Citi ThankYou points offer a fantastic way to unlock travel experiences, and their transfer partnerships are a key part of that value. RewardSmart users, pay attention! We're seeing an upcoming adjustment to the transfer ratios for two popular hotel programs: Choice Privileges and Preferred Hotels & Resorts iPrefer. These changes are slated to take effect on April 19, 2026.

What's Changing and Why It Matters

While the exact details of the new transfer ratios haven't been publicly released, the core message is clear: transferring Citi ThankYou points to these hotel programs will likely become less valuable after April 19, 2026. This impacts the overall return you can expect from your Citi credit card spending and requires a reassessment of your rewards strategy.

Why do these devaluations happen? Hotel loyalty programs, like any business, adjust their redemption values based on market conditions, demand, and overall profitability. Partnering with credit card programs is a crucial element of their strategy, and transfer ratios are periodically reviewed and adjusted.

Actionable Steps for Citi Cardholders

Here's what you should do to prepare for these changes:

  • Evaluate Your Points Balance: How many Citi ThankYou points do you currently have? This is the first step in determining your strategy. Log into your Citi account and check your total points balance.
  • Assess Your Travel Plans: Do you have any upcoming travel plans that could utilize Choice Privileges or iPrefer points? If so, now is the time to crunch the numbers and see if transferring points before April 19, 2026, makes sense.
  • Compare Redemption Options: Don't automatically assume transferring to Choice or iPrefer is the best use of your points. Compare the value you'd get through these programs with other Citi transfer partners (airlines, for example) or even direct redemption options through the Citi portal. Use RewardSmart's redemption comparison tool to quickly analyze different options.
  • Book Before the Deadline: If you find a valuable redemption with Choice or iPrefer, book your stay before April 19, 2026, to lock in the current transfer ratio. Remember to factor in cancellation policies in case your plans change.
  • Consider Alternative Programs: If Choice and iPrefer become less attractive, explore other Citi transfer partners that align with your travel goals. Airline miles often offer excellent value, especially for international flights.

Beyond Hotel Transfers: Diversify Your Rewards Strategy

This situation highlights the importance of diversifying your rewards strategy. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Explore different redemption options, credit card programs, and loyalty programs to maximize your overall rewards value. RewardSmart provides tools and insights to help you make informed decisions.

The Bottom Line

While these changes are disappointing, they're a reminder to stay informed and proactive with your credit card rewards. Evaluate your options, make informed decisions, and continue to leverage RewardSmart to optimize your points and miles strategy. Don't panic – plan!