Citi Dividend Platinum Adopts Rotating Reward Categories

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Guess what? Since I’m such a “valued cardmember, ” Citi recently wrote to say that they’ve decided to “enhance” the rewards program associated with my Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Visa® Card. Unfortunately, the enhancements described in such missives almost always end up being changes for the worse.

While this card has previously offered as much as 5% cash back from Citi on eligible “everyday” purchases (gas, groceries, and drugstores) plus 1% on all other purchases, in the past it has also had been paying 2% on such purchases (plus convenience stores and utilities) and 1% on everything else.

Now Citi has decided to offer the rotating category approach that Chase and Discover previously adopted. Here’s the scoop on the Citi bonus categories:

• The next quarterly bonus promotion begins on October 1, 2013, earn 5% cash back subject to quarterly spend cap, from Citi on eligible purchases this quarter and every quarter on changing categories like home improvement, travel and more. Enrollment is required each quarter, so watch for details before that date. To enroll in the bonus promotion, simply log into your account at citicards.com or call 1-800-231-0891

I’m not sure about you, but I don’t like keeping track of rotating categories, and I definitely don’t like having to sign up every quarter. If you do use a card like this, it’s probably a good idea to set up automated reminders so you don’t forget to re-enroll.

On the plus side, Citi has added both concierge service (never had a use for it) and price protection (potentially useful) to this card. In the end, however, I still prefer a straightforward cash back credit card like Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express.