Citi Rewards Card Velocity: Maximise 80,000 Points, travel insurance and the fees every Aussie should know
Maximise 80,000 Velocity Points, make the most of the included travel insurance and weigh the $199 annual fee plus 3.4% foreign transaction charge before you commit
Why many Aussies consider the Citi Rewards Card Velocity
The Citi Rewards Card Velocity is a solid pick for Australians chasing Velocity Points and practical travel perks. With an introductory bonus of up to 80,000 Velocity Points after meeting the spend threshold, it’s tempting for frequent flyers and those planning a big trip across Oz or overseas.
Beyond the welcome offer, the card earns steady Citi Rewards Points that transfer to Velocity Points, making everyday spend worthwhile. The combination of a sizable points bonus and flexible redemption routes is why the Citi Rewards Card Velocity ranks on many comparison lists.
How to earn and make the most of Velocity Points
You earn 1 Citi Rewards Point per $1 spent on eligible purchases, then convert those points to Velocity Points for flights, upgrades or gift cards. Maximising that 80,000 Velocity Points welcome bonus usually means meeting a $5,000 spend in the first three months—plan regular bills and groceries to hit it without impulse buys.
Redeeming Velocity Points can deliver outsized value for domestic flights (Brisbane to Perth, Sydney to Melbourne) or international travel when seat sales pop up. Be strategic: transfer points when reward seats are available and combine with Velocity promotions to stretch your points further.
Fees, rates and what every Aussie should weigh up
The Citi Rewards Card Velocity comes with a $199 annual fee and a 3.4% foreign transaction fee — important if you shop or travel overseas or book in foreign currency. That foreign transaction charge can erode savings if you use the card abroad often, so compare with no-FX cards if international spend is high.
Interest on purchases sits around 21.49% p.a., so carry a balance only if necessary. The card also offers balance transfer promos and a secondary cardholder fee; crunch the numbers to see if the 80,000 Velocity Points and travel insurance outweigh the ongoing costs for your situation.
Travel insurance, purchase protection and practical tips
One of the drawcards of the Citi Rewards Card Velocity is complimentary travel insurance when you purchase travel with the card. That cover can save you bucks on standalone policies, but always read the Product Disclosure Statement to check limits, excesses and eligibility for Aussie residents.
Also take advantage of purchase protection and concierge services where relevant. To maximise value: consolidate regular bills on the card, set up automatic payments, and avoid cash advances to dodge hefty fees. If you travel frequently, time your sign-up around a planned trip to get maximum use from the Velocity Points and included insurance.