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Citi Hilton Honors Reserve Card [Ends Dec 2017]

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Old Oct 6, 2013, 12:04 am
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Last edit by: mia
Citi's contract to issue Hilton co-branded cards ends in December 2017. Citi will sell most accounts to American Express. The criteria for determining which accounts are eligible to be sold are unpublished. Read Hilton FAQ: http://hiltonhonors3.hilton.com/en/e...-card-faq.html


ALL known links for ALL Citi Hilton Honors cards appear to be dead now.
-----------------------------

This thread is a continuation of: Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card (2012 - 2015)


Link no longer working: https://www.citicards.com/cards/cred...7A711D5L00101W

Link no longer working: https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/cr...s-reserve-card

- Earn two weekend night certificates - at select hotels and resorts - after making $2,500 in purchases.

- Enjoy Hilton HHonors Gold Status as long as you are a Citi Hilton Reserve cardmember

- Annual Fee: $95,
not waived


From the app page:
"Weekend Night Certificates offer is not available if you have had any Citi®Hilton HHonorsTM card opened or closed in the past 24 months"."Weekend Night Certificates offer is not available if you have had a Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card account that was opened or closed in the past 24 months." (Language change to "any" dates back to August 2016.)


When will I receive my free nights?
Some datapoints indicate that the certificates are emailed ~7 days after the statement in which the spend is met, but others datapoints indicate that it may take 1-2 additional statement cycles before they're actually sent.

How long do I have to use the free nights?
The certificates expire 12 months from the date that they're emailed to you. Your stay must be completed on or before this expiration date.

Do I need to print the certificates and take them with me?
Yes. Some people say they haven't been asked for them, but it's much better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

Can the free weekend certs be redeemed online?
No, you have to call the HHonors department to book them. Even regular Hilton reservations cannot book them, although they can transfer you to the right department.


so the 2-browser trick is dead. can we still apply two HH Reserve card every 65 days, with same HH #, and get four certificates?
Several people have reported successfully churning this card, and receiving the certificates for both cards. Closing one card before applying for another doesn't appear to be required.

You can still get as many as you want of the Citi Hilton 50k cards (except that CITI only allows two cards of any type every 60-65 days).all 50k card offers without 18 month language dead as of 7/5/15

Can you get the anniversary free night bonus without paying the annual fee, or do you get the free night bonus only if you hit $10,000 in charges AND renew?
This seems to be YMMV. Some people have reported not getting it until well after their AF payment is due, while others have reported getting it in time to cancel and have their AF refunded. More data points on this are needed.

Terms and conditions for the free nights
Friday, Saturday & Sunday night, and I don't think there are any blackout nights (beyond the normal HHonors program rules). Here is the description from the Cert as well as the T&C's:

Description: You've received this reward certificate because you've met the purchase requirements with your Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve card. This reward is valid for one complimentary weekend night for a standard room at participating hotels worldwide, subject to availability. This reward is not valid at All-Inclusive or Distinctive properties and cannot be combined with the 5th Night Free benefit or other promotions. Please visit HHonors.com/weekendcertificate to see a list of excluded properties.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
As with any HHonors Reward, this Reward Certificate is subject to all HHonors Terms & Conditions on participation, use, and redemption, posted at http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/terms.do. The hotel stay received with this Hotel Reward Certificate shall be treated as a Hotel Reward Stay, as defined in the Terms & Conditions, except Points & Money, Premium Room and Room Upgrade Rewards cannot be used with this Certificate.

HOTEL REWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Reward Certificate is not transferable after issued and may be redeemed only by the individual named thereon, consistent with HHonors Terms & Conditions. If a person other than the individual named on the Reward Certificate attempts to redeem it, the Certificate will be deemed void and accommodations will be denied.
2. Reward Certificate may not be sold, auctioned, bartered, brokered or purchased except with the express written consent of Hilton HHonors. Any Reward Certificate obtained in this manner by any person or entity will be considered to be fraudulently obtained and will be deemed void if transferred for cash or other consideration. Altered Reward Certificates are void and will not be honored.
3. Reward Certificate may not be combined with other certificates, discounts, packages or promotional offers, or Hotel Reward stays beyond Standard Room Rewards, unless otherwise specified in writing by Hilton HHonors.
4. Reward Certificate cannot be redeemed for cash, prizes or credit. Reward Certificate is not exchangeable.
5. Reward Certificate will not be replaced, reissued or credited if lost, stolen or otherwise destroyed.
6. Reward Certificate is void if copied, prohibited or restricted by law.
7. HHonors members will not earn points or miles for Hotel Reward stays, unless otherwise stated on the Reward Certificate.
8. Reward Certificate expires on the date noted on the face of the Reward Certificate.
9. Reward Certificate must be redeemed in strict accordance with the procedures specified on the certificate.
10. For the purpose of Certificate redemption, a weekend night is defined as a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, unless specified otherwise on the Reward Certificate.
11. Reward Certificate applies to the room rate and tax of one standard room at a participating hotel and as further provided on the Certificate. A "Standard room" is as defined by the hotel. Any tax liability incurred in connection with the receipt and/or use of this Certificate, including, but not limited to, local or city occupancy taxes, or individual income tax is the sole responsibility of the user. Incidental charges are the responsibility of the user.
12. Reward Certificate usage is limited to Double Occupancy. Additional occupants, age 19 and above, are subject to the standard extra person charges.
13. Reward Certificate reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. Some hotels may require a deposit in lieu of a credit card guarantee. Deposits cannot be waived for Reward Certificate reservations. Reward Certificate reservations that are cancelled outside of the time frame set by the hotel's individual cancellation policy will be charged one night's room and tax at the hotel's minimum rate for that date.
14. Reward Certificate is valid for the number of nights noted under the description on the face of the Certificate. If the Certificate is valid for more than one night, all nights must be used and the Certificate redeemed for a single stay that includes up to all Certificate nights. The Certificate cannot be broken down and/or redeemed for more than one stay. Any unused nights will be forfeited and will not be replaced or credited.
15. No credit or substitutions will be given for any Reward Certificate including those that are only partially used.
16. Promotional Rewards are for Standard Rooms only.
17. Hotel stays resulting from Reward Certificate are non-commissionable to travel agents.
18. Recipients of Reward Certificate may be required to sign a release of liability and a statement permitting the use of their name and/or photo for promotional purposes without additional compensation.
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Citi Hilton Honors Reserve Card [Ends Dec 2017]

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Old Jun 1, 2017, 10:58 am
  #361  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 1,351
Originally Posted by jphripjah
Yes, my anniversary date was in March. I have spent $1,800 since then towards reaching the $10,000 threshold by March 2018 for a free night.

If this card goes away on December 31, 2017, what happens?

1. If I have met the $10,000 spend by then, will I get the free night?
Since the free night is technically awarded upon renewal, I think the only reasonable bet right now is to assume it's over. I am lucky since I have just renewed in May and not yet spent anything for the new year.
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Old Jun 1, 2017, 11:05 am
  #362  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,785
Originally Posted by coffee18
I've been spending $10k yearly on the Reserve to receive the weekend free night cert-- safe to say this benefit is at risk.
"at risk"? I think it is "certain" to go away as Citi can't issue the cert next year! I would just get this year cert and cancel the card, unless you want to pay the $95 for a few months of Gold status.
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Old Jun 1, 2017, 2:59 pm
  #363  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,784
Originally Posted by Need
"at risk"? I think it is "certain" to go away as Citi can't issue the cert next year! I would just get this year cert and cancel the card, unless you want to pay the $95 for a few months of Gold status.
What, you don't think AMEX will issue you a cert in gratitude for all the spend you did with Citi?
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Old Jun 1, 2017, 3:14 pm
  #364  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,785
Originally Posted by RobertHanson
What, you don't think AMEX will issue you a cert in gratitude for all the spend you did with Citi?
The chance of that is as good as AMEX getting rid of foreign transaction fee on the Surpass card now that they have eliminated their direct competition.
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Old Jun 1, 2017, 3:43 pm
  #365  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
Originally Posted by Yllanes
Since the free night is technically awarded upon renewal, I think the only reasonable bet right now is to assume it's over. I am lucky since I have just renewed in May and not yet spent anything for the new year.
I'm ticked off about this because I just planned my apps around the idea of getting this free night down the line. It also seems like I may not be getting a full year of benefits for the AF I just paid. Citi better cough up some compensation if that is the case, because i'm over 5/24 now due to apping with them for this card.
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Old Jun 2, 2017, 7:04 am
  #366  
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 299
Originally Posted by Need
"at risk"? I think it is "certain" to go away as Citi can't issue the cert next year! I would just get this year cert and cancel the card, unless you want to pay the $95 for a few months of Gold status.
I agree. I think it's deadder than a doornail. My anniversary isn't until February 18 so I'm torn on whether to complete the $10k spend.

What do you think this card will get converted to, if it gets converted? TY Premier?
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Old Jun 2, 2017, 7:22 am
  #367  
mia
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Join Date: Jun 2003
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Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,953
Originally Posted by coffee18
... torn on whether to complete the $10k spend.

What do you think this card will get converted to, if it gets converted? TY Premier?
I think it's premature to decide. We haven't seen anything official from Citi. I expect Citi and Hilton will devise a solution. The simplest would be to allow Reserve cardholders to continue to use their cards until their next anniversary date.

Citi issues VISA cards for Hilton and Costco, but they are now primarily a MasterCard issuer. The easy solution would be to re-introduce VISA versions of Preferred or Premier, but they may just push everyone into DoubleCash.
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Old Jun 2, 2017, 8:29 am
  #368  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,785
I got a physical letter from Citi Reserve yesterday in the mailbox when I got home. I never got any letter from Citi before, so I though wow they are fast! This letter must be information on the Amex/HH news. Nope.. it is to tell me I could increase my credit limit.
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Old Jun 2, 2017, 2:50 pm
  #369  
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: HHonors, TrueBlue, Delta SkyMiles, Hyatt Discoverist, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Airlines.
Posts: 2,035
Originally Posted by mia
I think it's premature to decide. We haven't seen anything official from Citi. I expect Citi and Hilton will devise a solution. The simplest would be to allow Reserve cardholders to continue to use their cards until their next anniversary date.

Citi issues VISA cards for Hilton and Costco, but they are now primarily a MasterCard issuer. The easy solution would be to re-introduce VISA versions of Preferred or Premier, but they may just push everyone into DoubleCash.
Do you think they could be pushed into one of the ThankYou cards instead? The HH transfer partner would probably remain if I had to guess. Cardholders would still be able to transfer ThankYou points to Hilton Honors rather than getting straight cash back by doing it that way.
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Old Jun 2, 2017, 3:06 pm
  #370  
mia
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Join Date: Jun 2003
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Originally Posted by mikesyr18
Do you think they could be pushed into one of the ThankYou cards instead?
Preferred and Premier are ThankYou Rewards cards.

However, it appears that there is not yet a firm decision on whether Citi's HH cards will be sold to American Express or converted to other Citi products.
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Old Jun 4, 2017, 10:51 pm
  #371  
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
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Originally Posted by jphripjah
Yes, my anniversary date was in March. I have spent $1,800 since then towards reaching the $10,000 threshold by March 2018 for a free night.

If this card goes away on December 31, 2017, what happens?

1. If I have met the $10,000 spend by then, will I get the free night?
2. What if I have spent a lot towards earning $10,000 by March 2018 but haven't met the spend yet by December 31, 2017?
Great questions. One more point to consider... my anniversary is in December, I met the $10k spend last year but didn't even get the free night cert issued until this April (after multiple calls and back-and-forth with Citi blaming Honors and Honors blaming Citi). I have little confidence of an easier resolution later this year if the Citi/Hilton relationship is terminated this December. Hopefully this is a point Citi will address in the coming months, especially considering the opportunity cost for some of us here of putting $10k spend on this card specifically for the cert.

-FlyerBeek
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Old Jun 5, 2017, 8:09 am
  #372  
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: HHonors, TrueBlue, Delta SkyMiles, Hyatt Discoverist, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Airlines.
Posts: 2,035
Originally Posted by mia
Preferred and Premier are ThankYou Rewards cards.

However, it appears that there is not yet a firm decision on whether Citi's HH cards will be sold to American Express or converted to other Citi products.
Wouldn't it make sense to convert them to a product that earns points that can still be converted to HHonors rather than a cash back card like the Double Cash?
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Old Jun 5, 2017, 8:17 am
  #373  
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Originally Posted by mikesyr18
Wouldn't it make sense to convert them to a product that earns points that can still be converted to HHonors rather than a cash back card like the Double Cash?
We don't know if Citi's contract with Hilton allows that! It could be that the very same contract that got cancelled for issuing a Hilton card also covered transferring to Hilton points.

TYP points currently transfer to Hilton, but we don't know if that's ending at the same time the HH cards are.

Meanwhile, it depends on the card. No TYP card without an annual fee allows transfer anywhere, so while TYP Premier (also a $95 annual fee) might seem a solution the Citi HH Reserve, TYP Preferred (no AF) isn't the same solution for the no-AF Citi HH card.
sdsearch is offline  
Old Jun 5, 2017, 8:26 am
  #374  
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: HHonors, TrueBlue, Delta SkyMiles, Hyatt Discoverist, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Airlines.
Posts: 2,035
Originally Posted by sdsearch
We don't know if Citi's contract with Hilton allows that! It could be that the very same contract that got cancelled for issuing a Hilton card also covered transferring to Hilton points.

TYP points currently transfer to Hilton, but we don't know if that's ending at the same time the HH cards are.

Meanwhile, it depends on the card. No TYP card without an annual fee allows transfer anywhere, so while TYP Premier (also a $95 annual fee) might seem a solution the Citi HH Reserve, TYP Preferred (no AF) isn't the same solution for the no-AF Citi HH card.
It's possible, but i CAN cite one other example where the end of a card co-brand deal didn't mean the end of transferring points from other cards in the portfolio... AMEX and Jet Blue.

I'm saying if the contract allows so, after 1/1/18, I think it would make more sense to convert cardholders to the TYPremier or TYPreferred in lieu of moving to AMEX if current cardholders don't want an AMEX for various reasons.

The AT&T card and the ThankYou Preferred can transfer to partners, I believe. Why else would the ThankYou Points page cite: "1000 TYP = 500 Jet Blue Points" and then when I log in to my ThankYou Premier account it changes to "1000 TYP = 800 Jet Blue Points."
mikesyr18 is offline  
Old Jun 5, 2017, 8:31 am
  #375  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,785
Originally Posted by mia
Preferred and Premier are ThankYou Rewards cards.

However, it appears that there is not yet a firm decision on whether Citi's HH cards will be sold to American Express or converted to other Citi products.
I think Citi might as well sell the accounts to Amex. The HH Reserve is a very specific card. Most people use it to get the annual free weekend cert and for stay with Hilton to get 10 HH points per $. While 3 HH points per $ spent on regular purchase is not bad, most people only do it to reach the $10K per year for the cert. Switching to a different card will result in more than half the people dropping it anyway.
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