A Shift in the Rewards Landscape
Imagine this: you’re planning a family vacation, pooling your credit card rewards to secure that dream flight. The flexibility to share points has been a game changer for many Citi cardholders, allowing them to easily transfer ThankYou Points to friends or family. However, starting May 17, 2026, Citi is putting an end to this feature, marking a significant change in how cardholders can maximize their rewards.
Understanding the Change
Citi’s recent announcement revealed that the ability to share ThankYou Points between cardholders will be discontinued. This feature, which has allowed members to transfer points without any restrictions on household ties, has long set Citi apart from competitors like Chase and American Express. Currently, cardholders can send or receive up to 100,000 points per calendar year, with the caveat that shared points expire 90 days after being transferred. As of May 17, all such sharing will cease, leaving many users scrambling to adapt before the cutoff date.
According to a report by The Points Guy, this change affects all cards within the ThankYou Rewards program, meaning that whether you have the Citi Premier or the Citi Double Cash, the rules will apply uniformly. While you can still pool points earned across your own Citi accounts, the communal aspect of sharing with others will disappear entirely.
Strategies for Transitioning
With this change looming, it’s imperative for cardholders to strategize their rewards redemption. If you haven’t already, consider making transfers before the May 16 deadline. This could be particularly useful for households with multiple cardholders who want to consolidate their points for larger redemptions. Here’s how you can make the most of the remaining time:
- Transfer Wisely: Identify family or friends with whom you frequently travel. If you have points that may expire soon, transfer them to someone who can use them quickly.
- Maximize Individual Accounts: If you hold multiple Citi cards, ensure you’re pooling points effectively within your own account, as this feature remains intact.
- Explore Transfer Options: While direct sharing ends, you can still transfer points to airline and hotel partners, so consider booking trips that leverage these options.
Consider New Card Offers
In light of this change, now is an excellent time to explore new Citi card offerings. The Citi Premier® Card, for example, currently offers a generous signup bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, alongside 3x points on dining and travel. With these benefits, you can quickly accumulate points that can be pooled within your own account.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a card with great travel rewards, consider the Citi Rewards+® Card, which rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, making it easier to accumulate points even on smaller transactions.
Simplifying Your Strategy with SuperPay
Navigating these changes can be daunting, but with SuperPay, optimizing your credit card rewards has never been easier. Our Rewards Roadmap (PRO+) feature provides a personalized plan that helps you maximize your points across all cards. You can see exactly how to leverage your spending across various categories, ensuring you’re always using the best card for any given purchase.
Moreover, our Smart Card Picker tool will notify you which card to use at different stores, making the decision process effortless. With the upcoming changes to Citi’s rewards structure, having a tool like SuperPay will be invaluable in ensuring you don’t leave any rewards on the table.
Take Action Now
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Download SuperPay on the App Store and start optimizing your rewards today, or try PRO+ free for 7 days to unlock your personalized Rewards Roadmap. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re making the most of your credit card rewards as the landscape evolves.