Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) and Citibank offer credit cards tempting travelers and rewards enthusiasts alike: the NFCU Flagship Rewards Visa Signature® Card and the Citi Premier® Card. But which card reigns supreme for your wallet? Buckle up as we dissect their features, rewards, and who would benefit most from each contender.
Basic Feature Comparison
| Feature | NFCU Flagship Rewards | Citi Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards Type | Points | ThankYou® Points (TYP) |
| Points Earned | 3X points on travel, including hotels, flights, car rentals, and cruises; 2X points on groceries, gas stations, and transit; 1X point on everything else | 3X points on travel and dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery; 1X point on everything else |
| Points Redemption | Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, cash back, or transferred to travel partners. | TYP points can be redeemed for travel booked through Citi ThankYou portal (maximizes points value), transferred to travel partners, used for statement credits, or for cash back. |
Comparison Table Between NFCU Flagship Rewards Vs Citi Premier
| Feature | NFCU Flagship Rewards | Citi Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $49 | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 60,000 points after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening | Up to 80,000 TYP points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | 3% |
| Other Features | Includes travel insurance benefits (trip cancellation/interruption, auto rental insurance) | Airport lounge access benefits through select Citi programs |
Also Read: Wells Fargo Autograph Vs Reflect: Wells Fargo’s Rewards Showdown
Who Should Choose Which Card?
- NFCU Flagship Rewards: Ideal for travel enthusiasts, especially those who value travel insurance and don’t mind limitations on where to redeem points (maximized value through travel booked directly with points). This card also shines for those who spend heavily on groceries and gas (2X points). However, membership in Navy Federal Credit Union is required.
- Citi Premier: A great choice for frequent travelers who dine out often (3X points on restaurants) and can leverage Citi’s travel portal for maximum points redemption. The airport lounge access can also be a valuable perk for frequent flyers. Citi Premier is open to the general public.
Pros and Cons: NFCU Flagship Rewards
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Included travel insurance benefits
- Bonus points on travel and essential spending categories
- Lower annual fee compared to Citi Premier
Cons
- Requires Navy Federal Credit Union membership
- Points value may not be maximized outside travel booked directly with points
- Limited airport lounge access
Pros and Cons: Citi Premier
Pros
- Wider travel and dining bonus categories (3X points)
- Higher welcome bonus potential
- Airport lounge access benefits
- More flexible points redemption options
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees apply
- No included travel insurance
- Higher annual fee compared to NFCU Flagship Rewards
Requirements to Get on Board
- NFCU Flagship Rewards: Requires membership in Navy Federal Credit Union, which is generally limited to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.
- Citi Premier: Generally requires good credit, typically a score of 670 or higher. There is no specific income requirement listed by Citibank.
The Final Flight: Consider Your Credit Union Membership and Travel Style
The NFCU Flagship Rewards caters to Navy Federal members who prioritize travel insurance, essential spending rewards, and avoiding foreign transaction fees. However, membership is a requirement.
The Citi Premier offers a wider range of travel and dining rewards, flexible redemption options, and airport lounge access benefits, but it comes with a higher annual fee and foreign transaction fees.
Ultimately, the best card depends on your credit union membership status, travel habits, and how you value travel insurance, points flexibility, and airport lounge access.