moved.

Prestige CSR said to wait until next week which I'll do but always found points post when the transaction posts.

 

[Duffa]

Only issue is I get the Westpac black for no fee due to mortgage with Westpac

I beat Westpac down to $150 on a price match last year and this year I'm going for zero fee or I'll walk. Too many enhancements

 

[k3nnis]

Duffa, is this for the Citi prestige?

 

[Plutonus]

Prestige CSR said to wait until next week which I'll do but always found points post when the transaction posts.

Since the rewards website update I've found my points post the next business day after the transaction posts.