Riveting, Rewarding & Red – Citibank Emirates
Posted June 2nd, 2009
and last modified January 13th, 2010Regardless of whether the Citibank Emirates credit card is suitable for your needs, it’s simply one of those cards which jumps out at you with appeal.
In essence, the Citibank Emirates card is a travel rewards credit card.
In order for it to be of true value to the owner, the card’s benefits must be taken advantage if in order to compensate for the 20.49% p.a. interest rate and $229 annual fee.
Key features of the card include access to credit limits of up to $100,000 and the unique ‘Skywards Miles‘ reward program which can be redeemed for Emirates flights, hotels and merchandise.
Don’t fly Emirates often? As of 2009 you can redeem your skyward mile reward points for Virgin Airlines flights as well. This new option makes the Citibank Emirates much more flexible and appealing than only being limited to Emirate flights.
The card also features free international travel insurance and 90-day purchase security cover for you and your family.
If you have no real use for travel benefits, Citibank also offer a 3.9% p.a. for 9 months balance transfer option on the Emirates card offer. Simply bundle and transfer your current credit card balances and transfer them over in order to repay a low 3.9% p.a. for 9 months.
The side-features of the card, which may be novelty to some but of true value to others include ‘Complimentary Lounge Access in Australia and Dubai’ to the prestigious Emirates airport lounges, and one free chauffeur trip to and from Australian airports per annum.
The Pros of Citibank Emirates
- Citibank offers an authentically quality conversion rate on their Skywards rewards program, at an uncapped 1.5 points per $1 spent, with up to 55 days interest free on purchases.
- Access to a hoard of credit, with credit limits up to $100,000 for those who need quick funding.
- 3.9% p.a. for 9 months on balances transferred.
- A stylish red Platinum credit card design, with MasterCard as the payment processor. MasterCard and Visa have worldwide acceptance as opposed to American Express which is more limited and can incur surcharges.
- Redeem points with either Emirates or Virgin airlines at your choice. If you take advantage of at least most of the wide range of features, the $229 annual fee is well worth the cost.
The Cons of Citibank Emirates
- Like any credit card with a rewards program, you need to spend a significant amount ($20,000 per annum) on your card for the benefits and rewards to outweigh the annual fee.
- It is a Platinum status credit card, which typically requires good credit and a minimum annual earnings requirement for application approval. In this case, good credit and $50,000 minimum annual earnings are required.
- While the rate of earning isn’t capped, the maximum amount of points you can earn per year is capped at 150,000.
Where can I access the Citibank.com.au product page for the Citibank Emirates?
Click here to be redirected to the official Citibank Emirates page for terms & conditions and a secure online application form.
Related posts:
- Citibank Emirates Platinum Card – Details & Application
- Citibank Credit Cards Exclusive TV Offer – citibank.com.au/save & citibank.com.au/tv
- Citi Rewards – Citibank Velocity Rewards Points Credit Cards
- Citibank Rewards Program FAQ
- Citi Skyward Miles Rewards Program
- Citibank Silver Credit Card – Details and Application
- Citibank Special Offers – citibank.com.au/specialoffers
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