Citi ThankYou has informed its members that point transfers to two of its partners will be diminished in the upcoming weeks. I think it’s likely that many won’t be pleased about this change.
Citi ThankYou Adjusts Transfer Values for Choice Privileges and I Prefer
Starting April 19, 2026, there will be updates to the point transfer ratios for two partners. For those with the premium cards, the new rates are as follows:
- Transferring points from Citi ThankYou to Choice Privileges will now be at a ratio of 1,000:1,500, down from 1,000:2,000.
- The transfer rate from Citi ThankYou to I Prefer will change from 1,000:4,000 to 1,000:2,000.
Choice Privileges became a transfer partner in 2021, while I Prefer was added in 2024. Though not the only options, Citi ThankYou offers the highest transfer rates for these partners. For instance, Capital One miles convert to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 ratio and I Prefer points at 1,000:2,000.
Thus, with this latest adjustment, Citi ThankYou still retains better transfer rates for Choice Privileges compared to Capital One and matches the rate for I Prefer. Many Citi ThankYou members value both programs, but these new ratios definitely make them less appealing.
These Changes are Disappointing but Not Unexpected
Before this change, Choice Privileges and I Prefer weren’t 1:1 transfer partners, so the impact may not seem significant. Still, I think the advantages provided by hotel transfer partners have long set Citi ThankYou apart from its competitors, and this shift may influence that dynamic.
Looking at the broader picture, this seems to reflect a trend where transferable point currencies are facing tougher conditions. Recently, we’ve noticed various transferable point programs lowering their transfer ratios to certain airline partners, moving away from the 1:1 standard.
It feels like there’s a shift occurring in this sector where loyalty programs are pushing for higher costs for points, and banks seem less willing to absorb these expenses, especially in a competitive landscape that requires constant enhancement of card benefits.
Conclusion
Beginning April 19, 2026, the value of point transfers for both Choice Privileges and I Prefer will be reduced within the Citi ThankYou program. It’s unfortunate, as both partners offered potentially valuable transfer options. However, I wouldn’t be shocked by this change and suspect that we might see further reductions in transfer ratios for other programs over time.
What do you think about these Citi ThankYou transfer changes?
