Citibank’s Prestige Credit Card
With an annual fee of PHP 12,000.00, Citibank’s Prestige credit card is currently the most expensive credit card that can be applied for in the Philippines.
Some banks, such as BDO, HSBC, and RCBC, have by-invitation only credit cards. These cards usually require a client to have an enormous amount kept with or invested in the bank. For example, BDO’s American Express Platinum charge card requires an ADB (average daily balance) of around 10M to 20M. On the other hand, their BDO World Elite Mastercard requires an ADB of around 50M. And no, I don’t have any of the credit cards above. Still, keeping those cards as a life goal wouldn’t be bad!
Now, let’s move on the Citibank’s Prestige credit card. With the non-waivable, hefty annual fee, one can expect a lot of benefits from the card. Perks such as additional hotel stays, airport lounge access, luxury land transfer, and 24/7 concierge are but some of the things that one can enjoy. To get a full list of the benefits, feel free to check out their microsite here.
Since most of the information can be found on the microsite, I’ll talk about my experience with the card instead.
Applying for the card online
I’ve been with Citibank since 2015. In fact, it’s the first regular credit card that I have; the first credit card I got was a secured credit card from Metrobank.
With that said, it’s actually very easy to get an additional card from Citibank. Since their cards share a shared-limit scheme, all I had to do was submit a request online with no additional documents needed. In less than a day, the new credit card appeared on my online banking account. In less than a week, I had received my card!
Taking Advantage of the Points Multiplier on Dining and Shopping
One of the reasons why I applied for the Prestige was for the x5 points on dining and shopping transactions. At PHP 30.00 per point and 3 points per mile, with the x5 multiplier, this brings the cost of a mile to PHP 18.00! Definitely, one of the lowest in the market.
Note: See how it compares to my other cards here.
Do note however that not all shopping transactions are eligible for the x5 multiplier. Based on the terms and conditions of the card, I’ve made a list for easy reference which you can check out below.
| Citi Prestige | |
| MCC | Description |
| 5812 | Restaurants |
| 5813 | Bars/Cocktails lounges |
| 5137 | Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Uniforms and Commercial Clothing |
| 5139 | Commercial Footwear |
| 5311 | Department Stores |
| 5611 | Men’s and Boys’ Clothing and Accessories Stores |
| 5621 | Women’s Ready to Wear Stores |
| 5631 | Women’s Accessory and Specialty Stores |
| 5641 | Children’s and Infants’ Wear Stores |
| 5651 | Family Clothing Stores |
| 5655 | Sports Apparel, and Riding Apparel Stores |
| 5661 | Shoe Stores |
| 5691 | Men’s and Women’s Clothing Stores |
| 5699 | Accessory and Apparel Stores–Miscellaneous |
| 5941 | Sporting Goods Stores |
| 5948 | Leather Goods and Luggage Stores |
| 5999 | Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores |
As for the other benefits, I’ll update this post once I get to experience them.
Start applying for a Citi credit card by using my referral link here!
I also applied online since I already have their Rewards Card, but for the Citi Premier Miles one. It was indeed quick to apply. Too bad we can’t get free miles! Which they give to new Citi users who apply online.
Yeah… Almost all banks have that new-to-bank clause for sign-up bonus promos now… 🙁 Sad lang rin. Hahaha!
I had this card 3 yrs ago and got the 120,000 Thank You Points despite being a cardholder since 2013. Swertihan lang, I guess 😛
Nung unang release kasi ng card, wala pa yung new-to-bank clause sa sign up bonus. Sayang nga hahaha late ko na na-realize benefits and usage niya.
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