Is Citi Rewards card a Visa or Mastercard?

Citi Rewards Card: A Comprehensive Guide to Network Affiliation

Citi Rewards cards, a popular financial product offered by Citigroup, have undergone a network affiliation transformation in recent years. Understanding the current network affiliation of these cards is crucial for cardholders and potential applicants alike.

Initial Visa Affiliation

Initially, Citi Rewards cards were exclusively issued on the Visa network. This partnership provided cardholders with access to a vast network of merchants and other benefits associated with Visa.

Shift to Mastercard Network

However, in 2020, Citi made a significant change in its payment processing strategy. All new Citi Rewards cards issued since then have been launched on the Mastercard network. This shift was driven by a variety of factors, including competitive dynamics and potential cost savings.

Benefits of Mastercard Network

The Mastercard network offers several benefits for Citi Rewards cardholders. These include:

• Global Acceptance: Mastercard is accepted at millions of merchants worldwide, providing cardholders with flexibility and convenience when making purchases.
• Enhanced Security Features: Mastercard’s advanced security technologies help protect cardholders against fraud and unauthorized transactions.
• Rewards and Benefits: Mastercard offers a range of rewards and benefits tailored to the needs of cardholders, such as cash back, travel rewards, and exclusive experiences.

Transition for Existing Cardholders

If you currently hold a Citi Rewards card issued on the Visa network, your card will not be affected by the shift to Mastercard. However, if you apply for a new Citi Rewards card, it will be issued on the Mastercard network.

Conclusion

Citi Rewards cards have transitioned from being issued on the Visa network to the Mastercard network since 2020. This change provides cardholders with access to the benefits and security features offered by Mastercard, while still enjoying the rewards and benefits associated with Citi Rewards cards.