Executive Summary -
Like it's peers, this card also has 5% cash back rotating categories which allow you to earn extra rebates when you make purchases on these eligible expenses types every quarter. We provide a brief explanation in this part of the review.
As we have mentioned in our introduction, this card cuts from the same cloth as the Chase Freedom and the Discover More card.
One of the features that all of these cards have is a rebate or reward system called the 5% rotating categories. This is how it works. Every quarter, the card will announce a list of expense categories. If you use your card for purchases of products that fit into the category, then you will earn 5% cash back or rebates (or Citi Dividend Dollars as they call it).
The expense types change every quarter (which is why we called them rotating categories). They also change from year to year. Hence it is hard to make an apples to apples comparison versus other cards that offer this feature.
You would also have to register every quarter to "activate" your card to earn the 5% rewards. This can be done at their website here
For Q3 2013, you can earn 5% cash back at Hilton Hotels, Movies, Theme Parks and Car Rentals. The Hilton perk has surprised me because this is the first time I've seen a hotel chain in a rotating category. Nevertheless, Citi is the issuer for Hilton's cards so this should not come too much of a surprise.
As a recap, for Q2 2013, you would have earned earn 5% cash back on eligible purchases at Home Furnishing Stores, Home and Garden Stores and The Home Depot from 4/1/13 through 6/30/13 when you enroll. This is a great time to use this card if you decide to join a fitness and pay upfront for your membership and personal training.
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