If you are a traveler looking to get the most out of your credit card rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards are a powerful, yet underrated, tool to have in your arsenal. As one of the leading points programs, Citi ThankYou Rewards offers great value, flexibility, and plenty of ways to save on travel. But where the Citi ThankYou Rewards program really shines is its roster of transfer partners. By transferring your points to one of the many airline and hotel partners of Citi, you can unlock far more value than by simply redeeming them for cash or gift cards. Whether it is snagging a Business Class flight or scoring a stay at a luxury hotel, understanding how to use these transfer partners can turn your points into memorable travel experiences.

Ready to elevate your points game with Citi ThankYou Rewards?

Let’s dive in!

What Is A Transfer Partner?

A transfer partner is an airline or hotel loyalty program that lets you move points from the rewards system of your credit card into their program. Instead of redeeming points directly through the Citi Travel portal, you can transfer them to a partner program, like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or Choice Privileges, and then use those points for flights, hotel stays, or other travel perks.

The main benefit? More flexibility and potentially better value. Transfer partners often offer redemption rates that far exceed the value you would get by booking travel through a travel portal. By transferring points, you can access award charts, promotions, and exclusive deals from these programs, sometimes resulting in luxurious Business Class flights or high-end hotel stays for fewer points than expected.

Citi ThankYou Rewards Transfer Partners

Credit. Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic Business Class.

Citi has partnered with several well-known airlines and hotels, making it easier for you to find a program that matches your travel plans. Points typically transfer at a 1:1 ratio, meaning for every Citi point you transfer, you get one point in the airline or hotel program. However, there are some notable exceptions.

Here is the current list of Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners:

Airline Partners

• Aeromexico Rewards (1:1 ratio)
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1 ratio)
• Avianca LifeMiles (1:1 ratio)
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1 ratio)
• Emirates Skywards (1:1 ratio)
• Etihad Guest (1:1 ratio)
• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands (1:1 ratio)
• JetBlue TrueBlue (1:1 ratio)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (1:1 ratio)
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club (1:1 ratio)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (1:1 ratio)
• Thai Royal Orchid Plus (1:1 ratio)
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (1:1 ratio)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1 ratio)

Hotel Partners

• Accor Live Limitless (2:1 ratio)
• Choice Privileges (1:2 ratio)
• Leaders Club (5:1 ratio)
• Preferred Hotels & Resorts (4:1 ratio)
• Wyndham Rewards (1:1 ratio)

Note: You must transfer points in 1,000 point increments.

Whether you are looking to book a luxurious hotel stay or snag a hard-to-find award flight, the list of transfer partners with Citi provides plenty of opportunities to use your points strategically to maximize value.

Related: Current Credit Card Transfer Bonuses

How Long Do ThankYou Rewards Transfers Take

Credit. Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Transfer times vary depending on the partner, but most transfers are relatively quick. Here is a general guide on how long you can expect each transfer to take:

• Airline Instant Transfers: Aeromexico, Air France-KLM, Avianca, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, JetBlue, Qantas, and Virgin Atlantic
• Airline Same-Day Transfers: Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines
• Airline Multi-Day Transfers: EVA Air, Qatar Airways, and Thai Airways (7+ days)
• Hotel Instant Transfers: Choice and Wyndham
• Hotel Same-Day Transfers: Accor, Leaders Club, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts

It is worth noting that transfer times are generally fast enough for you to act on last-minute award space when you find it, especially with airlines or hotels that offer instant transfers.

Key Things To Watch Out For When Transferring Points

Before you jump into transferring your Citi ThankYou Rewards points to a travel partner, there are a few important things to keep in mind. While transferring points can offer incredible value, there are potential pitfalls that could reduce the benefit of your hard-earned rewards. To make sure you are getting the most out of your points and avoid any costly mistakes, here are some key factors to watch out for during the transfer process:

• Transfers Are One-Way. Once you transfer your Citi ThankYou Rewards points to a travel partner, the transaction is final and cannot be reversed, so be sure of your decision before completing the transfer.
• Bank And Loyalty Account Names Must Match. Make sure the name on your Citi account matches the name on your loyalty program account, as any discrepancies could cause delays or prevent the transfer from going through.
• Transfers To A New Loyalty Account May Take Longer. If you have just opened a new loyalty account with an airline or hotel, transfers may take longer to process, so plan ahead to avoid delays in booking your rewards travel.
• Multiple Transfers May Increase Transfer Time. If you make multiple transfer requests to the same loyalty account within a short time frame, the processing may slow down, so it is best to avoid rapid consecutive transfers.
• Transfer Times May Vary. Transfer times can vary, even when sending points to the same loyalty account, so it is a good idea to allow extra time (when possible) in case your points do not appear immediately.

How To Transfer Points To Partners

Transferring Citi ThankYou Rewards points is a straightforward process, and it is done through your Citi account:

Step 1 – Log In To Your Citi Account And Navigate To ThankYou Rewards

Log Into Your Citi Account.

Navigate To The ThankYou Rewards Page.

Go to the ThankYou Rewards dashboard by selecting your Citi credit card (such as the Citi Prestige® Card or Citi Strata Premier℠ Card). Look for the option under “ThankYou” which reads “View / Redeem.” Then navigate to the ThankYou Rewards page by going to the “Rewards & Offers” drop down and selecting “ThankYou Rewards.”

Step 2 – Navigate To Transfer Partners

Navigate To Transfer Partners.

Scroll to the bottom of the ThankYou Rewards page until you find the “Ways to Redeem” section. Click on the “Points Transfer” option.

Step 3 – Select Your Citi ThankYou Rewards Transfer Partner

Select Your Citi Transfer Partner.

From the list, choose the airline or hotel program to which you want to transfer points. Make sure you already have an account with that program. If you do not, provide your loyalty program membership number so Citi can transfer the points to the right place.

Step 4 – Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer

Choose The Number Of Points To Transfer.

Enter how many points you would like to transfer (points are transferred in 1,000 point increments).

Step 5 – Confirm And Complete The Transfer

Confirm And Complete The Transfer.

Double-check the details before confirming the transfer. Most transfers are final, so you want to be sure the points are going to the right program and in the right amount. Once completed, your points should appear in the account of the loyalty program, often instantly or within a few hours, ready to be used.

How To Earn Citi ThankYou Rewards Points

Credit. Frequent Miler. Credit Cards That Earn Citi ThankYou Rewards.

You can earn Citi ThankYou Rewards points through spending in bonus categories, sign-up bonuses, and referral offers with eligible Citi cards such as:

• Citi Prestige® Card
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Citi Double Cash® Card
• Citi Custom Cash® Card

Final Thoughts

Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer partners are a game-changer for travelers who want to stretch their points further and unlock premium travel experiences. By leveraging the ability to transfer points to top airline and hotel programs, you gain access to exclusive deals, better redemption rates, and the chance to turn everyday spending into incredible adventures — whether that is a solo Business Class flight across the globe or a staycation at a local hotel with the kids.

To get the most value, make sure you are familiar with the transfer process, keep an eye on transfer times, and know how to earn points efficiently. With a little planning, your Citi ThankYou Rewards can take your travel to the next level, allowing you to experience more of the world for less.