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A few days ago, I posted a couple of ways you could refer your friends and family to Chase. You could refer them by going online or using the Chase Mobile app. Today, I received an email from Citi, an invite for me to refer my friends to the Citi Premier.

ThankYou Points Citi Premiere Refer-a-friend

Image courtesy of Citi

The first thought that came to mind was to look for the unique link or URL for me to send to my friends via social media, email, or text. However, none of that was available when I scanned through the email.

ThankYou Points Citi Premiere Refer-a-friend

Image courtesy of Citi

Other referral programs

If you ask me, the process was quite simple with other card programs:

  • Have your friends and family apply using the link that you sent
  • Once they’re approved, they need to meet the minimum spend requirement
  • They get the bonus points, and then you get points for referring them as well

Citi Premier Refer-a-friend program

ThankYou Points Citi Premiere Refer-a-friend

Image courtesy of Citi

In the past, Chase gave you the option to provide them the email addresses of your friends and family, and Chase will send the email invite. The trouble with that process? The referrals came days later. This Citi process reminded me so much of the old Chase way of referrals.

What does your friend get?

Interestingly enough, there was nothing in the fine print or email that I received that showed the incentive or bonus points that my friend will receive. I sent a tweet to @AskCiti and was told:

Jason, new card members get the offer available online at . Click on view all cards at the top of the page. Offers do change from time to time so you can review the current one there.

I had to go to the site, and was advised to VIEW ALL CARDS and look at the current offer – earn 50,000 Citi ThankYou Points, with a minimum spend requirement of of $4,000 within the 1st three months. I think it’s a failure on Citi’s end to not disclose this on the email that I received. My suggestion should you refer-a-friend to Citi, find out what offer your friend ends up getting once he/she receives the invite from Citi.

Another thing that caught my eye, not only does your referred friend needs to be approved for the card – that’s expected, you, as the person referring – you also have a duty to fulfill. Citi wants to you Spend $500 in purchases in 12 months from the date of your enrollment. So, yes. Citi wants your continued business and spend with them.

It appears that this referral option is targeted. The subject line on my email stated that I’ve been “chosen” for a special offer from Citi.

If you’ve been meaning to refer your friends and family to Citi, go check your email and make sure you follow the requirements. You could earn 10,000 ThankYou points for every referral up to 50,000 points in a 12-month period. Remember to have your friend double check the bonus offered to them before applying.


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