Who else still holds the Citibank Free For Life Premier Card?

[Legoman]

I can. It says I have 1 point (because I transferred everything to Singapore). I can also load the gift card redemption page.

That's interesting, because I've just got a message from the MyCard staff saying they know there's a problem and they're working to try and fix it.



"Please be advised that that we are aware of the issue and it is being investigated."

Not that I hold any trust whatsoever that NAB are actually telling the truth.

 

[Chicken]

That's interesting, because I've just got a message from the MyCard staff saying they know there's a problem and they're working to try and fix it.

Someone loaded the CSV files in the wrong order, hence some accounts go kaput?

Don't forget that this is a brand new system, it's not a surprise that somethings would go wrong. That's why there is always a hypercare period for this sort of projects.

 

[Ozitravel]

My "Fee Free for Life" Citi Premier card has become a $300 Annual Fee MyCard Premier Card - confirmed by MyCard Chat. It stinks.

Anyone know when the fee will be applied - Possibly on the renewal date?

 

[MELso]

My "Free Fee for Life" Citi Premier card has become a $300 Annual Fee MyCard Premier Card - confirmed by MyCard Chat. It stinks.

Anyone know when the fee will be applied - Possibly on the renewal date?

Stop poking the bear!

If they plan to impose a fee, they will tell you in advance. The time to do anything is then - and NOT BEFORE!

 

[Chicken]

My "Fee Free for Life" Citi Premier card has become a $300 Annual Fee MyCard Premier Card - confirmed by MyCard Chat. It stinks.

They need to give you written notice if they want to charge you fees. If you haven't received notification in your statement or on NAB letterhead, then it's not happening.

Anyone know when the fee will be applied - Possibly on the renewal date?

This weekend, you should cancel your card now.

Really, stop poking the bear, FFS.

 

[tinkybelle]

Stop calling
Sit and wait
They will think all us free for life are morons and want to get rid of us

 

[JohnGlav]

My "Fee Free for Life" Citi Premier card has become a $300 Annual Fee MyCard Premier Card - confirmed by MyCard Chat. It stinks.

Anyone know when the fee will be applied - Possibly on the renewal date?

It's probably wise to comply with the wishes of the majority in this thread.
As I understand it their wishes are that nothing be done until that inevitable day when the written notification that is legally required arrives.

Yet, your question deserves a clear answer.
Unless NAB has a change of heart, its only a matter of time before the written notification arrives.
MR61 has documented his/her experience.

I've had my Citibank no fee for life card for nearly 15 years. I raised my case with MyCard. Their reply today offered a $300 one time refund only. I've recounted with give me a no-fee card - Simplicity - as I'm not interested in paying any annual fee, and certainly not with their cough service. I'm not interested in the Premier benefits (my Plat Amex does nicely). If they don't agree with my solution, I'm out.

I know what NAB plans to do because I have it in writing on colour NAB stationery.


Here is an extract from the NAB letter:



I'm sure the assertions NAB makes in the letter will be of interest.
Not all of the assertions are correct.
Cardholders can decide which of the assertions are correct and which are not.

NAB have nailed their colours on the mast in writing.
Writing that can be used against NAB at the correct time.
Yet NAB's written assertions would never have been available to us to analyze and prepare our cases against NAB if we had all sat on our hands and done nothing.

Please consider being wise, and please comply with the wishes of the majority in this thread.
It is good for peace of mind.

 

[JohnGlav]

NAB states in writing:

"These changes [allowing NAB to amend fees and charges] were communicated to customers in advance, including a variation notice outlining all changes within the required notification period".

NAB also states:

"NAB has complied with all notification requirements".



Let me connect the dots.
NAB states in writing (correctly or wrongly) that they have communicated to customers about fees and charges and complied with all notification requirements.
When could they possibly have done that?
In September 2025 or October 2025?

Is the following part of the "variation notice" that NAB refers to?
It was issued in September 2025 or early October 2025?
I am not aware of any more recent "variation notice".


If so, doesn't it stand to reason that those who contacted NAB in November 2025 did nothing more than extract from NAB helpful information about things that NAB had already done in September 2025 or October 2025?
How do the "poking the bear allegations" stand up against NAB's written factual matrix?
Hasn't the bear already demonstrated its hostile intent in September 2025 or early October 2025?

It's time for cardholders to stop squabbling with each other and unite against NAB.
At law, inaction is seldom the correct course of action.
By unite against NAB, I do not necessarily mean engaging with NAB now (at least not before we have a sensible discussion) but planning next steps so we do not get caught flat footed.

The following is AI generated but it is generally correct:

"The legal doctrine of acquiescence means that a person loses their right to object to another's actions affecting their rights if they knowingly remain silent or inactive over time, effectively implying consent or permission, and allowing the other party to act to their detriment. It's an equitable principle, often linked with laches (unreasonable delay), preventing someone from "sleeping on their rights" and then later claiming them after others have invested resources or built expectations based on the inaction, commonly seen in property disputes, intellectual property, and international law"

 

[oz_mark]

What they did say in the variations document was that the new annual fee would be the same as the old annual fee. They could change that, but they would need to communicate that, and at this point they haven't.

 

[MELso]

What they did say in the variations document was that the new annual fee would be the same as the old annual fee. They could change that, but they would need to communicate that, and at this point they haven't.

Spot on. The key wording is "'Your fee' in the table above refers to the Annual Fee amount that you're currently paying, including any promotional discounts or waivers.'

To expand on this, I (like other FFFL cardholders) have in the financial table Citibank sent me many years ago, and to which that variation relates (under Annual Primary Cardholder Fee): "$0 while you hold a Citibank Rewards Credit Card Signature" (or similar). That is to say I have a fee waiver on a Citi Rewards Signature Card or anything that Citi (or now NAB) may replace it with. This is not changing.

Now MyCard will begin charging annual fees for holders of their cards (rather than Citi) - but only to those people whose annual fees have not been waived. To read NAB's response any other way is to read too much into it.

 

[JohnGlav]

What they did say in the variations document was that the new annual fee would be the same as the old annual fee. They could change that, but they would need to communicate that, and at this point they haven't.

View attachment 484370

Your interpretation is logical on the information that is available to you.
I will therefore share more information with you.

The problem is NAB's response which I have shared was provided in response to my specific circumstances.
The preceding paragraph in NAB's letter summarizes their understanding of my specific circumstances.



NAB knew I am under a "no annual fee EVER arrangement".
The NAB comments I shared were not intended for "people whose annual fees have not been waived".
NAB did not provide any of the requested assurances.

To summarize:
NAB erred and given me a letter that was intended for "people whose annual fees have not been waived" only.
Or NAB took the view that they have communicated about fees and charges and complied with all notification requirements in respect of ALL customers.

Sometimes the appropriate response is thank you for doing all the hard work to flush out NAB's intentions so we can work together and prepare for the day when the annual fees are imposed

 

[Chicken]

There is no point to argue, or feed the trolls. You cannot argue with someone who is turning something into a conspiracy theory. How many times have you successfully had a conversation with someone who believes the earth is flat?

 

[MELso]

I think it's more that there are a few people who are being overwhelmed by confirmation bias. They're so convinced that NAB will screw them over that they don't (or can't) believe they haven't.

Has NAB got a track record of screwing customers over? Yup.

Is it possible that NAB may try and impose annual fees on people who currently have a waiver? Also yes.

Is it prudent for holders of FFFL MyCards to survey the market to identify alternatives that are more appealing if NAB does succeed in imposing fees? Again, yes.

But have NAB indicated they will impose annual fees on those people with a waiver? No. But people with this confirmation bias don't want to admit this inconvenient fact into their thinking.

 

[JohnGlav]

I’ll leave it there and sincerely wish all of you well.
I can only share NAB’s written responses with you for your consideration and interpretation.
If you think that NAB’s written responses are benign then that’s your right and prerogative.

NAB refusing to provide a “no annual fee EVER” cardholder with an assurance that the arrangements will continue?
You have the details in writing.

But it’s so easy to dismiss it as a “conspiracy theory”.

Melso, we have gotten along well and I hope it stays that way.

You have posed the following question:

But have NAB indicated they will impose annual fees on those people with a waiver?

The answer unfortunately is “yes”. I have it in writing on a letter with a NAB letterhead but I respect your right to believe otherwise.

“As part of the transition, NAB will begin charging annual fees on MyCard accounts.”

That has to be a statement in respect of all transitioning accounts.

“While this represents a change from the previous Citibank arrangement, NAB has complied with all notification requirements.”

Previous Citibank arrangements are changing.

There’s no confirmation bias at work. I have it on a letter with a NAB letterhead.

 

[JohnGlav]

There is no point to argue, or feed the trolls. You cannot argue with someone who is turning something into a conspiracy theory. How many times have you successfully had a conversation with someone who believes the earth is flat?

So unfortunate that you would call a well meaning cardholder who seeks to help “a troll”.

The passage of time will ensure that the words won’t age well.

When put together in sequence and proper context, the following words are so clear.

“What did I find as a result of my investigation?

NAB has been the credit provider for Citi products since June 2022. The MyCard Credit Card Terms and Conditions do include provisions allowing NAB to amend fees and charges, which is standard practice across credit products. These changes were communicated to customers in advance, including a variation notice outlining all changes within the required notification period.

As part of the transition, NAB will begin charging annual fees on MyCard accounts. This change is consistent with the updated product terms and conditions provided to you prior to the transition. While this represents a change from the previous Citibank arrangement, NAB has complied with all notification requirements. Customers who are unhappy with these terms may seek independent legal or financial advice and have the option to close the account if it no longer meets their needs.”

 

[Duffa]

They need to give you written notice if they want to charge you fees. If you haven't received notification in your statement or on NAB letterhead, then it's not happening.



This weekend, you should cancel your card now.

Really, stop poking the bear, FFS.

I really don't get this.
A thread devoted to holding on to an incongruously free product from 15 years ago (which used to be great).
Card churning is a fundamental premise of this website, so why is everyone so desperate to hang on to just one card?
The benefits are now cough --- Velocity only - even for Prestige!

OPTIONS

1. Get a fee-free card.
2. Get a new card from another bank, with travel insurance included, whose benefits and introductory points outweigh the 1-yearcost.
3. Fight with NAB
4. Get over it, and acknowledge it was great while it lasted

Please feel free to respond as angrily as you like (wasn't Smith v Archer just brilliant tonight)

 

[MELso]

I really don't get this.
A thread devoted to holding on to an incongruously free product from 15 years ago (which used to be great).
Card churning is a fundamental premise of this website, so why is everyone so desperate to hang on to just one card?
The benefits are now cough --- Velocity only - even for Prestige!

The benefits still far outweigh the cost though!

Over the years, the benefits of the Signature/Premier have been watered down (removing Skywards/Krisflyer as transfer partners, removing the dining program and cutting points earn rates to name but three) but the card still pays for itself.

I put about $30K a year through it annually, and generate maybe 25K Velocity points. I also benefit from a decent multi-trip travel insurance policy with cruise cover and get a couple of lounge passes each year. All up, I still derive several hundred dollars of benefit from it.

Any replacement 'keeper' card would have to generate benefits at least as great as that PLUS the annual fee charged. For me at least, once the annual fee is factored in, this becomes very difficult based on my spending patterns (really only the Amex Qantas Ultimate or Explorer with its travel credit to offset the annual fee would make sense).

As for churning, some key points:

• Churning is hard as a retiree. I've got a few years to go before I'm there but once I am, it's probably goodbye to all that.
• You can't really rely on the travel insurance of a churned card unless you keep it open for several months while you do the trip, defeating the point of churning.
• Longer exclusion periods and reduced sign-up bonuses (as well as the hassle of dealing with bank staff processing opening and closing of accounts) mean that churning is losing its lustre for me anyway.

 

[RAM]

The benefits still far outweigh the cost though!

Over the years, the benefits of the Signature/Premier have been watered down (removing Skywards/Krisflyer as transfer partners, removing the dining program and cutting points earn rates to name but three) but the card still pays for itself.

I put about $30K a year through it annually, and generate maybe 25K Velocity points. I also benefit from a decent multi-trip travel insurance policy with cruise cover and get a couple of lounge passes each year. All up, I still derive several hundred dollars of benefit from it.

Any replacement 'keeper' card would have to generate benefits at least as great as that PLUS the annual fee charged. For me at least, once the annual fee is factored in, this becomes very difficult based on my spending patterns (really only the Amex Qantas Ultimate or Explorer with its travel credit to offset the annual fee would make sense).

As for churning, some key points:

• Churning is hard as a retiree. I've got a few years to go before I'm there but once I am, it's probably goodbye to all that.
• You can't really rely on the travel insurance of a churned card unless you keep it open for several months while you do the trip, defeating the point of churning.
• Longer exclusion periods and reduced sign-up bonuses (as well as the hassle of dealing with bank staff processing opening and closing of accounts) mean that churning is losing its lustre for me anyway.

The two free lounge passes/year alone get me access into what would otherwise cost me a total of $130 per year to use one particular lounge I like for no time limit of use (other than how soon I can check in & get through security for the international flight).

 

[aikman]

I really don't get this.
A thread devoted to holding on to an incongruously free product from 15 years ago (which used to be great).
Card churning is a fundamental premise of this website, so why is everyone so desperate to hang on to just one card?
The benefits are now cough --- Velocity only - even for Prestige!

OPTIONS

1. Get a fee-free card.
2. Get a new card from another bank, with travel insurance included, whose benefits and introductory points outweigh the 1-yearcost.
3. Fight with NAB
4. Get over it, and acknowledge it was great while it lasted

Please feel free to respond as angrily as you like (wasn't Smith v Archer just brilliant tonight)

Is there another free Mastercard that gives you 1 Velocity point for every $1 (online) spend?

 

[Chicken]

You can't really rely on the travel insurance of a churned card unless you keep it open for several months while you do the trip, defeating the point of churning.

This is actually a big problem. Even reading the insurance PDSs from AmEx, they do specify that, if you buy something on one card, then you change to another card, then you claim, and your second card does not have the coverage you had with your first card, then you are not covered.

I really don't get this.
why is everyone so desperate to hang on to just one card?

We got it for free for life. You tell us, where can you get a card which is free and give you free Priority Pass access? This itself is free money. Don't you like free money? Then you get VA points, travel insurance.

I have learnt that when you get something which is too good to be true, you don't throw it away. Here are my lessons.

I am currently on an AmEx promo package from decades ago, $400 annual for Reserve + Edge + Gold charge. I get $600 travel credit, yes, AmEx is losing $200 to me every year, and I get access to AmEx lounge at Sydney Airport, I also get Priority Pass access, travel insurance, and $100k rental car insurance. Where can you get all these for $400 a year today? When AmEx offered me the Edge then Gold charge, I didn't have any need for them, I could have ignored the offers, but I didn't, I took them. Imagine if I only thought about churning and didn't take this package up. I give AmEx $400, they give me $600. I'm basically scamming AmEx

Another lesson which I regretted. Diners sent me an unsolicited offer in the mail, for a no annual free Diners. That's a Diners Diners, not Citi Diners. I thought no one takes Diners, useless most of the time, so I didn't take up the offer. What a mistake. Diners included unlimited access to lounges worldwide. Imagine if I had taken up on that offer, I would have had 20 years of free unlimited access to lounges around the world. Who cares if Diners is useless in Australia? This is the mistake I made, only focus on earning points, ignoring other considerations.

Imagine, if RBA cut interchange fees to 0% one day. Point earning cards would charge $1000 annual fees, and earn you 0.0001 VA point per dollar spend. I would still have this free for life card, which may only earn 0.0001 VA point per dollar, but at least, I would not have to pay $1000 annual fee, and I would have travel insurance without having to pay $1000 annual fee.

Hence I have learnt my lessons, if something is too good to be true, take it, don't miss it. You can always throw it away if it turns into rubbish in future; but you cannot take it back if you don't grab it when it's here.

And those who cancel? They have let emotions affected their judgement. Think about it, you are not paying annual fee today, not tomorrow, so why cancel. And why ask NAB, why "poke the bear" (someone described as)? If and when you are asked to pay, you can then make a decision and cancel, but until then, just stay below the radar and keep enjoying the free lounges and etc.

You are already sitting at the casino and enjoying the buffet, no one is asking you to pay extra for sitting here for too long, no one is saying you have been here for too long, why would you get up and leave? Worse, why would you stop the staff and ask them if you have been sitting here for too long? Just keep quiet and keep eating!