Nov 6, 2015, 11:03 pm
Last edit by: mia
Current welcome offer is 50,000 30,000 Crystal points with $5,000 $3,000 spending in the first 90 days. First annual fee not waived. (as of telephone call with bank employee 8/7/2019)
Past bonuses were:
***** #1502 - signup bonus 1/16/18 BUT ANNUAL FEE NOT WAIVED ******
100,000 points after spending $5,000 in first three months. Offer expires 30 December 2015. EXPIRED
A 70,000 points offer was offered back in March 2017 and expired March 31st, 2017. EXPIRED
The requirements for the application process varies from bank to bank based on various online data points collected from FlyerTalk, Doctor of Credit, etc.
Some banks require that you go into a branch and apply personally. Other banks want you to have another account open for 90 days before you can get this card. Some banks (if you already have a relationship with them) let you apply via mail. Sometimes you have to be a resident of the state they operate in, while some were able to get the card without living in those states. It is very much YMMV. You will need proof of income (W2, check stubs, etc). The only states City National Bank operates in are: NY, DE (only trust office, no go), DC, GA, TN, MN, NV & CA. The bank is looking for high net worth individuals, but that's not exactly consistent either.
The card has no foreign transactions fees and is fee-free the first year, then $400 annually.
Register your card for online access (cno.cnb.com). This changed on Sept 19 2019.
Register separately for the award page (www.cnbrewards.com).
Register for Visa Infinite info and access at https://myvisainfinite.com/cnb/en_us/home.html
Click "my info" to see details on points awarded.
Best* redemption found to date is $1,000 prepaid visa for 105K pts. It's now 125K pts for a $1,000 prepaid visa. Link to catalog
*(other than spending for flights etc. & getting 1.2 cents each in value)
To set-up spending alerts, create an account here : http://citynationalbank.digitalcardservice.com
Point redemptions for flights have been reported as being as high as 1.35cpp (see here) by calling the Concierge service at +1 800 595 8950 and having them book direct from airline website for you
Significant benefits:
$250 per calendar year airline incidental credit - works on AU card as well - STARTING JAN 1ST, 2020 THE CREDIT WILL BE $350 PER ACCOUNT
$100 Global Entry fee credit - works on AU card as well Per DDResq post 842
Priority Pass lounge membership for up to 2 people. No fee for any number of guests, but lounge policy may limit the number of guests admitted.- STARTING JAN 1ST, 2020 EACH ADDITIONAL GUEST BEYOND ACCOUNT HOLDER WILL BE CHARGED $32
12 GoGo inflight passes - create an account at myvisainfinite.com/cnb. Once the account is created, you enter, then search for GoGo passes. You then input your card number again, create a GoGo account if you don't have one, and the 12 passes post to it ready to be used when you fly again on a participating airline. - works on AU card as well
$100 off when you book a qualifying airline itinerary via visa discount air portal (https://www.visadiscountair.com/CNB/default.aspx - STARTING JAN 1ST, 2020 THIS WILL NO LONGER BE OFFERED AS A BENEFIT
$30 off GroundLink car service (works with AU cards as well) plus instant 15% off rides. There are $25 current user referrals to go for first.
Airline fees are reimbursed up to $250 per calendar year. Fees must be from domestic carriers. There is no need to declare a carrier, and fees can be reimbursed from multiple carriers. Partial Ts and Cs:
Qualifying Airline Purchases are defined as incidental airline fee transactions made at eligible US Domestic Airline Carriers and include: ticket change/cancellation fees, checked baggage fees, inflight entertainment, onboard food and beverage charges, airport lounge membership fees and day passes, onboard wireless charges (excluding Gogo Wireless), and TSA Pre✓® membership application fee.
What works
AA: Award Fees/Taxes, Award Redeposit Fees ($150)
AA: e-Gift cards $250 including AUs (1x per card max 4)
AS: Award ticket fees, $16
AS: In flight food, entertainment.
AS: Premium Class Upgrade, $59
HA: Interisland Flight, $48.80
UA: award ticket fees, $51
WN: Award Fees/Taxes, Award Redeposit Fees (limit unknown, but it's between $75 and $80 per transaction), Early Bird boarding fees ($15)
DL: Baggage fees
B6: $53.30 airfare
What doesn't work
AS: Award ticket fees, $130ish
DL: GC; PGGM (reports of not working since April/2016)
DL: Just about anything. Don't use on Delta
UA: MPX, Award Fees (~$170)
UA: Gift card registry (up to $75) (No longer working as of 11/25/17)
UA: Seat Selection Fee
WN: GC
EY: Award Fees
TW: Change fee
UO: Seat fee
AA: Award Fees/Taxes on an itinerary originating outside the US.
To Be Confirmed
UA: Award Redeposit Fees ($200)
Global Entry reimbursements: (works on AU also)
user - mnsweeps ( https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29336509-post1549.html )
Used mine and a AU card to register for GE for in laws
01/17/201801/18/2018USCUSTOMS TRUSTEDTRAVELER$100.00
01/17/201801/18/2018USCUSTOMS TRUSTEDTRAVELER$100.00
Credit posted today for both cards.
01/20/201801/24/2018GLOBAL ENTRY STMT CREDIT $100.00
01/20/201801/24/2018GLOBAL ENTRY STMT CREDIT $100.00
In 2016, 2017 AND 2018 airline incidental credits for transactions on-or-after January 1st did not start posting until the third week of January. In 2019 they started posting on Jan 11th.
For further information, see this
STARTING JAN 1ST, 2020 there are going to be major changes to this card, these being:[/s]
Sources:
discussion starting here
https://www.cnb.com/content/dam/cnbc...ewards2020.pdf
https://www.cnb.com/content/dam/cnbc...rystal2020.pdf
Past bonuses were:
The requirements for the application process varies from bank to bank based on various online data points collected from FlyerTalk, Doctor of Credit, etc.
Some banks require that you go into a branch and apply personally. Other banks want you to have another account open for 90 days before you can get this card. Some banks (if you already have a relationship with them) let you apply via mail. Sometimes you have to be a resident of the state they operate in, while some were able to get the card without living in those states. It is very much YMMV. You will need proof of income (W2, check stubs, etc). The only states City National Bank operates in are: NY, DE (only trust office, no go), DC, GA, TN, MN, NV & CA. The bank is looking for high net worth individuals, but that's not exactly consistent either.
The card has no foreign transactions fees and is fee-free the first year, then $400 annually.
Register your card for online access (cno.cnb.com). This changed on Sept 19 2019.
Register separately for the award page (www.cnbrewards.com).
Register for Visa Infinite info and access at https://myvisainfinite.com/cnb/en_us/home.html
Click "my info" to see details on points awarded.
*(other than spending for flights etc. & getting 1.2 cents each in value)
To set-up spending alerts, create an account here : http://citynationalbank.digitalcardservice.com
Point redemptions for flights have been reported as being as high as 1.35cpp (see here) by calling the Concierge service at +1 800 595 8950 and having them book direct from airline website for you
Significant benefits:
$250 per calendar year airline incidental credit - works on AU card as well - STARTING JAN 1ST, 2020 THE CREDIT WILL BE $350 PER ACCOUNT
$100 Global Entry fee credit - works on AU card as well Per DDResq post 842
Priority Pass lounge membership for up to 2 people. No fee for any number of guests, but lounge policy may limit the number of guests admitted.- STARTING JAN 1ST, 2020 EACH ADDITIONAL GUEST BEYOND ACCOUNT HOLDER WILL BE CHARGED $32
12 GoGo inflight passes - create an account at myvisainfinite.com/cnb. Once the account is created, you enter, then search for GoGo passes. You then input your card number again, create a GoGo account if you don't have one, and the 12 passes post to it ready to be used when you fly again on a participating airline. - works on AU card as well
$100 off when you book a qualifying airline itinerary via visa discount air portal (https://www.visadiscountair.com/CNB/default.aspx - STARTING JAN 1ST, 2020 THIS WILL NO LONGER BE OFFERED AS A BENEFIT
$30 off GroundLink car service (works with AU cards as well) plus instant 15% off rides. There are $25 current user referrals to go for first.
Airline fees are reimbursed up to $250 per calendar year. Fees must be from domestic carriers. There is no need to declare a carrier, and fees can be reimbursed from multiple carriers. Partial Ts and Cs:
Qualifying Airline Purchases are defined as incidental airline fee transactions made at eligible US Domestic Airline Carriers and include: ticket change/cancellation fees, checked baggage fees, inflight entertainment, onboard food and beverage charges, airport lounge membership fees and day passes, onboard wireless charges (excluding Gogo Wireless), and TSA Pre✓® membership application fee.
What works
AA: Award Fees/Taxes, Award Redeposit Fees ($150)
AA: e-Gift cards $250 including AUs (1x per card max 4)
AS: Award ticket fees, $16
AS: In flight food, entertainment.
AS: Premium Class Upgrade, $59
HA: Interisland Flight, $48.80
UA: award ticket fees, $51
WN: Award Fees/Taxes, Award Redeposit Fees (limit unknown, but it's between $75 and $80 per transaction), Early Bird boarding fees ($15)
DL: Baggage fees
B6: $53.30 airfare
What doesn't work
AS: Award ticket fees, $130ish
DL: GC; PGGM (reports of not working since April/2016)
DL: Just about anything. Don't use on Delta
UA: MPX, Award Fees (~$170)
UA: Gift card registry (up to $75) (No longer working as of 11/25/17)
UA: Seat Selection Fee
WN: GC
EY: Award Fees
TW: Change fee
UO: Seat fee
AA: Award Fees/Taxes on an itinerary originating outside the US.
To Be Confirmed
UA: Award Redeposit Fees ($200)
Global Entry reimbursements: (works on AU also)
user - mnsweeps ( https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29336509-post1549.html )
Used mine and a AU card to register for GE for in laws
01/17/201801/18/2018USCUSTOMS TRUSTEDTRAVELER$100.00
01/17/201801/18/2018USCUSTOMS TRUSTEDTRAVELER$100.00
Credit posted today for both cards.
01/20/201801/24/2018GLOBAL ENTRY STMT CREDIT $100.00
01/20/201801/24/2018GLOBAL ENTRY STMT CREDIT $100.00
In 2016, 2017 AND 2018 airline incidental credits for transactions on-or-after January 1st did not start posting until the third week of January. In 2019 they started posting on Jan 11th.
For further information, see this
STARTING JAN 1ST, 2020 there are going to be major changes to this card, these being:[/s]
$350 airline incidental credit per account (was $250 per AU)$95 Annual Fee per AU$32 per guest using PriorityPass (used to be free & unlimited)Elimination of $100 Visa Air Discount BenefitGroceries and Gas only earn 1x (used to be 3x)
discussion starting here
https://www.cnb.com/content/dam/cnbc...ewards2020.pdf
https://www.cnb.com/content/dam/cnbc...rystal2020.pdf
City National Bank Crystal Visa Infinite (USA); NY GA TN NV CA MA DC & MN
Jul 1, 2019, 1:33 pm
#2431
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: SoCal, CA
Programs: AA 1MM GO, SW A-List
Posts: 53
Booking flight rewards
Still on the fence if this card is worth all the trouble.
When I compare flights on Crystal reward portal they are higher than Chase Sapphire Reserve and seems I would get better value from CSR? I have heard that calling direct through concierge doesn’t have the markup you see in the portal.
For value of points is Crystal it CSR higher?
What are people’s tips and tricks on getting max value on the points you accumulate with Crystal?
Thanks!
When I compare flights on Crystal reward portal they are higher than Chase Sapphire Reserve and seems I would get better value from CSR? I have heard that calling direct through concierge doesn’t have the markup you see in the portal.
For value of points is Crystal it CSR higher?
What are people’s tips and tricks on getting max value on the points you accumulate with Crystal?
Thanks!
Jul 1, 2019, 3:08 pm
#2432
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 470
Still on the fence if this card is worth all the trouble.
When I compare flights on Crystal reward portal they are higher than Chase Sapphire Reserve and seems I would get better value from CSR? I have heard that calling direct through concierge doesn’t have the markup you see in the portal.
For value of points is Crystal it CSR higher?
What are people’s tips and tricks on getting max value on the points you accumulate with Crystal?
Thanks!
When I compare flights on Crystal reward portal they are higher than Chase Sapphire Reserve and seems I would get better value from CSR? I have heard that calling direct through concierge doesn’t have the markup you see in the portal.
For value of points is Crystal it CSR higher?
What are people’s tips and tricks on getting max value on the points you accumulate with Crystal?
Thanks!
Jul 4, 2019, 10:08 am
#2433
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 74
With recent reports of egift cards on Southwest and Delta no longer crediting as incidental expenses on AmEx cards, does anyone have a data point after June 23 showing whether CNB incidental airline credits still work for any airline?
Last edited by JudyBlueEyes; Jul 4, 2019 at 10:22 am
Jul 4, 2019, 12:21 pm
#2434
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,946
Still on the fence if this card is worth all the trouble.
When I compare flights on Crystal reward portal they are higher than Chase Sapphire Reserve and seems I would get better value from CSR? I have heard that calling direct through concierge doesn’t have the markup you see in the portal.
For value of points is Crystal it CSR higher?
What are people’s tips and tricks on getting max value on the points you accumulate with Crystal?
Thanks!
When I compare flights on Crystal reward portal they are higher than Chase Sapphire Reserve and seems I would get better value from CSR? I have heard that calling direct through concierge doesn’t have the markup you see in the portal.
For value of points is Crystal it CSR higher?
What are people’s tips and tricks on getting max value on the points you accumulate with Crystal?
Thanks!
Jul 5, 2019, 12:30 pm
#2436
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,946
Jul 6, 2019, 9:52 am
#2437
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Western US
Programs: Costco Executive Member, Amazon Optimus Prime
Posts: 1,251
I got approved with a 696 credit score. I feel like this card is VERY YMMV.
Applied in branch on 5/22/19, didn't get approved for 10k limit only 5k, had to submit more documentation (bank accounts and such). Got approved on 6/7/19.
Income: 45k
Assets: 60k (couldn't use my brokerage accounts as they wanted to see liquid assets).
Number of Accounts: 4 credit cards.
AAOA: 4 months
Total length of Credit: 1 year and 2 months.
I was also not a CNB customer before I applied. Let me know if you have any questions i can answer.
Applied in branch on 5/22/19, didn't get approved for 10k limit only 5k, had to submit more documentation (bank accounts and such). Got approved on 6/7/19.
Income: 45k
Assets: 60k (couldn't use my brokerage accounts as they wanted to see liquid assets).
Number of Accounts: 4 credit cards.
AAOA: 4 months
Total length of Credit: 1 year and 2 months.
I was also not a CNB customer before I applied. Let me know if you have any questions i can answer.
Jul 6, 2019, 10:11 am
#2438
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 20
Jul 8, 2019, 9:46 am
#2439
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 140
Also, a DP that these reimbursed gift card purchases still count as travel and will get 3x or 4x points on these purchases.
Jul 9, 2019, 10:24 am
#2441
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Florida
Programs: AA
Posts: 22
The website is like something out of an old school credit union, but it works properly, and loads quickly.
I actually prefer it to all overly slicked up ones the mega banks have.
Someone who might really prefer a fancy mobile app probably should not use CNB though.
I doubt they will ever be 'awesome' in that dimension.
I actually prefer it to all overly slicked up ones the mega banks have.
Someone who might really prefer a fancy mobile app probably should not use CNB though.
I doubt they will ever be 'awesome' in that dimension.
Jul 9, 2019, 10:50 am
#2442
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
One site is for managing your credit card account.
A 2nd site for managing your credit rewards. This site requires password change every 90 days, I think.
A 3rd site lists card benefits. And a 4th site, alas, if you want to use the domestic air discount.
Jul 9, 2019, 2:33 pm
#2443
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Western US
Programs: Costco Executive Member, Amazon Optimus Prime
Posts: 1,251
There's also a separate site if you bank with them.
Jul 10, 2019, 12:46 pm
#2444
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 34
UA Economy Plus
I purchased United Economy Plus seat for $142 - international flight. Wasn't reimbursed. Rebate policy is applicable only for charges at domestic carriers on domestic itineraries (however, it depends on airline how they report data to CNB).
"Qualifying Airline Purchases are defined as incidental airline fee transactions made at eligible US-Domestic Airline Carriers (each an "Eligible Airline") on domestic itineraries and include: ticket change/cancellation fees, checked baggage fees, in-flight entertainment, onboard food and beverage charges, airport lounge membership fees and day passes, onboard wireless charges (excluding Gogo Wireless), and TSA Pre✓® membership application fee1 transactions, and may vary depending on the airline."
"Qualifying Airline Purchases are defined as incidental airline fee transactions made at eligible US-Domestic Airline Carriers (each an "Eligible Airline") on domestic itineraries and include: ticket change/cancellation fees, checked baggage fees, in-flight entertainment, onboard food and beverage charges, airport lounge membership fees and day passes, onboard wireless charges (excluding Gogo Wireless), and TSA Pre✓® membership application fee1 transactions, and may vary depending on the airline."
Jul 10, 2019, 4:52 pm
#2445
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: AS; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Gold; NEXUS
Posts: 978
I applied over the phone for this card just now. I had to email a copy of my passport and my most recent paystub. I then e-signed an application that will be manually reviewed by their underwriter.
The gentleman was quite friendly, it's definitely an old school, traditional bank tailored towards personalized service rather than technology or use of call centers. This has its pros and cons - their website isn't the most up to date, no mobile app, can't apply for just the card without a rep, etc but on the flip side, you have an actual person that you can call when you hit issues... there's no massive call center to deal with.
This would normally not appeal to me, but the benefits of this card outweigh the inconvenience of having to deal with manual processes.
I agree with others that they are looking to build a client base that's high income that values service, and it does look like they are using this as a loss leader, or perhaps they are counting on higher income people to just not use the benefits like a FTer would. I work for a large tech firm and he mentioned that he worked with several people from my employer to set up this card.
One thing worth mentioning - the banker mentioned that AU's have a portion of the credit limit allocated towards them, which is subtracted from the account holder's credit limit. So, for example, if you have a $20k credit limit, you could choose to apply $10k to your authorized user, leaving you with the remaining $10k limit. He suggested applying for a larger credit limit than you ordinarily might due to this. I hadn't seen this mentioned, so I suppose we'll see if this is indeed the case.
FWIW, I applied with someone in the San Diego branch, perhaps other branches have tighter restrictions on applying in person.
The gentleman was quite friendly, it's definitely an old school, traditional bank tailored towards personalized service rather than technology or use of call centers. This has its pros and cons - their website isn't the most up to date, no mobile app, can't apply for just the card without a rep, etc but on the flip side, you have an actual person that you can call when you hit issues... there's no massive call center to deal with.
This would normally not appeal to me, but the benefits of this card outweigh the inconvenience of having to deal with manual processes.
I agree with others that they are looking to build a client base that's high income that values service, and it does look like they are using this as a loss leader, or perhaps they are counting on higher income people to just not use the benefits like a FTer would. I work for a large tech firm and he mentioned that he worked with several people from my employer to set up this card.
One thing worth mentioning - the banker mentioned that AU's have a portion of the credit limit allocated towards them, which is subtracted from the account holder's credit limit. So, for example, if you have a $20k credit limit, you could choose to apply $10k to your authorized user, leaving you with the remaining $10k limit. He suggested applying for a larger credit limit than you ordinarily might due to this. I hadn't seen this mentioned, so I suppose we'll see if this is indeed the case.
FWIW, I applied with someone in the San Diego branch, perhaps other branches have tighter restrictions on applying in person.
