The Citi Prestige card offered by Citi is a top tier card loaded with benefits designed to directly compete with other Filipino banks for the lucrative upper middle class segment. As a relatively newcomer the field, Citi’s had to play catch up and as a result the benefits of the Citi Prestige card are unparalleled in the Philippines, and currently outclasses its rivals such as the American Express Platinum Card.
Earning Points
Citi Prestige card holders earn 1 Citi ThankYou point for every 30 pesos spent. You also receive 5X bonus for all spend abroad and local dining / retail purchases. While this sounds nice on paper, Citi ThankYou points transfer at a mere 3 points for 1 mile with its transfer partners, making Citi TYP points considerably less value.
Note: It’s important to note that Citi TYP points you earn with the Citi Prestige card are not the same as the Citi Premier Miles you earn with the CitiPremier Miles card, which transfer at a ratio of 1:1.
One unique benefit is the fact you earn 0.5% on a lump sum of all purchases made with the Citi Prestige card annually (1% if you’re a CitiGold client).
Alternatively, you may use your points for a cash credit on retail purchases at a rate of 10 points per 1 PHP.
Let’s say you buy a dress at a store for 4500 pesos. Combined with the 5x spending bonus, you’ll earn 75 Citi TYP points, which can be used for future retail purchases, giving you an effective 1.6% rebate on all your shopping needs.
However, what makes the Citi Prestige Card so valuable is its numerous card benefits. Here are some of the highlights.
Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night free
Stay at any hotel for three nights and get the fourth night free, with no limit on the value of the 4th night. This is by far the best benefit of the Citi Prestige card. If you travel abroad often and frequently have hotel stays lasting more than a few days, you can easily save thousands of dollars on hotel costs alone.
The process is similar to the one in the US, where you dial the Citi Concierge support line and book over the phone. Rates are usually the exact same ones found online and if you have elite status with any hotel chains.
I’ve used this benefit multiple times, including a recent stay at the Hyatt Regency in Hong Kong, saving almost $200 from this one stay alone.
Complimentary Priority Pass Membership
Receive complimentary priority pass select membership as long as you have the Citi Prestige card. If you travel a lot, especially abroad, Priority Pass membership grants you free lounge access to over 600 airport lounges worldwide. This is a huge benefit, especially if you fly in coach quite often.
You can find a master list of lounges here: https://www.prioritypass.com/en/airport-lounges
In the Philippines there are four airports with lounges that you can access with your Priority Pass membership: Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao.
By far my favorite Priority Pass lounge in the Philippines is the Pacific Lounge at Terminal 3 of Manila Airport, which serves complimentary alcohol, drinks, and small bites to eat.
Complimentary Airport Meet & Assist Service
Cardholders receive two complimentary airport VIP meet & assist services per year (one way), which includes ground transport.
This is in an incredible value as you are essentially are escorted upon arrival through immigration and immediately picked up by a driver in a luxury car to your final destination. In places like Hong Kong, this can easily save you over $50 per trip, not to mention being able to skip the line at certain airports.
Keep in mind there is a maximum distance in which you can travel for free, and you must book 72 hours in advance.
Three Free Rounds of Golf
Get up to three complimentary rounds of golf each year with the Citi Prestige Card. Golf courses include courses on the PGA tour, like the TPC Stadium course, in the United States. You can find a full list of eligible locations here (click the “Golf Destination” tab at the top):
I don’t play golf much, but if you do, this benefit can easily be worth hundreds of dollars annually.
Recommendation:
Put together, these card benefits are among the best I’ve ever seen for a Filipino card. The Priority Pass membership and 4th night free perks can easily pay off any annual fee that you may incur.
Note: If your goal is to rack up as many miles as possible, I’d recommend applying in conjuction with a Citi Premier Miles, as it has a much higher earn rate.