Citi is dropping most travel benefits from its credit cards like the Citi Prestige and even co-branded American Airlines credit cards, from rental car insurance to trip delay coverage to help for lost or delayed luggage.
One Mile at a Time has the scoop on all the benefits Citi is axing from its suite of cards. The following perks are disappearing starting Sept. 22, 2019 from any card that currently offers them:
- Car rental insurance
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Worldwide travel accident insurance
- Trip delay protection
- Baggage delay coverage
- Lost baggage coverage
- Citi Price Rewind
- 90-day return policy
- Roadside assistance
- Medical evacuation
And as The Points Guy points out, these changes affect even Citi co-branded credit cards like the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard.
On the bright side, you have until Sept. 22 to book travel with a Citi card and still get most of these benefits for any travel thereafter. Roadside assistance and travel & emergency assistance will both end Sept. 22, regardless of when you book.
But make no mistake: This is a massive downgrade for most Citi cardholders. Fortunately, some other cards like the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi will retain travel benefits.
Our Analysis
In the world of travel rewards cards, we've long considered Citi a distant third behind both Chase and American Express. This move puts Citi even farther behind the pack.
Chase offers great trip delay and cancellation coverage with the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards. And while the American Express Platinum lacks great trip coverage, it offers an unbeatable medical evacuation and travel accident policy.
So for Citi to get rid of this all is, frankly, puzzling. There's even less reason for travelers to consider picking up one of their credit cards.
Bottom Line
If travel insurance, trip coverage, baggage reimbursement, or roadside assistance are important to you, Citi credit cards will soon be nearly worthless for insurance coverage.
Do you know if this will also affect the Costco Citi cards?
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card retains travel coverage, but I’m unclear on the others.
Who covers CDW for car rental in Ireland now that Citi has dropped it?
Thank you, Kyle.
I have been a Citi AA cardholder for many many years! Not sure I will be retaining the card after expiration as their travel benefits provided peace of mind!!!