Rewards & next steps

How to Apply for the Citi Rewards+ Card (and What Happens Now That Citi Strata Has Arrived)

★Here's how to get the most from this card. Follow the steps below, then apply on the issuer's official site.

Applying for a Citi rewards card is a straightforward online process, but the Citi Rewards+ card is in an unusual spot heading into the second half of 2026: Citi has been actively converting Rewards+ accounts into its redesigned Citi Strata Card, and new applicants who search for 'Citi Rewards+' are increasingly being routed to the Strata application instead. Before you apply, it's worth understanding both what the classic Rewards+ terms have looked like and what you're likely to actually receive if you apply today.

The steps below walk through the general application process that applies to Citi's no-annual-fee rewards lineup, along with tips for improving your approval odds and a few questions people commonly ask once they start the process. As always, confirm the exact card name, bonus, and terms on the final application screen before you submit, since offers can change without notice.

Step by step

1. Check your pre-qualification status: Before submitting a full application, use Citi's pre-qualification tool to see which card offers you're likely eligible for. This step generally uses a soft credit check, so it won't affect your credit score, and it will clarify whether you're being shown Rewards+, Citi Strata, or another Citi product.
2. Gather your personal and financial information: Have your Social Security number, income, employment status, housing payment, and current address ready. Citi uses this information, along with your credit report, to evaluate your application and set your credit limit and APR.
3. Complete the online application: Apply directly through Citi's website rather than a third-party link to make sure you're seeing the current, accurate offer. Review the card name, welcome bonus, and terms shown on the application page carefully before submitting, since these may reflect Citi Strata rather than the original Rewards+ terms.
4. Review your decision and next steps: Many applicants get an instant decision. If approved, read the welcome materials for your specific account to confirm which bonus categories, welcome offer, and perks actually apply, especially given the ongoing Rewards+-to-Strata transition.
5. Meet the minimum spend for your welcome bonus: If a sign-up bonus is offered, plan your near-term purchases so you comfortably clear the required spending threshold within the stated window (historically 3 months) without overspending just to chase the bonus.

Tips & mistakes to avoid

• Concentrate your grocery and gas spending on this card up to the $6,000 annual combined cap to maximize the 2x category before it drops to 1x.
• Redeem points regularly rather than letting them accumulate untouched, since the 10% points-back benefit only applies to points you actually redeem, up to 100,000 per year.
• Use the 0% intro APR window deliberately for a planned purchase or balance transfer, and have a payoff plan before the promotional period ends and the variable APR kicks in.
• Before applying, check whether you're actually being offered Citi Strata instead of classic Rewards+, and compare the specific bonus categories and welcome offer shown on your application screen against what's described in older reviews.

FAQ

Will applying for Citi Rewards+ hurt my credit score?

Yes, in the way most credit card applications do. Citi will typically perform a hard inquiry on your credit report when you formally apply, which can cause a small, temporary dip in your score. Using Citi's online pre-qualification tool first typically uses a soft inquiry, which does not affect your score, so it's a low-risk way to gauge your odds before applying.

If I try to apply for Citi Rewards+, will I be redirected to the Citi Strata Card instead?

Very likely. Because Citi has been transitioning Rewards+ accounts into the new Citi Strata Card through 2026, new applicants going through Citi's site are generally being pointed to Strata rather than the legacy Rewards+ product. Treat any 'Rewards+' link you find as a starting point and confirm on the final application page which card you're actually agreeing to.

How long does it take to get a decision after applying?

Many applicants receive an instant decision online within 60 seconds, though Citi sometimes needs additional time to review an application, in which case a decision can take 7 to 10 business days or longer if they request more documentation.

Advertiser disclosure: general information only, not financial advice. We are an independent publisher, not a card issuer or lender. Confirm current terms on the issuer's official site.