Citibank CC 5% rebate at food, drug, gas stations

[kaborka]

I received a promo for a new Citi Divident Platinum Select rebate/dividend credit card with 5% rebate for purchases at supermarkets, drugstores, and gas stations. Since I already had a Dividend Platinum Select, I phoned and asked if the higher rebates could be added to my existig account. They were quite willing to do this. (Makes sense, as otherwise they'd have to be processing new card apps from existing cardholders.)

If you already have a Dividend Platinum Select card, just phone the main c/s # 800 950 5114 and ask for the upgrade. If you don't have one, this is the best cc rebate deal I've seen, so it's worth getting: Link

 

[jrichrds]

Nice! This isn't a new card, so all Dividend Platinum Select cardholders will probably get this rebate automatically starting at their next billing cycle. But I figure I'd call in and have it added on early - the CSR said it'd take a week or two for it to take effect. I don't know if she added it on manually, or she just figured out how long it'd be before my next billing cycle starts.

And I'm glad this isn't one of those rebate programs where you have to spend big $$$ and carry a balance (= finance charges) to be able to get the advertised rebate percentage. The only drawback is you have to accrue $100 in rebates before they send you a check (unlike other rebate CCs which credit your card the next billing cycle).

 

[Thorin78]

So you spend ~$10,000 to get your next check. I actually like it. They mail you a check so you can cash it. Nothing better than cashing a check.

I wonder if they reset your credit line when you upgrade your card.

 

[mdcrab]

I'm on the phone with CSR right now. She checked and said it has NOT been added to my card, although some times it happens automatically. She is putting in a request and it should happen in 5 to 7 business days. Said I will receive a notice in the mail sometime after that. If it goes through I may cancel my Wachovia Platinum Plus which I use only for gas.

Nice post, thanks.

mdcrab

 

[Nick5324]

i cancelled my citibank card the other day, they offered me this 5% rebate to try to keep my business. They also offered me 0% balance transfer and 0% APR for 6 months. Point is you might be able to get this on any citi card if you ask to close your account. Of course, YMMV.

 

[kaborka]

Yeh, they told me you have to ask for the "upgrade" -- it's not automatic. I've had the 5% rebate AAA credit card for some time, but for Citi to offer this much back on food and drug purchases, too, is great. 1% on everything else. At 5%, that would be a $100 check every $2000 spent on the 5% items, not $10,000.

 

[cjchaps]

OK, I have this card, and just called up, and they said it's not activated until you call in and request it. They then put a request in for you and it will take 5 to 7 days to be active...

 

[jma007]

American Express is having a similar card and it's the Blue cash card. Any difference?

 

[Fant]

This any better than my Chase Perfect Card:

6% off gasoline purchases first 6 months
3% off gasoline purchases thereafter
1% off everything else

All is credited back to your account that same month so you have no checks to cash and nothing to wait for.

 

[cjchaps]

I would say it's better because you get 5% off of gas, which is better than your 3% after 6 months. They also give you 5% from groceries and drugstores, and then 1% off everything else.

Originally posted by: Fant
This any better than my Chase Perfect Card:

6% off gasoline purchases first 6 months
3% off gasoline purchases thereafter
1% off everything else

All is credited back to your account that same month so you have no checks to cash and nothing to wait for.

 

[DaCurryman]

I have this card...applied for it a few months ago when this deal came out. Prior cardholders are not automatically upgraded. Many CSRs wont even do it at all. Majority of cases I've heard (at least when it first came out) is that it was a promo for new customers only. But I guess now they're letting older members "upgrade". I personally think this is a great card and have posted my approval in the othe CC deal thread that was around a few weeks ago.

The cashback offered here is in my opinion, better than any other card. There is also a rewards version of this card where you can redeem for gift certificates and things, but it's not direct cash back. The other card also has BVG for those of you that love to (ab)use that.

 

[breweyez]

this was in terms & conditions

You may accumulate a maximum of $300 in Dividend Dollars in any calendar year.

it seems to be the only drawback i could find

 

[jrichrds]

Originally posted by: jma007
American Express is having a similar card and it's the Blue cash card. Any difference?

With the Blue Cash card, you have to meet certain spending requirements and carry a balance (in which case you'll be hit with finance charges) to get the advertised % rebate.

 

[kaborka]

Originally posted by: breweyez
this was in terms & conditions

You may accumulate a maximum of $300 in Dividend Dollars in any calendar year.

it seems to be the only drawback i could find

Ouch! I missed that. So, I keep using my AAA card for fuel purchases (5% back on next statement!) and just use Citi for up to $6000 purchases on food and drugstore. Maybe some other rebate card after I max out the Citi rebates

Thanks for pointing out that limit.

PS to DaCurryman: The CSR had to check with his supv, who cleared the upgrade.

PPS: Come to think of it, I'll never spend $500/mo at grocery or drugstores, to it's a non-issue for me.

 

[mdetz]

Those concerned about the $300 max might consider the Diamond platinum rewards card. 5x points on grocery, drug, and gas.

 

[z0mb13]

does this card have a 1% rebate on everything else?

 

[chiligoo]

Originally posted by: z0mb13
does this card have a 1% rebate on everything else?

Yes

 

[Chris S]

These cash rebate cards are the best. I have:
Citibank Dividend Card ($300) max
Amex Cash rebate (about 1.4-1.7% on purchases)
Discover (1%, used mostly at Sam's since they don't have many options)
And make all purchases on credit cards, had ~$900 in combined rebates last year. Never carry a balance, so its found money!!!

 

[abc]

there was another thread about this.. we'll i finally called to inquire about my card... the guy told me i am set for 5pct... wasn't sure if that meant i had it automatically or he just did it... but i asked if my citicards.com account would show me what pct i am set for.. he said yes... i just checked, it doesnt show what pct. at all...

 

[V00DOO]

I think I'll give citibank a call.

 

[Storm]

Called the other night and they said I need to call after 10 days to make sure it went through.

 

[gotsmack]

Originally posted by: cjchaps
I would say it's better because you get 5% off of gas, which is better than your 3% after 6 months. They also give you 5% from groceries and drugstores, and then 1% off everything else.

Originally posted by: Fant
This any better than my Chase Perfect Card:

6% off gasoline purchases first 6 months
3% off gasoline purchases thereafter
1% off everything else

All is credited back to your account that same month so you have no checks to cash and nothing to wait for.

you are forgetting about Time Value of Money.

It really depends on how much you spend every week and on what items. 5% on gorceries and gas after spending 2K is better for large families, while single guys like me would do better with 1% back now.

I'm considering getting the subaru card, but I dunno if I'm gonna get a subaru for my next car. (50% chance)

 

[white]

i tried this when the promo first started and they refused to do it. they said i had to apply for a card in order to get it. i'll have to try again.

 

[MadScientist]

You can also log on to your account and ask for the rewards upgrade by email. They replied it would be become effective on my next billing cycle.

 

[abc]

just wished there was a easy way to confirm for ourselves that we are set for 5pct as they claim...