Credit Card News

Citi, AT&T Introduce New Points Plus Co-Branded Credit Card

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A well-known telecom and an upper-tier credit card issuer are teaming up for a new co-branded product. This week, AT&T and Citi announced the introduction of the AT&T Points Plus Card. The new card will earn Citi’s ThankYou points, which can be redeemed for gift cards, travel, and more. With the Points Plus card, customers can earn 3x points at gas stations, 2x points at grocery stores (including grocery delivery services), and 1x points on all other purchases. Notably, the AT&T Points Plus Card will carry no annual fee.

Another benefit of the AT&T Points Plus Card is the ability for customers to earn up to $20 in monthly statement credits toward their qualifying AT&T wireless bill. Those who spend at least $500 per month on the card will earn a $10 statement credit, while those who spend at least $1,000 per month will earn the full $20 credit. In terms of a welcome bonus, new cardholders can currently earn a $100 statement credit after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within their first three months.

Managing Director and Head of Co-Brand Relationships at Citi U.S. Branded Cards John LaCosta said of the new offering, “AT&T customers have been looking for more ways to earn rewards on their everyday spending. The AT&T Points Plus Card does just that. With ThankYou Points earned on every day expenses, including wireless bills, the new card is an ideal choice for AT&T loyalists.”

On the one hand, the fact that the AT&T Points Plus card earns ThankYou points makes it more versatile than similar offerings from the likes of Verizon where earnings can only be redeemed for Verizon purchases. Unfortunately, the card still isn’t very competitive outside of that element. For example, Citi’s own Custom Cash card allows customers to earn 5% back on gas (up to $500 in spending per billing cycle) if gas stations are their top spending category for that month.

Elsewhere, the Capital One SavorOne is a stronger option for groceries as it features 3% back on that category as well as 3% back on dining, entertainment, and select streaming service purchases. Additionally, although the $10 or $20 statement credits could be useful, they amount to a 2% return on spending, which could be equaled by other cards. For all of those reasons, while there are certainly worse options for AT&T customers, there are likely more well-rounded options as well.

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